Star always had the thought that when he was ready to have children, he’d ask her to be his surrogate, not because she was gorgeous, but because she had a charming personality and a beautiful soul that lit up any room she was in. It took Star too long to realize that Vee was the only good thing in his life.
Fuck, I miss her.In the beginning, Vee used to visit Star, but after a few months, he told her to stop and forget about him. She would still visit him, but Star refused to see her. Vee had a life to live.
He regretted so many things, like ignoring a call from Tanner the day he signed the contract with Equi-Noxx. He always wondered why Tanner called him when they hadn’t spoken in years. After not speaking to him for so long, Star never had the courage to call him back, especially after how his life turned out.
How weird that I would think about him as I’m about to die?
If Star remembered correctly, he went to college in Pennsylvania after graduating high school. If only he had done like Tanner and gone to college. Or better yet, walked out the fucking door when he caught his lover boning someone else, instead of going into the kitchen and grabbing a knife, and stabbing Thornton fifty times. Instead of fighting death, Star accepted it.
It’s not like I can go back in time and change my future.
Chapter Two
STAR
Star was in a wave of darkness, and he couldn’t tell if his eyes were open or closed, but he was not afraid. There was a sweet smell that reminded of gardenias wafting under his nose, followed by a soft giggle.
“I see why this little one was chosen,” said the gentle voice. “Don’t you think so, my love?”
A tender touch brushed against his cheek, and Star leaned into it rather than moving away. The scent of lilies tickled his nose, making him realize it was a different person.
“I agree. His soul is beautiful,” came another sweet voice. “I can see why he was marked.”
“Too bad he lived a torturous life,” added a new voice. “Cover the mark and make sure it’s not noticed by the other one.”
“All that will change soon,” said another. “Do you think he will be angry if we intervene?”
“Of course, he will,” answered the first serene voice. “Which is why we cannot let him find out.”
“Do you think this is meddling?”
“Of course not.” The person who responded sounded very offended by the question. “We are simply righting a wrong. I wish we could fix everything, but some things must remain the same as they were.”
“We’ve meddled enough. Let’s begin.”
“I hate to hurt him,” the voice said worriedly. “But it is his fate.”
Everything went quiet, and Star felt a slight brush on his forehead; it felt like soft pillowed lips, and the smell of gardenias took over his senses, comforting him even more. “You will be tested, but be afraid no more, my child. He will protect you. Enjoy your second chance at life.”
Heat brushed his skin, turning hot as it moved to his stomach and back, searing throughout his entire body. He opened his mouth and screamed, but no sound came out, causing Star’s entire body to feel as if it were being rearranged. Star’s entire body was in pain, from the hair on his head down to his toes. Star wanted to speak and beg for the pain to stop, but even his teeth hurt. He tried to reach for something to hold on to, but his fingers down to his nails felt like the bones were being shattered and regrown. Star wasn’t sure how long the tortuous agony lasted, but he felt as if he was dying again, this time with more pain than before. Throughout the pain, he begged for forgiveness and hoped someone would hear his plea.
***
Star groaned, experiencing some discomfort in his body that was slowly fading.
Fuck, why am I in pain?
“Star!”
Star snapped his eyes open when he heard someone shout his name. His vision was a little blurry, and he rubbed his eyes to clear the fog.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Star twisted his head to the side so quickly that he could have sworn he almost had whiplash when there was an angry whisper in his ear. He gasped and instantly pushed back, falling out of his chair and staring wide-eyed at the man sitting next to him, and his pain was instantly forgotten.
No, it’s impossible. He should be dead. I killed him. How is he alive? It can’t be!
Star raised his hand, pointing at Thornton. “You…”
