Fleeing Eden

By Trisha M. Wilson

Eve remembered nothing.

She didn’t know where she was, who the people around her were, or why she was being mated to a man she’d just met.

Even worse, she is as much of a stranger to them as they are to her.

How did she get to Eden? Why did the Goddess mate her to Adam? And why couldn’t she remember anything before Eden?

As Eve learns more about Adam and Eden, will she decide to stay with her mate and become the perfect Eden wife? Or will she flee into the unknown, starting an adventure of personal growth, slowly discovering her own Eden?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trisha M. Wilson
• Release date: Mar 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310750083

Trisha M. Wilson

Trisha M. Wilson lives in Wisconsin. With a degree in History and minors in Math and Business Administration, Ms. Wilson still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. When not regularly contributing on Colbyjack.net, she leads the life of a happy hermit with her three cats and family.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Fleeing Eden

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

About The Author

Works from Colbyjack.net

Chapter 1

Eve opened her eyes and sucked in her first breath of life. Eve’s heart pounded and her lungs screamed. As she gasped over and over, willing the air into her body, she looked up at the light wooden beamed ceiling. Her fingers and toes curled into a soft surface.

Soft? What is under me? Eve asked herself as she shifted her body. Where am I?

Before she could look down, a man leaned over her, blocking her view of the ceiling. You’re all right, the tall, skinny man with short black hair said. Eve flinched away from him.

Who is he? Why is he -?

It is all right, a woman said, putting a hand on Eve’s shoulder. The second Eve felt the woman’s hand on her, she jerked away. The woman had long, golden hair and a smug look on her face.

Who are these people?

Eve wanted to get away from them, but they were on both sides of the bed, preventing any chance of escape.

Eve’s chest heaved and her heart pounded. She felt shaky all over. Do I know them? Eve desperately wanted to say yes, but she couldn’t. She just couldn’t remember them.

The man tried to stroke Eve’s hair, but she pulled away. She didn’t know this stranger. Why was he trying to touch her hair?

It’s okay. I’m Adam. I’m your husband, the man said.

Husband? What’s a husband? Eve’s heart beat so strongly she felt as if it were going to come right out of her chest.

You are Eve, the woman said softly. Thankfully, she made no more moves to touch Eve. You belong with Adam. You are mated.

Words finally came to Eve’s lips. Mated? Husband? Eve looked to Adam. Adam’s smile should have comforted her, but it didn’t. If anything, it sent shivers of disgust rolling through every inch of her body.

He is your other half, the woman said in a calming voice. The woman leaned toward Eve but stopped the second Eve tried to evade her reach. Shush...it is all right. Nobody’s going to hurt you.

Not believing this stranger, Eve struggled to sit up. She felt too vulnerable laying on her back.

By the time she was leaning against the wall, Eve felt exhaustion pulling at her limbs. Her eyes wanted to close and rest in peace.

But these people, this man and this woman, didn’t appear to be willing to leave her alone. The woman took a wooden cup from side table and held it out to Eve. You are thirsty. Drink, it is only water.

Water...water...I know what water is, Eve thought. She held out her trembling hand and took the cup from the woman. Looking down, she saw that the liquid was clear, like a spring.

As Eve took a sip of the water, the woman spoke. You shall be Adam’s helpmate and he will protect you.

Eve sputtered on her water, but before she could get out a single question, Adam said, The other women will explain it to you. Adam and the woman Eve still didn’t have a name for left the room while a dozen clothed women came in.

Clothed? If they were clothed...was I?

Eve looked down and saw that she was as naked as the day she’d been born...which was when? When had Eve been born? She couldn’t remember. There was much she couldn’t remember.

Why can’t I remember? Eve’s trembling and fear grew with every second that passed, making her set down the cup of water before it spilled all over her. She should have been able to remember something. Her life hadn’t started at this moment, had it?

No frowns, the shortest woman of the group said as she draped a sheet over Eve’s exposed body. Eve pulled the sheet tightly over her, suddenly grateful to have it. Today is a glorious day for you are being bonded.

Why can’t I remember anything? Eve asked as the other women bustled around the room. Even as Eve focused on the short woman, she could see out of the corner of her eyes that these other women knew what they were doing. Some were looking in drawers, while others were opening doors. What were they looking for?

The short woman gave her a big smile. The past has no bearing on the present and future. You don’t need memories for soon you shall be making more than enough to last you a lifetime. The women around Eve tittered as if they knew a secret. Eve’s confusion and dread grew. What did they know? And why weren’t they telling her anything? Get to your feet and we shall dress you for the ceremony.

Ceremony? What ceremony? What was she talking about?

Your mating ceremony, of course, the short woman said, holding out a hand to Eve. Now, on your feet. There is much to do and so very little time.

