“Who’s put that smile on your face, Jess?” Mary demanded, appearing in a mirror.
“Mary, I thought you were going to start knocking?”
“Jess. Remember, no more men!” Mary warned, but it lacked heat.
“Why? Because next time I might destroy everything?” Jess snapped.
“No, because you love too deeply, and they tear you apart. Plus, after you’ve killed them, I can’t, because you’ve already done it!”
Jess smiled at Mary’s bitchiness. “That makes me sound like a lunatic—that I kill off exes because they broke up with me.”
“No. Because we all know that they hurt you first, Gaius betrayed and used you for money. Walter imprisoned you for your fortune, and William didn’t think you should even speak without his permission. Jess, you reacted because of how you were treated, not out of spite,” Mary said.
“Mary, I caused millions of deaths, and there’s no wiping that from my soul. Out of all of us, I’m the deadliest,” Jess replied.
Mary sighed. “You also have one of the biggest hearts, and I’m not referring to physically. But we’re finding our mates. I don’t know why, but we are. There has to be a reason, but nobody knows—actually, Andie might, but she’s not telling. If you find your mate, grab hold tightly and refuse to let him go.”
“When do I tell him I’m a mass murderer? That’ll take some swallowing,” Jess challenged.
“Enough! Look at Jase and Willow. Jase hated humans and is now mated to one. None of us is fond of humanity, but our mates seem to be among them. Which means somewhere out there is your soulmate,” Mary told Jess with urgency in her voice.
Jess realised what Mary wanted, for Jess to understand that she couldn’t change the past and even if she could, it wasn’t her fault. Still, those deaths were on her hands. She’d not forgive herself for letting her control slip three times. Once might be a mistake, but three times was carelessness. And only one person was responsible. Herself. Jess controlled Disease, and she’d taken the gamble on love. That was on her. Nobody else.
“I’ll consider your advice,” she finally replied, knowing that was what Mary wanted to hear. Mary winked and cut the portal.
Jess slumped forward and looked at her phone. Should she cancel this date? Could she afford the risk? Jess had sufferedso much emotional pain, and she wasn’t sure she could take a fourth heartbreak, which was why she’d locked her heart away. Being honest with herself, she searched her feelings for Mitch.
Jess was attracted to him, bodily and mentally. Mitch made her laugh, understood her sense of humour, and was quick-thinking. He was also gorgeous as hell, physically fit, and suited her ideal of a modern man. Mitch’s jeans fit beautifully, showing muscled thighs and a tight ass. His tee showed bulging biceps, with delicious veins popping out. Yet his hair was tidy and cut fashionably, and his nails were neat. Mitch didn’t work with his hands.
Jess sighed. She knew little about Mitch, but what she’d learned she very much liked. She’d had lovers in the past, but only three had actually pulled her in deep. And those had led to horrendous plagues.
???
Dreaming again.
Jess tried to wake from her nap but instead stared at Walter as he smiled and stabbed the air to make a point. He was a noble, one of Edward III’s favourites. She couldn’t be prouder of him. Walter had put down an unsuccessful uprising in France and returned home with glory covering him. In return, the king had given him an Earldom. The year was thirteen forty-eight, and Edward was making waves throughout the country.
Walter smiled at the Earl of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont. This celebration was for Walter’s earldom.
Walter waved her over, and Jess, using the alias Jeska, scurried across and greeted the powerful earl.
“This one will give good babies, look at those hips,” Henry chortled, and Jeska bristled. She was not a broodmare. Henry had been dismissive and rude.
“Yes, we’re looking forward to being wed,” Walter replied.
“No family, girl?” Henry asked, gazing down his nose.
“None, my lord,” Jeska responded quietly. Henry was up to something.
Henry looked disturbed. “None? Then what advantage does she bring?”
Walter laughed. “A huge dowry and wealth.”
“That is it? Did her people have status? I cannot remember a Jeska in court. Where did your fortune come from?”
“My father was a merchant, my lord. His wealth was left to me.” Jeska bit the inside of her cheek. Henry sneered, and that riled her temper. The ignorant man had no idea who he was messing with. She ground her teeth together and let her smile slip.
“A merchant. We can’t have the newest earl marrying a merchant’s whelp!” Henry exclaimed.
