Destiny's Wrath (Destiny Series - Book 3) Read online

  A look of nervousness appeared on the custodian. “I guess it would be okay, so long as you sign a hand receipt. I don’t want to be on the chief’s shit list for no reason.”

  “Good call. I’d hate to report in tomorrow morning’s meeting that the sting didn’t go down because the money wasn’t available.”

  The custodian went to the safe and pulled out five stacks of money. I wonder if I shouldn’t have requested $100,000. This was just too easy. The custodian had a very legible receipt and asked me to fill in the case number and sign. In ten minutes time, I had $50,000 in my pocket. Bert will be so pleased.

  Chapter 18

  Lauren

  A light knock on the door sounded as I looked at Max. I could hear Renny’s thoughts before I opened it. It was already 11 a.m. “Good Morning, Lauren. Good Morning, Max. The Council is waiting in the lobby for you. Are you ready?”

  Max responded before I had a chance, “Renny, I want you to know, we’ll have no part in a murder.”

  “Max, Lauren asked us here. I believe she has some information for us. We have no plans to murder anybody.”

  When we got to the lobby I saw all the familiar faces. Mike, the Council member who could actually communicate with animals, stood up to say hello, “How’ve you been? How’s Peanut doing?”

  I couldn’t help but smile back, “He’s doing great. We all are. Thanks for asking.” Max and I leaned into a couch centered in the room. Renny and Mike were on a couch directly across from us, and everyone else were huddled around in a circle.

  “Thanks everyone, for coming. I have some information for you, but I’m going to need some information from you first.” Renny’s eyes stayed fixed on mine. “I’m going to get right to the point: you’ve told me I have the power to change destinies. How does that work?”

  Renny never dropped her gaze, “Lauren, no one on the Council has this skill. You and Max are the only ones that will be able to work this power. You bent Paul’s destiny without even trying. You know better how to use your power than any of us.”

  Paul was a friend that was supposed to have died during a home invasion. I delayed his death and ultimately bent his destiny, without even realizing I had done it. “I don’t buy it. You are supposed to be the good guys. Prove it to me. Tell me what you know.”

  Silence was the only answer I received. I waited for a response longer than was comfortable and finally stated, “If none of you know, is there anyone you can think of who may know?”

  Heads shook, but it was Mike who finally spoke, “Lauren, I don’t know anyone else who has ever bent destinies. It’s not exactly a power we want you to use. Destinies are mapped before individuals are born. Altering them, even in the slightest of ways, can only result in changes to their life’s map.”

  “So, let’s say for argument’s sake that Max was supposed to live a long life with me. Could my concern with his potential murder by the Council have made the Cabinet appear?” Renny’s eyes went wide for a second as she contemplated. “So, in effect, my involvement with Max actually allowed his destiny to play out when the Council would have ended his life decades too early.”

  “Is that what happened?” A tall, heavyset, white-bearded, Santa-looking man asked. I recognized him but had never been introduced. When I first started experimenting with my power of sight, I had looked in on Renny. She and the Santa-looking man had been in mid-conversation.

  I held out my hand to him, “I’m Lauren, I don’t think we’ve been introduced.”

  Santa took my hand, “It’s my pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Tom. Is that what happened? Is that how Samael was able to escape?”

  “If I knew the answer to that, I wouldn’t be asking.”

  Renny looked at Max. “I had always assumed you had summoned Dakota and the Cabinet. You didn’t?”

  Max shook his head, “No, they just showed up at an opportune moment.”

  Renny turned her attention back to me, “So when you needed the Council’s help, we were all able to drop everything and come to your assistance. So, too, you have the Cabinet’s services. It seems you have been bending destinies for some time, without either group the wiser. Fascinating.”

  Whispers erupted in all directions as the realization hit us all. My power wasn’t to wish destinies or outcomes to change; it was to influence others to make destinies what I needed them to be. When the whispers gave way to wide eyes and gaping mouths, I asked, “Is it odd that the entire Council would come to a single person’s assistance?”

