Timeless Trilogy, Book Three, Destiny

By Tallulah Grace

Cassandra Locke’s dreams have the clarity of remembrances, the pain of love lost and the essence of future connections. Who is the man that haunts her, nearly every night? Could they truly have been lovers throughout centuries past? Will they have another chance?

Follow Cassandra’s bittersweet journey towards finding and keeping the love of her life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kalyko Creations
• Release date: Sep 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466015791

Tallulah Grace

Raised in the foothills of the mystical Blue Ridge Mountains, I attribute my love of beautiful landscapes and fascination with all things paranormal to my environment. The settings and characters in my novels reflect my appreciation for natural beauty as well as a desire to explore the what-if’s of things unseen. Throw in a degree in Psychology paired with a strong interest in the workings of the criminally insane mind and you have a breeding ground for a psychological thriller.Becoming an author was not a conscious decision; I've always been a writer. Channeling a passion for story-telling into my livelihood required a giant leap of faith, one that I'll never regret as I truly love what I do.When I'm not writing, I enjoy antiquing, bead-weaving and sharing time with my incredible daughter and our two spoiled-rotten cats.

Book preview

Timeless Trilogy

Book Three

Destiny

By Tallulah Grace

Timeless Trilogy

A compilation consisting of the following three novels:

Fate

Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

Spellbound

Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

Destiny

Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book or any book in the series may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying or any other information storage and retrieval system without prior, written permission of the Author.

The characters and events in the Timeless Trilogy are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

Chapter One

The smoke was so thick she could barely discern the outline of her own hand as she felt her way across the floor, moving towards the door. She hoped. Disoriented and strangling, she used most of her fading breath to call to him.

"Nathan, she coughed, Nathan where are you?" She strained to hear anything beyond the roar of the flames devouring the hallway. The floor was becoming hotter, all but singing her bare hands. The long petticoat was a blessing and a curse; the sturdy cloth protected her legs from the heat as she crawled, but the fire would surely burn the fabric into her skin upon contact.

"Sandy, over here." She heard his voice call to her from the direction of the window. What was he doing? They were staying on the fifth floor; a drop from this height would surely kill them as quickly as the fire. So it was a choice, then, she thought. Burn to death, or crash against the rocky shoreline, then be washed out to sea. No, she thought fiercely as she turned to crawl toward his voice. We will not die, not like this.

Flames began creeping beneath the closed bedroom door as she blindly made her way through the dense, black fog. After bumping head-first into the bed post, she reached for the linens and dragged them with her to the window. Nathan, say something, she croaked.

"Here, come here." She felt the gush of air as she heard the window slide open.

The oxygen filling the room began chasing away the smoke while inviting the flames to come closer. Tendrils of fire teasing the doorway flared into a raging inferno wall, speeding toward them.

"NO, she cried as Nathan disappeared amid the red and yellow haze. NATHAN….."

Cassie, wake up. She heard Roni’s voice and felt the touch of a cool hand on her face. Cassie.

She came out of the dream gasping for air, tears streaming down her face. She couldn’t speak. The horror was too fresh. She had lost him again.

Cassie? It’s Roni, can you hear me? It was just a dream. You’re okay. Roni didn’t think she would ever become accustomed to Cassie’s dreams. One minute the house was quiet and peaceful, the next Cassie was screaming or crying, or both, as if she were dying.

Not a dream. Cassie whispered. A memory. She covered her eyes with her hand and began to sob quietly.

Roni knew enough to let her cry it out. Whoever was invading her memory dreams must have died again. Third time this week. Wait, Roni thought. Cassie had called out for Nathan. Weeks ago, she had also mentioned that the mystery man’s name was Nathanial. Could Cassie’s love be Dylan’s friend, Nate?

Realization dawned as Roni considered Cassie’s strange behavior around Nate. Ever since Dylan’s former boss at the FBI had arrived in Charleston, Cassie had not been herself.

You’ve been holding out on me. Roni whispered as she stroked Cassie’s hair soothingly. The sobs were subsiding, but Roni knew Cassie wasn’t yet ready to talk. She waited until the tears were barely a trickle, before bringing her a wet wash cloth.

I’ll start the coffee. Come down when you’re ready. She left Cassie’s bedroom door open and moved quietly down the hall.

Cassie lay with her eyes closed for a long time, grateful for the cool cloth and the privacy. Thoughts of Nathanial’s death crept into her consciousness, unwelcome and unbidden. She accepted the fact that she had lived countless times before, always with the same man, Nathanial. Memories of their lives together and his many untimely deaths assaulted her regularly during dreams. Up until now, she had only dreamed of her own death when it coincided with his. While she wasn’t positive that the fire consumed her, it seemed likely.

