What the Heart Needs: A Psychic-Elemental Romance: Soulmate, #2

By Kelli McCracken

A secret pact. A reluctant hero. A twist of fate.

 

Between concerts and wedding plans, Dylan almost missed the glitch in the soul connection he shares with Heaven. Yet the truth can't be denied for long. Something is interfering with his ability to sense her emotions, causing their empathic link to fluctuate. But when a mysterious package arrives, Dylan's worst fears become reality. Someone seeks to erase Heaven from his life.

 

Layne is hell-bent on mending his friendship with Heaven—even if that means denying the painful truth of his heart. The more time he spends in her presence, the stronger his desire for her becomes. When Dylan enlists his help in protecting Heaven from a looming threat, Layne is torn between his duty to his friend and his passion for a woman he can never have.

 

Heaven's abilities are evolving. She can sense the energy of other beings, and what she feels within Layne ignites a connection that burns soul-deep. But matters of the heart will have to wait. Someone is making threats on her life, threatening to expose dark family secrets that will alter the course of destiny. Can Dylan and Layne help Heaven find her mysterious stalker in time to stop their malicious plan? Or will the blade of their hidden truths slice the trio apart?

 

What the Heart Needs is the second installment in the Soulmate Series. If you like alluring romances with suspense, soulmates, and supernatural twists, you'll love Kelli McCracken's compelling take on love, fate, and destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelli McCracken
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215753590

Kelli McCracken

Kelli McCracken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal romance and rock star theme contemporary romance. She loves penning sexy stories that stir emotions and tantalize the senses. Most days you'll find Kelli knee-deep in chocolate bars, coffee, and kooky characters. She's a connoisseur of chocolate, a professional percolator, and a master in the art of procrastination. When she's not writing, chatting with readers, or plotting her next story, Kelli loves to read, listen to music, and most of all, spend time with her family. She lives in Northeast Kentucky, is the mother of four, and is happily married to her husband, James.

Book preview

Prologue

Delia’s gaze shifted to the open window and settled on the full moon. As beautiful as full moons were, they always meant one thing. Chaos. The goosebumps on her skin warned her that chaos was making its way to her home, wound in a tight little package of dynamite.

While she waited for a knock on her door, she lowered her gaze to the tarot card at her fingertips. The Four of Wands stared back from the recent past position. A wreath connecting four staves resembled a floral arch at a wedding. Marriage. It coincided with the Knight of Cups in the distant past position. Proposal. The reality of what it meant warmed her heart. Dylan would tell her the good news soon.

She glanced at the center cards again. The High Priestess in the first position only confirmed what Delia had known months ago. Dylan had found the one.

It was the Emperor in the second position that forewarned her of what was to come. The card symbolized her ex-husband and his anger with Dylan and Heaven’s union. Knowing him the way she did, her son and future daughter-in-law would have to endure his bullshit.

A rap sounded from the door.

It’s open, she said.

She touched the next card when the door clicked shut.

You shouldn’t do that, Dee, Nate said. It’s not safe to just invite people inside your home.

Delia traced the card under her finger before looking up. I can sense the intentions of those coming to my door.

I don’t doubt it, her ex-husband grunted. In fact, I’d tell you why I’m here, but I’m sure you already know.

You say that like I’m a mind reader. She focused on the sixth card in the spread. The Knight of Swords—the battle card. I’m surprised it took you this long to seek me out.

Hmph. If I’d come when I wanted, I’m not sure you would still be alive.

As the chain supporting her necklace tightened, she bit the inside of her cheek. His scare tactics wouldn’t work on her. Instead of giving him the response he wanted, she chuckled and glanced up.

Are you reducing yourself to parlor tricks, Nate?

The chain loosened, allowing the moonstone to fall between her breasts. Though her instinct was to rub her neck, she didn’t. Nate would see it as a sign that he’d scared her.

He hadn’t.

She leaned against the chair and studied him. I can see past the shield you’ve put around yourself. If you wanted me dead, you could have done it years ago, but you can’t bring yourself to kill me.

"How far are you willing to test your faith in that theory?" he seethed, taking a step closer to the table.

Dylan will hate you for even trying.

Nate shrugged. Doesn’t matter. He’ll hate me when he finds out what I’ve put in motion.

