Welcome to the Point: A Point Epoch Tale Read online

  How could I not fall for her? Every time she spoke, she blew my mind. I’ve always considered myself a sapiosexual oriented individual. Those who don’t know what that word means, probably would not be compatible romantically with me.

  “What’s your name?” I asked in a whisper.

  She whispered back, “Lucretia Delorne.”

  “Lucretia,” I echoed. “My name is William Hermanson, and it is a pleasure to know you. Come, let me and my loyal steed return you to your humble abode.” I offered her my hand. She took it with a coy smile.

  Together, we walked to my cart where my donkey, Hercules, patiently waited for me to finish loading up, so we could get out of there. He didn’t like the marketplace. I didn’t either. We were like peas in a pod, him and I. When Lucretia stroked the side of his neck before getting in the cart, he brayed happily. I hated when she let go of my hand. The cool from the absence of her touch just didn’t belong. I knew I had to always feel her warmth.

  “A mile away,” I said, climbing into the seat next to her. I picked up the reigns and signaled Hercules to head out. “That’s not too far. You dress like you live in a mansion. I’m guessing you live on the hill.”

  “You’d be correct.” She shifted as though she were nervous. “My family recently moved into Purchase Point.”

  I whistled. “Wow, I didn’t know it was up for sale! That house has been owned by the Purchase’s since the beginning of time.”

  “Pretty close to it,” she muttered. Her gaze moved to the side. She didn’t want to look at me.

  “Something wrong?” I asked. Like I said, I was perceptive.

  Lucretia pressed her lips together. “My name is Delorne, so I’m sure it’s clear that I am not a member of the Purchase family. Their reign over this town has ended.”

  “Good.” The word flew out of my mouth without a thought. I should have been more cautious. The Purchase family might have moved out of the house, but that didn’t necessarily mean they were gone from the town. I thought about back peddling, then I decided I’d stick to my truth—for better or worse.

  She giggled, so I couldn’t have screwed things up too terribly. “Not a fan, I see.”

  “Hard to be. I tend to dislike anyone who treats those who work hard for their wealth poorly, though.” I smirked. “I might be a farmer, and a simple peddler of vegetables upon appearances. In truth, my family has more than enough to go around. We just don’t like to show it off.”

  “Because it’s just paper.”

  I smiled. “Paper that we put into fixing the schools and the streets. The fact that this road isn’t quite as bumpy as some of the others is thanks to yours truly.”

  “Now you’re bragging,” she teased. She moved a tiny bit closer to me. “Perhaps I should be working on wooing you instead of the mayor’s brat.”

  It took everything within me to not burst out laughing. “You sound like my grandma.”

  “Grandmothers are wise.”

  “Keep talking like that, and I might just offer up a marriage proposal to your father as soon as I drop you off at the house.”

  She winced. “A shame he won’t be there, remember?”

  “I was joking anyway,” I said it a bit too quickly. That time, I did back pedal. “Not that I wouldn’t want to marry you. You’re a beautiful woman, but I would prefer to court you a bit before making a huge decision. If we’re going to be stuck together for life, I should at least be able to tolerate you for long periods of time. Maybe like you. Preferably love you.” I winked, trying to keep it playful and lighthearted rather than creepy. Last thing I needed to do was freak her out by coming on too strong.

  Hard not to, though.

  She sighed. “That’s what I would like as well. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out that way.” She glanced over at me. “That being said, I am not against trying to take my future into my own hands. My family will respect that method. It’s how we were able to take over the Purchase home.”

  There had to be a good story she was keeping to herself. I’d get it out of her later.

  A good story has always been too irresistible for me to ignore. I absolutely love gossip and scandal.

  Normally, I’d have pressed for more information. Lucretia made me do all kinds of things different from “normal,” though. Right away, I knew she’d be worth the work. For the first time ever, I discovered the long game could be fun.

  When we arrived in front of the sprawling mansion on top of the hill, I couldn’t help but admire it. I’d been close to it before from other deliveries. On the outside, everything about it looked the same. Red brick walls and large elaborate windows. The mansion had three floors and enough bedrooms to support half of the town. I’d heard rumors of an incredible ballroom, but never been inside of the house itself to see it.

  Usually, the prestige of the place intimidated me. Like the Purchase family’s arrogance set the mood for the property.

  Something about the mansion felt different that day. I wouldn’t say I felt welcome there, or lighter. Whoever the Delorne’s were, they didn’t exude joy, peace, and harmony. Darkness prickled my sixth sense, making sure I knew to be wary…or perhaps it was the house that was wary of me.

  It sounds crazy—a house sending off feelings. That perception thing again. Back then I didn’t understand the true depth of that gift. I just knew when things felt right and when they felt wrong. Being there with Lucretia didn’t feel like either of those things. I wasn’t wanted, and yet I wasn’t fully rejected either.

  In the moment, I explained those feelings away by pinning them on her. She didn’t know what to think of me, and I could sense it. If only I’d known the truth.

