Fated Origins: Helena Hawthorn Series, #4

By May Freighter

Helena's life is back to normal. College, friends, family…everyone's happy. Yet, she can't understand what is missing. No matter how hard she tries to fake her excitement about a new movie or laugh over a cup of coffee during lunch, it doesn't feel right.
​
Peace doesn't last long. A demon appears, claiming to be her friend and lifts the memory block Lucious had put up. Outraged he had done this to her, she decides to go against her family's wishes and pursue him in London. Only one problem remains: she's losing control of her body.
​
Lucious is unable to mend his broken heart. He grew complacent and cares little about the proceedings of the Council while Kallias takes the lead. With the hunter threat growing and the werewolves no longer willing to help stabilise London, to unify the vampires all over the world, Kallias believes it is time to awaken the one true leader—Arthemis.
​
The full cycle comes to an end. Lilia and Helena are faced with the original vampire. Despite their differences, a choice must be made with grave sacrifices. Will they save humanity or let vampires rule the world?
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: May Freighter
• Release date: Jul 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386492498

May Freighter

May Freighter is an internationally bestselling author from Dublin, Ireland. She writes Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Sci-Fi mysteries that will keep you entertained, mystified, and hopefully craving more. Her only pets are cacti. They're the only things that survived. It may be too dangerous to entrust her with an animal while she's engrossed in writing. ​ On sunny, rainy, and overcast days, she spends her time with her fictional friends, putting them through dangerous adventures while wishing them the best of luck. Her hobbies are photography, drawing, and plotting different ways of characters' demise.  ***** HELENA HAWTHORN SERIES:  - Alexander: Memoirs (Prequel) - Russian Roulette - Demon Gates - Crumbling Control - Desired (Spin-off Novella) - Alexander: Monochrome Interview - Fated Origins  - Cherished (Spin-off Novella) - Dark Affiliations (Release date: 2018) ***** ANNALISE STORM CHRONICLES: - Case: 0  - Case: 1 - Case: 2 - (Release date: 2018)

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May Freighter

Fated Origins

Helena Hawthorn Series #4

Copyright © 2017 by May Freighter

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

May Freighter asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

May Freighter has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

First edition

Editing by Jean Wallace

Cover art by Cristal Designs

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

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Publisher Logo

To my sister, Julia.

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgement

Helena Hawthorn Series

Suffocated

Possessed

The Painful Past

The Royals

The Second Fate

The Fourth Realm

Hartwin’s Arrival

Father & Mother

Stonehenge

The Original

Black Mamba Clan

History Lessons

Control

Fateless Soul

When Demons Come Knocking

Compromises

First Impressions

Feelings

Dinner Date

The Forgotten

No Will to Live

The Well of Souls

Tough Decisions

The New Council

About the Author

Also by May Freighter

Foreword

NOTE: This book is written in U.K. English.

Some spelling may be different to U.S.

www.authormayfreighter.com/

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank everyone who helped put this book together, especially Lindsey Elaine, Farah Loqman, and Dominica. You guys are awesome and thank you so much for all the effort you put in to make this book shape into something readable!

Helena Hawthorn Series

Chronological order of books in the series:

Alexander: Memoirs (Prequel/A Vampire In Love Series #1)

Russian Roulette

Demon Gates

Crumbling Control

Desired (Spin-Off Novella)

Monochrome Interview (A Vampire In Love Series #2)

Fated Origins

Cherished (Spin-Off Novella)

Dark Affiliations

Blood Witch

Twisted Truths

TBA

Suffocated

HELENA

Sweat beaded on Helena’s forehead as she ran to the upbeat pop music blasting into her eardrums. Morning sun kissed her slightly tanned skin. Her muscles ached from the long jog and her throat was starved for a sip of water. Breathless, she stopped and unscrewed the cap off of her water bottle, letting the cool liquid pour into her dry mouth.

