Cora's Kismet (The Twin Destinies Saga Book 1) Read online

  Shocked, Viola shook her head in response. No guy had ever answered it before. She knew if he was willing to answer it, then it must be serious between them.

  Cora turned her wide eyes to him as well. Liam tightened his arms around her but talked to her sister.

  “I want to apologize first, for being the reason it took Cora so long to find you. I didn’t know that by us realizing we were mates, it would disrupt the connection the two of you have. I never want to come between the two of you. I realize that, until now, you are all each other have ever had and that means something to me. I don’t know what I’d do without Sage and Sassy, my sister, and we’re not even twins. Even though the timing was lousy, I do know, without a doubt, Cora and I are mates. I already think of you as a sister and I know my brother already thinks of Cora as a sister. My intentions toward her are to love and care for her, every day, for the rest of my life. I intend to keep her safe and protected from anyone who might be out to harm either her or you, because by hurting you, they hurt her. I intend to live my life making her the happiest woman in the world,” Liam said, and tears spilled over onto both girls’ cheeks. Angelica just sat back and smiled as bright as the sun.

  “I would expect no less from you Liam,” Angelica responded with happiness evident in her voice. “I am so glad you are Cora’s mate. We’ve already thought of you and Sage as sons for a long time now.”

  “Thank you ma’am,” he responded, respectful of her, and turned his eyes up to Cora’s. He reached up and wiped away the tears that were still making their way down her cheeks. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “It’s just, that was the most romantic thing we’ve ever heard from any man who wasn’t acting in a movie!” Viola said, swiping at her cheeks. “I think you better hold onto him girl, he’s a definite keeper.”

  “I know. I’m a lucky girl,” Cora said and then leaned down and kissed Liam with all of her heart and soul.

  “Is that what it’s like to find a mate?” Viola turned and asked their mother.

  “Most of the time. It depends on the couple,” Angelica responded with a shrug.

  “If that’s what it’s like, maybe it’s not so bad. So what was it like with you and Thomas?” Viola asked with open curiosity.

  “I’m assuming it’s too soon for you both to call us Mom and Dad?” she asked.

  “Yeah, a little bit. Let us get used to you guys and get to know you better, and then it’ll be easier,” Viola replied. Viola had always been the more blunt and expressive one between the two.

  Angelica nodded her head, “I guess that’s to be expected. For Thomas and me, it was unexpected. In fact, our parents hated each other, so never in a million years did we ever expect to find we were mates. One day when we were at school, we walked past each other in the hallway and our hands brushed, that’s when we both felt the spark. We stopped and stared at each other in horror. Thinking about it now, it was the funniest thing in the world. But then it was just horrifying. We didn’t know how our parents were going to take it at all so we took it slow, just meeting each other for lunch at school and during our free periods. It wasn’t until prom that either of us had gotten up the nerve to tell our parents what was going on. My father, as well as Thomas’ parents, were kind, supportive and accepting of our mating. My mother, on the other hand, attempted to destroy us all on the night of our mating ceremony. That’s a story for a different time however,” she said with a deep sadness in her voice.

  “Wow. I hope when I find my mate, it won’t be someone I’m scared to be with,” Viola said in a dramatic whisper that had Cora and Viola cracking up again, despite the sadness that had entered the room.

  There was another knock on the door and Sage’s head popped in. “So this is where the party is. Thanks for the invite, I’d love to come,” he said with a smile, but he picked up on the tension as he stepped into the room.

  Cora and Viola started laughing again. Both girls thought their insides were going to burst and their faces were going to crack from all of their laughter.

  “I take it everybody’s getting along again?” Sage asked, feigning caution.

  “Yep, we don’t stay mad at each other long,” Viola said, licking at her spoon.

  “Nope, never have, probably never will,” Cora responded with a huge smile.

  “That’s a good thing,” Sage nodded.

