Wicked Destiny (16 page)

Chapter 17

I got dre
ssed and went to Viktor’s loft. I knocked on the door, but there was no answer and no answer on his cell. I didn’t bother to leave a message and instead grabbed my helmet and riding jacket out of my loft. Just as I was about to jump to the farm to get my bike, I bumped into Simon in the hall. He grabbed my shoulders to steady me.

“Oh
, Simon, I’m sorry. I was in a hurry,” I said apologizing.

“That’s fine. I
was actually coming to see you,” he said.

“Really?
What about?” I was curious now.

“Well
, I was wondering how you were coming along.”

“With what?”
I was confused.

“Your powers.
You don’t think I don’t know, did you? I mean, we practiced in the clearing after all.” 

“
Wait, that was real? I thought it was a dream.”

“Well
, in a sense it was, but you pulled me in. I must say it wasn’t the ideal dream I would’ve preferred.” He smiled slyly at me. “I just wanted to tell you I would be glad to offer any assistance that you might need.” He was getting a little creepy now.

“Maybe you can help me now. I’m looking for Viktor. Have you seen him?”
I asked, as I continued to put my jacket on.

“Why don’t you call him?” h
e asked.

“I tried that already.”
I was growing bored with his games. He knew something, but wasn’t telling me anything.

“You know
, Sloane, if I had a lady friend like you, there wouldn’t be a place I’d rather be.”

I rolled my eyes.
“Simon,” I threw my hand up, “let me stop you there.”

But
Simon quickly grabbed my hand and whispered in my ear. “You aren’t mine yet, but in due time you will be. So why fight it, Sloane? Surely you know who I am?” I jerked my head back and looked at him. “As soon as you surrender to the dark, you and I will be one.” I tried to snatch my hand away, but I couldn’t. “There’s nothing here for you. Everyone has abandoned you.”

“That’s not true,” I
said through gritted teeth.

“Is that so? Why don’t I show you?”
He cocked his head to the side and we were gone.

I wasn’t sure where we ended up
, either. Simon still had me by the hand; he was making sure I wouldn’t take off, I was certain. I tugged at my hand and he squeezed it. I could feel my hand popping in different places as he applied more pressure.

“OK! I will stop!” I refused to cry. “Where the hell are we?”
Simon pointed in a certain direction and I watched as the two people came into view.

We were still in Columbus.
The happy couple that came into view was Declan and his girlfriend, Gabby. I looked away in fear that my tears would betray me. 

“Don’t worry
, they cannot see us. Watch them, Sloane. He doesn’t care. He’s been with her since he left you. You were just a thorn in his heel these past couple of weeks.” I turned my head to look away, but Simon stepped behind me and grabbed my chin to force me to look. “I said
look
.”

I watched him hold her hand
and the way they smiled at each other. It was beautiful, no matter if my heart was breaking. Declan did love her. They were walking hand-in-hand on the river walk and they paused to watch the people paddling by on canoes. Declan stood behind Gabby with his chin rested on top of her head. He looked happy, but conflicted too.

“Oh
, did you want to get a closer look?” Simon asked

“No
!” And like that, Simon jumped us to about ten feet away from them. “Why are you doing this? I know he’s happy. He made this clear already.”

“Then why are you hanging on?”
Simon snapped his fingers and in a brief moment, Declan and I locked eyes. Then we were gone. 

I swear he knew I was there
, because the look on his face was a look of pure terror. I had to let him go. Simon was right; I needed to let go. I wouldn’t be a burden to him anymore. We were now in a crowded place and it looked like an underground club of some sort. We stood in the back as I watched people flow in and out. 

“Great
, who are we spying on now?” I asked sarcastically.

“Just wait.” He let go of my hand now. “If you run…
”

I put both hands up to show surrender.

As I stood there examining my hand, Simon bumped my shoulder and Viktor walked in. He looked good, as if he was there to meet someone, and he was. It was Sophia, the neighbor.

