Testing Fate by Belinda Boring

in front of me. “And they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!”
    He began dishing out breakfast and the first mouthful resulted in a loud moan of satisfaction. “I would totally marry you if I didn’t think I’d gain a thousand pounds from your spoiling me. These are amazing!” Flavor exploded in my mouth, eliciting another happy groan.
    I took a small sip on the orange juice by my plate. “Wow, freshly squeezed too! I’m in love, Devlin!” I laughed as I placed my hand over my heart. “Thank you for this.”
    “You’re welcome. Did you sleep well?” he casually asked, resting back on the counter.
    Images from my dream swept through my mind—blue eyes and heartfelt smile lingered. “I did. So much that I didn’t want to wake up.” Devlin cocked his eyebrows and I shook my head at him. “And no, I don’t want to share.” I could feel my cheeks flush with heat.
    His throaty chuckle told me he had a pretty good idea why and I continued eating, while he poured himself a glass of juice.
    “Oh gosh, you still drink that stuff?” I pointed at the half empty tomato juice bottle. “You do know that I haven’t been able to stomach it since your prank. You’ve emotionally scarred me for life!” I didn’t bother hiding my revulsion, that day forever embedded into my memory.
    “You deserved it and you know it. Besides, I thought it was hilarious.” I wanted to wipe the smug grin off his face.
    “Jerk,” I muttered under my breath, glaring as he took a long drink. It all seemed so familiar, even now.
     
     
    I first met Devlin when I was about ten years old. I’d heard a lot about him, whispered conversations about the vampire Enforcer and I’d seen, firsthand, how the pack swooned over him. So, when my mother invited me to come with her one afternoon when she visited Vivien, I jumped at the opportunity. I’d overheard her telling my father she needed to meet with her friend and the Enforcer, so it was my chance.
    I’d never really seen a vampire up-close before. My parents kept me sheltered from pack business, ushering me into my room whenever we had visitors. I took great care with what I wore and brushed my long brown hair until it shone. I wanted to make an impression, to know if he was as dangerous as the gossip said he was.
    Disappointment crashed over me when he wasn’t there to greet us at the door. Vivien swept me up into her embrace as I craned my neck to see if I could spot him.  I was told to head on outside to check out the garden, and as I passed by the parlor doors, I spotted him. He was every bit as handsome as I’d imagined.
    So that’s the vampire Enforcer , I smiled. He was busy studying the frames over the room’s fireplace and I gasped when he looked up. His red eyes were definitely something new, and when our eyes briefly met, he nodded. I was instantly intrigued.
    “I won’t be too long, Darcy. As soon as it’s time for refreshments, I’ll send someone out for you and you can visit.” My interest had caught the attention of my mother.
    That was the longest hour of my young life. I usually enjoyed roaming through Vivien’s estate, discovering all the new flowers she had planted for the different seasons. I especially loved exploring the herb patch she had, trying to guess what she used each one for. Sometimes one of Vivien’s coven members would walk with me and tell me stories but today I was all alone. It made each minute drag by endlessly.
    I practically ran back into the large manor when I was heard my name being called. There were a million and one questions swirling around in my mind, and each one involved Devlin. Everyone was seated around the guest dining table and my excitement was almost palpable at sitting directly opposite him.
    “Darcy, this is Devlin.” My mother introduced us and my young heart fluttered at his beautiful smile.
    “Pleased to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you,” I gushed, blushing when everyone laughed at my