Immortal Destiny (The Immortal Prophecy Saga) Read online

  “Can’t you just mind thingy them?”

  James laughed. “Ally, ‘mind thingy’ really isn’t the technical term for it. Besides wiping people’s memories isn’t something we do unless there is no other choice.”

  “Well, is there something else you can do?”

  James thought about it for minute. “There is actually. I’ll close the blinds and make sure they don’t come out here.”

  “And if they do, then they get the mind thingy.”

  “Yes.”

  “Well off you go,” she said, playfully shooing him. “I need to learn while you’re still willing to teach me.”

  James had run inside, closed the curtains and sat down again before she had even registered that he was gone.

  “I want you to read my mind and work out what I’m going to do.” He instructed. “You can’t beat an immortal or vampire any other way at the moment. Your only chance is to outmanoeuvre them.”

  He stood up and brought her with him. “Now get inside my head, then we’ll begin,” he said and took a step back.

  Ally closed her eyes and made the connection. She opened them again and watched James while waiting for him to start thinking about his moves.

  His first move came before she had much chance to react, but she spun to the right to avoid him grabbing her.

  “Nicely done,” he complimented. “Let’s keep going.”

  Ally nodded and James began to circle her. She watched his eyes change to those of a predator, but instead of freaking her out, it fascinated her.

  He came at her again, she ducked. James backed up and motioned for her to do the same. “Run towards me,” he said as he motioned her forward. They ran towards each other, at the last second she knew what he would do and threw herself to the ground, sliding underneath him. She was back up in a second and spun out of the way of his next hit. He came towards her slowly and made a swing at her, but she deftly leaned to the side. He tried the same move on the other side, but missed again. He stopped to give her a break.

  “You’re doing better than I thought, little one. It seems you’re a natural.”

  Ally stood holding her sides, catching a breath. “Thanks. It’s actually kind of fun.”

  “It’s fun for us, but it won’t be when you’re fighting a vampire.”

  Ally nodded and pushed the thought out of her mind for now. “Let’s try the fireballs again,” she suggested as she raised her hand and faced it palm up. She concentrated and tried to picture a fireball hovering in her hand. To her surprise and delight a small flame flickered and burned brighter the more she concentrated.

  “Just be careful where you aim this time,” James joked.

  She rolled her eyes. “How do I extinguish it?”

  “Other than throwing it, just imagine it disappearing.”

  She imagined it going away, and it did. “I love that.”

  “I think we should do try fireball aiming at the beach. You can throw it into the water that way.”

  “Good idea,” she said remembering the last time she’d handled a fireball and threw it out the window in Scotland.

  “The fireballs and mind reading will take its toll on you while you’re still human, so I don’t want to overdo it.”

  Ally sat back down on the grass. “Speaking of still being human, I want to know how I become an immortal.”

  James looked hesitant, but he walked over to where she sat and lay down beside her. He looked up at the sky stalling for a minute before answering her question. “It’s a complicated process…”

  “Well, that clears everything up for me,” she said sarcastically.

  James rolled his eyes and looked at her. “To gain immortality you have to face death…and conquer it.”

  Ally’s eyes widened. “Metophorically?”

  “No…literally.” James told her. “Your human side needs to die.”

  The guilt and pain on his face made her realise he was deadly seriously. “What?”

  “That’s why I’ve avoided telling you. But I think you’re ready to hear it now…” he confessed. “In order for it to work you need an anchor, and you need to want it bad enough.”

  “And if I don’t?” Ally asked biting her lower lip.

  James didn’t even want to say the words, but she had to know how serious this was and what was at stake. “Then you will die.”

  Ally couldn’t form a response. She had lost the power to even think. If she died trying to become an immortal then what was the point of all this. The prophecy, her and James, and of course Vincent would win. It didn’t make any sense to her.

  “It’s irrelevant what the point of all this is because you aren’t going to die. I know you will survive this, Ally.”

  “How?”

  “Because I know you!” he said with conviction. “I’ve been inside your mind, little one. You’re the most determined person I’ve ever met…Death doesn’t stand a chance against you. And I also know how much you want me. I’m your anchor to this life.”

  “I do want you, but I’m still scared. I don’t like this idea at all, James!”

  James looked at her incredulously. “And you think I do? I’ve spent years protecting you and I’ll be damned if this is going to separate us. Survival is your only option here, Ally. I won’t accept anything less.”

  “You’re not the one who has to die, James.”

  “No, but if you die…I will too.”

  Ally’s face filled with horror and her heart constricted. “No! If something happens to me, you keep on living, do you hear me!”

  “A world without you in it is not somewhere I want to be.”

  “You’re impossible.”

  “Then don’t die, Ally. Survive the process and we never have to worry about being apart.”

  “I’m not doing anything until I’m sure I can do this then.” Ally took a deep calming breath. “What’s the success rate of this?”

  “Mostly successful.”

  “Mostly...?”

  “It will be easier for you. You’re already half immortal.”

