True Fate (20 page)

"It really does explain why I feel like I need you, like.... like
my whole...,” having heard enough he leaned in and kissed her lips before she
could continue and she let herself get lost in that kiss, in him.

Her skin sizzled as he held her to him and she realized every part of
her fit with him so perfectly. His hand brushed the back of her neck and
tingles spread like a wildfire, causing Nia to gasp on his lips.
 
She pulled back slightly to look in those beautiful
seas of blue again. Who was she really to deny fate, she really did see her
forever by his side it just scared her to death that it was set in stone. He
dropped his arm to his side as Nia placed her hands on his biceps. Gently
pushing up on her toes she gave him another tender kiss.

Sighing he stared at her like he was seeing her for the first time
again. She took his hands in hers and gave them a light squeeze. Aaron smiled a
smile that melted her from head to toe.

"Okay?” he asked.

"Okay.", she replied with a nod then they stepped out of the
bubble hand in hand and went to find the others.

"Hey, thanks for coming guys. I'm sorry for disturbing your
night.” Nia told Avery and Eric.

"Oh, it's fine and congratulations!” Avery was quick to say
grinning from ear to ear walking over and wrapping Nia in hug.

Eric laughed, "I know y'all have a thousand more questions and we
promise to answer them, just not now.” he said leading Avery to the door.

"Thanks man, see y'all tomorrow.” Aaron said nodding at Eric. He
locked the door and turned to Nia, but she was gone.

"Nia?” he called out but all he heard was a giggle that he
followed to his room. He was greeted by a pink cheeked Nia patting the spot
beside her on his bed. Aaron swallowed hard and slowly walked towards her not taking
his eyes away from hers. Then he sat slowly and put his hands awkwardly
together in front of him. Funny thing how she made him feel like an awkward
thirteen year old with sweaty palms.

He couldn't lie and say that he didn't want her in his bed but the one
thing he didn't want her to think was that he wasn't a gentleman. Because he
really was and especially with her but that was scary too. Wasn't that why he
got chewed up and spit out early on in his love life?

This girl, this impossibly sweet girl, was his present and his future,
despite his past. Fate had to be smiling at him. He couldn't imagine life
without this dark haired beauty. Those beautiful hazel eyes reached into his
heart and took hold.

Nia knew she was crazy, she didn't really believe in fate, but how
could it not be? The pull was just so strong and she was tired of denying it.
There was enough to worry about without worrying if what she was feeling for
him was just part of her imminent break down. So she decided then and there
that this wasn't the
'instalove'
she thought was ridiculous in some
books, this was fate, and it was only the beginning. She promised herself she'd
at least give this fate and possible future a fighting chance.

"Aaron?” she whispered.

"Nia.", he responded dragging out her name as if tasting it
on his lips.

She smiled brightly taking his breath away as her long black hair fell
in her face, "Come here,” she beckoned.

He turned towards her and as soon as his face was aligned with hers
she leaned close and whispered, "I'm going to kiss you again Aaron,” he
grinned igniting those spectacular dimples her way. She leaned in and kissed
him sweetly on the corner of his mouth then got up and grabbed the covers,
climbing underneath them.

Aaron gave her a puzzled look, "I thought we weren't sleeping?”
he asked feeling those butterflies he wasn’t used to.

Nia laughed then spoke softly, "Who says I want to sleep.” she
said biting her lip.

He visibly gulped which incited another smile from Nia. "Oh,
don't be scared I'm not talking about going all the way or anything. I'm not
ready for that.” she said shyly.

“Oh I didn’t think that at all. I just, umm I think you just stun me
Nia.”

Aaron went to the side of his bed and kicked off his shoes. He laid
down and scooted closer turning towards her and wrapped his arms around her
tightly sighing his content. Her sweet clean scent was soothing.

"Nia?” he said as she looked up at him. "We're going to be
okay.” he assured her.

"I know.” she replied snuggling close to his chest. Marveling at
the fact that they fit together like two puzzle pieces that were always meant
to fit perfectly. Aaron held her close and for him that was more than enough,
he was happy with just that.

Nia looked at Aaron, "We're going to take it slowly."

Nodding he let her know that he was in agreement. "That's fine
with me. Whatever you want from me. I'm here.” He kissed the top of her head
softly, she couldn't believe it but she sure could feel it, the rightness of
being with him.

She knew that whatever was going on and whatever she was or whoever
she was, was going to change her life. They may not have been prepared but this
was really happening nonetheless. Nia was just glad she wasn't alone in this
anymore and that she wasn't the only one who was clueless of their
"roots". It sucked for him just as much as it did for her but she was
happy to have someone who really understood her.

Aaron's breathing became even as his body relaxed. When she heard his
light snore she gave a small laugh. She guessed she could handle a nap anyway,
she hoped beyond hope this would be a dreamless sleep for them both.