  “Yes.” Renny’s eyes still concentrated steadily on mine.

  “Is it odd that the entire Cabinet would come to a single person’s assistance, as well?”

  I heard her voice before I saw her step through the door, “Yes, it is unprecedented.” Dakota walked directly up to Max and me in the center of the Council’s circle. “It is also unprecedented that Renny and I be this close, though since I’ve met you, we are becoming something short of fast friends.” Dakota directed her question to her nemesis, “Tell me, Renny, do you notice anything different when Lauren is around us?”

  Renny gave a sideways glance, “How do you mean?”

  “I mean, we’ve never been able to spend so much time together. It’s as if you are positively charged and I negatively, with Lauren as our ground. Although I detest being anywhere near you, it does not pain me to do so when I am in the company of Lauren. Do you not feel the same way?”

  “I despise you, Dakota. The sight of you makes my skin crawl. But, you are correct: I am not physically pained to be close to you when Lauren is near.”

  “Shall we test our theory?”

  “How do you propose we do that?”

  “Come with me to the parking lot. Lauren, you stay inside.”

  We all watched as the two women stood up, walking shoulder to shoulder, and began their exit from the motel lobby. As soon as the double doors opened for the two to exit, it was obvious something had changed. Both women’s postures went rigid. They took only a few steps outside before turning around and nearly sprinting back to the Council gathering.”

  Dakota was the first to speak, “Do you know what this means?”

  “That you all are going to start calling me Dr. Feel-Good?”

  “If that is the name that you prefer, I believe we can accommodate that title.”

  “Ah, no, it was a joke. I’d rather you just call me Lauren.”

  “It means the Cabinet and Council can come together, work collectively for the first time in our history. Lauren, you are capable of coupling both groups.”

  “Okay, that’s great, I think. Look, I just want to know how this destiny bending works.”

  Dakota looked serious, “I think it’s quite obvious. You may harness the power of both the Council and the Cabinet. You are able to intensify any element that we control, allowing people to remain on the correct path.”

  Max’s hand had been on my thigh for most of the conversation. He gave me a gentle squeeze and then spoke for the first time, “Dakota, Renny, everybody, we know where Samael is. We want him destroyed, but we don’t want his host murdered. Will you help us?”

  No one seemed willing to answer Max at first, then a short man I’d only ever seen once said, “Max, we don’t want anyone to die unnecessarily. If it is their destiny to do so, we will not preclude it, but, if their destiny is not to be a host to Samael, we will assist.”

  Dakota agreed, “I think it wise that I not return to the Cabinet with this message alone. They will likely not believe it. Will it be possible to meet tomorrow morning with both groups, so that they can experience this for themselves?”

  I nodded, “Okay by me. Any objections?”

  Silence echoed in the lobby. Dakota finally broke it, “Silence is always consent. How about 11 a.m. tomorrow?”

  Within five minutes the entire group had dispersed. Max sat with me on the couch and gave me that gorgeous smile, “Doctor Feel-Good? Aren’t you the funny one?”

  “It slipped
out.”

  His hands were suddenly on both sides of my rib cage, “I think that should be my title.” His fingers started digging in my sides as I erupted in loud laughter, being tickled like a teenager.

  “Stop it!!” I squealed.

  Max stood up, took me by the hand, and led me back to our room. As we walked down the hallway, “We’ll see who keeps the title.”

  Chapter 19

  Samael

  “Hello, Bert, can you hear me?”

  Sounding as though he’d just been awakened from hibernation, “Wha..oh, Samael, what’s going on?”

  “It’s time to come out of the darkness, my friend.”

  “Wow, it’s still dark out. What time is it?”

  “A little before seven. Your friend, Cynthia, will be here soon.”

  Bert looked at himself in the hallway mirror. His face was clean shaven, he smelled of expensive cologne, he was dressed to kill. “What do you mean 7:00! Where did the day go?”

  “I needed your body a little longer than I had anticipated.”

  “Oh shit! I missed work?”

