Timeless Trilogy, Book One: Fate Read online

Timeless Trilogy

  Book One

  Fate

   

  By Tallulah Grace

  Timeless Trilogy

  A compilation consisting of the following three novels:

  Fate

  Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

   

  Spellbound

  Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

   

  Destiny

  Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

  All rights reserved. No part of this book or any book in the series may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying or any other information storage and retrieval system without prior, written permission of the Author.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. 

  The characters and events in the Timeless Trilogy are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

   

   

  Prelude

   

       The edge of the blade felt like ice against her skin. One breath too deep, one movement—ever so slight—would give the knife a taste of her blood. It’s a part of the nightmare, she thought, even as she felt the breath of her attacker lightly touch her face.

       The nightmares that had been plaguing her for weeks warned of this moment. Images, too terrifying to be real, flashed quickly across her mind’s eye in an instant replay of her recent night terrors. Running down a long, empty hallway, filled with doorways on either side, chased by some unknown monster that knew her deepest fears. Running towards a movie, scrolling incessantly with images of those she loved most trapped in a fiery hell. Sepia-toned faces, twisted in pain, were a stark contrast to the blue, red and yellow of the flames engulfing them. The echoes of their screams filled the dark, never-ending hallway. She couldn’t look away and she couldn’t stop running; her only escape was straight ahead, towards the horror show. 

       So far, the nightmares ended with her sitting straight up in bed, breathing hard in a cold sweat. He hadn’t caught her yet.

       The all too real feeling of cold steel pressed against her neck gave the nightmare an alternate ending. Kris tried to control her breathing so her attacker would think she slept. Her mind raced as she tried to think of a way to reach the loaded SIG waiting beneath the extra pillow beside her. She didn’t always keep a gun so handy, but recent events, including the dreams, made it a necessity.

      “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.” The familiar voice spoke the words softly in her ear.

   

  Chapter One 

  “Kris, get a move on, we’re gonna be late.” The call of Roni’s warning faded as she clattered down the stairs.

       Kris groaned, threw off the covers and rolled out of bed. “Why am I so groggy? I feel like I’ve run a marathon.” The sleepy tabby, accustomed to dialogue but not yet in the mood, ignored the mumblings and stretched across the patch of sunlight at the foot of the bed.

       “I know, Peg, it’s too early for conversation.” Pegasus yawned, flipped on his back and waited for his belly rub. Kris couldn’t help but give in.

       The crash from the kitchen made them both jump, not an easy thing for Peg.

       “I’m okay, but you need a new coffee pot.” Roni yelled from the foot of the stairs. “Where’s the broom?”

       With a sigh, Kris grabbed a robe and headed for the kitchen. Not a great start to such an important day.

       “You didn’t have to come down here. Why aren’t you dressed yet? The shoot starts at seven, and now we have to stop for coffee on the way.” Roni was gingerly picking up the largest pieces of glass from the floor. “Sorry about the pot. I’m so jittery this morning.”

       Kris surveyed the damage as she went for the broom. “Don’t worry about it—the pot or the shoot. You know I’ll make you look good. Not that you need my help. Now, move out of the way before you slice those million dollar hands.” An involuntary chill ran down Kris’s spine at the word ‘slice’ but she ignored it.

       “They’re not million dollar hands yet. What if I can’t work on camera? Who wants to watch someone crush and mix herbs, anyway? Why am I doing this?” Roni stood and threw the glass away.

       Kris paused and shot an exasperated look at her friend. Veronica Myers was possibly one of the most beautiful women Kris had ever met. Naturally thick blond waves framed the face of an angel before cascading over a petite, perfectly proportioned siren’s body. Violet blue eyes, tilted up at the corners rimmed with thick, dark lashes looked back at her with an expression of abject confusion. She would never understand how Roni was blind to her own charms.

       “Your remedies are magic, and you know it. You’re doing this because you can offer a viable alternative to expensive pharmaceuticals.” Her response mimicked their ad copy. “Why the sudden case of nerves?” Kris swept the remnants of the coffee pot into the dust pan.

       “But what if I freeze when the camera starts? You know crowds are not my thing, what makes you think I can do this in front of a zillion people?”

       “A, because you won’t be doing anything in front of zillions, it’s just me and three crew members. B, because you’re so passionate about your remedies that you’ll forget we’re even there, once you start. And three, because this infomercial will give both of our careers a major boost.” Kris went to Roni and gave her a quick hug. “Remind me again why we’re up at five. We’re ten minutes from location. Did you want to give your nerves time to marinate?” Kris saw the worry lines deepen on her friend’s face. “Stop that, you’ll be great; no, you’ll be wonderful, fabulous, amazing…should I go on?” She smiled.

       Roni laughed lightly and Kris felt her own tension ebb. “I know I’m being silly, but this is a new world for me. You’re used to it. Thanks for doing this, by the way. There’s no way I could even attempt this without your help.”

       “My pleasure. Like I said, we’re both gonna do well with this. I can feel it.” Kris started back towards the stairs.