It had been three months since she moved to Clearwater with her parents. After the accident, strange emptiness resided in her soul. No matter how hard she tried to fill it with exercise and fun, nothing seemed to help alleviate her loneliness. It was as if something was missing—a piece of her that she couldn’t remember.

Once her breathing evened out, she resealed her bottle and jogged for the last two hundred metres before arriving at home. She pushed open the metal gate and made her way to the orange-roofed house while contemplating an excuse or two to do another lap around the block. Everything here seemed so different to Dublin. The roads were wider, palm trees littered the front gardens of their neighbours, and sun burned her skin when afternoon arrived. No matter how she looked at it, she preferred the overcast Irish weather.

She entered the bungalow and headed to the kitchen where she knew her mother would be waiting for her. With another sigh, she managed a smile and set foot on the tiled floor. Hey, Mum. How are you feeling?

Her mother rubbed her baby bump with a concerned expression Helena had grown used to over the past couple of months. I’m doing fine. As happy as I am about your newfound need for exercise, I’d rather you stayed at home more.

To keep from talking, Helena poured a glass of water and drank the contents.

Her mother drew closer. I worry about you, Helena. After your accident, you should take better care of yourself.

Helena carefully wrapped her arms around her mum. I’m exercising to get healthier. A lie she liked to tell her family as well as herself. She didn’t know why exercising became important to her. The moment she was out of the hospital, and they moved to Florida, she had this need to move and get away from her mother’s suffocating regime. Not only did she go to college where Richard worked and liked to ‘visit’ her during lunch breaks, her mother wouldn’t let her stay out past ten.

What kind of twenty-year-old has a curfew in this day and age?

I guess you’re right… her mum said.

Helena beamed at her. She rinsed her glass and checked the time on her watch. I have to take a shower. Britney is picking me up in thirty.

Tell me when you’re leaving, Sasha called after her. And don’t forget to check in when you get to college!

I won’t forget.

Helena slipped into her bedroom where she stripped out of her sweaty tank-top and shorts, dropping them on the messy floor. She started running the water in the shower. While waiting, she undid her ponytail and her dark brown hair reached her shoulder blades in soft waves. Glancing in the mirror, she contemplated getting a haircut at the mall. Britney Martin, her new best friend, had relatives almost everywhere in town. It helped, especially when she wanted to get a discount.

She stepped under the warm spray of water. When was the last time I laughed? She couldn’t remember expressing happiness without forcing it since they moved. Her hand rested over her steady heartbeat. Am I unable to adjust to living in the new country?

After the shower, she packed her bag and waited for Britney in her bedroom. A familiar honk penetrated her windowpane, and she burst out of the house shouting, I’m going out!

For October, the heat in Florida remained unbearable. Even with a thin grey T-shirt and black shorts, she cursed the sun with every trudge to her front gate.

Heya, Britney cheered from her pre-historic convertible. Her fair hair shined almost as if she had a halo above it. She lowered her voice, Did your mom give you hell again?

Helena collapsed in the passenger seat. Closing the door, she mumbled, Not hell exactly. She’s become suffocating. Her paranoia seems to get worse as the days go by. I can’t say anything about it since she’s got one more month left before giving birth. Helena groaned, relaxing into the seat. One. More. Month.

Britney laughed and put the car in gear. You’ll need to sneak out with me tomorrow to that Halloween Party our campus is raving about. Maybe we’ll find some hot football players there. I’m dying for some affection.

I’m pretty sure everyone in this town is your cousin, Brit.

Britney snorted. Her coffee-coloured doe eyes sparkled with life, and she pulled out onto the road. You could be right. We can go on a forty-hour road trip and pick up a guy or two in Hollywood. Maybe I can score a date with a Hemsworth brother.

You’d have a better chance becoming a Pop princess.

Her friend’s glossy pink lips pressed into a pout. You have so little faith in my beauty. I used to be Clearwater Beauty Queen at one point.

Oh, when was that?

When I was ten…Yeah, let’s not talk about it.