Aaron blinked and realized he was in a dreamscape, 'Dang, I fell asleep
on her.', he thought to himself.

It was different than the ones he was in before. The light was
extremely bright and there was otherworldly green grass. On a small hill a
woman stood there, he rubbed his eyes and refocused. She was dressed like some
mythical elven queen. Her dress was antique looking, maybe Victorian and
covered in lace. It had a medium sized train that pooled around her feet. You
could see golden brown markings over her hands and wrists. She had a gold crown
on her head that was delicately intricate and dark golden strands were braided
into her long blonde hair and she was stunning and ethereal.

"Come here, child.” she said looking right at Aaron.

He walked slowly towards her and she smiled.

"I am glad to see you in good health Aaron. I have been waiting
for you for some time. When I had received word that she'd found you, I just
couldn't believe it." She waved her hand behind her and a bench appeared
then she smiled at him with small crinkles appearing beside her eyes though it
didn’t distract from her beauty. Her fair skin was as luminous as it was
flawless and her eyes a bright odd turquoise blue, much like his own. Sitting
down she looked to Aaron and he joined her. Taking his hands she looked at his
new markings.

"You have found her haven't you?” she asked softly.

"I don't know what you mean, but if you're talking about my fate
and future, then yes I think I have.” he said sounding surer of himself than he
felt.

She smiled at his brashness "Yes I am speaking of the one they
call Nia. I'm pleased to see she is to be your mate. I see you are already
bound to her as a Guardian.” she said tracing their bond marks.

"Who are you?” He asked curious, not just because she was there
with him but because she seemed familiar somehow and he felt comforted and calm
around her.

"Oh child, I do apologize. I am Rhiannon. The lost queen is what
most your age refer to me as,” she said as if that explained it all.

"Rhiannon? As in my grandmother Rhiannon?” he asked with his jaw
practically on the floor.

She nodded. "I will tell you anything you wish to know. We only
have time for one question tonight. So choose wisely.” she said placing her
hands in her lap and sitting up straight.

Aaron thought about her offer and how it might clear things up considerably
though he just had one question, for now. "Would I be able to share the
information with Nia?” he asked.

Shaking her head slowly, "I'm afraid not my dear. Even I am not
permitted to interfere with her destiny.” she replied with a sad smile.

He thought for a moment then answered firmly. "No. If I can't
tell her I don't want to know yet. I don't want to start what we have with
lies. I just don't think it would be right. But can I see you again? You know,
after.” he asked.

Rhiannon smiled, "You are wise beyond your years, young Aaron. I
can most certainly appreciate your reasoning.” she said smiling proudly.

She stood and he did too. "Here, in case of an emergency you may
summon me. If I am available I will come to you, but I do not look this way in
your world. This is my true form. I wear a glamour most of the time. You will
know it's me because of this," she said placing a thin strand of gold
around his wrist, "is unbreakable and undetectable. It will be invisible
to those disloyal to me and to you, and it will know when you wish to see
me."

He took another look into her eyes. "Thank you your majesty.” he
said.

Hugging him to her she spoke softly, "My dear you may call me
grandmother.” she smiled with a tear gliding down her cheek. "I must go.
But I am with you now and always.” she said beginning to fade.

 
The light became so bright
there he had to shield his eyes.

When he opened them Nia was cuddled to his chest looking at him and
smiling. "Hey there sleepy head.” she said sweetly. Aaron smiled and
kissed her cheek pulling his arms tighter around her and she snuggled in closer
with a sigh.

Nia had enjoyed the nap in his arms. When she'd woken up and he was
still asleep she just watched him, he looked so young and peaceful. No worry on
his face like there had been since all of the craziness began. He really was
gorgeous and his hair had fallen in his face when he sighed then opened his
beautiful eyes.

He looked as happy as she did.
'Yes',
she thought so that he
heard her too and looked at her questioningly
, 'We deserve our chance.'
she sent
.

He smiled and put his forehead to hers,
'Yes. Yes we do.'

Chapter 11

Aaron went into the store while Nia waited in the
car. They had directions to meet the guardians at a house close by and they had
skipped breakfast to have more time together at Aaron's. He was debating
whether or not to tell Nia about Rhiannon, he thought he should, he just wasn't
sure he could.

He grabbed two cokes and two packages of cinnamon
rolls. Funny how they liked the same stuff, he thought. He paid and went out to
the car to see a guy standing beside Nia's door.

"Aaron.", Nia said quickly, "This
is Adam.” she said motioning to a tall dark haired guy that looked like he was
the poster 'emo boy'. He had on a black t-shirt that said, 'Epic Fail' and what
Aaron supposed were skinny jeans. He had crazy spikey, hang in your face hair
and a ring through his lip.

He went around to shake his hand.
"Hey.", he said while gripping Aaron's hand harder than necessary.

