To Wish Upon an Egyptian: To Wish Upon an Ancient, #2

By Ishabelle Torry

An ancient Egyptian. A modern-day secretary. One immortal curse.

 

Jessie is enamored by the past and has spent the last several years saving up for a once in a lifetime trip to Egypt. But she never imagined she'd get sucked into the glowing walls of her hotel room and come face-to-face with a living, breathing ancient Egyptian.

 

Pulled back through time to the 2nd century A.D., Jessie is confronted by a tall, dark, loinclothed man who claims she's the reincarnated soul of his long-dead wife—and the key to breaking an ancient curse. Certain she's been drugged and kidnapped, she reluctantly agrees until she finds a way to escape.

 

But when magic and mayhem ensue, she has no choice but to accept her fated role' or become another soul long forgotten in history. 

 

After countless centuries of immortality, Khu longs for nothing more than a peaceful Afterlife.

 

When Jessie's soul calls to him beyond the veil of time, he knows it is she who will set him free. But when her attempt to help him cross over fails, he realizes there's yet another missing piece of the puzzle. One he must find while dodging a meddling god determined to steal his beloved—again.

 

Loneliness and attraction arouse passion in an endless sequence of love and loss throughout the centuries. Can Jessie and Khu right an ancient wrong, outwit a trickster god, and save their souls before the cycle repeats itself again? Or is their history doomed to repeat itself for eternity?

 

If you're a fan of time travel, reincarnation, magic, cursed lovers, and ancient heroes, wrapped in a steamy romance, you'll love To Wish Upon an Egyptian, the second book in the To Wish Upon an Ancient series. Scroll back up and get your copy today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ishabelle Torry
• Release date: Jun 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201522889

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Alexandria, Egypt 2000 years ago…

Khu’s heartrate accelerated as he watched from across the market way. Anger, hurt, and humiliation dominated his emotions. He leaned against the merchant’s rickety stand, the sweet smell of berries turning sour in his nose as he inhaled deeply. His chest heaved as he held back the tears threatening to spill down his cheeks at any given moment.

How could she? Her name left his mouth on a raspy sigh. Osma…

He watched with narrowed eyes as she pressed her body against another man. Her arms wrapped him in a cocoon as her laughter floated on the light breeze. A sin which burned from the soles of his feet to the tips of his ears with rage. His subconscious whispered angrily into his ear, as if someone stood beside him and spoke the words he felt. Dark, impassioned words of betrayal.

Look at how familiar…daring... Embracing her secret lover before all to see. Disgraceful!

Grinding his teeth, he barely refrained from screaming her name as she further pressed the dark-haired man into her body and spoke into his ears. No doubt soft promises of her deception to come.

She conspires behind your back to further your shame…

Khu clenched his fists at his side as he tried to tamp down the rising ire brought on by the dismal voice raging on the inside. He willed the sinister thoughts away. No. He would not fall to her level and act out in such a public place.

Come tonight, he would discuss her indiscretion before reacting. He’d always been a clear-headed man; perhaps his jealousy clouded a feasible reason to her wayward behavior this noontime. He desperately grasped at the lingering hope and belief his wife, his beloved, could not be the Jezebel his sight tried to convince him of. He turned his back to the scene, determined to seek refuge in their home for now. Yet even as he did so, the angry voice in his head spurred him on. His vision blurred, and his legs wobbled beneath him as if he were drunk.

Only a coward would allow such an atrocity. Before this night is over, you will be known as the town’s fool!

I am no fool! Khu exclaimed as he whipped back around.

Now alone, Osma inspected the freshly picked figs on the vendor’s booth before her. Sweat coated his forehead, and not from the mere heat. Anger boiled his blood as he stomped to where she stood, looking so innocent and unaware of his oncoming wrath.

She turned to greet him, her cocoa colored eyes widening and a smile spreading across her lips. Beautiful, plump lips in the shape of a bow that he now could only see as instruments of untruth. Khu! I have something to tell you—

He yanked her by the arm toward the center of the narrow, sandy street. I care not for your lies, Osma. You have dishonored me and our marriage.

She gasped loudly, shaking her head. Her dark brows drew together as she stared up at him; her lips trembled. Dear husband, I would never…

More lies! I saw you in the arms of another as you plotted to further cuckold me! He purposefully raised his voice for those around to hear his declaration. To think, I believed you actually loved me…

Please, she begged as tears streamed down her face. You do not know what you speak of, husband!

Every part of Khu wanted to believe her words, but even as she spoke her denial, anger forged fire in his veins. He snorted then moved several feet away as if she carried the plague itself. I declare our union over! You have betrayed me and my good name as a husband. Be gone from my sight and my home by the end of this night!

She reached out for him, but he turned away. I beg of you, my husband, do not forsake me!

His heart lay heavy in his chest as he walked away with his head held high. Wetness pricked at the corner of his eyes, but he refused to yield a single tear. He would move forward, forgetting all about the one whom he loved with all his might and soul. For a brief moment, he closed his eyes and prayed to the gods above, begging they heeded his request to bring his soul peace and closure.

