Twisted Devotion: A Fae Paranormal Romance Read online

  Twisted Devotion

  Jessi Elliott

  Twisted Devotion

  Published by Jessi Elliott

  Copyright © 2020 by Jessi Elliott

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 978-1-77700-669-3 (eBook Edition)

  Visit my website at www.jessielliott.com

  Editor: Christina Hart

  Cover Design: Stefanie Saw (Seventhstar Art)

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various 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.

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Also By Jessi Elliott

  Playlist

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Author Note

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Dedication

  For Deena Bradley—for your incredible support.

  Thank you for making this book possible.

  Also By Jessi Elliott

  TWISTED SERIES

  Twisted Fate

  Twisted Gift

  Twisted Desire

  Twisted Devotion

  CHARLIE TRAVESTY (with K.J. Sutton)

  A Whisper in the Dark

  A Light in the Dusk

  A Memory in the Flame

  A Sacrifice in the Smoke

  Playlist

  Falling by LYRA

  Lover. Fighter. by SVRCINA

  All You Wanted by Sounds Under Radio

  My Own by Whitaker

  Breathing Out by Keaton Henson

  Empires by Ruelle

  Shameless by Camilla Cabello

  Us by James Bay

  Love Me Again by John Newman

  Take on the World by You Me At Six

  Chapter 1

  This city is my personal hell.

  Even still, it’s taken me years to make the decision to leave. While the atmosphere in Rockdale is lively, and the take-out food is top-notch, there are some things you can’t move past while staying in the same place. Time doesn’t heal all wounds.

  “Kelsey. You’re doing it again.”

  I lift my eyes from the bubbles in my Coke and acknowledge Allison’s statement with a wry smile. “Sorry,” I mumble.

  She shakes her head, crossing her arms, but there’s amusement in her eyes when she says, “I take you to breakfast at your favorite place, and you sit there and zone out the second I start talking. You’re the one who asked me to get together this morning. What gives?”

  My smile fades as I pull my sweater tighter around me, shivering. The quirky downtown diner I’ve visited nearly every week for months is family-owned, and they can’t afford to fix the furnace that’s been slowly dying since Christmas. Two months ago.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry. Really.” I didn’t mean to be rude. “What were you saying?”

  Allison pauses a moment before uncrossing her arms and stealing a blackberry out of the small bowl beside my plate, popping it into her mouth. “I asked how work was going. I know it’s been a little difficult to get back into a normal routine after everything with The Experiment. For all of us.”

  The evil group of humans was using a serum that turned fae human—when it worked.

  We took them down back in November, but Allison’s right. Even I still sometimes wake up in the middle of the night in a panic, having forgotten that I don’t have to fear for my immediate safety. I’m better adjusted than some—including my best friend, Seth, who I haven’t seen in weeks. He took off shortly after things calmed down, and now he won’t pick up the phone. Aside from a text a couple of days after he left to tell me he was safe, I’ve heard nothing. There’s been a pit of worry in my stomach for as long as I can remember, but where Seth is concerned, there’s nothing I can do until he’s ready to talk.

  I pick up my fork and stab a blueberry harder than necessary, lifting it to my mouth before shrugging. “I’m fine, and it’s good. Keeping me busy.”

  After months of extensive training to work on Tristan’s security team back when he was fae, and all the drills I assisted with leading up to the battle with The Experiment, I decided to use the skills I gained to offer personal training to other fae. It’s more fun than it is work, which makes the paycheck even sweeter to cash. The physicality of the profession has been good for me. It offers the perfect opportunity to exert pent-up emotions, to channel my anger into something productive. It’s something I’ve struggled with since losing my family—and my mundane life—but nothing I can’t control and use to my advantage in training.

  That all ends today, though. It’s my last shift at the small fitness facility I’ve been running; and as long as everything goes as planned, my last day in Rockdale. I just have to work up the nerve to tell everyone I’m leaving.

  “Busy,” Allison echoes, nodding slowly and making a few strands of her wavy blonde hair fall into her face. “Right. You haven’t taken a day off since you started there.”

  I lift a brow and tuck a bright red curl behind my ear. “I haven’t needed to.” That, and the number of fae who—ever since the battle—want the ability to protect themselves against new possible threats, have kept my schedule full.

  She frowns. “You can relax, Kelsey,” she says in a gentle tone. “The war is over. This is supposed to be the good part. Us getting to go back to our lives and enjoying them.”

  I want to bark out a laugh, but I hold it in. It’s not her fault. She has no idea why I’ll never be comfortable here long-term. And with “long-term” meaning eternity, there’s not a chance I can stay.