Delia’s eyes fluttered shut. She pressed her lips together as air expanded her lungs. What did you do this time, Nate?

Don’t get that condescending tone with me, Dee, he growled.

She snickered at his use of her old pet name. Some things never changed. He tried to be a hard-ass, but his little slips proved he was anything but. She peered at him again, lifting a questioning brow.

The floor vibrated enough to shake the furniture. Others would think it was an earthquake, but Delia knew Nate caused it.

You know what’s at stake. He gripped the edge of the table. They need to be separated. Since you won’t do anything to encourage that, I took matters into my hands. Nate glanced at the kitchen table. "I hope he’ll understand I did this for his own good. Can you see that in your cards?"

If you’d like a reading, I’d be happy to give you one. More chuckling bubbled in her throat when her chair began to shake. Nate and his anger. He should learn how to manage it. I hate to spoil your great idea, but it’s too late to separate them. They’re bound.

She released a sigh of satisfaction when she noticed the fury on her ex-husband’s face.

How do you know they’re bound? he asked.

Are you questioning my insight?

Damn it, Dee, Nate said as he dug his fingernails into the table. You realize what this means, don’t you?

Yes, I do. You chose your path. I chose mine. Now Dylan has chosen his.

Nate’s jaw dimpled as he clenched his teeth. You told him, didn’t you?

This time, the table shook so hard, half of the cards fell to the floor. Delia observed them and then her ex-husband.

He doesn’t know about our society, if that’s what you mean, but it won’t be long until he asks questions. I’ll provide answers when he’s ready.

Nate raked his hand through his hair and glanced toward the window. You’re aware of what will happen when she finds—

Yes, I am, but we’re not sure if it will be him or someone else. So ask yourself this question. Is revenge worth your son’s life?

I see where this is going. Nate glared at her, nostrils flared. "Those traitors are a part of your scheme. You’ve been conspiring with them, haven’t you?"

No, I haven’t, but the prophecy isn’t a conspiracy. It’s happening, and our son is a part of it. Heaven’s the one.

She will be the death of our son! Nate slapped the table with his hands. The music protected him. Now you’ve messed that up.

The music didn’t do what you wanted it to, Nate. You didn’t see the pain he was in when he was dreaming about her. He’s suffered far too long. You can’t deny love or fate.

Love? Nate grumbled, falling back into the chair across from her. You know nothing about love. None of you do.

It’s what keeps me alive. It’s what will keep Heaven and Dylan alive, too.

You have too much faith in your beliefs.

My beliefs have never led me astray. She slid her hand across the table until her fingertips teased compressed paper. The cards have shown me things you are too stubborn to see.

Those cards only show you so much. He lowered his eyes to the ring on his finger as he slid it back and forth. You can’t build futures on them. It didn’t work for us.

Fate cursed us, Nate. We were the unfortunate pair of the trinity. And for your information, the cards showed me that.

His fingers left the ring as he pushed on the arms of the chair, straightening his body. Then why did you marry me?

Delia didn’t bat a lash as she stared at Nate. Even when they’d divorced all those years ago, he’d never asked her this question. She’d always wanted him to. It would have proved that they meant something to each other, and that cursed or not, Fate had a purpose for their joining. A good purpose.

I wanted a child, Nate. The cards showed me Dylan, that he would be special, just like me. Just like you.

Nate tapped his fingers together in front of his face. The tips pressed and parted a couple of times before he looked at her.

So, whose abilities did he get? Yours or mine?

Chapter 1

Aloud thump startled Heaven from her sleep. She peeked over her shoulder, half expecting to see something—or someone—in the window. As she adjusted her eyes to the moonlit room, she searched for clues to what had made the noise. Nothing appeared out of place.

The stupid movie she and Dylan watched before going to bed had messed with her. She made it a point not to watch thriller movies for a reason. The chase. The mystery of not knowing what lay in wait. It brought back too many memories of Mick. And Zeke. Most people never faced a stalker situation, much less two. Now, she jumped at the smallest sounds.

No one could break into the house. They’d have to get past the large shale wall surrounding the estate. Not even the paparazzi or their cameras had managed that. What an electrifying experience it would be if they tried.

