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Crossing
Mercy
Koa is asleep beside me when I open my eyes. We made love several more times, not surrendering to sleep until early this morning. Now the sun is high overhead, and I’m sure it’s after noon.
Our time is up. We haven’t found a way to break the curse, and Hayden is coming for me. Last night weighs heavily in my chest. Koa said he would fight for me. He said he would die to keep me from being taken. His long lashes are thick against his coffee skin. He’s the only thing keeping me together, and I won’t let him be killed.
In that instant, I make a decision. Carefully, I crawl out of the bed and go to where my clothes lay discarded in the bathroom. I start to pick them up, but then I change my mind. Creeping back into the room where he sleeps, I tiptoe to the bedside. For a moment I gaze at his perfect form. He’s so beautiful. His face is relaxed, but his intensity never wavers.
I want to kiss him, but I know if I do, he’ll wake. I can’t take that chance. All I can do is look at his full lips and remember how they feel against mine. I look at his strong arms and think of how tightly he held me last night, how our hearts beat in time as our bodies became one.
Pain flashes in my stomach, and I quietly step toward the door. Turning the knob without a sound, I allow myself one last look before I dip my chin and let the magic shimmer over me. I’m out the door on four paws, running at top speed back to the mansion. Outside is a Technicolor fall day. Leaves blaze in every harvest color, and the sun is bright in a clear blue sky.
Dylan’s car is in the long driveway when I make my way out of the forest and across the vast lawn. I scamper into the back door and take the stairs leading to the second floor. Once I’m in my room, I shift into human form and go to my dresser.
My old jeans, the ones I wear to work on my pottery are over my hips, and I find a long-sleeved tee. It’s loose on my body, which is exactly what I want. I have no desire to be attractive to him.
Descending the staircase, I go to my sister’s office. Instead of her usual post behind the enormous desk, she’s sitting on her leather couch. I’m astonished to see her wrapped in a thick robe, her light brown hair up in a messy bun.
“I came to say goodbye,” I say quietly, and her head snaps to where I’m standing.
“You’re here.”
“Not for long.” Looking down at my bare feet, I wonder if I need shoes where I’m going or if I’ll be transformed into a spirit. Will I be dead?
Dylan’s legs move from under her and she stands, crossing the vast office to take my arms in her hands. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you from this.”
“I only wish you’d told me.”
Her lips tighten as she thinks. “Would it have made your life better?”
It’s a legitimate question. I consider it. Then, shaking my head, I look down. “I suppose you’re right.” I hug her briefly. We’ve never been close, but at least I understand her now. “Tell Aunt Penny I said goodbye.”
“Don’t you want to tell her yourself?”
“No.” I turn and go to the door. “She’s so afraid. I don’t want her to see it happen.”
My sister nods. “She remembers the days when shadows held secrets, when they would steal babies from their cribs and girls from the woods.”
“Now they only take Quinlans.”
Walking out into the elaborate grand entrance, I go to the round table with the four chairs stationed around it. Looking above me, I study the chandelier with its thousands of crystal teardrops. My tears have oddly stopped. It’s as though my insides have resigned themselves to my fate.
Closing my eyes, I push the words across space and time. I’m ready, Hayden. Come for me now.
In an explosion of sound, the door behind me unbolts and slowly moves inward. A hinge squeaks softly. I’m surprised I never noticed it before. Turning, I see him standing outside, a tall, slim figure framed in the rectangular doorway now open. As usual, he’s dressed in a tailored black suit, and his light blonde hair is perfectly coiffed.
Today he isn’t smiling. The possessive smirk I’ve come to recognize is gone, and his pale blue eyes are fixed on me. He’s studying me intently as if scanning my brain, looking to see if I’m planning to trick him or attempt to escape.
I’m not.
A small quiver of fear moves across my stomach, but I breathe it away. First one step, then another, I force my body to move in his direction. He’s still not smiling, his lips are pressed into a grim line, and I battle with the fear now creeping up my chest.
I pause a moment at the door. Hayden watches me, waiting. The fear is in my throat now, causing it to ache. I’m sure I can’t speak, so I don’t even try. I touch the handle lightly for balance then I step across the threshold.
One more step… I’m getting closer. Two more steps… Hayden’s eyes twitch as if he’s waiting for something to change. Three more steps… I’m right in front of him. We’re so close, I can hear him breathing, slow and confident.
“You’re ready?” His voice is level.