  She looked over to the house and then back at me. “I can take the bag in myself. Thank you for the ride, William. It was wonderful to spend more time with you. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

  “You’re welcome.” If I was a cat, curiosity would have killed me. Oh, how I wanted to ask for more. What did she even mean by that last statement? Instead, I said, “I hope to see you around soon.”

  “Me too,” she said softly.

  We both got out of the cart, and I handed her a bag. Our hands brushed against one another. I watched her until she disappeared into the house.

  Yeah, I was smitten.

  Chapter Five

  Interlude

  “You know a lot about this William guy’s roots,” Delia said.

  Trevor bristled when she said my name so nonchalantly. “It’s all public record here in town. Where he originated, his life growing up, everything.”

  “He sounds pretty normal. Not at all like the evil mastermind you paint him out to be.” The smile she gave him would have made my heart go pitter-patter with delight. She dared to defend me, and I loved her all the more for it.

  I could tell Trevor wasn’t amused in the slightest. He took in a slow breath. “You want the background, this is it. Seeing how normal he was helps prove how manipulative he was too. How easy it is to fall astray from the path of good.”

  Ugh, can he be any more overdramatic? Seriously. What does she see in this doorknob?

  Okay, I’m sure, dear reader, there’s also some confusion. I was just going on and on about how I was smitten with Lucretia, yet here I am going on and on about how into Delia I am. What gives? I promise it’s all going to make sense. For now, just put a pin in it and trust me. I haven’t lied to you yet, have I?

  Delia frowned at his words. “I believe you when you say he’s bad. When he visited me in my dreams, everything felt off. But…”

  “But?” Trevor asked.

  She shook her head. “Never mind, you’re right.”

  What she didn’t say was that we had a connection in that dream. Perhaps I felt dark and scary, but I know she could also feel my love. Can someone who is pure evil experience love? Give it? I think not. She doubted; and as long as that doubt remained, I’ll always have a foothold through her.

  Trevor grabbed her hand
and gave it a squeeze. “I can skip ahead if you want.”

  “No, I’m curious about how someone could turn so bad. The catalyst has to be good.”

  He glanced at her. “Good?”

  “A good story!” She giggled. So cute.

  Trevor didn’t like it. He frowned even more. “Entertaining, you mean? I’m not telling you all of this to compete with your TV dramas. No way am I that desperate for your attention.”

  “Woah, Trev…” The look on her face showed nothing but the heartbreak she must have been feeling on the inside. Trevor took things way too seriously. She grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. “All I wanted to do was lighten the mood a little, and it’s not fair to judge me for finding this fascinating. It is!”

  He gazed down at her hand holding his. Her touch seemed to calm him. “How you feel about…him…”

  “William.”

  “Yes.” He gagged. I am not making that up. He actually gagged because he couldn’t say my name!

  Trevor took in a slow breath. “How you feel is going to end up being a huge factor in how the future unfolds. Even something as simple as being fascinated by him could lead to disaster.”

  “Then make him less interesting.”

  Quite the challenge if there ever was one.

  “Fine,” Trever said. “I’ll stop skirting around the truth and tell you about what a monster he really is.”

  Chapter Six

  She Put a Spell on Me...and Now I’m Hers

  This is the part where I take over again because while Delia can hear the nasty version, you all deserve the actual truth. And it was a truth Trevor doesn’t have because he wasn’t there. How would he know anything? Everything he’d heard has come from a group of people who are bent on stopping me no matter the cost. Of course, their version of events was going to be skewed in their favor!

  Trevor and Co. would have the world believe that I bewitched Lucretia into loving me, and that was the catalyst for everything. In truth, Lucretia was the witch. The only part they got right was that she was what started it all.

  Even though I didn’t see her for a while after our trip on the cart, I continued to think about her. Days turned into weeks, and she remained the first thing I thought about when I woke up and the last thing on my mind when I went to sleep. Was she thinking about me? What could I do to expedite seeing her again? I went to town a lot in the hopes that perhaps she’d be flaunting her assets to the mayor some more. No dice.

  Just when I was about to walk over to Purchase Hill and knock on her door, a fancy envelope came in the mail addressed to the Hermanson Family. It didn’t have Dad’s name specifically on it, and I, being a member of the family, had every right to open it.

  Written in fancy script was an invitation from the Delorne residence to a housewarming party. A party that would no doubt double as a way to find more suitors for Lucretia. Good thing I had a new suit in the closet that I’d only worn once. Did I bring flowers? Yes, that would be a smart decision, I decided. This is the perfect way for her to meet my parents too. They’ll have to approve of her, also. Not like they wouldn’t. How could they not when she’s so...perfect? I smiled and ran my fingers over the invitation, lost in a daydream.

  My father slammed the door open, startling me out of a rather beautiful image where I’d been dancing with Lucretia under a golden chandelier. I jumped, and he sniggered, enjoying that. Probably why he made such a ruckus in the first place. That’s the kind of guy he was. He walked over and snatched the invitation from my hand.

  “A party,” he murmured.

  “Yes, from the new residents in town. The fact we were sent one means they must be good people,” I said. Reminding him that the Purchases hated our guts would make him think the world of the Delornes.

  For a long time, he stared at the invite. “I’m not sure going to this party is a good idea.”