As a gust of wind blew through the blinds, it twirled the curtains like tiny ballerinas performing their first recital. The full moon cast a soft glow across the bed. Heaven followed the pale blue path until it brought her to Dylan’s face.

The moment he came into view, the hum of their connection steadied her heart. She traced his features with her eyes. Dark brows. Long lashes. Full lips. And that square jaw… He was a perfect masterpiece created for her to love.

She admired the diamond on her finger, the princess cut jewel that sparkled in the moonlight. The ring signified many promises for her and Dylan’s future. Soon, there would be another ring beside it that would prove their bond to everyone else, including Dylan’s father.

How would he handle the news of their engagement? How would anyone? She and Dylan should have made the announcement right away instead of taking a few weeks to prepare. They knew they would face pushback from their friends.

Her stomach fluttered.

She swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and she sat up. It was too quick. The walls rocked from side to side. She grabbed the edge of the bed, crumpling the sheets in a fist as she waited for the dizziness to pass.

But it grew worse.

If she could get to the window and feel the cool night air against her face, her head would clear. God help her, she needed the strength to make it across the room without falling down.

The soft threads of the carpet caressed her feet as she rose from the bed. She glanced back at Dylan, checking to see if her movement had disturbed his sleep. It hadn’t. His energy intertwined with hers until she couldn’t identify one from the other.

When she made it to the window, she pulled the string to raise the blinds. A soft breeze blew through her hair, lifting the curls from her shoulder. The cool air was like a long-awaited breath she’d denied herself.

She had to get over the fear of how their family would react to their engagement. The people that mattered would be happy. Except Faith. She would have something sarcastic to say. Then again, she had her own issues to deal with.

Wood casing indented Heaven’s temple as she leaned her head against the window and thought about her sister. Was Faith pregnant or not? It didn’t surprise Heaven that neither she nor Hope had heard from their sister. Faith knew how much they worried and she loved tormenting them.

But what about Layne? Had Faith talked to him yet? She had told Hope that he’d grown distant. Even if he had, he still had a right to know if Faith was pregnant.

Dylan hadn’t mentioned Layne either. Heaven only remembered a few calls between them, and those were about the band. Dylan had spent the last few weeks devoted to her and their relationship, nothing else.

Yet she hadn’t stopped thinking about Layne or the way his soul tugged on hers.

As a wave of nausea hit her, she gripped the window frame. Any second, the room would spin again. She waited for her mouth to stop watering, but the sensation worsened. The blood in her face drained to her navel, then the tunnel vision began. Soon, her body would greet the floor.

Instead of passing out, a mirage of images flickered before her. Flashing lights of a camera. Nate’s discouraging face. Caramel eyes staring deep into hers. White-crested waves of a teal ocean. Dylan’s full lips curved toward the sky. The round belly of an expectant mother.

What the hell?

The strength in her hands faded. She lost her grip and stumbled backward. Yet the carpet didn’t greet her. Warmth did. It began at her shoulders, spread around her arms, and continued down until it tickled her belly.

Then sweet words caressed her ear.

I’ve got you.

Dylan…

His arms tightened around her as he held her close, allowing his energy to mold with hers. She loved how a single touch invigorated her. He was her rock, her lighthouse in the dark abyss of confusion. She didn’t know how she’d survived without him before now, but she prayed she would never have to find out.

Dylan held Heaven as her body trembled against his. He did his best to block the cool air drifting from the window, hoping it would comfort her. The fear paralyzing his mind dissipated when she relaxed into him.

She was safe, but whatever caused the turmoil within her heart remained there. Their bond thrummed with it even though he sensed her trying to mask her feelings.

Are you okay? he asked.

I think so.

He cradled her in one arm before hooking the other behind her knees. Lifting her was effortless. He did it with one swift movement.

After a wave of panic had woken him, he didn’t know what state of mind she would be in. Whatever happened shook her to her soul. Admitting something was wrong meant Heaven felt the need to keep something from him. The way she avoided eye contact only confirmed his suspicion.

What a kick in the stomach.

He pushed back his disappointment and proceeded to the bed when she wrapped her arms around his neck. The sooner he got her back in bed, the quicker he would find out what happened. He needed answers. If the vibes she emitted didn’t diminish, he would lose his mind.