Not all of her memory dreams were nightmares. She blushed as she thought of the passion they shared throughout the centuries. Silky nights amid lush surroundings, steamy encounters beneath the stars and sizzling moments in faraway places she didn’t recognize replaced the flames that took him from her this time.

Remembering the love they shared was the best way she had found to recover from the death dreams. Wondering about Nathanial Banks also worked. From the moment she met Dylan’s friend, Cassie knew that he was hers. Had always been hers. But did he know it? She recalled their most recent encounter when he had asked her to dinner. He called her Cassandra, something no one in the group ever did. She was always Cassie or Cass, never Cassandra. It was the only clue she had that he was aware of what they were to each other.

Days had passed since Nathanial had asked her out, but she hadn’t heard a word from him other than a quick text asking to postpone their dinner and telling her that he’d call. She knew through Roni that he and Dylan were busy closing the paperwork on the Xander case, the truly evil man who recently tried to kill Roni. Cassie shuddered and pulled the covers up to her chin. She hated thinking about that time, but it was Roni’s trouble that brought Nathanial to town. He had merged with their close-knit group as if he had always been part of it.

Group was not the right word, Cassie thought. She, Kris and Roni were closer than sisters and had been from the start. Instant family, she whispered. Something each one of them needed as they navigated their freshman year of college.

Nick had been there almost from the beginning; he and Kris met shortly after the three girls began living together during their sophomore year. The two became inseparable, up until graduation, so Nick became part of the family. Now, after a ten year separation, Kris and Nick were getting married in little more than a week.

Dylan had joined their little clan a few short months ago, but Cassie felt as if she had known him for years. He was the big brother she’d always wanted. Dylan and Roni were getting closer by the day. From the glow on Roni’s face when she spoke of him, Cassie wouldn’t be surprised if wedding bells were in their future, too.

The aroma of fresh coffee made its way to her bedroom, prompting Cassie to throw back the covers and slide out of bed. It was a new day. She smiled as she thought of the possibilities.

I was beginning to think you’d fallen back asleep. Roni greeted Cassie with a steaming mug of coffee. Feeling better?

Yes, thanks. Sorry I woke you again. Cassie took a sip, then quickly gave up. Too hot. She idly picked up the newspaper ad on top of the stack. Anything good on sale?

Probably, but I’d really rather discuss Nate, or Nathan, whichever you prefer. Roni was determined to tackle Cassie’s dreams head on. She hated seeing her friend tortured on a regular basis; maybe talking about it would help.

Cassie looked up sharply, then tossed the paper aside. Taking a deep breath, she asked, How did you know?

It was kind of hard to miss. You screamed his name while you were dreaming this morning. Is the man in your dream really our Nate?

Yes. Cassie answered without hesitation. But I prefer Nathanial, though he’s been Nate and Nathan in my memories.

Talk about a small world, Roni said softly. How long have you known?

From the first time I met him, last week when Dylan brought him over. Cassie sighed and rubbed her temple.

How can you be sure? Roni went to the fridge and brought back a fruit platter. She placed it in front of Cassie, along with a bottle of Advil.

It’s his eyes. They haven’t changed, not in hundreds of years. Cassie opened the bottle and fished out two pills. Thanks, she smiled at Roni, noting the creases in her brow. Hey, stop worrying. It’s fine. It’s more than fine.

I’m not worried, but I am concerned about the content of your dreams. He’s died three times this week alone. Not to mention the other times that I’m sure you’re keeping to yourself.

Cassie had the good grace to look properly chagrined. There have been a few others. But I’ve remembered good things, too. The memories haven’t been all bad.

Does he know?

About my memory dreams? No. Reincarnation is not my idea of a conversation starter. Cassie wrinkled her nose.

I wonder if he’s having dreams, too? Roni gave voice to Cassie’s thoughts. Or remembers you in any way?

Good question. She thought a minute, before sharing the little she knew with Roni. He asked me to dinner this week. Rather, he asked ‘Cassandra’ to dinner.

Roni’s eyebrows shot up. Cassandra? Who calls you Cassandra?

Nathanial. Cassie smiled.

Are you ready to put this bastard on ice? Dylan looked across the desk at Nate, lounging casually on the corner. I think we can make a case.

You’re dreaming. As much as I want to put Alexander Kale away, his alleged crimes are untraceable. No matter how many people we think he killed, there’s nothing tying him to anything.

He knocked me out, tied me up and drove me to his place. Dylan was fuming, mostly because he knew what Nate was about to say.

Did you see him knock you out? Did you see him tie you up? Hell, did you even see him in the car? No, you saw nothing, so we have nothing. Nate picked up the autographed baseball from its stand on Dylan’s desk. I’m sorry, man. My hands are tied. All we can do is to keep an eye on him. He inspected the signature and replaced the ball. Didn’t Roni say that he’s harmless now? Whatever voodoo she worked on him supposedly put him out of commission.