“OK,
spare me what’s about to happen and just beam me back to where we started, please.” I could feel rage building up inside of me and I wasn’t sure how long I could keep it contained.

“But you ha
ven’t seen the good part yet.” He smiled at me. “Do you know that she was the one he took back to his place the first night he met you?” I shook my head, trying to push back all the madness. “He’s seen her every night since then. I guess you just didn’t put out fast enough.” He was laughing now.

I wasn’t going
to be able to hold it anymore. I could feel myself focusing on them as they touched hands and laughed. It was like a complete slap in the face with every touch and sound. The waiter brought them a pitcher of beer and sat two frosted mugs in front of them. Just as he picked the pitcher up to poor Sophia her beer, I willed the pitcher to burst and it went all over her. Viktor jumped up. I willed him to see me too. I made sure he saw me with Simon.

“
No! Sloane!” was all I heard, and Simon jumped us out of there.

“What now
, Simon? You proved I have terrible taste in men, so what’s next? I don’t think there’s anything else left.” I threw my hands up.

“Oh
, I think we can find something,” he said.

We were standing
in front of a clothing store. What day was it again? It must’ve been Thursday because there came Shay walking with Mindy. They went into the boutique with bags of clothes.

“I’m just sayi
ng you might want to call her.” Mindy was suggesting something.

“And I’m tell
ing you that I’m done worrying. I’m going to just worry about myself. All my life I’ve been trying my best to help her, but I’m tired. It’s always been all about her, you know?”

“You don’t mean that,” M
indy said.

“Like hell I don’t. I’m done.”
Shay picked up a blouse and said, “Oh, what do you think?” 

“Hi
, ladies.”
No, not Jared too.

“I’m going to try
this on.” Shay started walking to the fitting room.

“So
, how was the rest of your afternoon?” Mindy smiled at Jared.

“Lacking
, actually.” He rubbed his hands threw his hair. He still wore the same clothes from earlier. “She’s becoming too needy. Plus, it’s not worth it anymore. She’s like a junky now.”

  “Jared!”
Mindy shot at him.

“What
? It’s the truth. I was thinking about trying my chances with Shay.” He smiled. “I’d try with you, but between Dale and that other thing you got going on that likes to suck people’s lives from them, yeah, I’d take another door, please.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from
my best friend and co-workers, especially after the connection we just had. Were they both playing me? What did Jared want out of this, and why was Shay so cold all of a sudden?

“You have become a
burden to everyone around you. You weren’t meant to be this thing you’re trying so hard to be,” Simon pointed out.

“Apparently so.
Maybe I shouldn’t be here at all.” I turned to him. “I’m ready to go, Simon. Take me home.” 

Simon
snapped his fingers and we were out of the store. But we were not in my loft. I was in a dark room and it smelt horrible. I felt my way around and tried looking for a door, but I couldn’t find one and I began to panic. Not realizing it, I ran around the room until I finally hit a wall.

“You have to trust me.”
It was Simon’s voice, but Simon wasn’t there.

“Trust you? Why?” I asked as I laid there. It didn’t matter if I got up.
I wouldn’t find him.

“Sloane
, isn’t it obvious?” There was a moment of silence. “I am the Darkness. I have always been there. I’ve never left and I will never leave you. Nor will I lie. You will always know the truth, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. You are my companion.”

I shivered at the word compan
ion as it rolled out his mouth. This just didn’t sit right. Everything was wrong, or was it as it was meant to be? I wasn’t meant to have a normal life no matter how hard I tried to have one. It wasn’t until I started accepting what and who I was that things would seem to be little less stressful. Maybe I could give in and just not do the other things I was meant to do. I didn’t want to lead an army and I certainly didn’t want to be a companion to Darkness.

“All you have to do is surrender to me
, Sloane. It’s not hard, just take my hand.” Simon materialized in front of me with his hand out as if to help me up.

