Falling Into Place Read online

  * * * *

  A tear slipped down Emily’s cheek. Robert was actually angry at her because she couldn’t get through to Elizandra. Fine, she hadn’t really tried, but the girl didn’t want to talk to her. She never smiled, never bothered to say a word to anyone unless spoken to, and then only rarely.

  Then there were Elizandra’s nightmares that filled the whole room with fear and humiliation. They always gave way to a flood of such hate and anger. When she woke up, her guilt flooded every pore on Emily’s body, until she started to believe Elizandra must have committed some heinous act before Tremaine found her.

  “Having second thoughts about your bratty roommate,” James’ voice slithered as he crept up on Emily.

  Emily nearly jumped out of her skin before whirling around to glare daggers at him. “Robert is right. I haven’t even tried.”

  He walked up to her until he was only an inch away. James stared into her as if he could see into her soul.

  His voice seemed to glide over her, making her skin crawl. “Why should you? She waltzes into our house, takes over your room, takes away Daddy’s love, and now Robert is over the moon in love with her.”

  “That’s not true though,” Emily replied, her heart sinking. She had never seen where Elizandra had actually done those things, but she felt it deep down.

  Robert cared for Elizandra far more than he had ever cared for her. Daddy was so pleased with Elizandra’s ability, though he never said an unkind word to Emily.

  “And do you know that she already has Preston wrapped around her little finger?”

  Emily’s heart stopped in her chest. She had a crush on Preston, but he wouldn’t give her a second glance. Her heart squeezed tight, and she whispered, “Really?”

  “Yes. I saw them at his Mommy’s little diner, and he couldn’t pull his eyes from Elizandra, who was smiling and laughing with him.”

  Emily turned back to the window. For the first time, Emily saw a smile on Elizandra’s face as she followed Robert into the gardens. The awkward girl had transformed into a radiant beauty in front of Robert.

  James’ hand curled around her waist as he leaned in. His breath was hot against her face as his lips grazed her ear, making her stomach twist into painful knots.

  He whispered, “See, she’s trying to take everyone away from you.” His fingers slid lower, reaching where he shouldn’t.

  Startled, she pushed his hand away. He gave her a cruel smirk before turning to leave her alone with her doubts.

  Emily sank onto her bed with tears streaming down her face. She felt filthy, dirty, and worst of all, completely alone.

  Chapter 6

  Sixty-eight years ago.

  There wasn’t much time until Liz was supposed to leave for graduation from Mystra Academy. From there she was going on her first assignment for the Silver Council Enforcer’s program.

  She’d be spending the summer with Robert, Preston, and Tremaine in Nova Scotia, hunting down some twisted vampire who was turning minors into vampires. There were good reasons to forbid minors from being turned into the undead, but she couldn’t help wondering if the ancient vampire had a good reason. Surely he knew the Council would come after him.

  Tremaine was to act as their mentor and guide for this dangerous assignment. She knew he could handle the case on his own. It didn’t make sense to her why they were being sent, but she was glad to be getting away from home.

  The rest of her class was being sent on easy assignments compared to theirs. Tremaine told her it was a test, one to prove herself. She had a feeling Tremaine had insisted on their mission, but she couldn’t figure out why.

  She shut the door behind her and dropped to her knees before the trunk that sat at the end of her bed. Robert had promised her a surprise, and as much as she wanted to pretend she wasn’t affected by him, she was.

  Holding her breath, she opened the trunk that was filled with all of the beautiful things Kathryn had insisted she wear. Liz didn’t understand the need for all the gowns, fancy jewelry or shoes.

  Hidden in the side wall of the trunk was a magical compartment that she had built to hide things she didn’t want Emily finding. It had become a place for Robert and Liz to communicate without everyone knowing. Not that they didn’t know. They spent most of their time together under the excuse of school work. That was only half true. Their assignments were time consuming, but they preferred each other’s company.