Dylan looked around quickly, making sure that no one was nearby. Not voodoo, you idiot. She cast a spell to prevent evil from taking over his mind again.

Like that’s any better. Even though Nate had seen the hazy glow surrounding Kale with his own two eyes, he still had difficulty believing the story Roni and Dylan told of the events in the forest. Nate knew that Dylan wasn’t lying, but some things were just too hard to swallow. He immediately thought of Cassandra and the history they shared. Did she know?

Point taken. Dylan nodded. But I still want him behind bars.

And people in hell want ice water. Nate shrugged. Let it go. There’s nothing we can do. Is Roni monitoring him? Or can she do that?

I don’t really know what all she can do, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Dylan scowled at the thought of Roni having any sort of contact with Xander. This witchy stuff is new to her, too. I’m seeing her tonight, I’ll ask.

Really? Should I clear out of the cottage? Nate thought of the dinner invitation he’d extended to Cassandra. She had agreed, but when she called him Nathanial, he retreated. Was it a fluke, or did she remember him too? He wanted to get a better grip on all of this before he talked with her. Maybe it was time to tell Dylan.

No, I’m taking her out to dinner in Charleston. You’ll have the beach house all to yourself. Dylan glanced at Nate out of the corner of his eye. You could always call Cassie, see what she’s doing. Dylan recognized an undercurrent whenever Nate and Cassie were together, but neither of them seemed to want to do anything about it.

Nate took a deep breath and braced himself for Dylan’s reaction. I’m not ready to see her yet. Standing, he decided not to have the discussion in Dylan’s office. Let’s get out of here, get some lunch. There’s something I want to talk with you about.

Dylan seemed surprised by Nate’s serious tone. Sure thing. Let’s go.

I wonder why he hasn’t called? Roni was chopping vegetables for a salad. In the hours since Cassie had come clean about Nate, they had both been busy in separate parts of the house.

Cassie knew exactly who Roni was referring to, even though they hadn’t mentioned him since early this morning. "I don’t know. I’ve thought about calling him, but I don’t want to push. I’m sure he’ll be freaked out enough when I tell him about our past. If I tell him."

I think he already knows. Roni handed Cassie a salad bowl. I mean, where else would he get the name Cassandra?

What else could ‘Cassie’ be short for? Maybe he prefers full names to abbreviations. Who knows? When, if, I tell him, I want to make sure he can handle it.

What’s the worst that could happen? He thinks you’re a crazy woman and laughs in your face? I don’t see him doing that. He knows and accepts that Dylan’s clairvoyant. He knows I’m a witch. He knows Kris is precognitive. If he hasn’t run screaming yet, I’d say he’s pretty open-minded.

Being open-minded is one thing, being willing to accept that you’ve lived multiple times before is another. Trust me; I think it’s best to wait.

What if he leaves before you can say anything? He’s only here on vacation, after all.

You of all people should know if the time is right for him to know, then he’ll be here when I’m ready to tell him.

Yes, but the universe is presenting an opportunity right now. Maybe you should take it. Roni saw her friend frown. You know I’m behind you either way. But let’s think about it. Your dreams have been coming fast and furious this week, since you agreed to have dinner with him. How frequent were they before?

For the past six months or so, they’ve been haunting me almost daily. The week after I met Nathanial, they stopped altogether. Now they’re back with a vengeance. Do you think that means anything?

Everything means something. I really don’t have a clue why they stopped. It’s possible that their absence was meant to emphasize his arrival in your life this time. You could also have been a little in shock from meeting him. Whatever the reason, the dreams building up to meeting him have to mean something. You said they weren’t all bad. What other things do you dream about?

Sometimes we’re making love, sometimes we’re taking a walk, sometimes we’re cooking dinner. They range from dramatic, intense events to normal everyday scenes.

Does one theme recur more often than others?

Cassie sighed and lowered her head. Yes. He dies more than anything else. I’ve seen his death replay a dozen different ways. I’ve also seen the events that led up to his death. I only know they’re connected by our clothing and the surroundings. It’s strange how innocuous, daily incidents can take on a whole different meaning when you know what’s coming.

Roni smiled and patted Cassie’s hand. I know what you mean. But I still think that you should seriously consider telling him. I think he’s staying through Kris’s wedding, but I’m not sure for how long afterwards.

I am considering it. Speaking of which, Cassie was ready to change the subject, should we get a stripper for Kris’s last night of freedom?

You know she’d kill us if we did. Roni laughed. Though it would be fun to see her face. I suppose we should honor the bride’s wishes and have a quiet evening, just the three of us and Peg.

"It’s nice of Dylan to give her the house back for the night before the wedding. The three of us staying there together