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Not much.
Apparently, Sebastian was the leader of this clan - The Payne Clan. He was able to recruit two others to join the cause. One recruit was a vampire named Annabelle. The other was an incredibly intense and sullen werewolf who she believed they called Antonio. Eva didn’t know those twoat all.
So why would they waste their time creating plans to save a sorceress they hardly knew? They probably had much more pressing matters to attend to.
Perhaps she didn’t understand because no one tried to help her before. Throughout her life she only became enemies with those close to her. To have so many people fighting for her now… she couldn’t explain how it made her feel because she didn’t entirely understand it herself.
When the volume of their voices began to rise for what seemed like the hundredth time today, Eva decided to try breaking into their intense debate. Again. “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you all this, but nothing can be done. I meannothing.If I had a chance at living, I’d be the first person to jump on it. Itismy life we’re talking about.” Didn’t they understand she was telling them the truth when she said nothing could be done? She had no reason to lie. “I don’t understand why anyone wants to help in the first place,” she muttered under her breath, crossing her arms over her chest.
Darius eyes shot her way, his expression incredulous. Pushing back his chair and coming to a stand, he asked, “Why wouldn’t we want to help you?”
She shrugged. “It’s not like I did anything for any of you.”
“That’s a lie.” Darius rubbed his head in frustration.
“You’re the reason my mate and I met,” Sebastian confidently told her, Kelly eagerly nodding at his side.
Eva shook her head. “All I did was give her a fortune. It would’ve happened regardless.”
“Would it have, though?” Kelly questioned, her voice riddled with doubt. Clearly, she didn’t believe Eva. “If I didn’t hear that prediction, I would’ve had no reason to come here. I wouldn’t have found Sebastian. Maybe it became truebecauseyou said it.” She defenselessly waved her hands in the air. “I’m just saying.”
Eva rubbed her head. She didn’t often think too deeply into how her predictions worked, she simply accepted that they did. “That question is a bit too profound for me right now,” she admitted. She really wished she had a chance to enjoy these days with Darius rather than spend them talking aboutthis.Why couldn’t anyone understand how pointless this was? Focusing on Darius, she told him, “I wish I didn’t tell you anything. I shouldn’t have.” That was the truth.
Darius was taken aback by her words. “Shouldn’t have said anything?” He set off toward her. “Saying something might save your life.”
She wished that was the truth. She really did. But if her days watching thrillers taught her anything, it was that there was no escaping your final destination. “I already told you there’s no changing the future. It’s set in stone. If I said nothing, I could have at least been happy before I died. Instead, I have to spend my days watching,” she flung her hands in everyone’s direction, “this!I could’ve been happy spending my time with you instead.”
“Eva…” She almost believed Darius might be beginning to realize how his actions were affecting her. Sure, his intentions were pure, but he was doing more harm than good.
“Forget it. You’re not going to get it.” Upset that her days were numbered, and her numbered days would be dealing withthis,Eva stormed out of the room.
She didn’t get far before Darius grabbed her from behind, wrapping his arms around her and bringing her to his chest. He held her so tightly it was as if he believed he’d lose her if he let her go. He wasn’t wrong to think that.
Between kisses against her ear he whispered, “I don’t want to see you unhappy.”
“Too late. I am.” Her heart hurt. Moments like this, with Darius so close to her, only reminded her of what she wouldn’t have the chance to experience again. Not unless he gave up on his pointless mission to save her and started spending time with her.
“I don’t want to see you dead either.”
“Do you thinkIwant to see me dead?” When he didn’t answer she twisted in his arms so she was facing him. “We have no choice over whether I get to live or die. My happiness? We have a choice in that matter. I haven’t had much in my life to be happy about. Now that I do, I want to experience it before it’s too late. Can’t you understand, Darius?” She gripped his arms, pleading with him. “I want to be happy while I still can.”
“And what is it that makes you so happy now?” He was teasing her. She was thankful he could still manage to do that.
“You. Asshole.” She lightly punched his chest.
He grinned, though his smile refused to meet his eyes. “I’d say I found my happily-ever-after in you. If only…” He seemed to be on the verge of breaking down. “I just found you, Eva. I just found you.” His voice was cracking.
“How do you think I feel? I just found you too, you know. And guess what? You won’t give me the time of day! You’ve been so focused on keeping me alive it’s like you forgot I still exist! Do you want my last memories of us together to be you ignoring me while partaking in useless debates about my life? When my life flashes before my eyes I want to see good memories. I don’t have many, but now it’s possible to have more. Gods, call me selfish, but I want more of them!” She tried to keep herself from breaking down, but her efforts were unsuccessful. As tears began to trickle down her cheeks, she slumped against a nearby wall, sliding to the floor. Then, her face pressing into her knees, she muttered “I want more memories of us. Stupid, selfish, me.”
It wasn’t long before Darius’ warm arm wrapped around her, urging her to rest her head against his chest. She did, finding comfort in his embrace. “Listen, Eva,” he began, his voice low. “You’re irritable, loudmouthed, overly sarcastic, and hotheaded.” She slouched against him. She didn’t expect to hear that, though it was definitely deserved. “But you’re also hilarious, courageous, and kindhearted. One thing you arenotis selfish.”
She wanted to accuse him of being blinded by love, but how could she? He told her all her lousy traits too. He was not blind. This was how he genuinely saw her. It was beautiful to be seen by someone at last. It warmed her heart so much she could no longer remember what it ever felt like to be alone. “I…” She didn’t know what to say. How could she quip at him after that? “You’re too good to me.”
“Am I, though?” He began threading his fingers through her hair. “The first time I saw my sister smile in centuries was when she was with you.Yougave her that joy. Not me.”
“I didn’t mean to.”
“No, maybe you didn’t mean to, but that’s because kindheartedness is a part of who you are. Maybe you haven’t given to anyone the last hundred years or so, but that was because you had no one to give to. You once gave to others who never gave back. When you finally met us and had a chance to give, you did.”