  “That’s something at least, I guess. So someone has to kill me then…who? And how?”

  “Belladonna, commonly known as deadly nightshade is what will be used. Since it’s given in the form of a drink, you’ll be doing it yourself in a way.”

  “Assisted suicide…this thing whole thing just keeps getting better.”

  “It’s not assisted suicide. You’re not trying to kill yourself in that sense. Drinking Belladonna is the most pleasant way to do it.”

  “I’m still getting poisoned at the end of the day.”

  James looked at her beseechingly. “I wish there was another way.”

  “Can we do more training later? I need to go for a walk to clear my head.”

  “Whatever you need, little one.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “Don’t stray too far though.”

  “I won’t,” Ally said as she got up and walked around the house towards the beach.

  But she didn’t get very far before the scene seemed hauntingly familiar and took her breath away…

  Chapter Nine

  Ally stopped dead in her tracks and stared at the red flower that blocked her path to the beach. The offending crimson bloom stood out in stark contrast to the deep green grass surrounding it. Her breath caught in her lungs, and she began to tremble.

  Someone had followed them. And that someone had put the flower there intentionally, waiting for Ally to find it.

  “Oh, god,” she whispered as she stumbled backwards. The world had stopped spinning for that one moment in time. Her brain began screaming at her to do something, so she did the first thing that came into her mind.

  “James!” she screamed.

  He was there in a heartbeat. “No, it can’t be…” he said, glaring at the flower. He grabbed Ally and moved her back even further before he went to investigate. “Impossible!” he cried. “No one even knows we’re here.”

  “Obviously,
someone does,” Ally whispered.

  He turned around and looked at her, the tension showing in his face. “I don’t know what’s going on, but we’re going to find out.” He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “I’ll keep you safe, Ally. I promise.”

  Ally buried her face into his neck. “I thought we were safe here, James.”

  “I need to call Adele and Damian. Maybe they let it slip somehow.” He pulled out his phone and began dialling the number.

  Damian answered on the first ring with a cheery voice. “Hello, James.”

  “Have you told anyone our location?” he barked.

  Damien’s upbeat tone was replaced with one of grave concern. “Of course not. What’s going on there?”

  James shook his head and felt at a complete loss. “Ally just found another flower on the island, so someone knows.”

  Damian was silent for a moment. “Perhaps someone heard us talking before you left?”

  “Maybe,” James answered considering the possibility. “That’s the only thing that makes sense. But either way we have to get out of here.”

  “Yes, I agree. But we haven’t solved the compulsion problem back here yet.”

  “Do something then! I’m bringing her home.”

  Damian ignored James’ harsh tones. “I’ll have to give them all a new compulsion to override whatever the creature instructed them to do.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll tell Adele what’s happened. Be safe, brother.”

  “We will,” James replied then ended the call.

  Ally was white as a ghost as she watched James while he spoke to his brother. “What do we do now?” she asked.

  James relayed the conversation.

  “So we’re leaving?”

  “Yes.”

  This time she didn’t put up a fight. She wanted to get away from this place as soon as possible. It would always be special to her because of the wonderful night she’d shared with James, but right now, it was a place of fear and unknown dangers.

  James picked Ally up and ran with immortal speed to the bedroom. He gently placed her on the bed and began to pack all their things. He moved so fast, he was simply a blur so Ally stopped trying to watch him and lay back on the bed and closed her eyes.

  She heard his phone ringing and a muttered curse slipped from James mouth.

  “Who is it?” she asked.

  “Chase.”

  “Well, answer it.”

  James scowled as he answered. “Chase.”

  “James, I’ve got a lead on one of the elder council members.”

  His drew his eyebrows together. “Where and how?”

  “London. He bears the mark, and get this— he’s actually known as ‘The Warrior’ around here.”

  James wanted to believe that fate had just handed them a twist of good luck, but he was hesitant to believe it. “How did you find him?”

  “Long story,” Chase said. “But look, you’ve gotta come and talk to him now!”

  They did need to get out of here and maybe taking a detour on the way back wasn’t such a bad idea. “Where are you staying?”

  “The Savoy.”

  “Alright, we’ll be there tomorrow,” James said and put the phone down.

  “Be where?” Ally asked.

  “It seems Chase has found our Warrior, so we’re going to London on the way home.”

  Ally sucked in a deep breath. “Really? How does he know it’s him?”

  James sat down on the bed beside her and filled her in on the details he knew.

  “Wow,” she said. “Maybe things are looking up?”

  “I hope so,” he replied with a weary sigh. “Are you ready to go?”

  Ally nodded. He stood up and held out his hand to help her up. She wrapped her arms around him and held him. “Thank you, James.”

  “For what?” he asked puzzled.

  “Keeping me safe and taking care of me. I know finding another flower wasn’t in the plan and things have taken a turn for the worse, but you didn’t even hesitate. The danger found us and you’re taking me out of here.”

  “Of course I am, little one.” He kissed her forehead. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  He picked up the bags and led the way to the beach, where they would drive the boat back to the mainland and catch a plane from there. Two hours later, Ally sat in her seat on the private plane and snuggled into the man beside her.