  “No, of course not. I went to your office, I met with the chief, interviewed suspects, blah blah blah. It was an uneventful day. I told you I would make sure you participated in all the things I thought you might enjoy. Cynthia will be here soon: I knew you’d want to be involved.”

  “But, you can’t just take over my life!”

  “Actually, I can. But don’t worry, I’ll just need a few more days. Besides I promised you wealth and women. I intend to make good on both my promises. I do, however, have an engagement as soon as we are finished with Cynthia. I’ll need you to retreat to the darkness for a few hours again when we’re done. That won’t be a problem, will it?”

  “Uh, no, I guess not. You’re sure she’s coming?”

  “I could not be more certain.”

  Bert looked out the window and saw Cynthia stepping up the sidewalk toward his front door. She looked absolutely incredible. Bert could hardly believe she was coming to see him looking like that. He couldn’t help but stare. She was wearing spiked heels, at least four inches high. Her black dress was short, really short, barely covering-her-ass short. The front of the dress hung low and most of her breasts were exposed. Bert got excited just watching her walk. He knew he didn’t want a repeat of last night right there in his entryway, but was concerned he wouldn’t be able to make it to his bedroom. He was thankful they weren’t going out; there would be no way for him to make it through a dinner conversation looking across a table at her. She tapped lightly on the door.

  Bert swung the door open a little too enthusiastically and startled her, “My God, you are gorgeous.”

  She cautiously stepped inside the door, looking a little apprehensive, “Hi, Bert. Do I look okay?”

  “You look like you just came from a photo shoot. You didn’t wear this for me?”

  “Yes, I got your note.” She nervously looked at the watch on her wrist. “You said 7:00.”

  Bert was having trouble concentrating on conversation, and blurted out, “I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful in my whole life.” He wrapped his arms around her and buried her face in his chest. Cynthia’s body went rigid as if she were having second thoughts. Bert prayed that she didn’t turn around and march back down the sidewalk.

  She didn’t blush, or smile, or even pretend she had just tossed the outfit together. “Listen, Bert, I am a little embarrassed to ask, but you were, you know…about last night.” Bert saw her fists balled at her sides, shaking. “I’m not like that, that was a little um…”

  Bert cut her off, “Cynthia, last night was incredible. You were absolutely amazing.” He looked in her eyes and saw fear staring back at him. He couldn’t understand why. He concluded her apprehension was because she must be concerned that their getting together so impulsively made him think less of her. Bert had never been any kind of Casanova, so their time together had been a gift. He was so taken with her beauty he couldn’t risk her being embarrassed by their short courtship. Bert had secretly had a crush on Cynthia for years. Bert’s fingers glided gently through her locks of long red hair, his hand cradled her face.

  A single tear fell down her cheek. “I’m a little, um, I mean, I’m not in the best shape to . . . you know . . . again.”

  Samael’s words came out of Bert’s mouth, before Bert could even form a response, “Maybe we could do something a little less invasive. We could just get to know each other a little better tonight.”

  Her apprehension seemed to be replaced with relief, her voice was elated. “That would be great!” She took Bert’s outstretched hand and let him lead her to the couch.

  The two talked for several hours and realized they had a great deal in common. They both worked out at the same gym, they had attended the same college and were both allergic to pet dander. As the hour approached ten, Bert could feel Samael getting impatient. Bert had offered to walk Cynthia home. As the two made their way to the door, Cynthia said, “I had a great time tonight, I’m glad I got to know you a little better.”

  “Tonight was great, where have you been my whole life?” Bert caressed her shoulders and leaned down to gently kiss her neck.

  Samael’s voice barked at him, “Bert, I’ll see Cynthia out. I have an engagement I need to take care of. Go to your dark place. Give me your body back.”

  “Samael, can it wait? I told her I’d walk her home. You can have my body in ten minutes. I’d like to see if maybe she wants to go out for dinner or something tomorrow?”

  “I’m afraid it can’t wait. Don’t worry, I’ll make arrangements for dinner tomorrow. You can tell her how wonderful she is then.”