Once the mattress cradled her, he curled up beside her and searched for any signs of physical stress. When he found none, he rechecked their connection, hoping to get a better sense of what internal battle had her heart racing.

Nothing.

Damn it! Whatever upset her had their bond fluctuating. It was impossible to read her emotions. Looked like he’d have to get his answers the old-fashioned way.

Heaven, what’s wrong?

Her body tensed again, as did their connection. After everything they’d been through, why would she keep something from him?

You know you can talk to me about anything. Please. Tell me what’s wrong.

I’m sorry. She leaned up long enough to pull the sheet to her waist. I didn’t want to burden you.

Burden me? he scoffed. Nothing about you is a burden.

Heaven peered over her shoulder. What he wasn’t able to sense in their bond played like a familiar song in her eyes. Worry. Uncertainty. Regret.

He kissed her shoulder before moving to her lips. Even though the hum between them hadn’t returned to normal, the conflict within her began to recede. He could breathe again.

This is about tomorrow, isn’t it? He waited for her to respond, but she did so with a slight nod of her head. Are you having second thoughts about marrying me?

No! She flipped over to face him. Can’t you sense how much I love you? Check our connection if you have any doubts.

He’d like to, but the way their bond kept fluctuating…

Something was causing a disturbance. He’d felt her emotions since they first met, perhaps even longer. The more powerful her feelings, the better he could sense them. So what changed? Her love for him? He prayed not. If she ever stopped loving him, he’d never survive.

Hey. The warmth of her hand on his cheek erased all the negative thoughts. You’re not doubting what I said, are you?

I’m fine, he answered, but you’re not.

Tomorrow is a big day for us. I’m nervous. I can’t help it.

When she buried her face in his chest, he held her tight. He said, It’s just your sisters and our friends. They’ll be happy for us.

Everyone but Layne.

He lifted her chin until her breath tickled his face. Don’t worry about Layne’s reaction. He’s protective of me. Once he sees how committed we are, he’ll come around.

I hope, she said with a yawn.

Though he could sense there was more bothering her, their connection steadied. He decided not to pressure her. She would talk when she was ready. She needed sleep. So did he.

Get some rest, he whispered. Tomorrow will be great.

Okay.

A touch of disappointment invaded his heart when she settled back against her pillow. He wasn’t ready to lose their physical connection. Instead of rolling over, he tucked his head between her shoulder and neck.

Each time her chest rose and fell, his face grew heavier. Damn. He wanted to make sure she fell asleep before he did, but his brain refused to cooperate.

I love you, he whispered, cradling her body in his arms.

I love you too, she answered. At least, he thought she did.

Heaven snuggled closer to Dylan, enjoying the way his breath teased her neck. He’d fallen back to sleep in record time. Not that it surprised her. After spending most of the day battling his father over tour dates, he could have lost himself in a bottle of bourbon. Instead, he’d shoved his frustrations aside and doted on her.

Their evening had been wonderful. Curled up on the couch, he’d squeezed her tight each time the movie made her flinch. The last time their eyes met, the movie ceased to exist. That was about the time he whisked her up to their room and made love to her. Afterward, he did nothing more than hold her close. It completed their evening together, but after he’d drifted to sleep…

The flashback from earlier played through her mind. Some of it made sense. Like Nate’s glare. He didn’t approve of her, but she didn’t care. She loved Dylan. Either Nate would get used to her or avoid her.

If she continued to obsess over his hatred, he’d drive a wedge between her and Dylan, which was probably what he wanted to do. Then he’d win. No way would she let that happen.

Once she shifted into a more comfortable position, she drew the covers closer to her shoulder. Dylan’s body remained molded to hers, soothing her anxiety. She pushed the image of Nate from her mind and thought about the other visions. Dylan’s smile made sense. It never left her mind because he blessed her with the beautiful sight every day. But what did the other images mean?

The cameras had to represent the paparazzi. Lord knew they did their best to snap pictures of her and Dylan. The ocean scene confused her, as did the pregnant woman. Then again, that could represent Faith.