       “Whoa, is that just an expression, or can you feel it feel it. You know, one of your premonitions. I could sure use a little psychic insight about now to build my confidence.”

       It was Kris’s turn to laugh. “Sorry, Roni, no premonitions, just good old instinct. With your looks and charisma and my talent, we can’t help but make this project a winner.” Kris took the stairs by twos. “I’ll be ready in a jiff; we’ll get breakfast on the way.”

       Kris caught her reflection in the bathroom mirror on her way to the shower. She noted the circles under her eyes, a testament to the early hour or to her disturbing sleep patterns, she wasn’t sure which. Bright green eyes stared back at her, nearly covered by unruly brown curls that often had a mind of their own.

       Kris started the shower and felt another shiver along her spine. It’s true that she had not had any visions about their project, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going on, and going wrong. Lately, she awoke with the strangest feelings, almost as if she were being watched.

       Her visions or premonitions or whatever you wanted to call them were just part of her genetic make-up. She’d always had visions, sometimes in the form of dreams, which gave her insight into events yet to be. The visions had a mind of their own; she had no control. Scientists who studied the paranormal would refer to her as a precognitive.

   �
�    The hot shower spray felt like heaven on her sore muscles. That was another thing. Why was she so sore every morning? She’d been doing nothing out of the ordinary; no extreme workouts, no real exercise of any kind, unless you counted running around the studio. Her career as a freelance television producer kept her busy, but not active to the point of achy muscles.

       Something was definitely going on, but there was no point in dwelling on it now. She had a show to produce and, she hoped, a star to make.

  Chapter Two

   

       “That was great. I can’t believe you nailed it in one take. You’re a natural.” Kris beamed at Roni and gave her a huge hug.

       “Thanks. How long before we know if anyone is interested in picking it up?” Roni couldn’t believe how easy the process had been. Once she began talking about her homeopathic remedies and how much healthier they were than over-the-counter and prescription meds, she totally forgot about the cameras, just as Kris predicted.

       “I’m not sure. Editing will be a breeze, since you were so awesome. We should be able to submit it early next week. I’ve already sent out feelers, so we should have an idea of any interest in a few weeks.”

       Kris was already changing her marketing strategy, after seeing Roni perform. She really was a natural and the camera loved her. Their little infomercial had the potential to become a hit show, if she could only find a network willing to step outside the box. She wouldn’t tell Roni about her plans before she knew the possibility was real. No need for her to start worrying about a weekly show, when the infomercial was barely in the can.

       Kris thanked the crew and made arrangements to have the footage sent to her home studio. She would edit this project herself, just to make sure that it was as good as she thought.

       Roni watched her friend breeze through the details of wrapping up the shoot. Kris was in her element, absolutely. Confident and smiling, she handled the crew with respect, while still having fun. Some people were intimidated by strong, beautiful women, especially ones who towered over them—she was almost 6 feet tall—but Kris put everyone at ease. She could read a room instantly and say just the right thing to diffuse even the most strained situation. Part of her charm came from an automatic smile that reflected honest to goodness joy. Roni remembered a time after college graduation when the joy had disappeared. It seemed like forever before Kris started smiling with her eyes again.

        The reason for Kris’s melancholy seemed to be long forgotten, but Roni knew better. That man was the love of her friend’s life and, Roni strongly suspected, the reason such a beautiful, magnetic woman was still single.

       Roni wished she had one-tenth of Kris’s confidence. Nothing seemed to faze her, she took everything in stride. She never second-guessed herself, always trusted that her instincts were on target. The results spoke for themselves; Kris was a very successful producer and constantly in demand. Looking across the room at her friend, Roni couldn’t help but smile as Kris laughed at something the camera man said. Her laugh was infectious.

       Leaving the man laughing, Kris came and hooked her arm through Roni’s. “What would you like to do with the rest of our day? We could drive into the city and do some shopping or we could go back to the house and turn into beach bums.” Kris knew Charleston’s historic shopping district along Market and King Streets still held special appeal for Roni, but she was long over the tourist-like atmosphere and the impossible parking.

       “It’s definitely a beach bum kind of day, if that suits you. I told Cassie we’d call her when we finished here.” Cassandra Locke, Cassie to her friends, was the third member of their unrelated family. The women had been friends since the first day of college, when divine intervention had placed them in the same dorm suite.  

       “Great, tell her to meet us at the house. We’ll pick up some wine, a few groceries and have a girl’s night. Steaks on the grill sound okay? Oh, remind her to bring that book she keeps talking about, the one about reincarnation.” Kris watched Roni’s head spin towards her.

       “Reincarnation? Is she researching a new book?” Cassie enjoyed success as an author.

       “No book, this is personal.” Kris thought she knew how Roni would react to the topic; she had strong opinions on most things.

       Roni frowned. “Personal? That’s an odd topic. Come to think of it, she has been secretive lately. I thought that something was bothering her, but she hasn’t mentioned anything, especially about reincarnation.”