1

PRESENT DAY

Jessie stared at the cracked and stained mural in awe. A sense of longing filled her mind, and she couldn’t help but ponder if the beautiful goddess depicted was alive and merely stuck in time. She closed her eyes and imagined the painting had come to life. A contented sigh rushed past her lips as serenity surrounded her like a warm blanket. Perfect, peaceful bliss… Footsteps thudded from across the way, growing louder as they drew ever closer to intruding on her fantasy. So much for peaceful.

A man’s voice bounced off the canvas covered walls as if they were standing in an empty stadium, echoing loudly. Excuse me, miss? His deep baritone penetrated her thoughts and sent chills racing down her body.

Her gaze snapped toward the unwelcomed visitor, her silent reverie ripped away. What? she blurted, immediately regretting her rudeness.

He flashed a swoon-worthy grin as he continued to approach. A mature, fleshed out man with distinguished features, his every step echoed virility. Midnight colored hair cascaded down his shoulders, rich and full, as matching eyes swept the length of Jessie’s trembling body. Beneath a white tee, a rippled chest and flat stomach flexed seductively. She swallowed hard as his bold gaze branded her with certain possession.

Heat flushed across her skin as she took in every detail of his impressive athletic build. What she wouldn’t give to see him completely ass-naked, to catch a glimpse of the bulge beneath those tight-fitting jeans. Her heart beat in time with his steps until he stood before her. His lips claimed hers with urgency. She opened her mouth to his probing tongue and wrapped her arms around his neck to support her wobbly legs.

When he anchored his hands to her hips and pulled her into him, she gasped as she felt his hardness press against her, the thin cotton of her sundress offering little protection. His hips gyrated as he slipped a hand beneath her dress to caress a thigh. A quick jerk ripped her panties away, and before she realized what was happening, he slid a probing finger between her slick folds, grinning devilishly as his thumb manipulated her clit with gentle pressure. She threw her head back and allowed him to support her weight.

Beep…Beep…Beep…

Oh God! she moaned, writhing further into his touch.

Beep…beep…beep…

Everything blurred. Son of a bitch!

Beep…Beep…Beep…

A bright beam illuminated the room, blinding Jessie temporarily. As the light faded, her vision returned, and gone was the dark man with magic fingers. Only the beautiful goddess remained behind.

Beep…Beep…Beep…

What the actual… Jessie bolted upright, swearing at the alarm clock on the nightstand beside the bed. With a loud groan, she yanked the plug from its socket, tempted to throw the whole damn thing across the hotel room just to watch it shatter against the wall. What the hell had she been thinking setting it for the butt crack of dawn? And at the worst possible time to go off, too.

Oh shit! she exclaimed as she tossed the cozy covers aside. Excitement rushed her as she awakened fully. Today was the first day of her dream Egypt vacation. She had worked her ass off for seven years to get here. No thanks to Kyle, her ex-fiancé, who three years prior, depleted their joint savings account and ran off with some blonde chick he had met the night before. She shuddered at the memory. The only thing the bastard had given her was a medallion of sorts. He had found it in a pawnshop back home in the U.S.

It was unique, to say the least—gold with a single image of Hathor, one of the many ancient Egyptian goddesses of love. Kyle had sworn to High Heaven and back it was legit and bragged on suckering the unsuspecting salesman into selling it cheaply. Jessie highly doubted its authenticity. As if some random pawnshop on the wrong side of town would be able to acquire such a precious artifact.

Ugh. What had she ever seen in that asshat? Regardless, she planned to have it examined before she left Egypt. Even a knockoff might be worth enough to replace the money he’d stolen. Asshole, she muttered, giving a final thought to her ex as she slipped from the bed and made her way to the bathroom.

Showered, dressed, and ready to greet the day an hour later, Jessie peered out the window. The local tour bus sat at the hotel entrance as its passengers loaded up. Snatching up her prepacked backpack, she rushed out of the door, ready to explore the amazing history of Alexandria. Jessie opted for the stairwell at the end of the hallway, recalling the snail pace of the elevator from the night before.

She raced down the three flights of steps in record time, barely making it inside the bus before the driver shut the door behind her. She scooted into the seat directly behind the elderly driver, taking in several deep breaths to soothe her aching lungs. She couldn’t help but squeal when the bus moved.

First time in Alexandria? the driver asked, smiling through the rearview mirror at Jessie.

Warmth spread to her cheeks. Yeah. Is it that noticeable…mister?

He laughed. No mister, only Seth, and I can always spot a first timer. Something about you is different, though. Mysterious.

Jessie scooted to the edge of her seat. Something in the old man’s broken accent and raspy voice proved intriguing and oddly familiar. Perhaps he sounded like someone she’d met before, possibly through work. How so?

The bus came to a stop to allow a line of cars to turn onto the road leading to Jessie’s hotel. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I get the feeling you’ve been here before, in another life.

Oh… She sank down in her seat and sighed. Oh, possibly? So much for the intrigue. Jessie didn’t believe in heaven or hell, and definitely not reincarnation. But she’d never offend Seth’s beliefs, no matter how different they were from her own. To each his own, was her view on life. She giggled. Well, maybe I won’t get too lost then.

Twenty minutes later, Seth guided the bus into the bustling parking lot of the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, an underground system of burial chambers dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

Today’s agenda boasted a full day of discovery of the ancient site and the well preserved two, out of three,