  “Get some sleep,” he whispered.

  She nodded and complied with the request. She had a feeling she was going to need it.

  Chapter Ten

  The black cab pulled up in front of The Savoy, and Ally and James stepped out. Ally looked at the grand building in front of her. “Very nice,” she said over her shoulder to James.

  He smiled as he escorted her inside. “You call Chase, and I’ll book us a room.”

  “Alright,” she said distractedly, looking around the stunning lobby. James handed her his phone breaking the trance. She took it and dialled.

  “We’re here,” she said into the phone.

  “What’s your room number?”

  “Uh, dunno. James is booking the room. Hold on.” Ally walked over to James and brushed his arm with her hand. “What’s our room number?”

  “Top floor,” he replied.

  Ally looked confused. “Okay…”

  “Top floor apparently, Chase.”

  “I’ll meet you there in ten minutes,” he said and ended the call.

  She turned and saw James coming toward her and she sighed in appreciation.

  “What did he say?”

  “He’s going to meet us at the room.”

  “Well, we better find it then,” he said with a smile and put his arm around her. “This way I believe.”

  James led her over to the waiting elevator and walked inside. He pressed the button, and it began its steady climb to the top.

  Ally looked at the panel and her eyes widened at the sight of the button that was lit up. “The penthouse, James?”

  James glanced at her mischievously. “Only the best for you, my darling.”

  “Yeah, but the penthouse…” She glanced around excitedly. “I could get used to this.”

  The elevator stopped with a ping and the doors opened to a short cream hallway with a purple velvet antique bench seat on the side of the wall. She grabbed the key card and raced ahead to open the white and gold double doors. James watched her running off excitedly and felt his mouth stretch into a grin.

  Ally opened the doors and exhaled as she took in the huge room. “This is amazing !”

  James followed her inside, put their luggage in the bedroom, then walked back out and sat on the white chesterfield lounge. “Come here,” he called and patted the seat beside him.

  She went over and sat down next to him.

  “I love seeing you so happy, Ally. Before Chase gets here and reality hits us again, I want to enjoy this moment. Take time to feel the joy in being with you, my love.”

  She curled into his body in response to his words, but he saw the sadness begin to creep back into her eyes. “I know James, I feel the same. I want to forget reality for a while, too.”

  He tilted her chin up. “I can think of a very good way to distract you from our troubles and reality.”

  “And what might that be?”

  He leant down and kissed her. The breath left Ally’s lungs in a whoosh and her skin started to prickle with heat. James growled and her stomach did a flip.

  “I like this distraction,” she muttered between kisses.

  He kissed her harder and she lost herself completely in the moment.

  A knock at the door interrupted them, bringing reality crashing down around them.

  “That’ll be Chase,” Ally said. “Perfect timing as always!”

  “We really need to find a way to stop people from interrupting us,” James all but growled.

  Ally laughed and got up to let Chase in.

  “A
lly,” he said and gave her a warm hug that spoke volumes as she opened the door.

  “Chase, it’s so nice to see you again,” she said as she hugged him back. “We’ve missed you at the manor.”

  “Speak for yourself,” James said with a cheeky grin as he came up behind them.

  Chase smirked back. “You’ve missed me James, just admit it.”

  They shook hands then James gestured for everyone to go sit down. “So you think you’ve found the warrior,” James said, as he took a seat next to Ally.

  “I know I’ve found him, James. He bears the mark and his skills are unmatched.”

  “Well, that’s a good start,” Ally said hopefully. “How did you find him?”

  “I’d been in town for a while, and I’d heard rumours of a guy that was killing vampires all over the place and that his skill was unbelievable, so I wanted to check him out for myself. I asked around with a couple of the local immortals that I’d met, but they didn’t know who he was.

  “Normally I would’ve just given up, but something told me I had to keep searching and digging until I found him. It’d been a week and I just kept going around in circles. The humans thought he was a serial killer preying on bad guys and the immortals were beginning to think he was just a myth since no one could find anything out about him.

  “And then I saw him! I actually bloody saw him in action. He was incredible, James. Even you would’ve been impressed. So anyway, he finished them off and I just walked up and introduced myself. He’s pretty nice, but definitely lacking in people skills. I mean he tried to take me down just because I spoke to him.” He looked to James with a smirk. “Actually, you two should get along famously with your lack of people skills.”

  “Ha ha,” James said and Ally sniggered. “Get back to the story.”

  “Right, so I was talking to him, well actually he was in a headlock at the time, and I noticed the birthmark on his arm. I asked about it and he said he’d been born with it. His mother said that it singled him out as special and that he had a great honour to fulfil, that he was a warrior and one day a girl would come for him.”

  “At least it won’t be a complete shock to him then,” Ally said.

  “Exactly. So I told him that I knew the girl that was looking for him and that his mother was right. He said that he would be willing to meet with you and decide what he wanted to do from there.”