Eve didn’t want to get to her feet. She didn’t want to go to any ceremony. She just wanted these people to leave her alone so she could remember all she’d forgotten.

Leave me alone, Eve said, pulling the sheet even tighter around her. I don’t want to go to any ceremony. I don’t want to be mated.

The short woman gave her a sad smile. Ah, you are so young and confused. You will feel much better once you are mated.

I just told you, I don’t want to be mated. Hadn’t this woman heard a word she’d said?

The short woman didn’t respond. Instead, two of the many women came at Eve, one on each side of her, grabbing her arms and pulling her to her feet.

Eve struggled to get free of them, but their grips were strong and sure, and all Eve’s movements did was untuck the sheet from around her body, allowing it to fall to the ground. Even captured as she was, Eve tried to catch the sheet, needing to wrap it around her body again, but the women refused to release her arms.

No need for shyness, child. You have nothing we all haven’t seen before, the short woman said.

Eve ignored her words, instead fighting her captures, but each tug of her arms made her feel as if she’d run a long distance. Soon, all the fight left Eve, leaving her with nothing but a crushing exhaustion and a wish for these women to just leave her alone.

But they didn’t let her be. Instead, they attacked her with clothing, draping her body in a sheath that was the color of the sun. It was so soft it felt as if it were floating just on the top of her skin.

Beautiful, the short woman said as a couple other women attacked Eve’s hair. She was only able to jerk her head out of their grasp a few times before one of them held her head still while the other worked. They braided Eve’s blond hair and decorated it with deep red flowers. Wait until Adam sees you, he won’t be able to keep his hands off of you.

Did I want Adam’s hands on me? Her mind was saying no, but she felt so befuddled. Why were these women doing this to her? Why couldn’t they just leave her alone?

In short order, the women were done with Eve and a mirror was held up so she could see herself. Eve didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror, though she knew it had to be her. The woman had a graceful nose and brown eyes so deep in color they could have been black. Her lips were red and pouty and looked good enough to taste...if you were into tasting lips. Eve wasn’t sure if she was or not.

Eve wasn’t sure of a lot of things for none of the women would answer her questions.

Now, when we bring you to the base of the altar, you are to walk up the stairs. Adam and the Goddess will be waiting for you so they can start the bonding ceremony. The rest of the village shall be watching your happy union, the short woman said as she straightened Eve’s dress.

Eve moved away from the short woman. Why am I being bonded to Adam? I don’t even know him.

He is your mate, the short woman responded. Why wouldn’t you want to be bonded to him?

But what makes him my mate? Eve persisted. Terror and confusion flowed through her body. Why was she getting a mate? What was a mate? What was going on?

The women pushed and pulled her out of the room as the short woman shook her head. It is not for us to question the words of the Goddess or a man. What they say is the True Word.

The True Word? What the heck did that mean?

She didn’t have a chance to ask for suddenly she was standing at the base of the altar.

Chapter 2

The stone altar was raised above a flat expanse, in which the entire village was seated. Adam had changed his clothes...or at least Eve thought he had. She really couldn’t remember what he’d been wearing when she’d woken. Now, he wore crisp yellow pants and a shirt.

They were the same shade of yellow as her dress.

The woman next to Adam, the Goddess, Eve thought the short woman had said, wore a light green dress and had a ring of flowers on her head.

Go on, the short woman encouraged with a slight push on Eve’s back. They’re waiting.

Eve didn’t want to go up those six tiny steps. She didn’t want to do this. She didn’t want to be mated to a stranger, but her wishes were of no consequence to her body, which suddenly had a mind of its own. Without her permission, it ascended the steps and when she got to the top and Adam held out his hand, Eve took it, allowing him to guide her to his side. Then he faced the Goddess.

Why did I walk up those steps? I don’t want to be mated! Eve screamed in her mind, but not a single word left her lips.

It is wondrous for our brother, Adam, to have finally found his perfect mate, Eve, the Goddess said to the assembly. Turning to Adam and Eve, she looked to Adam. Adam, do you take Eve as your bonded mate? Will you guide her in the ways of this community and be the gentle hand which welcomes her? Will you protect her and help her as she learns to be your helpmate? Will you stand by her side until death separates you?

I will, Adam said in a very dignified way.

The Goddess beamed at him. Then I pronounce you bonded man and woman. You may now kiss your mate.

That was it? Eve was stunned as Adam dipped his head and kissed her on the lips. It was just a light brushing of skin, but it made Eve feel slimy and she wished she had jerked away from him before it had ever happened. She wanted to wipe him off her lips, but something within her told her that such an action wouldn’t be warmly received.

