Wicked Destiny

Chapter 17





I got dressed 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?” he 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 haven’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 saying you might want to call her.” Mindy was suggesting something.

“And I’m telling 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,” Mindy 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 companion 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.