  Slipping her hand inside, she reached around until she found the note Robert had left. At least she hoped it was Robert. Emily had left her nasty messages over the years.

  Biting her lip, she pulled the envelope from the trunk. Her name was scrolled in blue ink in Robert’s handwriting. Her heart sped up, and she took a deep breath before breaking the seal.

  Dearest Elizandra,

  I find myself needing to confess a truth I have known all along. My thoughts are consumed by my feelings for you. You own my heart, you always have.

  Maybe my confession is selfish, and if you are not ready, I do not expect an answer. I want you to know that I will wait forever for you.

  Please, accept this gift and keep it with you. It is my promise to you that you will always be my one and only, even if you never feel the same.

  You have all of my love, and I am yours truly,

  Robert

  Her heart swelled as she read the words. She didn’t know how to respond. She looked into the envelope and found a sapphire ring, set in white gold.

  The door creaked open. “Gah,” Emily whined, “I thought you would have left by now. You’re usually early.”

  Liz quickly folded the letter and slid it back into the envelope that she placed in her inner jacket pocket.

  It was actually Tremaine’s old jacket. The same one he had left her when he brought her to this house almost four years before. Old Lady Murdock had taken the material and reworked it into a jacket that fit her.

  Whatever spells she put into it, helped the fabric to grow with her, and even mend itself. No one but Elizandra and Mrs. Murdock knew it was the same jacket. Strangely enough, it still gave her comfort when she felt all alone. And it still held the smooth turquoise stone he had given her.

  Liz shut the trunk and climbed to her feet. She looked back at Emily with a pleasant smile. “Don’t worry. I’m leaving shortly. You will have your room to yourself for the whole summer. I really am sorry I take up your space. Let me remind you that this arrangement was not my idea.”

  “Doesn’t make it any better.” Emily flopped down on her bed. Her gaze locking onto Liz.

  “I hate that you can hide your things in my room,” Emily sniped.

  Yeah, well I don’t like sharing a room any better. Liz kept that to herself though. She had a sneaking suspicion that Emily might like her better if they had separate rooms.

  At least with the Enforcer Training program, she would only be expected to stay with the McCallister’s during the holidays. Tremaine had already promised to get her out of the house for the summers.

  Kathryn entered the room without knocking. “Oh, good Elizandra, you are still here. I took the liberty to adding another chest to those that you are taking. I noticed you hadn’t packed a single gown, or much in the way of pretty clothing.”

  Liz barely managed a smile. “Thank you. That was kind of you. I must have been so preoccupied with what I might need for the mission, I didn’t think about proper clothing.”

  Kathryn smiled wider, mistaking her lack of argument for agreement. She was convinced that Kathryn was trying to marry her off as quickly as possible. The woman constantly introduced her to every young mage she could. That of course gave Emily the impression that Kathryn was more interested in finding Liz a mate than her own daughter.

  She wanted to wave her hand in Kathryn’s face and yell, “I’m sixteen. I’m not marrying any fool just to get me out of here.” She did voice that opinion once and was met with a sputtering and backpedaling.

  “The car is waiting for you. Hav
e a safe trip,” Kathryn offered awkwardly. She didn’t reach out for a hug, which she would have for any of her children. That still stung, but Liz was pretty sure it was her own fault for not being warmer to Kathryn. Mrs. McCallister had never been cruel or hateful, but she had never fully accepted Liz.

  “Have a good summer, Kathryn.” Liz gave her a smile and grabbed the last of her bags before leaving.

  Wilhelm met Liz at the bottom of the stairs with a bright smile on his face. “I still don’t see why Magister Draecyn insists on sending you on this excursion. It’s dangerous for a girl.”

  Liz grinned. “If the Magister and Tremaine have confidence in my ability, then I’m sure I will be fine.”

  Pulling her into a hug, Wilhelm chuckled. “You stay safe, Liz. And keep my boy safe. I know you’ll do amazingly well.”

