Choices of Fate (Fate Series)
Read Choices of Fate (Fate Series) Online
Authors: S. Simone Chavous
Choices of Fate
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S. Simone Chavous
Copyright © 2013 S. Simone Chavous
Cover design by S. Simone Chavous
Editing by Kathy Krick of K² Editing
ISBN: 978-0-9895701-1-4
eISBN: 978-0-9895701-0-7
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WIthout limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and events are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
To my two girls, Cami and Isabella, for the endless inspiration, to Brian, for all of the love and support, and to my mom, Wanda, for always believing in me.
Contents
Prologue
Lucias gingerly opened the file his first in command, Kaleb, procured during his three-day trip to the Midwest, anticipating yet another dead-end in what felt like an endless search. He glanced over the notes, barely registering the words as his mind wandered to the delectable little meal that was waiting for him in the next room. It had been far too long since he last ate, especially for someone with his proclivities.
Then one little four letter word came into his field of vision and commanded his full attention. Carefully reading the surrounding sentence, he pulled one of the black x-ray films from the back of the stolen dental chart and held it up to the rather dim light of his quarters.
His perfect lips curled up into a wickedly satisfied smile. “This is most promising, my son. I assume you obtained all copies and related correspondence.”
Kaleb responded, his eyes downcast. “Yes, Sire. My team scoured the doctor’s physical files and computer server. A mining virus was uploaded to the system that corrupted all of the files and images related to that patient and removed all emails and internet posts. We have verified that the request for advice he posted on the medical website was removed and the only respondent has been neutralized along with the doctor and his staff.”
“Excellent. I want you to choose your best man and send him back with your team to observe the family. I want to know everything there is to know about them before we move. There can be no mistakes. Everything we have been working towards depends upon this.”
“My team is already in place and awaiting your instructions, Sire. I will fly back out immediately to join them. ”
“No, you are to stay here. If this is truly the child from the prophecy, the enemy knows your face and is no doubt watching.”
“I do not understand, Sire. If the enemy knows why have they not taken the child?”
Lucias’ eyes filled with anger as he spat, “You dare question me, Kaleb! I am your master, I tell you what I want you to know and nothing more!”
He stood and began to pace in front of the desk as his rage dissipated. “However, perhaps it is time for you to know more.”
He returned to his chair and removed the thin silver chain that hung around his neck. Using the small key that was attached he opened the top drawer of the desk as he continued. “There is only one who would know of the child and it is a secret he would keep from everyone, even his own people. You know him well considering he killed your only brother.”
It was now Kaleb who filled with rage as his thoughts turned back to that black day when he watched his brother fall at the feet of his enemy. Fighting the urge to question his master again he held his emotions in check and responded with deference, “What would you have me do, Sire.”
Lucias placed the small velvet pouch on the desk and pressed his fingertips together in front of his face. “Wait. When the time comes, you will have your revenge and I will have the world.”
CHAPTER 1 -
Baby Blues
As she sat in the waiting room of Dr. Kline’s office, Alexa finally lost the battle to hold back the tears that had been threatening to slide down her face for the last two weeks. She blamed it on the sleepless nights and the frustration of helplessly watching and listening to her sweet baby girl suffer crying herself sick every night. It had nothing to do with Chloe’s father, she was over that. Mostly.
A cute little tow-haired boy looked over at her from a child-sized chair in the play area across the room. He picked a little stuffed bear from the box of toys against the wall and ran passed his mother and across the room to stand directly in front of Alexa and Chloe.
“Why are you crying?” he asked looking to Alexa with concern in his hazel eyes.
She smiled slightly and swiped at the tears on her cheeks. “Oh, I’m just really tired and worried about my baby. I think she’s sick and I don’t know what’s wrong. That’s why we’re here at the doctor.”
“Maybe this will make her feel better,” he said before stretching his little arm out to present the toy in his hand to Chloe.
Her eyes were squeezed shut as she continued to wail, so Alexa reached out and accepted the bear. “That’s so sweet, thank you, I’m sure she’ll really like it. What’s your name handsome?”
He grinned wide at Alexa, his two front teeth missing as he replied, “Jude William,” before running off back to his mother, obviously a little embarrassed.
Just then the waiting room door squeaked open as a plump African American nurse dressed in Mickey Mouse scrubs stepped through. Her name was Barb based on the name tag attached above her left breast. “Ms. Ryan, the doctor can see you now.” The nurse patted Alexa’s shoulder and offered a sympathetic smile as Alexa passed through the doorway with her screaming nine month old in tow. Before the door closed, Alexa looked back at the sweet little boy, giving him a quick wink and sending him into a fit of giggles in response.
After an amazingly comfortable pregnancy and eight and a half months of near bliss as a new mother, Alexa was completely blindsided by the rapid change in her daughter. Chloe had gone from crawling, babbling and learning to walk, to nonstop crying and lying around without so much as attempting to sit up. She was refusing all solid food, opting to nurse so often that Alexa’s nipples were raw and bleeding. Two trips to the emergency room in the middle of a couple of extremely bad nights and several visits to her regular pediatrician had led them to Dr. Kline. The man was considered to be something of a miracle worker when it came to dealing with inconsolable babies like Chloe who were typically diagnosed as “colicky” and whose mothers were sent away with little more than a prescription for ear plugs.
“We’re heading to exam room four on the left, just strip her down to her underthings and bring her back out here to get her weight.”
Thanks to the screaming, Alexa could barely hear any of the nurse’s instructions, but she’d done the drill so many times in recent weeks she was able to figure it out. She placed Chloe on the table covered with crinkly white paper and unsnapped the pink and purple polkadot jumper before pulling it over her head. Pulling two tissues from the box on a nearby counter, Alexa cleaned off Chloe’s tear-soaked face and walked out into the hallway to join the nurse and put her on the scale. Once her movement settled down enough for a reading to pop up on the digital display, Alexa glanced down and felt her heart drop into her stomach. Chloe had lost another eight ounces since her last weight check, bringing the total loss to nearly a pound in the last two weeks. The tears that Alexa had managed to choke back with the help of a kind little boy, started flowing once again.
Unflinching, the nurse gently passed Chloe back to Alexa and pointed them toward the exam room as she typed a few notes into her laptop. Once inside, she asked Alexa a few basic questions, measured Chloe, and then announced that the doctor would be in shortly. “Listen, honey. The best advice I can give you is to ask for help from wherever you can get it. Your mama, your friends. Anyone that says they’ll keep the baby for you to get some sleep or get your hair done, you take advantage of it child, ya hear?” Alexa nodded slightly. The words meant to offer encouragement only served to increase the deep ache in Alexa’s heart.