Helena rolled her eyes. Sorry. My outlook today is a little on the dark side. I’ve been single my entire life. With the way my mother is, I’ll probably end up as your average next door cat lady. She turned on the stereo in the car.

The rest of the way to the university campus, they sang along to the recently overplayed tunes on the radio. When the songs stayed the same for weeks at a time, it was hard not to memorise even the dullest of lyrics. Even so, Helena parroted the empty words.

* * *

By four o’clock, Helena cursed her classes. Her mother was adamant on her changing majors. Until Helena did that, she couldn’t attend. Being out of the house was better than being confined between four walls with a mass of hormonal stress her mother had become. Seeing no other choice, she accepted her mother’s demand and took up Marketing as her major instead of History and Mythology. Yet, she couldn’t figure out why she wanted to study such subjects in the first place. The only good thing that came out from that change was meeting Britney who became the class representative through a popularity vote.

Helena stretched in her seat after the last lecture ended.

Closing her notebook full of scribbles and doodles of sexy men, Britney grinned at her.

What’s with the creepy smile? Helena asked, suspicious.

Oh, nothing much. Just there’s this good-looking guy over there. He’s been stealing glances at you all day. She pointed to the front row and frowned. Where did he go?

I’m guessing he was checking out the beauty queen and not the foreigner, Helena replied.

Ha-ha. You’re hilarious. But, no. I’m pretty sure he was eyeing you up.

If he was, he’d come over instead of running off.

Britney stood, draping her bag over her shoulder. Alright. See it however you like. Want a ride back home or is your step-dad picking you up?

I’m meeting Richard at the car park later.

Awesome. I’ll get going. See ya tomorrow, hot stuff. Britney bent down and hugged Helena. Don’t forget about the party. Wear something sexy. She winked and scurried out of the lecture hall.

Helena checked the time on her phone. She had been unable to find her Irish phone after the accident and ended up buying a new one. It didn’t matter how hard she tried recalling what took place on that night three months ago, nothing came to mind. Her parents assured her that such a traumatic event was best left forgotten, but her curiosity kept growing like a weed. If she was in a car accident, why weren’t any of her bones broken? She closed her eyes, recalling the first time she awoke in the hospital.

* * *

The bright fluorescent light made her squint, burning her eyes. She tried lifting her head, but it felt as heavy as a mountain. Instead, she rolled it to one side.

Richard sat at her bedside in a plastic chair. His forehead rested against the crisp, white sheets as he clutched her hand. His complexion seemed abnormally pale like he hadn’t slept in days. More grey hair populated his head than she remembered. Since she was in a hospital, she guessed she had caused some of it to lose its dark shade.

Helena shifted, making him sit up with immediacy. His gaze darted to her face and panic occupied his eyes.

Thank God, you woke up, he croaked in an underused voice. He cleared his throat, and she could see his eyes watering with unshed tears. Even now, his evident exhaustion became visible to her in the form of dark circles. New wrinkles had formed above his brow. How are you feeling?

Where’s Mum? She moved her head to the other side. The separation curtain prevented her from seeing the rest of the room. What happened?

Richard’s hold on her hand intensified. She’s resting at a hotel. You were in a car accident. We came as soon as we heard.

She swept her memory for an accident or a car. When nothing came to mind, her head started to ache. Lifting her hand to her forehead took more energy than it should have. She set it back down. How’s the baby? She shouldn’t stress.

She’s okay. Tears escaped him, and he wiped them away. We’re all doing better now that you’re awake.

His words confused her further. She was too tired to press him for details, so she accepted his explanation and drifted off to sleep.

* * *

Walking out of the campus building, the hairs on the back of her neck rose. An uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching her made her pause mid-stride. She glanced over her shoulder. A large group of students left their lecture. One of the girls had a dyed red bob that caught Helena’s attention. The students headed towards the staircase while chatting about the upcoming party.

Helena shook her head. Great, I’m becoming paranoid, too.

