Destiny's Wrath (Destiny Series - Book 3) by Straight, Nancy (manga ereader txt) 📕

muscles turn rigid as he realized she was not just in attendance but was making her way toward us.

When she was just two rows away from us, she turned her back to us and sat facing the service once again. If we really were at a basketball game, she would have been perfectly positioned to dump a soda on. I looked across the gymnasium; directly across from where Dakota had just sat down was Renny. I hadn’t noticed her before and couldn’t be sure how long she had been there.

My thoughts were clear when I silently asked her, “What are you doing here?”

“Lauren, I was unsure if you would acknowledge me. I am here for the same reason you are, to pay my respects to Samael’s victims.” Her answer was unambiguous - for once, and her voice sounded strong.

Renny is the only telepathic person I’ve ever known. Until this horrific tragedy, our last conversation took place the day Dakota had exorcised the demon from Max, the same day I told Renny I never wanted to see her again. As my mind returned to that day, I confessed, “Max blames himself for this.”

Her reply was thunderous in my head, “Samael is responsible. Max was never more than a vessel.”

“Maybe you can tell him that after the service. He’s taking it pretty hard.”

“I’ll be happy to speak with him after the service; however, you know it is painful for me to be near Dakota.”

I nodded my head, knowing full well she could see me. “She just sat down a few minutes ago, she’s not with us.”

I could feel Renny examining me from across the room. She finally delighted in her answer, “She’s trying to block our communication. Can you feel it?”

I shook my head that I couldn’t. Renny continued, “She is weak because doubt has no place in your mind. You are as sure as you have ever been about the circumstances, are you not?” I didn’t understand her question, so she rephrased, “You know there was nothing you could have done to stop this situation. You know there was nothing Max could have done either. This was a troubled young man who happened to befriend a demon. The results are catastrophic, but nothing you could have or should have prevented. That is what you feel, yes?”

Ashamed that she had so easily read my thoughts, I simply responded, “Yes.”

“Dakota will be most disappointed. Do not let her get her grips into Max. Remind him that he did the only thing he could have done to save his life.” She paused for a second before adding, “We would have killed him that day.”

Chills ripped through my body. How could Renny so casually talk about murdering Max? How could she think I would accept her truth blindly and not start a murderous rampage of my own - on the Council.

“It is not in your nature. There is no reason for me to lie to you or to sugar coat an ugly truth.”

Her final comment echoed through my mind as the service ended. People were saying their final goodbyes to the caskets lined up on the gym’s floor. Max and I made our way outside. Max had made a decision of his own, “We need to go see him, the kid.”

“Max, I’m not so sure, I think we should talk to Renny first. I don’t think you should go anywhere near Samael until we know it’s safe.”

“There’s got to be a way to kill Samael without hurting the kid. Demons are exorcised all the time. Maybe we could find a priest or something.”

“Didn’t you already threaten Samael with that once before? You told me he wasn’t the least bit concerned about it. What would have changed now?”

Max said, “I don’t know, but there’s got to be something we can do.”

We were both feeling pretty helpless. When I saw Dakota approaching us, I felt nothing. She didn’t instill fear, danger, happiness, or for that matter, even concern. Max looked as though he were bracing for even more bad news.

As she approached, it was obvious she felt the need to stop to talk. “I am not surprised to see you two here. I hope you do not believe this to be your fault?”

I shook my head that I didn’t believe this to be our fault, but Max stayed stoic. He asked her, “Dakota, what can we do?”

“There is nothing you can do for those who have died.” She answered Max then directed her attention to me, “Do you question your gifts?”

“I haven’t figured out how to change someone’s destiny, if that’s what you mean.”

“I do not have those abilities, so I am unable to advise you. You must realize that changing someone’s course in life should not be taken lightly. When you know how to work your special gift, it should not be used unless you are willing to accept the repercussions.”

I heard a familiar voice speak from behind me, “I’m confident, Dakota, that Lauren is not susceptible to your words of doubt. I think you’ve done enough damage. You should leave these two alone.” Renny’s words were stern, a thinly veiled warning.

Max looked between the two women, “I don’t care who helps us, but we need to fix this.”

Dakota was the first to respond, “I am unable to stay here with Renny so close. It pains me to leave you two in her care, but I am not strong enough to help you. There is little to be done. This was a tragedy that only the two of you could have averted, and only six months ago.” Dakota looked directly at me, “There are no destinies to be bent or to be manipulated. The damage is already done.”

Her words sliced me. I could feel my mouth gaping open and saw the hurt look on Max’s face as she walked away. Renny’s voice took on a calming effect, “She’s very good. Do not allow her words to affect you. She is merely doing what she was placed