  Bert leaned over to give her a tender goodnight kiss. “You are the woman of my dreams.” As Samael asked, Bert stepped into the dark place, leaving his body to Samael, thinking he was the luckiest man alive.

  When Samael was sure that Bert was no longer conscious, he began studying Cynthia. That look of relief on her face was unbecoming. He much preferred her demeanor last night.

  She saw him watching her. He could tell she felt as though their evening would quickly come to a close. Samael was in full control again, “My pet, that was quite a nice warm up. Are you ready for the main event?”

  “Bert, but you said . . . you said we didn’t have to . . . we could take it slow. After last night . . . I’m not in any shape to . . . please, no.” Fear began to show through her eyes, her muscles tensed in front of him.

  “You mean to deny me? You are telling your master ‘no.’ Is that what I am hearing?”

  “Bert, I can’t.”

  “Do not address me with that name. I’ll tell you what you can’t do.” Quietly he hissed, “Upstairs, now.”

  Cynthia broke down into full fledged, hysterical sobs. Samael smiled wryly, “I can see we’ll have to work on your insolence. Don’t worry, My Pet, tonight we’ll show you exactly how much you need to fear me.”

  “Ber . . . no. Not again.”

  “I hurt you?”

  More sobs, “Yes.”

  “Why did you return this evening? If you didn’t enjoy our evening last night, why would you come back for more?”

  “Last night . . . when I couldn’t scream . . . it was . . .too much. I didn’t want you to do that again.”

  “I see. My Pet, let me take a look at you.” Samael unzipped her dress and allowed it to drop to the floor as she stood in front of him. Her rock hard body had several bruises; the welts from last night were a brilliant purple. Tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. Samael purposely undressed her in front of the hallway mirror, forcing her to see his marks from last night. As she saw the grotesque marks, her sobs were nearly uncontrollable.

  “Na . . . na . . . not again, please.”

  “I rather like your new look, My Pet. I have marked you as my own. Your creamy skin only makes the presents I left for you more colorful and vibrant. You are exquisite, do you know that?”

  “Please, I’
ll do anything, just not like last night, okay?”

  Samael still stood in front of her, taking her in, “Perfectly proportioned. A beautiful face, and memories of our passion together layered all over your body, where only I am permitted to see. You are making me excited just standing here.”

  A muffled sob released and she stopped begging, realizing that her pleas would be ignored.

  “My Pet, I won’t need to punish you the same way tonight, will I?”

  She shook her head.

  “You’ll please me, won’t you?”

  Still crying, she nodded. “Very well, I’ve got a surprise for you upstairs. I think you’ll find it to be a new experience.” With that he led her upstairs.

  ****

  Samael could not believe his good fortune. He was disappointed that he would not be able to keep her. Just a few more days and he wouldn’t need this body any longer. He considered her a small liability, but after careful reasoning, he decided she was far too embarrassed to go to a doctor. She was smart enough not to go to the authorities. Yes, he was confident that she would tell no one of their encounter and delay his plans.

  He loved that when she hit her absolute limit, her whole body went limp and she passed out. It was as though he were able to kill her over and over. He wanted to keep her. He had to find a way. Samael knew he would be gone for several hours and decided to toy with her a bit more. He wrote two notes. The first said:

  My Pet,

  You nearly outdid yourself this evening. Your allure is beyond words. Take care of your wounds. I’ll give you a night off tomorrow as reward for your performance this evening. Maybe I should come to your house next time?

  Master

  Samael put this note and a large tube of Neosporin in her hand. He showered and dressed. As he was getting ready to leave, he noticed she was stirring. He looked at the second note he had written and stuffed it into his wallet. Samael crept over to the bed. She was not fully conscious; now would be the time to leave her with a final thought.

  Samael sat down beside her on the bed, his voice low, “Get your rest, My Pet. You will need your strength again very soon. I believe I know where your breaking point is now. I have special plans for you the next time we meet. It will be a night you’ll remember until your death, maybe longer.” He kissed her temple.