       “You’re right, something is a little wonky in Cassie’s world, but I’ll let her tell you about it.” Kris saw the wheels start to turn and she put up her hand to stop the impending onslaught. “Seriously, let her tell you. We’ll have plenty of time to talk this afternoon. Besides, the subject may go better with a little wine.” Or a lot, Kris thought.

   

  Chapter Three

   

       “I can’t believe you found this house, it’s perfect.” Cassie sat down on the chaise and filled her glass. “Ocean front, screened porch and a semi-private beach. How did you get so lucky?”

       “Luck had nothing to do with it. I’ve had three realtors searching for property like this for years. You know that. Besides, the beach isn’t always so deserted. The closest houses are all second homes, but during the season it can get a little crowded.” Kris handed Cassie her glass for a refill.

       “Yeah, if your idea of crowded is a handful of octogenarians roaming along the shore.” Roni grinned at Kris. “Too bad they’re all married. Granny always told me that the best men had one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.”

       “Ewwww” Kris and Cassie said in unison. “That’s not even funny,” Kris continued. “They’re not all retired. The house next door just changed hands. Joanie called to tell me not to be concerned if I saw activity over there.”

       “That was nice of her. So dish. What did she have to say about the new owner? Can we expect screaming kids the next time we visit, or what?” Cassie sat back and felt the warm soak of the sun’s rays.

       “No, no kids, at least she didn’t think so. Apparently, he’s 30-something and very successful. Joan doesn’t think he’s married.”

       “Gay?” Both Cassie and Roni asked in unison.

       “Probably, the way my luck with men is running. Come to think of it, I hope he is gay, married or totally not my type. I’m giving up on dating, at least for a while.” Kris sighed and settled back into the chaise with her wine.

       “Dibs,” Cassie practically shouted, and then grinned at Roni.

       “What do mean ‘dibs’? You can’t call dibs until there’s something to claim. For all we know, he could be a serial killer. Besides, Kris only thinks she’s swearing off men. I’ve heard it before and it never lasts.” Roni rolled her eyes. “You’re both hopeless romantics.”

       “And you’re not? Should we start listing the number of hearts you’ve broken looking for “him” since college or just since you moved to Atlanta? At least I know when to take a break, instead of trying to break records.” Kris got up to let Pegasus onto the deck while he was still patiently waiting at the screen door. An impatient Peg was not a good time.

       “What are you feeding that cat? He must be at least twenty pounds.” Roni tried to change the subject.

       “He’s only 18 pounds, thank you very much. Don’t make fun, you’ll hurt his feelings.” Kris scratched the top of Peg’s head. “Cassie, did you bring the book?”

       “What’s this about reincarnation?” Roni turned to Cassie. “Don’t tell me that you believe in that stuff.”

       “Okay, I won’t tell you. Kris, shouldn’t we start the grill? And open another bottle?” Cassie headed for the kitchen.

       “Sure, grab the lighter while you’re inside, please.” K
ris glared at Roni as Cassie turned her back.

       “Did you have to be so negative? Cassie’s having a hard time right now, at least act supportive.”

       “I’m trying to be supportive by helping her see sense. Reincarnation. As if. What kind of an idiot believes crap like that?”

       “The same kind of idiot who’s been your best friend for over fifteen years. The same kind of idiot who believed in you when you gave her garlic and ginger for the flu. Not to mention the countless times when she’s listened to both of us go on about whatever, whenever. Would it kill you to listen to her with an open mind? And please explain to me how it is that you can believe in my ‘visions’ but not in reincarnation?” Kris was just getting warmed up; Roni put up her hand in surrender.

       “Okay, okay. I see your point.” Roni turned to see Cassie standing in the doorway. “I’m sorry, Cass. I’d love to hear more about what’s going on with you.”

       Cassie handed the wine to Roni and continued towards the grill. “That’s okay, Roni, I’ll spare you the gory details.” She smiled at both of her friends, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m starved, let’s get dinner going.”

  ~~~~~

   

       “That was great, if I do say so myself.” Roni stretched out on the glider, just inside the screened porch.

       Kris was lighting the candles that lined the porch rails. “You’re allowed. My taste buds are still dancing from whatever it was that you put on the steaks.”

       Roni laughed, “My pleasure. It was just a little rosemary, a little of this, a little basil, a little of that, nothing complicated.” She looked over at Cassie, who was settling into the swing. “Cass, I really would like to hear about your situation. I’m sorry I was so harsh before.”

       Cassie pushed against the floor with her toe, then tucked both feet beneath her as the swing started to move. She looked over at Roni for a long moment. “It’s fine, Roni, I know this subject is out of your comfort zone. We don’t have to talk about it.” Cassie gave her a genuine smile.

       “No, I really do want to talk about it. I feel so isolated from you and Kris sometimes, that I forget what it’s like to have such special people in my life.” Roni shrugged and looked at Kris, lounging on the porch sofa. “You asked how I could believe in your visions and not in reincarnation. The simple answer is that I’ve seen so many of your visions come true, that I know they’re real. Reincarnation goes against everything I learned in Sunday school my entire life.”