"What's up?” Aaron said unable to help the
testosterone from firing off jealousy. Adam just nodded.

Nia got out of the car, "So, Adam has been
friends with me and Rhea for a long, long time, he's like the brother I never
had!” she explained. Aaron nodded politely.

"Yeah since fifth grade.” Adam said
playfully swatting Nia's arm.

"That's cool.” Aaron said trying to stop
flexing his jaw. He didn't want Nia to freak out at his possessive behavior. He
never really felt so jealous in his life and nothing was happening, he wasn't
even the jealous type! What was this? The whole fated thing maybe? All he knew
was he wanted to get this Adam guy away from Nia. Instead he went around and
got in, thankful that Nia had let him drive.

"Well it was great meeting you.” Aaron said
starting the car.

"You too man.", Adam responded.

Nia smiled at Adam, Aaron was seething jealousy,
and struggling to keep it at bay, though not on the surface. But through the
bond it was so strong she could practically taste it.

She gave a small grin and told Adam, "How's
Rhea been treating you at work? I know she's a slave driver!” she laughed.

"Oh, it's great I think she's just worried
I'll screw everything up but I'm a quick learner, I'd be more worried about
Suzy.” Adam said still smiling.

Aaron put the car in gear and looked straight
ahead silent. Nia thought it was cute and she felt in the bond that he wasn't
happy to be feeling what he was feeling. He really was a great guy.

"Well I'll be back later today actually to
make sure Suzy has it together. See you then?” she asked getting back in the
car.

"Yeah I'm on my way back now. I forgot my
phone and your dad was kind enough to let me come back to get it," Adam
said sheepishly. He gently tapped the side of the car, "Guess I'll see you
later Nia. Bye Aaron, nice meeting you."

And with that Aaron pulled away from the gas
station a relieved small smile on his face thinking it was silly that he felt
relief that there was no longer another male around Nia. He really didn't like
this new discovered possessiveness. He shook himself internally, begging his
mind to move on. Nia giggled beside him.

"What's so funny?” he asked.

 
"Umm
I think it's cute that you're jealous, but Adam really is like a brother to me.
You really don't have anything to worry about.” she said letting out another small
giggle.

"I'm glad this is funny to you. I'm pretty
annoyed with myself.” he said with a sigh. "I'm really not the jealous
kind Nia. I swear.” Aaron explained, "I'm really sorry.” he added.

"Oh no it's fine like I said, very cute.”
she said patting his hand. She heard a small growl through the bond and giggled
yet again giving his hand a slight squeeze and let her head rest on the seat.
They were almost there, the annoying GPS lady said so.

"Nia, I have something to tell you. I'm just
not sure how much I physically can, I guess but hopefully all of it,"
Aaron said glancing at her sideways.

"I'm all ears.” she said angling her body
towards him.

"I dreamed last night or this morning,
whatever it was.” he said moving through traffic.

"Okay.", Nia said curiously. Aaron blew
out a long breath.

"I met with my grandmother who I thought was
deceased or maybe she is, I really have no clue. I just know she was there.
She's some sort of lost queen, or something like that. She asked me if I wanted
to know who I really am and what my future is." He said glancing again at
Nia.

"Wow! Holy crap! That's great what did you
say?” she asked eagerly.

"I asked her if I could tell you everything
I learned and she said no, so I declined, for now. And before you say anything.
At the risk of overstepping here, I just didn't want to start our relationship
with lies."

Nia went from bewildered to ecstatic. That had to
be the sweetest thing she'd ever heard. He turned down getting all the answers
to his questions for her. So he wouldn't hurt her with lies.

"Aaron, you're crazy, but that was very
sweet of you. Thank you.” she said lifting his hand and rubbing it on her
cheek. He sighed in relief, enjoying the feel of her soft skin on the back of
his hand and he was happy he was even able to tell her. The secret would have
eaten him alive.

'Beep',
Nia's
phone was buzzing in the middle console. It was Rhea.

Rhea: NIA WTH!!!??? I thought u were going to
spill about the rest of the date. You owe me time! I will b @ wk. Adam just
told me he saw u with Aaron. I expect full disclosure for why you snuck out on
me you hussy!

Nia: LOL! You sound a bit psycho ya know! I love
you! Please forgive me. I'll be there after lunch. <3

Rhea: Grr, okay FINE! TTYS! Love you too!

"It was Rhea, I forgot to clue her in on my
disappearance.” Nia explained as Aaron was pulling into a driveway.

"We're here.” he said. They really didn't
know why they needed to meet but hopefully it was nothing bad. Eric had told
them to go around the back so they pulled behind the house and knocked on the
back door.

Avery answered, "Hey guys.” she said smiling
a tight smile.

'That can't be good.’
Nia
thought.

She led them to the living room where Darragh and
Eric were in a hushed conversation.

