Viola's Risk (The Twin Destinies Saga Book 2) Read online

  Sage sensed the truth in Dominic’s words and felt the pain in his heart. He nodded his head as he said, “I am sorry for your losses. No child should ever have to endure what the three of you have had to at her hands. I had to be sure though, before we put this plan into action.”

  “I understand. It’s hard to think or talk about, but I think about them every day. That keeps me focused on what I need to do. I will give my life to keep the girls safe,” he responded. Viola had tears in her eyes for the torment he’d endured, with the loss of his family at the hands of Anna. Not saying anything, she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tight, offering him the comfort she knew he needed.

  “We will defeat her. I promise you she will not win,” she told him with fierce hatred and anger. “That woman has caused enough damage. Her time is coming to an end, soon.”

  “I have no doubt you’ll succeed Beautiful One. You don’t know how to do anything else. Besides, if you were weak, that recording she made you endure would have already turned you against your sister. She seems to have underestimated your strength and that alone will help you to defeat her,” Dominic said and stroked her face.

  “Well, it won’t work in her favor when we put our plan into action. Speaking of, how soon are we planning on doing this?” she asked and looked up at her father.

  “The soonest it could be would be tomorrow. However, I’d rather do it the day after so we can gather more protection for you,” Thomas informed her.

  “Tomorrow would be better. She’ll get suspicious if Dominic’s gone for that long, even if he says he’s got us under surveillance. That won’t be enough to save him from her,” Viola spoke and then shuddered as the thoughts of what Anna would do to him flashed through her mind.

  “She’s right. Anna doesn’t go for the idea of watching and planning for the right time. She acts. One day is believable, but more than that, she’ll catch on that I am spying on her for you and possibly setting her up for a trap,” Dominic confirmed Viola’s statement.

  With a nod, Thomas dismissed them and walked over to the phone to begin putting their plans into action. Sage stayed behind as Viola, Dominic and Angelica all left the room.

  After the door closed behind them, Angelica turned to Dominic.

  “You are a strong young man. Thomas has never mentioned you to me before now. I am sorry for everything you’ve had to endure growing up. What you’ve done to help us, we will never be able to repay you for,” she told him as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

  “I was proud to do what I’ve done ma’am. It was the right thing to do. Besides, if I hadn’t, I doubt that I would have met Viola,” he said giving Viola a playful wink and bringing a smile to Angelica’s face.

  “Although I do not condone the fact that you kidnapped our daughter and delivered her to Anna, I do understand why you did so. Believe me, it will never happen again because you do not want to find out what I’m capable of,” Angelica warned him.

  Viola’s eyes got wide at her mother’s threatening tone. It was a drastic switch from being grateful to threatening her mate and it made her defensive.

  “Don’t worry ma’am, no such thing will ever happen again. I can’t blame you for being protective of them, they are very special girls, prophecy or not. I feel honored to have Viola as my mate, although I have a feeling she will keep me on my toes at all times,” Dominic said, careful to be very respectful. He knew Angelica had a lot more power within her than her calm and delicate demeanor suggested.

  “See that it doesn’t. They have been through too much in their lives already to have to deal with anymore. I feel horrible that they have to deal with this prophecy at all. Please do not misunderstand me, I am grateful for all you’ve done, but I will protect my daughters first,” Angelica informed him, her back was stiff as a board, and Viola didn’t need Sage to tell her what her mother was feeling at the moment.

  “That’s enough. Leave him alone. Cora and I protected ourselves most of our lives without your help. We will be fine. Don’t threaten him,” Viola warned, the fury she felt rising in her at her mother’s treatment of her mate, turning her words into a growl and making pictures on the walls begin to rattle with her power’s response to her own turbulent emotions.

  Dominic began to rub her back with one hand as he turned her face toward his with the other. “Don’t do this Beautiful One. She’s your mother and she loves you as a mother should. Every mother wants to protect their children. That is all she was doing. Relax Beautiful One, relax.”

  His words penetrated her focus and brought her back from her rage. She was definitely going to have to learn how to control her temper with all of these new powers, before she injured or killed someone.

  “Very well done. It is obvious you are her mate and I respect that. Take care of and honor each other. Viola, the same rules apply for you and Dominic as did Cora and Liam before their mating ceremony,” she said before turning and walking off.

  Dominic turned a curious look at Viola and waited for her to explain what her mother had been talking about.

  “We are not to be alone in my room. In fact, you are not allowed to step foot in my room, although that’s a bit too late,” Viola said with sarcasm.

  Dominic laughed. “That’s okay Beautiful One. We can respect their rules.”

  “Right now, I want to go find out how Cora and Liam are doing and fill them in on the plan. I hope Cora was able to calm him down enough for him to help us with this,” Viola said, her voice becoming worried.

  “Well, let’s go find out then,” Dominic said, taking her hand in his. “Lead the way.”

  “As if it would be any other way,” Viola said and grinned as they headed down the hallway toward Cora and Liam’s room.

  Chapter Eleven

  As Viola and Dominic reached her sister’s room, they could hear the heated argument between Cora and Liam.

