Page 89 of The Immortal’s Mark

I step back before he can try.

“Don’t do that.”

He stills. “Do what?”

“Discuss our connection.” I swallow the lump in my throat and then lift my chin and meet his swirling eyes. “You knew those women, Des. But you don’t know me. Not really.”

“Darcie, I⁠—”

“In fact,” I cut him off, rage drawing each word from my mouth. “I’d appreciate it if you stop this game of hot and cold. It’s not fun for me.”

His strong brows turn inward. “I’m not playing a game.”

“No?” I curl my hands into fists. “You could have fooled me.”

Silence falls, heavy and weighed down by the history of our past interactions, kisses, words, and embraces.

I remember every single one.

And I remember the hurt that always followed any glimpse of emotion or feeling from the stoic Immortal.

“You’ve made your decision about us, Des. Now, do us both a favor and actually let me go. Please.”

My soul screams in protest.

But I hold my ground.

There’s too much at stake.

With Bella missing…with my powers emerging and immortality allegedly lingering on the horizon…with Thane trying to force Des to admit I’m his One and tie me to the Immortal family forever…I cannot keep letting Des mess with my head.

I will travel with the task force and train with the Nightsbane clan.

We will search the world for Adir. For Bella.

And once we find them, I will take the next step to permanently separate myself from him.

Whatever that may entail.

Des continues to stare, but I’m not certain he actually sees me.

There’s a haze over his gaze, and I’d bet my college tuition that he’s seeing all the past versions of me. The women he once knew. The women he loved.

But they aren’t me.

“We should get back.” I take another step away from him. “The others are waiting.”

Des blinks. The haze clears. “Of course.”

He turns on his heel and strides out of the ruins.

I follow him through the trees and fields, back to the garage with my heart in my throat.

And the traitorous organ threatens to choke me with agony when Des leaves me with the task force and strides away without so much as a glance goodbye.

23

DARCIE