In the open car park, she found Richard’s white SUV with ease. She ran up to it and knocked on the glass window. The door unlocked, allowing her to climb inside.

Hey, sweetheart. How was your day? Richard asked.

Nothing out of the ordinary. Britney, on the other hand, believes that some cute guy in class might be interested in me.

He shot her a nervous smile. Do you know him?

I haven’t even seen the guy. I think it’s just in Brit’s head, she replied, securing her seatbelt.

Okay, but don’t tell your mother. You know how she gets when you start talking about guys.

Helena nodded and stared out of the window without needing to further their conversation. When they drove past tall buildings, she stole glances at his reflection in her window. Her step-father seemed to be brooding over something.

Richard…

After a long minute, he blinked and smiled. Yes?

Why don’t you or Mum talk about what happened on that day?

His shoulders tensed. What can we tell you? We weren’t there.

As much as she wanted to believe him, every cell in her being told her he was lying. The tell-tale tapping of his index finger against the steering wheel only enhanced her suspicion.

Was the person who hit me caught?

Richard sucked in a long breath. His haunted eyes never left the road. Let’s not talk about that. We live here now. Everything is fine. So, forget about the past and live a happy life. Sporting a hopeful smile, he added, Agreed?

He pulled to a stop at the traffic lights, and she undid her seatbelt. I’m going to walk the rest of the way.

Don’t be silly. We’re about an hour’s walk from home.

Then it will be good exercise, she replied, getting out of the car. She waved goodbye and started walking along the footpath.

He rolled down the window with a scowl. Helena, please get in the car.

Ignoring him, she rummaged through her bag and fished out her headphones. She connected them to her phone and turned on the first song on her playlist. After five minutes, Richard finally drove off. In a new place where she was supposed to forget everything, why were her parents so worried about her whereabouts and safety? Doubts wouldn’t stop forming as she ran the scenarios after the hospital through her mind for the billionth time. Her parents were never worried about her being near cars or roads. Their main concern was her location at all times. It didn’t make sense to her. And, if they weren’t there, why did everything they said seem like a lie?

A light tap on her shoulder drew her out of her dream-like state. She yanked her left earphone out and lifted her face to find a handsome man with shoulder-length dark brown hair towering over her. Her heart constricted painfully when she focused on the snake tattoo around his neck.

A dull headache started to cause her discomfort, so she rubbed her sweaty forehead with the back of her hand. Can I help you?

His intense stare unnerved her. She thought she saw a flash of pity fleeting through his black eyes.

Yes, he said with a strong European accent. I am looking for a good place to eat. Would you happen to have any suggestions?

Helena blew out a breath. His tall frame and a menacing tattoo peeking out from under his tight black shirt should have frightened her. Somehow, calm washed over her instead. She naturally smiled at him. If you keep walking down this road, there’s a nice Greek restaurant. It’s pink with tacky white pillars on the outside but the food’s awesome. I’m heading that way anyway if you want to come along.

That would be great. Thank you. He returned her smile with one of his own.

Having strolled for the first five minutes in awkward silence, he offered her his hand in the form of a handshake. I’m Ben. I am currently on holiday here to find a friend of mine.

Helena nodded, shaking his calloused hand. I’m Helena. It’s a great place if you like the sunshine. If not, then you’re doomed to get a tan. She turned her arms in front of her, assessing her sunburnt flesh. Or become a red lobster like me.

He snorted, covering his laughter with his hand. You haven’t changed.

She frowned. I’m sorry. Have we met?

No, it’s my mistake. I was thinking aloud. He ran his hand through his dark locks. I used to have a good friend like you in England. She had a similar sense of humour and saved me from making a couple of mistakes I would have regretted for the rest of my life.

She sounds like a really good friend.

She’s someone I came to admire after a lot of misunderstandings. He stopped and pointed to the two-storey pink and white building on their right. Is this the place you were talking about?