“I think I might pass for now.”
I sat up and drew my legs into my chest.

“All in time, Sloane.
All in due time.”

He
was gone, but I was still there—very much alone.

Chapter 18

I didn’t even care how long I’d been in this prison. It’s not like anyone would come looking for me. I laid there wondering how long it would be before I eventually broke. All I had was time. Time to sit and wait for whatever Simon had up his sleeve. 

It felt like the walls were
starting to close in around me. It grew hot and I stripped off the jacket I still had on, and rubbed my forehead vigorously. I guess I felt like the harder I rubbed my head, the more likely I could rub the memories away. Not just what Simon showed me, but everything in the past, too. I needed to get out of here before I went crazy. I kept hearing everyone talking—conversations that took place. I couldn’t tell if Simon was playing mind games or if I was really losing it. 

It continued for however long.
I thought it would be better when I went to sleep, but it wasn’t. Simon was always there waiting and I’d jerk myself awake. 

“Why are you fighting me
, Sloane? You and I are meant to be together.” Simon voice came from over my head.

“
I have a choice in the matter. What are you going to do with me?” I asked.

“Well
, we’ll continue until you break, so if you save us the trouble and time, maybe things can be a little easier for you.” He appeared in front of me again. “Think of what you will have. The world would be ours; everyone will bow at your feet. No more feeling helpless and out of place, because your place is with me. You will lead.” A chill ran down my back.

I could never
do the things he spoke about. I didn’t want to lead, to be feared, or to be with him. I didn’t even know what Simon actually was. He had to be stopped. Maybe if I pretended it would buy me some time. So when he offered his hand to me again, I took it. I could see the smile on his face, and even though it was so dark, he still wore those damn sunglasses. He pulled me to my feet and held me close beside him.

“Do you really mean to surrender to me
, Sloane?” he asked.

I honestly didn’t know what the hell I was doing or if it was the right thing to do
, but I did it anyway. It was the only thing I could come up with instead of waiting for no one to arrive.

“I do.” Those two little words I’
d been saving for a certain special day was all that came out.

And w
hat happened next was so surreal. Simon kissed me, and to keep up the act, I kissed him back. But it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders and the essence of everything else became intoxicating. I remembered wrapping my arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss. I became greedy for more and he gave into my every wish.

I was his. 

He won, I was broken.

Declan

“Where the hell is she?”
Declan demanded from Viktor.

Viktor was sitting in his loft drinking shots of
brown liquor. He looked as if he hadn’t showered in days.

“I don’t know. He has her. I can’t get to her even if I try.”
Viktor continued to drink from his glass and refilled it.

Declan took three strides and he was across the room in front of Viktor
, slapping the bottle clear across the room and shattering it.

“That was my last bottle.
Now I will have to actually leave to get another.” Viktor shrugged and realized there was another beside him.

“What’s he going to do
with her?” Declan cried out. “Or do you not even care?”

“Wake up
, Almighty Declan. What do you think he’s going to do? He’ll start with making the pain go away.” He got up to look for another bottle. “Then she will surrender and give in to him. From there, she’ll be lost.” Declan grabbed Viktor by the neck. “Do you want to hit me?  Then do it, because I’d rather feel that instead of the pain gnawing at me right now.”

“What did you do to her? Tell me, now.”
Declan was on the verge of ripping him apart.

“I wondered. I started getting too close.
It wasn’t in the job description to fall in love, so I tried to fall out.” Viktor didn’t move, but he had a realization. “But ask yourself, brother. What did you do to her?”

“What I did was years ago! Don’t put this on me.
You were supposed to protect her, but you were a coward and left her alone!” He was beyond pissed at this point.

“Why do you care
, little brother?” Viktor taunted. “Don’t you have someone waiting on you?” 

Declan released Viktor.
“You don’t understand. If I hadn’t left, they would’ve taken her. I couldn’t have that on my conscience. But if I left, I knew I could keep an eye on her. To maintain the position I had, I had to have a fill in.” Declan turned his back to Viktor, ready to leave.