One image baffled her more than the rest. Caramel eyes. She didn’t know who they belonged to, but Dylan’s rich, dark ones didn’t come close. The way those eyes stared at her…

Heaven gripped her forehead. If she didn’t stop focusing on her visions, she would wake Dylan again. He needed to sleep as much as she did. Tomorrow would be a big day.

If they survived it, they could survive what lay ahead, like telling her parents about their engagement. Her mother would approve of Dylan. She had no doubts. But her father…

Her stomach flipped again.

Chapter 2

It wasn’t the warm sun rays filtering in through the window, nor the chirping birds nesting in the eave that woke Heaven. Not after such a sleepless night. Dylan’s presence was the only thing that could pull her from such a dead sleep.

As she blinked her eyes, she listened to the soothing sound of his voice. Though she struggled to make out his words, no other sound spoke to her heart the same way, even if he wasn’t speaking to her.

The alarm clock near his side of the bed came into view. Just a little past nine. He’d let her sleep in this morning. Thank goodness. She needed it after last night.

His chuckling sounded from somewhere close by. She found him outside their bedroom. With his arm bent at the elbow, he held his phone to his ear. Who was he talking to?

She deciphered a few of his words.

Yeah, she is. She didn’t sleep well…I’m not sure. We’re planning a… Yes, you too. Bye.

A beep echoed from the hallway, signaling he’d ended the call. Then he returned to the room. Her heart took an extra beat when his eyes fell on her.

Did I wake you? He placed the phone on the nightstand before sitting on the edge of the bed.

When the mattress gave, their connection grew vibrant. After the last few months, she should be used to the way the hum of their bond increased when he was near. Whenever they were together, it was like stepping on a live wire. Not that she was complaining.

Nodding, she stretched her arms above her head before laying them against the pillow. It’s okay. I needed to wake up.

I tried my best to be quiet.

She stroked his arms and sent him soothing vibes. I’m all rested. Don’t worry.

Dylan cupped her cheek, stroking the skin just under her eye. Your face tells a different story. Are you sure you’re okay?

I will be after we say our vows.

He smiled. I can’t wait until you meet me at the altar. But now I have to get going. We’ll try that experiment we talked about later today.

After spending the last few weeks practicing their abilities, it was time to test them on others. Would they sense their loved ones’ emotions like they did each other's?

The warmth of his hand still lingered on her cheek as he stood. Then he turned toward the door. The thought of him leaving, even for a little while, sent a wave of panic through her and their bond.

He spun on his heel to face her. What’s wrong?

Heaven swept the covers from her legs and left the bed before he reached the edge. Relax, she whispered. Nothing’s wrong. I only hate being apart from you. Are you going to be gone long?

The tension faded from his eyes. No. I have a few items to pick up for our party. It won’t be more than an hour. Do you want to come with me?

Like this? She chuckled as he admired her attire…or lack thereof.

Wow. He gathered the cotton undershirt between his fingers. My shirt never looked so good before.

Heat shot to her core when he hooked his finger under her panties. Their bond pulsed with need. Would they ever get to a point where a simple touch didn’t bring their passion to life? She hoped not.

You’re lucky. His voice hit that low, guttural tone that made her knees weak. If we didn’t have people showing up in a couple of hours, you and I wouldn’t leave this bedroom today.

She pushed up on her toes and brushed her lips against his. "I’d say that makes me unlucky."

A low rumble resonated from his chest. The warmth of his hands left her hips, traveling downward until he cupped her bottom. Sweet cinnamon filled her mouth as his tongue slipped past her lips.

With a quick shift of his body, he had her pressed to the wall. Didn’t he have somewhere to go? Did she care at this point? Not when his lips were moving down her neck.

He lifted her leg, bending it at the knee. Desire coalesced in a pool of want as he placed it at his hip. The notion of him pulling away and leaving her with this passion bursting between her thighs would be cruel.

A vibration worked its way from his hip and traveled up her inner thigh.

Damn his phone.

Dylan’s lips were flushed when he leaned back. He released her leg as he grabbed the phone and swiped the screen. Heaven cursed under her breath. Interruptions. They’d faced them before. People had lousy timing. Was it Layne again?

Dylan replaced the phone at his side. "I’m not dealing with him today."

Who?

My dad. This day is about you, me, and our future. He won’t ruin this for us.

She observed him, hoping his father wouldn’t ruin