  “You’re right,” I say, forcing a smile as I cut into the giant Belgian waffle on my plate. I shove a piece into my mouth, figuring if I keep it full, Allison can’t expect me to talk.

  She eats her ham and cheese omelet, glancing out the window at the street as cars pass.

  “You’re back at the hotel now?” I finally ask, hoping to switch the topic of conversation to her. This is the first time we’ve had a chance to catch up.

  Her gaze shifts back me. “Yes, ma’am. I’m back in my marketing position at the Westbrook now that Aurora and Tristan are living in Rockdale again.”

  “That’s great,” I say, and she nods.

  I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with Tristan since he and his wife and son returned to the city. We’ve all tried to give them their space to situate themselves. And saying goodbye to his face would be too hard after everything he’s done for me.

>   “Hey, chica,” Allison says with a grin, glancing behind me.

  I turn and find Aurora walking toward our booth, pushing a stroller with a sleeping Adam inside. That kid is living the dream; I could use a nap myself.

  “Morning,” she greets with a tired smile, putting the brakes on the stroller before sliding into our booth next to Allison. She runs her fingers through her hair, tying it into a messy bun on the top of her head, and stifles a yawn. She pours herself a generous cup of coffee from the pot our waitress left on the table at Allison’s request.

  “Hey, Aurora,” I say with a smile, flicking my gaze between her and Adam. The kid is adorable, even when he’s asleep. Especially when he’s asleep. “How’s it going?”

  She laughs softly, stealing a glance at her son. “I’d be a hell of a lot better if he would sleep at night.”

  “You and Tristan need to take shifts,” I suggest with a grin.

  Aurora blinks and then laughs. “Right. Tris is great with him, but when it comes to bedtime, the kid just wants his mom.” She takes several sips of her coffee before sighing. “I am exhausted, though. I wish there was something I could do to boost my energy.” Her eyes light up. “Maybe I need a workout routine. Are you taking on clients at the gym? I know it’s supposed to be fae-exclusive, but I’d love to work with you.”

  I bite my lip, badly wishing I could lie. One of the pitfalls of being fae. “I’m not taking new clients,” I tell her, quickly shifting my gaze to Allison before I lose my nerve. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you guys about.”

  Allison snorts and says, “I’m not looking for a trainer, Kels. I prefer to do my workouts horizontally.”

  I cringe, dreading what I’m about to say. The last thing I want to do is hurt my friends. “I’m leaving Rockdale.”

  That wipes the amusement clear off Allison’s face, and the usually bright and bubbly emotion swirling around her dims. I’ve been fae for a little over five years and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing how people feel. The whole colored aura thing is still weird to me, especially while walking down a crowded street. I’ve gotten pretty good at tuning it out, but when my own emotions are high, it’s rather challenging.

  “Wait, what?” Allison shakes her head. “I don’t understand. Why?”

  “I want to travel,” I tell her, and it’s the truth. At least, it’s part of it. Bouncing around North America during the battle, while stressful and somber, was an experience. One I’d like to now have without the pressures of war.

  “When are you leaving?” Aurora asks softly.

  Pressing my lips together, my gaze shifts between them. “Tomorrow.”

  Allison’s eyes go wide. “Why am I just finding out about this now?”

  My knee bounces rapidly under the table. “I . . . I didn’t know how to tell you. You’ve become a real friend to me, and—”

  “And now you’re just going to leave?” Her tone is harsh; the sound makes my chest ache with regret. “And how the hell can you afford to? I’m sure you’ve made decent money with your training gig, but living in Rockdale is expensive.”

  “Allison,” Aurora warns gently.

  “It’s okay,” I cut in, my bottom lip trembling—because she’s right. I don’t have a lot of savings—just enough to get me started somewhere new. Hopefully. I’ve never been motivated by money; in fact, it’s left a stain on my life in the past, but I sure wish I had an abundance of it now.

  “Are you leaving for good?” Sadness splashes the colors surrounding Allison; dark purple hues overpowering her usual bright ones.

  I let out a heavy breath. “I’m not sure yet, Al. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to upset you.” Tears burn the backs of my eyes. I don’t want to leave on bad terms.

  She shrugs. “It’s your life. You get to do whatever you want, just like the rest of us. I guess I just didn’t expect you to take off after everything we’ve all been through.”

  “I need this,” I all but whisper. Growing up in foster care makes finding a home—or a place that feels like it—nearly impossible. It took me nearly eighteen years to find that, and it was ripped away from me in a matter of one horrific night.

