Page 23 of The Immortal’s Curse (Bound to the Immortals #2)
DARCIE
I gape at the dark-eyed Immortal, our last conversation crashing back into my mind.Eshe warned me not to interact with Immortals. She said it was dangerous.
So what the in the world is she doing on my front porch?
“Bella!” Kayla squeals, rushing forward. “You’re early!”
She and Bella embrace, the petite Immortal beaming.
Do they… know each other?
No. That’s not possible. Kayla’s never met an Immortal before. Right?
I glance at Eshe, searching her face for clarity, but her expression is carved from stone. Arms folded, jaw tense. The only hint of emotion is the flicker of tight-lipped disapproval.
I clear my throat. “Um... What’s going on?”
Kayla releases Bella and steps back inside, gesturing for them to follow. Eshe trails reluctantly behind Bella, her body rigid.
“This is your surprise!” My best friend grins. “Bella reached out when you first got back to Maine, asking if she could help plan your birthday party. We’ve been talking every day since!”
They have? How did I not know this ?
I frown. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Kayla’s smile falters. “I would’ve, but it’s not like we’ve hung out much lately. Whenever you’re free, you’re always with Kevin.”
Ouch.
She has a point.
But still… just because we’ve drifted a little doesn’t mean she couldn’t have mentioned she’s suddenly besties with a freaking Immortal. Not that she knows Bella is an Immortal...
Bella’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. “So you’re still dating Kevin?”
Her smile is warm, but there’s something guarded beneath it—less bright than when Kayla first opened the door.
I shuffle my feet. “Yeah.”
“That’s… good.”
The words hang awkwardly between us. A gust of cold air blows into the house. I shut the door and motion for everyone to walk into the sitting area located just off the foyer.
Kayla takes the lead, waving her hands excitedly as she talks about how much fun tonight will be.
Bella trails after her, nodding along with equal enthusiasm. Now that I’m over the shock of seeing her, I notice the petite Immortal is dressed like… well… a mortal. Her tight black dress is so different from the flowy numbers she usually wears. And her brown hair hangs in loose, beautiful waves.
And she looks genuinely happy to be here. But when she glances at me, her happiness falters.
During those weeks in Greece, I got to know Bella. She’s watching me now, worried I’m angry.
I’m not. Not really. But a little heads-up would’ve been nice. I’ve had enough surprises these last few weeks to last a lifetime.
“I begged her not to do this,” Eshe mutters under her breath, dark eyes focused on her sister-in-law.
Kayla pulls Bella onto the couch like they’ve known each other for years. The two fall into easy conversation, laughing about some inside joke I’m not part of.
I hover in the threshold between the foyer and living room, the weight of this unexpected turn of events pressing against my ribs.
I take a deep breath and look at Eshe, noting her chic black pants and the skin-tight ruby halter top hugging her like it was made for her.
“Do what?” I ask quietly. “Come here?”
She leans against the wall, crosses her arms, and nods.
“Why didn’t she listen?”
If things are truly as dire as Eshe led me to believe, why couldn’t she convince Bella that coming here was a bad idea?
Eshe’s painted lips press together. “One of Bella’s most admirable qualities, which is also one of her most dangerous, is her loyalty. She promised you that she would visit, and she’s been fighting Thane to allow her to come ever since you left.”
She has?
A muscle in Eshe’s jaw ticks. “No matter what Thane said, she was determined to see you. And when she told me about tonight’s plan, she admitted she’d come with or without me.”
“Wait.” I straighten. “Thane doesn’t know you’re here?”
Her black ponytail sways as she shakes her head. “No.”
Damn.
“That’s…” I trail off, searching for words that don’t quite come. “That’s not good.”
Thane and Bella have always had a solid relationship. But this? Bella going behind his back? That’s bound to leave a mark.
“It isn’t ideal,” Eshe admits, her voice flat. “But Bella can be… stubborn. So, here I am.”