She adjusted the bag strap on her shoulder. Yeah. Get the lamb chops here if you’re not a vegetarian. You won’t regret it.

Will do. He inclined his head. Hopefully, we’ll see each other again.

She beamed at him. Yeah. I hope you’ll find your friend soon.

Oh, I’m sure I will.

* * *

Helena unlocked the front door, and her mother zeroed in on her like a vulture in a desert. Sasha gripped Helena’s wrist and dragged her into the living room.

What were you thinking, leaving Richard’s car like that? What if something happened to you again?

Lifting her hands in defence, Helena knocked her mother’s hand away. I got here just fine. Stop worrying about me.

Stop worrying? You almost died!

Helena winced. She knew her mother’s panic wasn’t unfounded, but this was driving a great wedge between them. Her shoulders quivered with unspoken truths about the situation. The longer she held on, the more annoyed she became with the freak show her life had become after the damn incident.

Don’t look at me like that, Helena. Stop putting yourself in needless danger. What are we supposed to do if you die?

Those words broke the cap of her bottled up emotions. I’ll die faster if I remain here with you guys! She didn’t wait for her mother’s response and ran out of the room. Bumping into Richard outside the door, she lowered her face to hide her tears. She knew she shouldn’t have said anything, yet she could no longer contain the pain within.

Helena ran to her bedroom. Once she locked the door, she tossed her bag on the floor and collapsed on her bed. Although faint, she could hear Richard trying to calm her mother with soothing words.

She rolled over. Burying her face in the pillow, she let out her frustration with a muffled scream. So many things were missing from her memories. The doctors had said they didn’t know what caused her memory loss because she hadn’t hurt her head. They also didn’t know if her memories for the past year would come back.

Why a whole year? Why not only the accident?

When she checked the time, it was a little after nine in the evening. Her stomach rumbled. She ignored it and called her friend.

Hey, what’s up? Britney’s cheerful voice pounded against Helena’s sensitive eardrums, causing her headache from crying to come back.

Helena groaned. Can you talk quietly?

Did something happen?

I’m contemplating running away and joining a circus.

Britney giggled. I’d love to see you walk a tightrope.

You never know, I might be good at it. The more she talked to her friend, the better she felt, allowing the tension in her body to slip away. Helena slid off her bed and looked out of her window. For a second, she thought she saw movement in the shadows across the street. She shook her head. It had to be her imagination playing tricks on her.

Did you fall asleep on me? Britney asked.

No. Sorry. I got distracted. What were you saying?

The party’s tomorrow. I’ve talked with my mom, and she’s fine with giving you an alibi when we go out. So, if your mom calls, we’ll be in bed by ten, tucked in like the good girls we are supposed to be. She let out a snort. I feel like a naughty teen.

"You’re nineteen," Helena corrected her.

Good point. It means I can keep being a bad girl for another four months.

They both laughed, and Helena hung up the call after they said their goodbyes. Leaving her room, she waded into the kitchen to get a glass of water. Richard joined her. His concerned expression started to get on her nerves.

We need to talk about your behaviour, he said, crossing his arms.

She raised a brow. Really, Richard? You want to do this now?

The way you spoke to your mother was uncalled for. You should apologise in the morning when she wakes up. He let his arms fall to his sides. She cares about you. You’re her only daughter.

I won’t be in a month, and I’m old enough to take care of myself.

The haunted look in his eyes returned. You will always be a child to her. Instead of running off and seeking trouble, just stay here. All we want to do is—

—trap me here and keep me on a shelf like a doll, she finished for him. Helena slammed her glass down and the water splashed the counter. I want you guys to stop treating me like I’m a two-year-old. At twenty, I’m pretty sure I can go out and come back at any time I want, drink alcohol, pay taxes, and make mistakes. She balled her hands at her sides. Isn’t that what life is about? Learning from your mistakes?

It is. If it wasn’t for your accident…

No. Stop. I don’t want to hear it. Tomorrow, I’m going to sleep over at Britney’s, she announced and fled the kitchen.

