The Third Fate Read Online Free Page A

a puzzle piece in the wrong box, persisted in Paige’s heart. Strobe lights flashed, bodies bounced in time with the drumming beat, laughter and conversation drifted in the air, but she felt disconnected from it all. Different. Other.
    Tonight her agitation was more pronounced. Strains from at least five separate conversations rang in her ears and music layered on top of that along with overpowering smells. Her stomach roiled, overloaded with sight, sound, movement. It was as if she saw everyone and everything at once. Panic flooded her mind.
    What in all of Hades is going on with me?
    She had to get out of the place! Fixing her eyes on the exit Paige wove her way through the crowd, the press of bodies seeming to close in on her from all sides. Not a moment too soon she burst through the door, squeezing her eyes tight and breathing the cool night air greedily. Large gatherings had always been uncomfortable, but never before had she reacted so strongly. Hurrying around the corner, hoping no one had seen her crazy dash for the exit, Paige backed against the white-washed exterior, putting her head between her knees and breathing deeply. The pounding of her heart slowed, and the chilled autumn night cooled her skin.
    “ Are you all right?”
    The deep voice startled her.
    Okay. You hear all the conversations going on around yourself but can’t hear this guy walk right up to you? That’s just great, Paige.
    “ I am. Thanks.” She smiled sheepishly in the direction of the stranger, unable to discern his appearance in the shadows. “I probably got a little overheated. That’s all.”
    She thought he would approach her, but suddenly he turned and disappeared into the darkness.
    “ There you are!” Brooke yelled, flitting over to her. “We didn’t know where you’d gone off to. What are you doing out here? It’s freezing!”
    Lara stood a few meters behind Brooke, ready to jump back inside where it was warm.
    “ I’m not feeling so well, guys. I think I’m going to head home.”
    “ Are you sure, Paige?” Lara walked over, forgetting about the cold. “We can go with you if you’re feeling poorly.”
    “ No, no. I’m not as bad as all that. Stay and have a good time. I think I just need to get some rest.” She grinned at the pair of them, long faced at her leaving. “I didn’t sleep so well the last several nights, remember?”
    “ Right then!” Lara cheered up, winking teasingly. “Ring me up in the morning.”
    “ Love and such,” Brooke said flippantly, kissing her cheeks. “And don’t forget about brunch. We’ve got all the fresh flowers coming in right after, and we’ll have to have everything arranged for the Miller wedding at two o’clock.”
    Thankfully her flat was close by. Paige didn’t have the energy to go much further. The black panel-box door awaited her patiently, a beacon for her tired eyes as she marched up the front stairs and turned her key in the lock. Lemon infused air greeted her nostrils, the furniture polish’s potent aroma hanging thick in her little flat, and the simple welcome had the corners of her mouth curving in contentment.
    Home.
    A luxurious, scalding soak, cotton sleep wear, and hot toddy – in that order – were just the remedies her inner doctor ordered. Then she would sink into her comfortable bed and sleep until she woke on her own. Tomorrow was Saturday. After enjoying a lively brunch with Sissy and her cousins and once she was satisfied with the Millers’ reception table arrangements, Paige planned to head over to the library to indulge in her favorite pastime, reading on Druidism and magic. Currently working through a volume dealing with the legend and lore of the Druid religion, she hoped the text would be available. Having been born on Samhain and with the holiday upcoming, Paige had delved into the mysteries of the ancient religion with relish, losing hours in blissful perusal of the documented accounts of Druid ritual and practice.
    Familiar creaks