  Viola turned a worried look at Dominic before raising her hand to knock. Dominic wondered if they should be interrupting or leave things be until the couple had calmed down.

  The door flew open after Viola’s loud knock and the scene in the room was pretty bad. Liam looked like he hadn’t slept in days, even though all of this had started today. Cora looked like she’d been crying.

  Viola stepped through the door with no hesitation, but Dominic hung back for a minute before stepping inside. Having lost his family at such a young age, he had no experience on how to deal with all of these familial disputes.

  “It’s okay Dominic, we’re not going to hurt you,” Cora told him as she choked back a sob.

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude on something private,” he said, worried that he was invading their privacy.

  “Viola and I don’t keep things from each other, at least not usually. It’s been a weird last few days so please disregard what happened earlier,” Cora said as she put her hand on Dominic’s arm and moved him further into the room, before shutting the door behind them.

  “I take it the two of you haven’t made any progress,” Viola asked as she went over and flopped herself in one of the plush chairs in the sitting area of the enormous room, as if she belonged there.

  With the way Liam was looking back and forth between the two of them, Dominic moved over to stand beside Viola. The look Cora’s mate was giving them would kill them both if it were possible.

  Cora shrugged her shoulders and sank down into one of the other chairs as Liam stayed over by the door to the bathroom, in case he needed to make an escape.

  “So what’s the plan?” Cora asked, the weariness in her voice making Dominic want to comfort her, just because he’d never heard such emotional pain coming from someone like her before. Besides, he could feel how much it was tearing Viola apart to see her sister so upset. Guilt was building inside of him for putting them all in this position.

  “We’re going to be taking a shopping trip with Angelica. During the time we’re in the stores, the guards will be prominent to discourage Ann
a from making her move in a public place. On the trip home, we’re going to set up a point where we appear to be vulnerable and that’s where Dominic will tell Anna to make her move,” Viola told her, waiting for Liam to blow up all over again.

  “This can’t be happening,” Liam groaned. “I’ve almost lost you too many times already. Please Cora, do not do this.”

  “I have to My Love. Viola needs her mate as much as I need you. You have to understand that. If Anna figures out Dominic is Viola’s mate and betraying her, she will kill him. She will torture him first for any and all information she can gain, but the end result will be the same. Viola knows this and won’t sit back and allow it to happen, which will expose her to Anna. The prophecy cannot be fulfilled unless we have him here with us,” Cora explained to Liam, probably not for the first time either.

  Liam shook his head and covered his face with his hands, “This is unbelievable.”

  “We’ll be fine Liam,” Viola told him, sympathy filling her voice. “I promise you that. Nothing will happen to Cora, you’ll be there to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  “I’m worried about you too Viola. Both of you are equally important to the prophecy and to me. Cora may be my mate, but you are family.” Liam spoke from the heart and Dominic understood even more where the guy was coming from. He hoped they could be friends in the future. The position he was putting everyone in right now made being friends in the near future doubtful.

  “You are the brother I never had Liam. I do understand where you’re coming from, but I am asking you to understand where I am coming from too. Being mated to Cora, I’d think you would understand,” Viola pleaded with him.

  “I do understand. That doesn’t mean I can allow my mate to be put in danger to protect yours. Everything inside of me is refusing to do so,” Liam explained, hoping they would understand and try to find another way.

  “Yet you’re asking me to do just that,” Viola stated.

  Liam’s hands dropped from his face as he stared at Viola with surprise. It was obvious he hadn’t looked at it in quite that way.

  “I’m so sorry Vi. I’ve been so selfish,” Liam apologized from his heart.

  “Don’t worry about it. I get it. The whole situation stinks. We’re all sacrificing here. The only way this is going to work though is if we pull together as a team, trust and believe in each other. That’s what family does during the hard times. They stand and fight together,” Viola told him as she stood and went over to him. She could hear Cora’s soft sigh of relief that Viola had gotten through to him. Viola reached out and put her arms around Liam.

  “No matter what, we are family. That is stronger than anything Anna can throw at us,” she said as she hugged him tight in a reassuring hug.

  “That we are. I can’t wait until my parents and sister, meet you both,” Liam said. “You all are going to love each other.”

  “I’m sure we will,” Viola said as she released Liam and moved back to her seat by where Dominic was standing.

  Cora moved over to Liam’s side and wrapped her arm around his waist with a small smile. He gave her a reassuring smile before turning back to Viola and Dominic.

  “Where’s Sage?” he asked, noticing for the first time that his brother was not present.

  “We left him with Thomas so that they can organize the mission for tomorrow,” Dominic told him.

  “Tomorrow? Why so soon?” Liam asked, shocked.

  “Because if we push it out further, then Anna will catch on that Dominic’s working with us and she won’t take the bait,” Viola said.

  Cora nodded her head. “Anna’s not one for patience, thinking things through and acting based on organized plans. She sees an opportunity and takes it. They’re right, Dominic’s supposed to be back in the morning. When he doesn’t return, she’ll be a little suspicious until he calls and tells her he was on his way back and spotted us and decided to tail us instead. It makes sense.”