  Elizandra leaned back and squeezed Wilhelm’s shoulders. “Thank you for everything.”

  “You’re family, Liz. Congratulations on graduation. Since I won’t see you directly afterward, go have a great summer.”

  She dipped her head and waved as James came down the stairs. Not wanting to deal with him, she hurried out the front door.

  Finally, a break from all the social events Kathryn insisted they all attend, she would be away from stuffy mages with judging glances, and she could enjoy time away from Emily and James.

  Robert opened the trunk as she made her way to the car. He reached for one of her bags.

  She swept them to the side with a raised brow. “I got this.”

  “I know you do,” his voice was low with an edge of amusement. “I never mind helping.”

  “I know,” and she did. She was afraid of what his help made her feel. Then again, she was terrified of the way he made her feel. She wasn’t sure if she should tell him she shared the same feelings for him.

  He shrugged and walked to the car door, which he opened.

  Feeling flustered, she deposited her bags, and her eyes landed on the monstrous chest that Kathryn had packed. She glared at it before slamming the trunk.

  Robert smiled as she walked to him. She ducked her head and slid past him. He climbed in beside her.

  “Ready for an exciting summer full of mystery and intrigue?” His eyes locked onto hers and her heart started to race.

  “I am,” she replied, and blushed. Changing topics, she asked, “Are we picking Preston up?”

  Robert glanced away. “We’re heading there now.”

  Tremaine turned around in his seat. “I don’t even get a hello?” he asked with amusement laced irritation.

  Liz smiled back at the man who had been right to bring her to the McAllister’s. Even if things weren’t always perfect, she did have a stable home, and good friends.

  Tremaine gave her a few weeks to recalibrate into life with the McAllister’s before he started to come around. He was always there for major holidays, and he had a knack for showing up when she needed his guidance the most.

  She leaned over the seat to give him a hug. “Good to see you, Trem.”

  “You too, doll. You ready for graduation before heading to the train? We won’t have time for the reception.”

  “Honestly, I can’t wait. The reception is yet another opportunity for Kathryn to try to set me up with another well to do mage. I don’t think she understands that boys are not interested in me.”

  She noticed the way Tremaine’s eyes flicked to Robert with a hint of a smirk before turning forward. “Yeah, well you’re a little young to find yourself a man. So, remember that.”

  Liz snorted as she sat back. “Yeah, just don’t tell Kathryn that. I made that mistake once.”

  Robert nodded. “It didn’t slow Mother down either. If anything, she’s only being more discreet in the way she goes about it.” She couldn’t help smiling at the disapproval in his tone.

  Tremaine fired up the car and drove back down the driveway. “She means well. It’s how she was raised.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Liz sighed. “I don’t believe there is anyone out there who could put up with me for that long.”

  “That’s not true,” Robert murmured.

  Turning her head, she closed her eyes. She wanted to believe things would be perfect between them, but she didn’t see how they could ever be together. His mother would never approve. Emily would have a fit. James still made pathetic attempts at gaining her interest. Still, she wanted to try.

  Tremaine cleared his throat. “You ready for graduation?”

  “I’m ready to be on a train,” Liz muttered.

  * * * *

  Emily stood at the window, watching Liz climb into the car with Robert right behind her. She wished she could escape the house for the summer, but she would be stuck here, alone.

  Even James was going away with Jarvis, and his father Maynard. Something about a lead to find out who killed Uncle Sinclair.

  She wouldn’t miss her twin. He made her skin crawl with the way he looked at her, the way he touched her. It wasn’t right, but he wouldn’t listen to her protests. He always hurt her worse if she tried to stop him.

  A tear fell down her face. She was alone, and no one knew the pain she carried. She didn’t have anyone to talk to.

  “Aren’t you going to miss me, Emily?” James spoke against her ear. He pressed her against the window.

  “Don’t,” she whispered. She felt the spell close in all sound as James hands smoothed down her thighs. “No, James, this isn’t right.