  “I hate to break up the party, especially when I just got here, but Thomas wants to know what happened to you while you were being held captive. He sent me to bring you guys to his office,” Sage said changing the mood in the room.

  “Can’t it wait?” Angelica asked exasperated. “Yes, I believe it can. Let me go talk to him. I’ll be back.”

  Everyone watched as she stood and whisked out of the room in a hurry. They looked around at each other for a minute and then delved back into conversation.

  “Wow, it may be tomorrow but he’s not gonna let it go,” Sage said to Viola as a warning.

  “I know. I just don’t want to think about it right now. I’m glad to be back here with Cora,” Viola said with a sigh.

  “Was it that bad?” Cora asked, her voice a whisper, reaching for her sister’s hand.

  “They didn’t hurt me or anything, but they kept me locked in a room by myself. The windows were painted black so I couldn’t see outside, or even tell whether it was day or night. The worst part though was the awful recording, with a creepy voice, that kept playing into the room. It told me how awful the prophecy was and why I should sacrifice myself so it couldn’t come to pass.” Viola shivered at the memory and gripped Cora’s hand tight in her own.

  Sage rose from his seat on the floor, moved onto the couch, where Angelica had been seated, and wrapped his arms around Viola in a comforting hug. They all remained quiet for a little while and let Viola work through her feelings over all she’d been through in the last day and a half.

  Chapter Nineteen

  A little while later, the quartet moved, from what Cora assumed was Angelica’s office, to the cafeteria. Viola was starving after her ordeal, because one thing that had not been provided in her horrible accommodations was food.

  They all loaded their plates and headed to a secluded table towards the back. Cora felt self-conscious with everyone staring at them, but there was nothing that could be done about it. With Liam close, she found she was noticing things like that less and less. It also helped that Liam kept his hand pressed to the small of her back, which reassured her no one would ever hurt her again.

  When they sat and started talking, it didn’t take long for Cora to forget the staring people, relax and enjoy the company. They talked and laughed and ate as if they’d been doing it their entire lives together. Even after they were done eating, they still sat and talked.

  They’d been there for at least two hours when Angelica walked up and asked if she could join them. They all nodded, happy with the additional company and Liam stood to pull out a chair for her. She thanked him and they resumed talking.

  The more they talked, the more comfortable Cora and Viola were becoming with their new found mother.

  Another hour passed before Thomas joined their group. It became awkward for Cora and Viola after that. They didn’t know what to say to their father and Cora always felt like she did, or said, the wrong thing.

  Thomas cleared his throat and looked at Cora and Viola. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through. It was never our intention for you to be hurt in any way. Angelica and I have always loved you both with all of our hearts and we’re grateful you’re home with us now.”

  He shifted in his chair feeling awkward, which was something Cora was positive almost never happened with him. She felt awed, honored and afraid all at the same time. Viola just stared at him.

  “For obvious reasons, we cannot take you back to our main estate, but we do have other residences and would be honored if our two daughters would consent to stay with us until other arrangements can be made. Co
ra, we understand you and Liam will not want to be apart for long, but until the mating ritual is complete, we’d prefer it if you do not sleep together.” Thomas looked at them with stern, but understanding eyes before continuing. “Angelica and I have discussed this and agree that, of course, the decision is yours.”

  The table remained so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The cafeteria had long since cleared out. Cora and Viola looked at each other and then back at their parents, speechless. One thing they were not used to was being given choices. It was either do as you were told and expected to do, or you paid the consequences, in ways you didn’t want to even imagine.

  “Uh, can we have a few minutes to talk it over?” Viola asked, trying to be respectful.

  “Yes, of course. It will be getting dark soon, so if you choose not to stay with us, we will need time to make other arrangements. I’m sure you both agree returning to the Kilpatrick household is not an option,” Thomas said with compassion.

  “Yeah, that’s never happening. I’m so glad Cora thought to grab anything that was important to us when she visited, because if I never go there again, it’s too soon.” Viola swore with vehemence that Cora agreed with.

