Predestined (Existence Trilogy #2)(56)

Dank bent his head and kissed my temple. “I love you and I got this. No one else will die. Trust me. Now I want you to go with Gee and stand back out of the way,” he whispered in my ear.

I nodded but quickly threw my arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly before Gee’s hand wrapped around my arm.

“Come on you. There will be plenty of time for that later,” Gee said tugging on me to come with her. I let go of Dank and hurried to keep up with her before she pulled my arm out of its socket.

“You took a soul that was too young to defend itself. A soul that belonged to the Creator. You changed fate and then decided to play with a world that is not yours. You stepped out of your realm and took another soul not under your rule. Now I give you a choice Ghede. We close this portal today as well as the ones found in Africa and Haiti where the warriors are now standing guard and we seal them for all eternity. Voodoo power will end right here. Right now. You crossed a line.” Dank’s loud commanding voice boomed over the streets. Even though I was over to the side further away from the opening and where Dank stood I had a clear view of the inside of Vilokan. Ghede’s amused smirk was gone.

“Or you let Pagan’s soul go. Free of any restitution. You stay clear of her and her family for all eternity and remain as you are. But I warn you if I see your son, you or any of your spirits again remotely close to Pagan I will end this religion. There will be no second chances. It’s your choice.”

Ghede turned and stared back at Leif whose gaze met mine. His father was letting him choose. I felt a small touch of sympathy for the boy who’d been in my life for so many years. I knew there were memories I’d never remember where Leif had come into my life when I needed someone. I was thankful for those times. If only he’d been the honest, pure, sweet guy that he’d seemed. But he was a product of evil. Nothing would ever change that. He was selfish and weak. He would never be enough for me. My heart could never love him. My soul could never want him.

Then he replied, “Let her go.”

Chapter Twenty- Four

Dank

The wispy pink fabric brushed against her legs as she made her way toward me. I enjoyed the view of her entrance rather than going to her. Strappy silver heels encased her small dainty feet. The hem of the dress brushed her skin right above her knees. The waistline was high and the chiffon was belted with a wide satin sash. Directly over her heart the familiar filigree heart twinkled as the lighting hit each small pink stone. There were no straps and the soft skin of her shoulders were visible as was her elegant neckline. Normally, I enjoyed her hair down but there was something to be said for having all that mass of brown silk piled up high on her head leaving her neck and shoulders bare.

When she was only steps away I moved toward her and held out my hand. She slipped her hand into mine and the connection of our palms sent warmth flooding through me. The light charcoal that outlined her eyes caused the green to stand out more. I was taken away by the depth of her beauty as she gazed up at me. After taking in every perfect part of her appearance as she entered the room it would almost seem impossible for her soul to exceed her outward beauty. But as I soaked in the beautiful soul I saw so clearly through the window of her eyes I knew it did.

“Dank, we got to get on stage bro. If she’s here then let’s go,” Loose, my drummer, interrupted me. Scowling, I swung my gaze around to meet his. The long blond dread locks the girls were so crazy about were pulled back in a ponytail tonight. I was tempted to reach over and jerk one out of his head.

Pagan had just arrived. Her mother had dropped her off for me. She’d been spending extra time with Miranda and her mother since her return. Both seemed to need reassurance that she was in fact alive. When she’d “washed up” on the shore a few miles away after her accident her memory had been temporarily gone. Well, that was our story. Leif was believed to have drowned. Although the memory of him would fade away soon enough. Many people were already forgetting him.

“I’m just saying it’s time,” Loose whined.

Pagan giggled beside me, “It’s okay. Go on and rock the house.”

I slipped my hand through hers and pulled her with me,”Not without you up there so I can see you.” This was her prom too but I didn’t like the idea of other guys dancing with my girl. She looked entirely too gorgeous tonight.

“No complaints from me,” she chirped and followed me backstage.

We stopped to the left of the stage and I kissed her softly on the lips. I’d only meant to drop a quick peck but her arms wrapped around my neck and she nibbled against my bottom lip and I decided the crowd could wait.

Pulling her against me I enjoyed the sweet taste that was only Pagan. Her soft lips molded under mine and I fought to stay focused waiting on the moment her soul would release. A soft moan escaped her throat and my blood began to heat under each small lick and teasing touch from her tongue. Concentrating was becoming more difficult.

Pressing her soft chest against mine caused a shiver to run through me and a low growl began in my chest. Why wasn’t her soul releasing yet? I couldn’t keep this up or I’d completely lose all train of thought. Warm fingers grazed my abs as she worked a hand underneath my shirt.

Panting, I pulled back and stared down at her heavy eyelids and swollen lips. “Your soul, it isn’t releasing,” I managed to croak out.

Sliding her hand up higher on my chest she grinned wickedly up at me, “I noticed that too. Why did you stop?”