  “One more time before I go,” he told her, his hands gliding up her stockings. His fingers slipping under her panties.

  “Please don’t,” she begged, but he didn’t listen.

  * * * *

  Robert pulled Tremaine aside as Preston and Liz went to unload their things. Tremaine’s brow arched as he looked at him.

  “Can I ask you a favor?” Robert whispered.

  One side of Tremaine’s mouth quirked up. “Distract Preston so you can talk to Liz?”

  It really shouldn’t have surprised Robert that Tremaine would know. He knew he was fairly transparent, but Liz still didn’t get it. “Yeah.”

  “Here’s fair warning.” Tremaine dropped his voice. “You hurt her, and I won’t go easy on you just because your old man and I are close. I think you’re a good guy, Robert, but she is my number one priority and I’m not sure she’s ready.”

  Robert’s eyes narrowed in challenge. “I simply want a moment alone with her. I have never, and will never, do anything Liz does not want. She is my number one priority.”

  Tremaine smiled, his head nodding. “I believe you, kid. Don’t be disappointed if she turns you down.” He looked over Liz. Robert followed his gaze. She was laughing at whatever Preston told her. “For the record, she feels it too, but she’s terrified. You’re going to have your work cut out for you if you plan to win her heart.”

  Robert nodded. He had all the time in the world and he wasn’t in a rush. She was the only one he wanted, and always would be.

  Tremaine nudged his shoulder, nodding in her direction. “Good luck.”

  Robert nodded before making his way to Liz.

  “Hey, Preston. I need a word with you,” Tremaine called.

  Robert walked up to Liz. He jammed his hands into his pockets as he closed the distance. She smiled up at him and his heart nearly stopped.

  She played with the hem of her jacket as her eyes shifted to the ground. “I can’t wait until we’re chugging away from here. I’m so ready to be far away from home.”

  “Me too,” Robert replied breathlessly. “Did you open the letter?” He blurted out and then half turned away.

  “I did. I uh…,” she hesitated and he looked back. She stared off into the distance with her lip caught between her teeth.

  “I’m not rushing you, Liz. You hold my heart. You have since the moment I saw you. I’ll wait forever if you’ll at least think about it.”

  She brought her gaze back to his, and there was happiness mixed with fear in her green gold eyes. “I
don’t deserve your patience, Robert. I’ll be honest. I’m scared.”

  He nodded, his heart cracking, but he expected that. “You don’t have to answer.”

  Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, and then let it out slowly. When she looked up at him, she whispered, “If you can be patient with me, and you can wait until we figure out what to tell your family, you have my heart.”

  Robert didn’t dare breathe as hope filled him, threatening to shatter him in case he had heard wrong. Her hand fluttered to her collar and she pulled a silver chain out. His ring hung from it. “I put it on the necklace so no one asked about it. In case you change your mind.”

  He reached out to caress her face. Liz leaned into his touch, placing her hand over his. She turned her head and placed a light kiss on his palm before she let go and slipped the chain under her blouse.

  Liz took a step back, her eyes drifting to the car where Tremaine and Preston stood talking. “We better get on the train before Preston gives us hell.”

  Nodding, he took her hand. She squeezed back before they climbed aboard.

  * * * *

  Tremaine and Preston took the last of the bags as Liz and Robert boarded the train hand in hand. Shaking his head, he looked to Preston. “That went better than I expected.”

  “Why do you say that? They’re both over the moon for each other.” Preston smirked. “Liz is only worried that the McCallister’s won’t accept Robert choosing her.”

  Tremaine’s brow arched. For being a smartass, Preston was observant. “True, but it’s more than that. She still doesn’t believe she deserves anyone’s love.”

  “That’s bullshit. That girl deserves the best kind of love.” He glanced over and shook his head. “She’s too much work for me. Robert, though, that’s all he wants, to make her happy.”