  “I’d better go help put everything together,” Liam said as he leaned over and kissed Cora with all of the love he felt for her.

  Viola looked over at Dominic, awkwardness building between them at the couple’s public display of affection.

  When the two broke apart, Liam headed for the door and Dominic cleared his throat. “Do you mind if I come with you?”

  “Sure, we could use the help. It’s going to be all hands on deck for this,” Liam said as Dominic joined him and they moved out of the room.

  Once the door was closed behind the guys, Cora started in on Viola.

  “So, you need to dish dear sister. Is he a good kisser?” Cora asked, mocking Viola’s question about Liam.

  “I don’t know,” Viola said, looking troubled.

  “The two of you haven’t kissed?” Cora asked, moving over and sitting back in the chair that she’d been in before moving to Liam’s side.

  “No. He hasn’t tried. I don’t understand why either,” Viola said, feeling frustrated.

  “Give him time. It’s been kinda crazy around here since he got here. Although I can’t say I’ve forgiven him for kidnapping you, I do understand why he did it, but we were all terrified for you,” Cora told her twin in an honest voice.

  “I know sis. I hope one day you can forgive him,” Viola told her with a sigh.

  “I’m sure I will. Let’s see how all of this plays out before worrying about that. So, did I hear you right when you said we’re going shopping tomorrow?” Cora asked and grinned wide.

  “Yeah, I guess we don’t have enough stuff for dear old mom or it’s not good enough for her. I don’t know which and really don’t care. A little retail therapy would be awesome before we have to go head to head with Anna,” Viola said with a grin.

  “You know it!” Cora said and they both broke out in laughter.

  “New shoes,” Viola groaned, happy at the thought.

  “Clothes,” Cora replied.

  “It’s been too long,” Viola told Cora, who nodded her agreement.

  “Way, way too long. I wonder if Mom knows just what she’s in for during this trip tomorrow?” Cora asked, a wicked glint in her eyes.

  “I’m sure she’ll find out soon enough,” Viola said and grinned widely.

  The girls settled down for a session of girl time as they waited for their mates to return. Dinner would be served in a little while and so they spent a good part of the time getting each other ready.

  Chapter Twelve

  Dominic felt weird joining the family for dinner. The last time he’d had a family dinner was when he was nine years old, before Anna had entered his life, destroying everything.

  As everyone chatted, as if they weren’t going on a critical mission the next day, he ate quietly and looked over at his beautiful Viola as often as he could without drawing attention. He wondered how in the world he’d gotten so lucky to have her for a mate.

  She was having an animated conversation with Angelica and Cora about where they’d be shopping and what they’d be buying the next day.

  “I think we should start with a trip to the salon,” Angelica suggested and beamed when both girls squealed with excitement.

  Sage rolled his eyes at the girls and Liam groaned out loud. Thomas just sat back and observed the scene that was playing out in front of him. It was obvious how much pride he had in his mate and daughters. He wished his father had looked at him like that.

  “What’s wrong Dominic?” Sage asked him without drawing anyone else’s attention.

  “Nothing. It’s just been a long time since I’ve been a part of anything like this,” Dominic said and went back to eating the wonderful food on his plate. Living under Anna’s thumb, he was lucky if he ate at all.

  “We can talk later if you’d like,” Sage offered.

  “Why would you care?” Dominic asked him, suspicion filling his voice.

  “Because as Viola’s mate, you are family and as family, we take care of each other. It’s as simple as that,” Sage replied, taking Dominic by surpri
se.

  “You’re Liam’s brother right?” Dominic asked, trying to figure out how the man could call him family.

  “Yeah, he’s my younger brother. Cora’s his mate which makes Viola my sister through them. We take family very seriously,” Sage said with a shrug. “You don’t have to talk to me, but I’m here if you decide to.”

  Dominic didn’t reply. His thoughts wandered back to his own family. He was having a hard time remembering whether they would have been this open and accepting of anyone he’d have brought home. Something told him his father would have demanded he turn her over or would disown him for Viola being his mate, even though he had no choice in the matter. His mother had been a quiet woman who let his father walk all over her.

  Viola reached over and put her hand over his. When he looked up and met her eyes, she smiled so big it lit up the entire room and made his heart swell.

  She then went back to her conversation without letting go of his hand. He loved how she knew, without asking, what he needed. He didn’t need to be a part of the conversation, just to feel connected and she provided that with her smile and by holding his hand. He was also relieved when Liam said something to Sage, drawing the man’s attention away from him.

  He found himself relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. Funny, he didn’t realize he’d been so tense, but he guessed it had been obvious because both Sage and Viola had picked up on it before he had.

  Dinner was over way too soon for him. Everyone stood and began to head out of the dining room. Thomas and Angelica headed out together. Cora and Liam left together smiling at each other. Sage looked over at Viola and Dominic before clearing his throat.

  “Viola, want to go with me while I show Dominic to his room, and then I can walk you to yours since it’s right next door to mine?” he asked her, his stance protective like an older brother.

  “Give it a rest, Sage. We already know the rules, and I’ve told Dominic what’s up. We don’t need a babysitter,” Viola said and gave Sage a slight shove.