"Hey.", Eric said and Nia gave a small
wave and smile.

"Is everything okay?” Aaron asked looking
from Darragh to Eric and back again.

Eric motioned to the couches, "Have a seat.”

Nia grabbed Aaron's hands and sat and she noticed
both Avery and Eric had opted for long sleeve Guardian wear covering their
markings and their hands were sheathed in what looked like a sort of armor, it
completely concealed them. Darragh was dressed the same so she supposed it was
just a coincidence but thought maybe it had to do with not showing their
promise marks off.

'Hmm, they have their promise marks covered.
Coincidence?’
she asked Aaron through the bond
.

'Maybe let's just not take the chance.’
He sent back tugging at his left sleeve subconsciously. Nia had covered
their markings this morning with tattoo covering makeup she'd bought a while
back for work. She had an uneasy feeling about Darragh, but wasn't sure. With
all the craziness she guessed you couldn't be too careful.

"Aaron, Nia.” Darragh said nodding
cordially. "I have news from Lilith. She says she needs you to embark on
your journey Saturday instead of Monday. She is worried that the glamour is not
going to hold until Monday. Plus she says she thinks Eliara has found out that
you have been located.” he said firmly.

"Okay I will have a talk with Leo.” he said
turning to Nia who was nervously biting her lip, she'd need to talk to Rhea
today about everything and see if they could swing it.

Then there’s the fact that her parents may
protest she just wasn't sure.

"I'll try. That's all I can promise for
now.” she said hesitantly. Aaron gave her hand a squeeze then let it go.

"Okay other than that I was told to arm you
Nia. And I will need to give you a quick lesson with the weapon, also we are
going to tap into one of your more useful abilities. We will be close by all
day. Don’t hesitate if you need to contact us.”” Darragh said.

Nia was curious about this weapon. She went to
the shooting range all the time and she could handle her .45 like nobody's
business, so having a gun would be awesome. But she guessed you couldn't take
care of otherworldly things with a gun. She followed Darragh to another room
with a sigh, Aaron followed and no one stopped him and she was glad for that
too.

Darragh opened a case that sat on top of a neatly
made bed. Inside sat three small daggers and one about a foot long. He took out
the foot or so long one with a golden hilt. "This is a Dirk or Biodag,
it's an heirloom of yours actually.” he said gently placing it in her
outstretched hands. She looked at it with awe and appreciation. The opalescent
sheath was encrusted with tiny gems mixed throughout and wrapped around with
gold surrounding the shimmering white. The handle was ornate and intricate
twisted gold with a bone white surface. It was dotted with what looked like
tiny rubies throughout. It had a good even weight to it and she was sure she
could use it successfully.

"It's beautiful.” She placed her hand on the
hilt and began to pull. It glowed a faint white light barely peeking out when
Darragh stopped her, "Be patient.” he said smiling and taking it back from
her.

"And these daggers as well.” he said waving
his hand over the smaller knives. Equally adorned in gold and jewels.

"They're beautiful but where am I supposed
to keep them? I mean concealed on me?” she asked eyes wide.

"They are glamoured and will appear and disappear
when you need them. Here, this is an ancestral ring.” he said placing a ring in
her hand. It was a delicate golden band with tiny diamonds on the thin band and
a deep red ruby set in it. He placed it on her ring finger on her right hand.

Nia could hear many whispers as a wind that
shouldn't be there whipped her hair up and swirled it around her face. She
gasped at the sudden action and felt a tingle from the ring and deep in her
belly.

Mesmerized Aaron had never seen anything as
beautiful as Nia right now, with a look of wonder in her eyes. His adoration
for her was definitely strong. She snapped her head up and opened her mouth in
what looked like a silent scream. A stream of light shot out of her lips, it
wasn't blinding though, it was luminescent.

It stopped abruptly and Aaron saw the light leave
her eyes before she fell, and he swept in to catch her crumpling form.

"What did you do to her?” Beside them in a
flash Eric seethed at Darragh, jumping to his feet and tackling him.

Hollering for them to stop Avery tried to get
Eric off of Darragh who was trying to tell him, "She'll be alright!"

Nia floated in a black void, slowly falling a
cool breeze was flitting around her. She was so relaxed her entire body felt
see through. She heard a faint voice desperately calling her name.

"Nia!” Aaron said with tears flooding his
eyes.

"What the hell Darragh!” he spat as Eric was
letting him up and Avery stood wringing her hands clearly concerned.

Darragh wiped blood from his lip and nose.
"Look I realize you are all worried. I wasn't certain how she would
respond to the old magick but I assure you she will be fine, maybe a little
better than fine.” he said looking at them all non plused.

Avery had her arms crossed and eyes narrowed at
Darragh. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she asked with her
patience wearing thin.

"You could have warned us of the
possibilities!” Eric growled at Darragh clenching his fists and contemplating
attacking him again.