  Thomas nodded his head in approval as Viola and Cora stood to go have a quiet conference a few feet away. As they moved away from the table, Cora reached down and grabbed Liam’s hand, pulling him along with them. He looked up at her surprised, but didn’t argue as he rose and walked with her.

  Viola acted no different towards him, even though he had no place in this conversation. It was their decision where they stayed. All he cared about, right now, was their safety.

  “Well, what do you think?” Viola asked, keeping her voice low, as she looked at Cora and Liam.

  “I think they’re trying. I’m starting to like Angelica, but I think it will take a while to get to know Thomas well enough to be comfortable around him. In his own way, I think he’s trying though. It’s only fair if we try too,” Cora said, just as low, and squeezed Liam’s hand. She wasn’t sure how Viola would take her words, so she drew upon his strength in case she needed it.

  Viola remained quiet for a minute, as she thought about it, and then nodded her agreement. “I don’t like the idea, but you’re right. We’ll never get to know them unless we meet them halfway. I say we stay with them. What about you, Liam? Will you be staying there with us?”

  Cora had just assumed where she was, he would be too. It never occurred to her he would stay somewhere else. She looked up at him and searched his face for any clue as to what his answer would be.

  “I don’t know if Thomas would be willing to allow me to stay with you. You heard what he said about us sleeping together,” Liam said, the hesitation evident in his voice. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her.

  “Well it wouldn’t be so bad if I was in the room with you two. It’s not like you’d do anything with me there,” Viola said, as if that were the most obvious thing in the world.

  “You wouldn’t mind?” Cora asked a bit surprised.

  “Of course not. You’re my sister, my twin, all I want is for you to be happy and that’s what he makes you. I can see how much it would bother you to be away from him, so how about I go talk to daddy dearest over there and see if I can strike a deal huh?” Viola said, and bounced away as if she had no doubt whatsoever he would do anything but agree with her.

  Liam and Cora stayed where they were and watched the scene play out before them. It seemed as if Thomas was fighting the idea at first, but they could only hear bits and pieces of what was being said from where they were at. All of a sudden, Viola raised her voice, anger at their father’s evident stubbornness.

  “Then find us somewhere else to stay where Liam and Cora can be together, with me there too. I will be their chaperone if it makes you feel better, but this is the most alive and happy I’ve ever seen her and I will not sit back and see her miserable for however short amount of time they’re apart!” Viola pointed her finger with a jab in their father’s face as she accented each point of her tirade. It was clear Thomas was unused to being talked to in such a fashion and he rose to his feet to tower over his daughter.

  Angelica stood and moved to break up their argument. “Now Thomas, listen to them, they are trying to meet us halfway. Viola has even volunteered to stay in the same room with them so nothing improper occurs before the mating ritual. We can meet them the rest of the way,” she said, forcing him to look at her.

  Liam and Cora looked at each other and then back at her parents and sister. Sage rose unnoticed and moved over to stand by his brother.

  “Are you sure you want to pursue this? Thomas is not a man you want as an enemy, you know that,” he whispered in Liam’s ear, just loud enough for Cora to hear it too.

  “This isn’t my plan at all. This is Viola’s idea,” Liam whispered back, and Cora nodded confirmation.

  “Wow! Well, I’ve gotta give her credit, she’s got one hell of a backbone,” Sage said, with a new respect for her sister.

  Liam and Cora nodded their agreement again, while keeping their eyes on Thomas and Viola.

  Angelica continued to try to calm Thomas, and get him to agree to their terms, while Viola stood her ground with her hands on her hips. She was not going to budge an inch and Cora wished she had her sister’s strength.

  After several minutes, Thomas looked around at all of them and spoke in a firm and decisive voice, “The terms I will agree to will be these, the three of you may stay with Angelica and I, Cora and Viola may share a room as they seem to agree on, but Liam must stay in a separate room and under no circumstances enter the girls’ room. If this is not agreeable, we can start making arrangements for other accommodations.”

