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The Darkest Temptation 18
~ToveKeo hasn't returned. It's been days.I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I'm cold, but I don't want to get out of bed to close the balcony doors.Keo is my mate. This isn't a nightmare, it's real...Rolling over, I stuff my pillow over my head. What am I going to do?The past few days have been me mindlessly wandering between the bedroom and the kitchen. I can't tell if I'm awaiting Keo's return, or dreading it.Either way, I haven't been able to bring myself to leave and return to Territory One.The slanted rainfall drenches part of the wood floor of the room, the curtains billowing around wildly. I'm miserable...I can't be mated to Keo. I just can't.It's not like we can sit down and talk like a normal couple. We can't go out on dates, or sweet walks, or anything else that's average for mates.He's a murderer. He's shady, he lies and he keeps secrets. He manipulates, and he hurts people, and was likely planning on killing me.He may still. Or he may never return.It's clear
The Darkest Temptation 19
~ToveRubbing my eyes, I wander from my bedroom, trying not to yawn.It's been six weeks. I'm home, in my apartment, trying to get back to my normal life.When I left, I didn't expect for there to be a looming shadow over my life. Everything is so peaceful, but it's a dark kind of quiet that is unnerving.I haven't heard from Keo. I knew I wouldn't, but it still hurts.It was me, who made the decision to leave. Each night I'm kept up with that thought, wondering if I made the right decision. Giving up a mate, regardless of who they are, is not easy.But seeing Mary, perfectly healthy and healed of her horrific disease makes this all worth it.“How are you feeling this morning?” she asks me as I walk into the kitchenMary has been sleeping in my apartment over the last few weeks. I don't want to be alone, or to be away from her. All is forgiven between us...All she knows is that Keo was the one who saved her. She doesn't know why, or how, but she trusts me. That's what matters.“I’m o
The Darkest Temptation 20
~ToveI gasp, stumbling back.“Dax...What are you doing here?"“I’m glad to have bumped into you, Tove.” He smiles down at me, triumphant. My stomach turns, because this is no accident, and there is only one reason why he has appeared in front of me.I draw in a breath, glancing at Mary. She doesn't look scared, although I get the sense that she would rather return home than be back in that manor with the Noble's.“I’m sorry, I need to get into my apartment," I mutter, shouldering past him.He grabs my arm, stopping me short. He doesn't care that we are in the middle of the street, that people pass us by. He's a Noble, he can get away with whatever he wants...No one is going to save me.“I’m afraid I’m going to need you to come with me," he murmurs lowly, tilting his head down so he is speaking right into my ear.“Why?”He frowns. “You know why.”“Keo will not be a threat to me any longer. He has promised to leave me alone," I insist.I've only had freedom for a few weeks. I thought D
The Darkest Temptation 21
~ToveMy feet touch the ground, my eyes blinking open.I expected the Territory Two manor, but I quickly realise Keo has taken me elsewhere. We are in some kind of large cabin that looks like it has just been built recently.The scent of treated wood fills my nose as I turn in circles. "We are somewhere new.""Correct."I should have known. Keo moves around often, and we were overdue for a change.Approaching the window, I note that we are on the edge of a forest. The leaves are all shades of brown and gold, many seated in piles on the forest floor. Toward the front of the house, there is a small stream nearly overgrown with long, thick grass."I'm assuming Territory Eight?" From what I know, it's perpetual autumn here."It will work for now," Keo muses, staring out at what the moonlight illuminates. There is something seated deep in his eyes - maybe a memory from long ago that occurred here."Thank you...for coming to get me," I murmur softly.He casts his gaze over to me, my heart f
The Darkest Temptation 22
~ToveI sit on the steps of the porch, looking between the thick boughs of the sprawling trees.It's nice here. Peaceful.Keo affirmed that there is no one for quite a distance in either direction. Only a couple weeks ago that notion would have terrified me, but now that I know I'm his mate, and he won't kill me, I like it.I hear Keo's footsteps before I hear his voice."This is where things start getting interesting," he exclaims from behind me, the recently built porch creaking under his weight.I look back over my shoulder. "Interesting? What does that mean?""I have something that should enhance your power," he tells me, reaching his hand into his pocket.Scrambling up to my feet, curious about what this could be. I always figured I was meant to find my magic myself, so knowing I may have additional help is quite exciting."Really?"He pulls a necklace from his pocket. It had a gold chain connecting to a simple setting for a beautiful emerald."Woah, it's beautiful," I breathe in
The Darkest Temptation 23
~ToveA loud bang jerks me awake.Sitting up, I blink my eyes open, trying to recall what has happened.I'm laying on a couch, an old, threadbare blanket laid over me. Around me, is a small living space packed full of unfamilar belongings that are shoved into boxes. Most tumble out messily, like this place has just been moved into.Rubbing my temples, I flick the blanket off me, noting a man lying sprawled out on the couch opposite to this one. He's fast asleep, mouth wide open as he snores softly.He's the man who was polishing his shoes when I fell unconcious. He must have taken me back to his home.I shiver. The window is blown open, which must have been what woke me.I could wake him and thank him for taking me off the street, but at the same time, part of me knows I need to get back out to look for a way to get back to Keo as soon as possible.Giving him one last look, I clamber out the window and to the street outside, gently closing it behind me.I have no idea how I'm going to
The Darkest Temptation 24
~ToveI like this new place.Instead of taking me back to Territory Eight, Keo decided we should move on to Territory Three.Closing my eyes, I smile softly at the feeling of the icy cold air touching my cheeks. Keo didn't share my positivity upon touching down here, claiming he hates the snow and mountains.We have been here for a week and so far I love it. Although I suppose I'm experiencing the place from the balcony, considering Keo hasn't allowed me to leave the chalet.He claims I need to recover from using that much magic. I feel fine, but he isn't convinced.He's worried about me...I may be the only person he's ever felt that for.“I need to warn you about something.”I turn, seeing him leaning against the doorframe of my room. Ever since it was revealed we are mates, he has been wary about stepping into where I sleep, as if it's too intimate to risk.“What is it?” I ask, stepping off the balcony, closing the glass doors behind me.“Wren will be visiting today, with two Demon’
The Darkest Temptation 25
~ToveOnce Keo is done with the Demon's, him and Wren disappear for two days.I know he's busy, and that he has many priorities, but being left alone in a big sprawling chalet gets lonely very quickly.Even if my usual company is Keo...He returns right before I could muster up enough courage to go out into a snow. The chalet is set up against a mountain, and although I've never feared the snow, I do fear toppling down the rocks to my death."Are you ready for a big challenge today?" Keo questions, strolling into the dining room.I look up at him, a bite of sandwich in my mouth.His sudden appearances don't frighten me anymore, even if there was no warning of him showing up today.Swallowing my bite of food, I pick up my glass. "I suppose. What is it?""You're going to transport me again." he pulls out a chair right next to me, sliding into it.His fresh scent washes over me, like pine, snow and cloves. I shudder, thinking about how much I missed that, along with his presence in gener
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