The village clapped as Adam led Eve down the steps of the altar and then they descended on the new couple, enfolded them both in hugs and well wishes.

Eve wanted to push them all away, to say that this wasn’t what she’d wanted, but she couldn’t. Every time she tried to fight the smile which had somehow become plastered on her face, she felt as if she were losing more and more of herself, though she didn’t know how that was possible. So she took their hugs and nodded her thanks to the kind women, all the while wondering about the ceremony. Shouldn’t she have been asked if this was what she wanted? Asked if she wanted Adam? And what was all that about him guiding her? Eve never wanted to be guided in anything, let alone how to be the helpmate of a stranger.

The Goddess wrapped her arms around Eve and Adam, drawing them together. At her touch, Eve felt a wave of comfort flow over her, wiping away ever bit of fear that had been within her. The confusion remained, but it wasn’t as strong and overwhelming as before. It was more of an afterthought that wouldn’t come to the surface unless the need arose.

If you remember how it was on your bond night, you will remember how impatient you were to be alone with your bonded, so we shall have a short reception for the happy couple before they are delivered to their new home, the Goddess said.

The women blushed at the reminder of their own bond night, while the men elbowed each other and gave leering looks to their mates.

Eve didn’t understand anything that was going on. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. She understood she’d been bound to this man she didn’t know, in a village she had no recollection of. Now they were going to some type of gathering to celebrate the event nobody had yet explained to her.

And if that wasn’t enough, after the celebration something was supposed to happen, but again, nobody had deemed it important enough to clue her in on the secrets.

Frustration ran through Eve. It wasn’t nice to leave her in the dark about what was going on. She was a stranger in their midst with no memory of how she’s come to be there. Why wasn’t anyone telling her what was happening?

There was lots of talking and joking as Adam and Eve and the community left the altar for a three sided building. What’s happening? Eve asked Adam. Now that there was a lull in the action, he would tell her what was going on. He wouldn’t leave her confused and unsure, would he?

He looked down at her and his smile dimmed a little. It was almost as if he were disappointed she was there by his side. Anger began to build within Eve. It wasn’t Eve’s fault this had happened. In fact, nobody had given her much of a choice in the matter. If anyone should be upset at the turn of events it should be her.

Adam turned away from her as if he couldn’t stand to look at her. You heard the Goddess. We’re going to our reception.

Yes I heard her, but what is happening? What does it mean that we are bonded? What will be happening later?

Adam huffed out a breath. You now belong to me. That is what being bonded means. As for later...you will find out when later happens. Now stop bothering me.

Eve stopped dead in her tracks as Adam and the rest of the community continued into the three sided building. A few women looked at her with concerned expressions, but their men kept them walking.

It wasn’t until she was alone that she realized that other than the short woman, nobody except for Adam and the Goddess had actually spoken to her.

What was going on?

Chapter 3

Eve was seriously considering walking away from the reception and everyone inside that three-sided building when a tall woman walked towards her.

What are you doing out here? the woman asked.

Eve shrugged. She didn’t have an answer. She didn’t have an answer for any questions, including her own. A wave of sadness flowed through her, trying to drain away what little energy she still had within her body. This entire situation was just so hard and not a single person was making it easier.

The tall woman looked sympathetic. It is hard in the beginning, but Adam is a good man. He will guide you in the way you should go.

Guide me...guide me...

Why do I need him to guide me? Why can’t I just do things the way I want to do them? Eve asked, not that she knew what exactly she wanted to do, but who wanted someone else to guide them? Just those two little words sent shivers down her back. Guide her...what was she, an animal?

The tall woman shook her head slowly. I know it is hard to understand, but you will need his guidance. Come.

Eve still didn’t move. She didn’t want vague words, she wanted facts. She wanted some reason not to be confused and afraid anymore.

I am Adah, the tall woman said.

Eve, Eve responded as relief came over her. Finally, an introduction that had come of the owners free will. Are you mated?

Adah shook her head. I am one of the few unmated women in the community.

Eve frowned. She’d gotten the impression that there were no unmated women around. Did your mate die?

Again, Adah shook her head. I was never given a mate. I am to be the helpmate of the village.

What does that mean? Eve asked. Every word that came out of Adah’s mouth made less and less sense. And here she’d thought she’d found the one person to clear up her confusion. What had she been thinking?

It isn’t important, Adah said with a smile. What is important is you going to the celebration. Enjoying the night. You only get one bond night in your life.

She did? What happened if Adam died? Then didn’t she get the chance to find another mate? Or would she become the helpmate of the village, whatever that meant.

Eve shook off these thoughts, they were making her head pound, and walked into the building with Adah at her side. She couldn’t avoid these people forever. Sooner or later, Adam would notice she wasn’t amongst the crowd and