“Why didn’t you tell Thane?” I ask, careful not to let my curiosity sound like judgment.
Anger sparks in her eyes, quick and sharp, like a match struck in the dark. “Because I would never betray Bella’s trust like that.”
That makes sense.
Eshe may be aloof, but I’ve never doubted her loyalty. Especially when it comes to her sister-in-law.
I nod slowly. “Well… thank you. For coming tonight.”
As surprised as I am, I have to admit, I am happy to see Bella. I’d been wondering why she hadn’t visited before now. I thought it had something to do with Eshe’s warning. And maybe it does. But it seems Thane also had a role to play.
Eshe replies, “No thanks is necessary.”
“Still.” I offer a weak smile. “It’s nice to see you.”
Her usually tight expression softens just a fraction, enough to feel real. “It is nice to see you as well, Darcie. I’m… honored to be part of your birthday celebration.”
My smile comes naturally this time, spreading warmth I didn’t realize I’d been holding back.
Beep. Beep.
My head snaps to the window, but the blueberry bush blocks my view of the street. “What was that?”
Bella hops up from the couch. “It’s a surprise!”
I arch a brow. “Another one?”
She meets my gaze with a wince, but it softens when she catches my smile.
Timidly, she says, “Go take a look.”
Kayla doesn’t bother trying to peek out the window. She darts to the dining room and yanks the curtains open.
She squeals. “A LIMO!”
“What?”
I squeeze between Kayla and the buffet table tucked next to the window and peer out. Sure enough, a massive black vehicle stretches along the street in front of my house, the dark color contrasting sharply with the white snow piled around it.
“Whoa,” I mutter .
Bella giggles. “I’ve always wanted to ride in a limo. I figured your birthday would be a fun occasion to do it!”
I turn to Bella, my forehead furrowed. She’s lived for centuries, and she’s loaded. She could’ve booked a limo at any time.
As if reading my thoughts, Eshe’s heavily lined eyes catch mine. “We don’t get out of Greece much. It’s nice to do American things.”
Oh...
Duh, Darcie.
What use would riding in a vehicle be when Immortals can appear anywhere they want by travelling through a rip? The realization makes me look at this experience for Bella with fresh eyes.
Maybe there’s more behind this birthday celebration for the Immortal. Maybe she needs a break from her day-to-day life in a way I hadn’t realized.
Kayla spins around and grabs the petite Immortal's hands. “Are you finally going to tell me where we’re going tonight? Is it dinner? Are we going to a fancy restaurant?”
Bella chuckles. “Yes, to dinner. No, it’s not a fancy restaurant.”
She glances at Eshe with a conspiratorial grin, then adds, “We’re going to a dinner theatre.”
“A what ?” Kayla’s excitement falters.
“A dinner theatre. We’re going to watch a live performance and have dinner at the same time.” Bella squeals in delight. “Doesn’t that sound marvelous?”
It does sound fun, but it’s likely not what my best friend had in mind for my twenty-first birthday bash. Which means it’s great for me.
“What’s the name of the theatre?” I ask.
“The Portland Stage,” Bella answers with a widening smile.
“I love the Portland Stage,” Kayla states, her enthusiasm returning in a snap. “I know a great dance club that’s like two blocks away. We should totally go there after the show!”
I snort. Of course she does.
“We absolutely should!” Bella exclaims.
“Eee!” Kayla bounces on her toes, looking at me with shining eyes. “This is going to be the best night ever!”
She grabs our coats and hurls mine into my chest. Then, she and Bella loop their arms together and barrel for the door.
Outside, the limo driver hops out, wearing a slick black suit and with gloved hands, and opens the door with a dramatic flourish.
I shake my head and slide my coat on with a resigned sigh. “This is going to be a long night.”
Eshe steps up beside me, expression unreadable except for the flicker of dry amusement in her eyes. “You’re just now figuring that out?”