* * *

The next day, neither of her parents tried talking to her, which she found to be a blessing. She grabbed a backpack and stuffed it full of spare clothes and toiletries for staying over at her friend’s house. Leaving the overflowing bag by the door, she changed into her washed out blue jeans and a tank top. She passed by the living room and mumbled her goodbye before leaving.

As expected, Britney was parked out front. Her friend had many great qualities, one of which was punctuality.

Are you ready to have some fun? Britney asked with a mischievous grin.

Oh, I’m ready to get drunk enough to forget my troubles.

Britney reached over and unlocked the car door for her. Then hop on the fun train. Let’s get changed at my place, so we can be in the spotlight for once.

Looks like you’re determined to get a boyfriend.

Her friend grinned as Helena climbed in and put her seatbelt on. Always. I mean, who wouldn’t want a nice, loving guy to bring me flowers, worship me on a daily basis, and cuddle on the weekends?

You could get a teddy bear instead… Helena offered.

Dummy, a teddy bear has no wallet.

Helena shook her head. It’s no wonder you’re the class rep. You drive a hard bargain.

Thanks. Britney grinned and sped towards her home.

* * *

An hour later, as the sun set, Britney threw multiple colourful dressed at Helena from her walk-in wardrobe. Once she emptied half of her things, she emerged holding two pairs of heels. Start with the red dress. Guys like red.

I don’t know if I want to attract male attention tonight. Maybe I can be your wingman?

Britney waved her comment away. The red one.

Helena squeezed into the scarlet cocktail dress that looked a lot like a massive blood stain. Her head started to ache the longer she looked at it. Her fingers traced the area over her heart. Sweat formed on her forehead, and she quickly undid the zip on her side.

Why are you taking it off? Britney demanded. It looked great on you!

I can’t wear it. Let’s try something else.

Her friend said nothing and handed her a dark green sun dress. This time, everything was fine. Helena did a twirl, and Britney gave her thumbs up.

What are you going to wear to the party? Helena asked.

Britney winked and pulled out a black halter dress from the pile. She stripped to her lacy underwear and put it on. The material wrapped around her slender waistline like a glove. She finished her look with a practised Halloween makeup application to make her look like a cat and then tortured Helena with the same treatment.

It’s done! Britney squealed. If at least one hot guy doesn’t try to get into my pants tonight, I will be very disappointed.

That’s how you measure success?

She folded her arms over her ample chest. I’m pretty sure ninety percent of guys our age only think about sex. The other ten are playing video games and talking to digital girlfriends.

Helena snorted. Fair enough.

Britney draped her arm over Helena’s shoulder, pulling them together in front of the full-length mirror. "Should we sing Too Sexy For My Shirt?"

Let’s just get to the party, Helena replied, trying to contain her laughter. I’m afraid your sexiness may be too much for the human race.

Britney swatted her shoulder playfully. Watch and learn, baby. We’ll be the stars tonight!

* * *

Contrary to Britney’s earlier belief, they were outdone by almost every girl at the party with their short nurse outfits and almost non-existent mini-skirts to match their oversexed Devil costumes. Helena covered her ears to keep the constant offending words of the rapping singer from entering her head while they sat on the barstools in the kitchen. The kitchen island was full of plastic cups and different kinds of alcohol. To get rid of her misery, she contemplated taking a swig from the scotch bottle but thought better of it. At the end of the day, she had no idea whether the drinks were spiked before they got here.

Britney nudged her with her elbow. Cute guy alert, three o’clock.

Helena wiggled her brows. Are you going to talk to him?

Why can’t he talk to me? Is there some unspoken rule that a woman has to go first?

No, but if you keep sitting in this kitchen with me, I’m sure he’ll find someone who is dancing and enjoying the night.

Britney pouted. What should I say?

Straightening in her seat, Helena assessed her nervous friend. "Don’t tell me the class representative slash beauty queen is