“Doe
s Gabby know she’s a stand in? Just someone to pass the time with?” Viktor tossed back what was left in his glass.

“She knows I’m not her companion and that I’ve been
really distracted here lately.” Declan rubbed his hands together as if to wash something away. “Enough of all the small talk. You’re going to get a meeting with Simon and we’re going to get her back. She never wanted this, Viktor. Can’t you see that? All she wanted was a normal life, but we fucked it up for her. It’s time we set things straight.” Declan was speaking through gritted teeth.

“Let me make a call,
” was all Viktor said.

Viktor walked into the other room
as he spoke with someone that sounded like a secretary or assistant. Viktor continued to drink the brown liquid and soon began to stagger. Declan took the bottle away from him as he hung his cell phone up. Viktor tried to grab it back from him, but failed. Viktor stumbled to his couch as Declan went through the loft looking for all the liquor bottles. 

“What the
hell is your problem? This is my house
and you come in trying
to take over?” Viktor was slurring his words and on the verge of passing out.

“I nee
d you sober and so does Sloane. So why don’t you go take a shower and, please, brush your teeth.” Declan was helping Viktor to the bathroom. “I’ll cook something to help sober you up.”

“I bet you love th
is, don’t you?” Viktor was basically talking out of his ass now. “I’m your ex’s boyfriend and even though she still loves you, she loves me too.” He laughed to himself. “Do you know how I know? She painted your eyes—perfectly, I might add, which are quite beautiful.” Declan just looked at him and rolled his eyes at him. “It’s true, she loves you. So why should I help?” He began to yell at Declan. 

Declan slapped
him in the face to get his attention.

“Get a grip
, damn it! This isn’t about you, it’s about Sloane and saving her from making stupid decisions like us, you big pompous ass.” He got Viktor to the bathroom. “Dude, I’m not undressing you, so are you good?”

“Wouldn’t you love to see what I was working with
—” He was still jabbering when Declan shut the door.

When Declan knew Viktor was in the shower
, he left him a towel on the sink. Seeing Viktor naked was not on the agenda. And Viktor was in the shower for almost thirty minutes. His cell phone began to ring and Declan ran into the bathroom, barging in while Declan was drying off.

“Really?
If you wanted a peek, why did you bring the towel?” Viktor screamed at Declan.

“Just answer the damn phone!”
Declan yelled back.

Viktor took the phone and answered it as soberly as possib
le. All he said were small words like, “OK,” or short phrases like, “I see.” It was beginning to irk him. He was on his way to pulling every hair out his head and Viktor’s when Viktor finally hung up.

“Well, is he going to see you?”
Declan asked.

“Yea
h, he wants me to meet him at the office,” Viktor said. He slammed the door in Declan’s face so that he could finish drying off.

“OK, so when do we go?”
Declan asked through the door.

“You can’t go.”
Viktor said as he walked out with the towel wrapped around his waist.

“Like hell I can’t,”
Declan yelled.

“More like in hell you can’t.”
Realization sat in Declan’s eyes. “You know the drill. The only way you are getting in there is if you fall and I don’t think you want that.”

“If it means getting her back
, I don’t care. Let’s go.” Declan walked out of the room. “We’re wasting time.”

“Declan, I’m all for a great rebellion and all
, but you know as well as I do that she wouldn’t want you to give that up for her.” Viktor was right, but Declan already made up his mind that if it came down to it, there wasn’t another option. He would go to Hell and back, literally, for Sloane.

“Trust me for once.
Let me try to get her and if there’s no other way, you can make your decision then. Don’t do it like this. Give me a chance.” Viktor made his plea.

“Fine
, you have one day and if you don’t bring her home, I will make my own decision.” Declan opened Viktor’s front door and cast him one final message, “Don’t make me come find you. I’ll be at the cabin.”

And then
he was gone.