Chapter 8

A MIRAGE OR MIRACLE?

Outside The Crying Cat Bakery, Roya Lane, London, England, United Kingdom

“So you broke my sword on purpose?” Jack asked coyly as they approached the bakery on Roya Lane.

Gen paused, turning to face him directly. Everyone was dropping all these hints to him, sharing the secret she was trying to keep to herself. It was wonderful to have so many powerful entities around her, until they trespassed into her head and leaked her personal feelings and thoughts.

“It’s not like that,” Gen began. “I didn’t set out to break your sword. Bellumferrum works based on my intentions and thoughts. And I guess, I wanted to spend more time with you—just us. So, it became something that would break your sword.”

A knowing smile unfurled on his face. “And then you would have to help me replace it, using connections that only people like you have.”

“What does that mean?” Gen spat back. “People like me?”

He sighed. “You’re a Beaufont. I know that you’re tired of everyone treating you differently because of that?—”

“Poorly,” she interrupted. “They are treating me like I’m some spoiled brat who doesn’t deserve to be a Rogue Rider. The others think I get special treatment because of my name. Dwayne downright hates me and is trying to make me quit.”

Jack nodded, understandingly. “I know and it sucks. Because if the others gave you half a chance and got to know you, they’d learn what I know. You’re incredible because of who you are deep down. Your name isn’t who you are. Your heart is what makes you amazing. And you get special treatment from me, Amanda and the world around you because when people get to know you, they want to help you.”

Gen stared into his eyes, not sure how to respond to that. “Well, thanks for saying that…”

“But you can’t discount the fact that you are a Beaufont,” Jack continued. “And that means that you come from royalty. There are a lot of rumors and lore about the Beaufonts. It’s believed that there’s a curse on your family that says you can’t rest until you find corruption and blot it out. Then there’s the one that says that your father made a pact with Mother Nature enslaving his family and all of his relatives to fight for justice for all of time.”

Gen actually laughed at this. “That sounds like something my father would do.”

He nodded. “Your family is famous. The Beaufont name fills the history books. No one can argue that it’s pretty incredible that each one has a story and has fought for magic.”

“They’ve also died young for it,” Gen said, having studied much of her family history recently.

“I know,” Jack imparted sympathetically. “And your family is incredibly well connected. I just met Father Time and Mother Nature. Oh, and the Protector of Weapons, who is allowing me to have a sword that I’ve studied and dreamed of holding.”

“Yeah, I guess we have some cool friends,” Gen replied. “But it seems to go with the territory of never getting a break and being cursed to always fight.”

“You know you love it,” he teased.

She nodded, chuckling. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Me either,” Jack stated. “Anyway, so you wanted to spend time with me. I’m glad. I obviously enjoy having you by my side.”

“Jack, I can’t date you…”

The light expression on his face faded to disappointment.

“I’m so new to this world,” she continued in a rush. “And I’m just trying to figure things out. And then there’s the whole, trying to put a life together. I’ve essentially started over.”

“I can help you,” he offered. “I know pretty much everything about this world or I know where to look for answers. Well, I haven’t been in the Great Library like some people, but still, I’m fairly resourceful.” He gave her a playful expression.

“Jack, Dwayne has it out for me,” she said. “I don’t think it will be good for you to be closely associated with me. He’ll come after you too.”

Jack laughed. “Good, I’ve never been able to stand him. I was pissed when he became leader. But the others just suck up to him and follow his rule blindly. It was so refreshing when you showed up and started standing up to him.”

“Thanks for that…” Gen hesitated, truly conflicted in that moment. She knew what her heart wanted, but her head was telling her something different. “Jack, I really like you?—”

“Great!” he cheered, stepping forward. “I like you too…like bad. What side of the bed do you want?”

She couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the heat in her chest blossoming. A guy had never made her feel this way, and many had tried. But Jack was different. He was pure but with an edge that made him irresistible.

Unlike the men from the fifteenth century, he had a timeless class about him. He was neither too stuffy nor too rebellious. Gen thought that when she looked at him, she saw a legend in the making and she never wanted to look away—afraid she’d miss something brilliant, which was invariably coming. However, Gen’s mind wouldn’t stop shouting over the messages from her heart.

“I think that because I’m such an anomaly, I might be a bit more intriguing?—”

“You think I like you because you came from the medieval era,” he interrupted, giving her a look that said, “That’s absurd.”

“Well, it goes to reason,” Gen stated, a bit sheepishly.

“You are different because you’re from another time,” he stated. “You’re better because you can adapt too. I don’t know any woman in this age that would survive if the reverse happened to them. I’ll tell you, that no girl out there is like you—not in LA, not in the US, not in the world. But also, not in any other time period either. You’re something special Gen. That’s why you bonded to the ruler of dragons. How could I not make my case to a girl like that?”

“Wow,” she said in a hush. “Thank you, but maybe you don’t know me well enough. Maybe I’m just a mirage.”

“Do you have some lord or earl in the past you’re hung up on?” he asked, seeming to be half joking and half serious.

She shook her head. “No, I’ve always kept my head down and been focused on my role as Warrior. Nothing ever stole my attention…until you.”

“Really?” he asked, a pleased grin on his face.

“Yes,” she affirmed. “But I’m just not ready for anything. My life is very…complicated right now. And I’m trying to figure things out.”

He nodded, holding up his hands like in surrender. “Fair enough. You’ve got to explore this world and see what else is out there.”

“Jack, I don’t need to see what else is out there…” She wanted to say that she had and her father had arranged many potential suitors for Gen. None made her feel the way that this guy did. But instead, she just let her words trail away, not able to settle the battle between her heart and head.

“I’ll keep asking because I don’t give up when I find someone worth fighting for,” Jack continued. “I just hope you don’t leave it until the last dance to finally take my hand. I know that you’re better than anyone. I just hope you conclude the same about me.”