  The same night Tristan saved my life and I became fae.

  Now, my heart longs for more. It’s being called somewhere. I need to follow that call and find out where. Hell, maybe I’ll come across Seth along the way.

  “Okay,” Allison finally says, and her eyes flick between mine.

  Where hers are a soft hazel, mine are a vibrant green. We could never be mistaken for each other, not like her and Aurora have been.

  I open my mouth to respond, but Allison quickly adds, “You sure as shit better keep in touch.”

  I offer a small smile. “Of course.” I’d never cut her out of my life, no matter where I end up. During the battle, I became close to her and Skylar. I guess that’s what happens when you’re fighting for your life.

  Peeking over at Aurora, I blink at her wary expression. “What?”

  “Have you told Tristan you’re leaving? Or Nikolai?”

  My brows rise. “Uh, no. I didn’t think I needed permission.”

  Tristan and Nikolai have become brothers to me since I changed. Saying goodbye to them face-to-face . . . it would be too hard. Which is why, when I decided to leave—over a week ago—I wrote letters to explain my impending departure. I’d never want Tristan to think I was ungrateful for him giving me another chance at life.

  “You don’t,” Aurora assures me. “You just . . . I think you should talk to them before you leave town.”

  I narrow my eyes at her. “What are you not saying?”

  A muscle ticks along her jaw, but before she can answer, my phone starts chirping from my bag on the back of my chair. I pull it out and frown at the screen.

  My eyes lock on Aurora as I swipe across the screen and lift the phone to my ear. “Tristan,” I say. “Your wife and I were just talking about you.”

  “I’m flattered.” His deep voice echoes through the phone as if he has me on speaker.

  “I’m the one who should be flattered. You never call me.” I laugh, but the sound lacks any real humor. “What’s going on?” I ask, my stomach dipping with unease. I should tell him now. Get it over with.

  He sighs. “We need to talk. Preferably in person.”

  I lean back in my seat, crossing one leg over the other to stop my knee from bouncing. “Why?”

  “We have a favor to ask you.”

  “We?”

  “Hey, Kels,” Nikolai says.

  “Goody,” I mutter into the phone. “What have you guys gotten yourselves into?”

  Tristan clears his throat. “Can you meet us in an hour at the hotel?”

  “I guess so.” I pause. “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?”

  “See you soon, Kelsey,” Tristan says, and the line goes dead.

  Chapter 2

  After breakfast, I reluctantly leave Allison and Aurora to meet the guys at the hotel.

  My mind races faster than my car moves in the midmorning traffic. What could be wrong enough to have Tristan and Nikolai needing to talk to me out of nowhere? Maybe I could have pushed my anxiety aside about the sudden need to meet had Tristan not sounded so concerned when he called.

  The potential reasons I come up with don’t make a whole lot of sense, but with nothing to go on, rationality goes out the window. My thought process jumps from the possibility of The Experiment coming back to another fae territory war. It’s as if I can’t accept the fact that the fae aren’t in immediate danger. That my life can be peaceful.

  After losing my foster parents and spending the following years adjusting to fae life—while fighting to protect and save other fae—I suppose my gut reaction is warranted. Which makes getting out of Rockdale all the more important. Too many terrible things have happened here to start over. I need a fresh start. A new city. A new life. Somewhere the monsters from my past can’t find me. As terribly as I miss Seth, ma
ybe he had the right idea by leaving the minute he could.

  Once I’ve circled the block several times to find a parking space, I head into the Westbrook Hotel and check in with the receptionist in the lobby. She hands over a security pass, and I head for the elevator bank around the corner, pressing the up button when I get there and peering around the space while I wait. There’s soft music playing and the whole place seems to sparkle—likely due to the ornate chandeliers reflecting off the shiny white marble floor.

  My entire condo could fit inside the lobby. Twice—no, three times. There’s almost too much space. I appreciate the coziness of my place and would never take it for granted—especially considering Tristan covered my rent until I started seeing money come in from my personal training. He refuses to allow me to pay him back now that I can, which only speaks more to his generosity over the years.

  The door slides open and a few hotel guests step out. I move to the side to let them by and open my mouth when my eyes land on Skylar.

  Her appearance is intimidating to most—myself included when I first met her. With shiny, pin-straight obsidian hair that falls just below her breasts, and a sleek plum dress that hugs her slight curves, the woman oozes confidence and power.

  She nods at me in greeting. “You here to see the guys?”

  I close my mouth and smile tightly instead of answering.

  She regards me with slightly narrowed, dark-brown eyes. “Hmm,” she finally says, “your aura is . . . murky.”