  Viola looked over at Cora and Liam raising an eyebrow for their decision. Thomas didn’t cave in all together but he did meet their terms halfway. Cora nodded her agreement and Viola met Thomas’ eyes. “It sounds like we have a deal, Dad.” She exaggerated the word dad for emphasis and then grinned.

  Thomas shook his head and walked away. Viola bounced her way over to Cora, Liam and Sage. “See, piece of cake,” she said, and they all burst into laughter, even Angelica.

  Chapter Twenty

  When Cora and Viola were alone, after what felt like forever, showered and wearing their most comfy pajamas, they curled up on the enormous king sized bed they were going to be sharing, for who knew how long. Once they were settled, Viola gave Cora a knowing look and grinned.

  “Ok spill. I want all of the details,” she said, bouncing in excitement. Cora had dated one guy a few times here and there, but he had never stood a real chance with her.

  “Details about what?” Cora asked, trying to play innocent, but she knew what details Viola wanted to know.

  “Give me a break Cora. I know you’ve kissed Liam. I’ve watched you do it. Is he a good kisser?” Viola asked, the bouncing on the bed increasing with every second that passed.

  “You really want me to kiss and tell?” Cora asked, teasing her sister just for the fun of it.

  “Duh! That’s what sisters do. Now dish, unless you want me to go find out for myself.” Viola made like she was going to stand and do just that, but Cora grabbed her and pulled her back down on the bed.

  “Ok, ok, ok. No need to go all drastic. Sheesh. Besides, I’ll claw your eyes out of your head if you even come close to entertaining that idea again. I love you Vi, but he’s mine,” Cora said, and then laughed at the mock terror on her sister’s face.

  “I get it. Possessive much?” she asked, raising her hands as a show of surrender and leaning back away from Cora so far she fell off of the bed. They both started laughing, sounding hysterical as Viola tried, several times, to pull herself up off the floor. Cora had to reach down and help pull Viola back up onto the bed.

  “Now, can he kiss?” Viola asked, once she was settled again. Cora sighed with a dreamy look in her eyes.

  “The first time we kissed was in the kitchen of his family’s cabin, right b
efore Sage got there, and it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. I never wanted to stop because it was pure heaven.” As Cora spoke her eyes glazed over remembering their kiss in vivid detail.

  “Oh gag me,” Viola said, as she swatted Cora with a pillow, trying to pull her out of her dreamy state.

  “That’s a thought,” Cora said, laughing when Viola pretended her feelings were hurt.

  “So, have they said anything about this unbinding thing? I’m curious to see what we can do. I mean, I hear you were pretty impressive, and I wish I could say I saved my own butt back there when it counted, but that never happened,” Viola said, and turned their conversation serious.

  “I don’t know, maybe we should ask at breakfast tomorrow. You’d think they’d need time to teach us to use these powers of ours before this big prophecy is supposed to happen. I guess we also have to find you a mate before it can happen. So, is there anyone you’re feeling, even a little, mated to Vi?” Cora teased. “You and Sage were looking kinda cozy.”

  “Sage? You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Viola said, with an eye roll and another swat of the pillow at Cora. “He’s hot and everything, but so not my type. Besides, just because we’re twins and you hooked up with his brother, doesn’t mean I’m going to hook up with him. There are some things we just don’t need to do together.”

  Cora laughed at her sister’s reaction. Viola was one hundred percent a drama queen, but Cora loved that about her.

  “Well then I guess we’d better get you socializing with as many guys as possible,” Cora said and wiggled her eyebrows at her sister.

  “Hmm, yes, that has some serious possibilities,” Viola said, and pretended to go all dreamy at Cora’s suggestion, then they both giggled. The sheer amount of giggling was a sign of the high amount of stress they were both under, because they never laughed and giggled this much. They were both wondering to themselves what their futures held and whether or not they’d be able to survive long enough to reach their 18th birthday.