  “Why not!”

  Dad glared at me.

  I bit my lip, counted to three, and tried again. “I would just like to understand because this is the family that…I’ve met their daughter. She…we…”

  “She’s the one you’ve had your head stuck in the clouds over all of this time,” Dad finished. I nodded. He sighed. “If I’d known that, I would have nipped that idea in the bud right away. She is not the type of woman you should be pursuing.”

  My hands clenched into fists. “Why—”

  “Not?” Dad ripped the invitation in half. “The Purchases didn’t leave their home willingly. While the rest of this stupid town goes to bend over backwards for this new family, I won’t. My integrity is more important than status.”

  “Maybe the Purchases deserved whatever happened to them!”

  I expected my dad to lose his mind at my outburst. He hated when I spoke out of turn or dared to question him. The fact that he didn’t scared me most.

  Instead, he looked me in the eyes. His gaze was so cold and serious. “This girl might be beautiful, like a goddess even. You will not see her, and you will definitely not attend that party. Do you understand?”

  I thought I could get out of lying by saying nothing. Hold my tongue, look down all sad and dejected like. Let him see how devastated his order made me, yet how I would begrudgingly obey it regardless.

  He slapped his hand against the kitchen table. “Do. You. Understand?”

  “Yes,” I whispered. “Do you know something more than what you’re telling?”

  “Stories are going around, and I don’t believe gossip to be fact; however, it always stems from truth.” He might have been a jerk, but he sure was a wise one. “The one thread all of these stories have in common is the devil. I won’t be selling my soul right along with them.”

  “I…see…”

  Naturally, because he said she was forbidden it just made me want her all the more. Somehow, I’d find a way to that party. My father’s approval never meant anything to me before. Why would that suddenly change?

  Satisfied with my supposed submission, he left for his bedroom where he’d probably sleep until my mother came home from running her errand. I waited a solid thirty seconds before finding a piece of paper in a drawer, so I could write a reply. It’s a good thing I knew the address for the old Purchase Hill mansion by heart. Everyone in town did.

  Lucretia,

  Please accept my apologies for replying to your invitation in such a manner. My father did not have a favorable reaction to the gesture. I would very much like to see you. Soon. I’ll be waiting for you nightly in front of the library until the evening of the party. I promise I’ll make the mile walk worth your while.

  Regards,

  William

  I looked over the letter a few times before sealing it into an envelope. The grandfather clock from the den rang three times. I could make it to Lucretia’s house and back before dinner. I had no problem running the entire way. She was worth all the effort.

  Chapter Seven

  She Made Me a Believer

  Lucretia didn’t come that evening. I didn’t expect her to. After all, I’d only just sent the letter. Sneaking out at night wasn’t easy to do for all of us. Not everyone is an expert at bending the rules like I am. She’d come, though. Of that I was confident. And she did, the night after.

  I’d been sitting on a fallen tree, gazing up at the sky through the leaves when I heard her footsteps approaching. Even walking through the forest, her steps seemed as confident as ever. A smile formed on my lips and when she came into view, the moonlight washed over her. I’m positive she was glowing. Literally glowing.

  My jaw dropped at the sight. It made her all the more beautiful, the way it hugged her curves and her dark hair seemed to have strands of glitter mixed in amongst her curls. Pure magic. That should have been my first tip off. I didn’t believe in magic, though.

  “Nice night,” I said.

  She walked over to join me on the log. I noticed then she wasn’t in a dress. Instead, she had on plain dark pants and a loose white shirt. The look fit
her so much better, and she pulled off life-sized doll well. “Agreed, perfect for a stroll. You wanted to see me?”

  “Yes, and if I’m being honest, I always want to see you.”

  She laughed, pulling her hair away from her face. “I have that effect on men often.”

  “So, I’m not the only one you have late night rendezvous with?” I pouted. “Ouch.”

  “No, you are.” She didn’t smile, though. “Most of my motivation to see you stemmed from learning that your father declined our invitation. I wanted to know more…to know why. It seems odd since most of the town is excited for the event.”

  I rolled my eyes. “He thinks that the method you obtained your position in Becker is suspicious. Something about how you’ve sold your souls to the devil, and how he will not give up his integrity in order to do so.”

  Silence followed and I wondered if perhaps I’d insulted her.

  “He’s not completely wrong,” she said at last. Her tone was cool and difficult to read. Could she be mad? Sad? Indifferent? A mix of all of the above?

  I proceeded with caution. “Which part? The selling your soul or buying your home by questionable means? If it’s the latter, I want you to know that it won’t change my opinion of you. The Purchases were horrible human beings. The town is better off now that they’re gone.”

  “I figured that is why we’ve had such a warm welcome.” That got a small smile from her, but it didn’t last long. “Both of those things are partially true. Though, I wouldn’t go so far as to say we’ve sold our souls and certainly not to Satan.” She glanced at me. “How much can I trust you?”

  I gazed into her eyes. “We don’t know each other well, so I’m not sure how to answer that question. That being said, I like to think of myself as an honest person who can keep a secret. I certainly have plenty of them.”