Evie's Knight Read online

  Evie’s Knight

  Kimberly Krey

  AMAZON KINDLE EDITION

  PUBLISHED BY

  Kimberly Krey

  Copyright © 2012 Kimberly Krey

  All Rights Reserved

  Amazon Kindle Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. The ebook contained herein constitutes a copyrighted work and may not be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, or stored in or introduced into an information storage and retrieval system in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the copyright owner, except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical articles and reviews. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This ebook is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  Formatting by

  Bob Houston eBook Formatting

  http://about.me/BobHouston

  ISBN: 1475177194

  ISBN-13: 978-1475177190

  DEDICATION

  To my constant, loyal, and loving family.

  I thank God for each one of you every day

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  A major thanks goes out to my alpha readers; namely, Bec, Mom, and Deanne. Your encouragement helped me to stay on the path, and I’m forever grateful. Another thank you goes to my beta readers. Your enthusiasm about Evie’s Knight fueled me with renewed dedication.

  To Jamie, for being a true friend and a constant cheerleader, and Marilyn, for your unfailing honesty. Thank you for the many critique sessions that pleasantly veered from our manuscripts each time.

  I had a blast with you ladies.

  A big thanks to Dad for your constant help, love, and support.

  And to Mom for not letting me give up.

  Kids, thank you for your faithful prayers about “mommy’s book”. You enrich my life in every possible way.

  Rob, your generous, loving support has not gone unnoticed. You are my best friend, my love, my all.

  FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I want to thank my wonderfully talented husband (@ SnapUtahPhoto) for the awesome cover art and photography. Also, a big thanks to Brecklin & Katelyn for being our models.

  “Fear not death;

  for the sooner we die,

  the longer we shall

  be immortal.”

  Benjamin Franklin

  PROLOGUE

  1918

  Jocelyn’s anguished soul inspired the words of warning she’d leave behind for the man she loved. The man she believed had driven her to such madness. With cold, quivering fingers, she addressed the parchment, placed it snuggly in the deep pocket of her gown, and set to work.

  Generous moonlight spilled over the frigid night, yet Jocelyn ignored the chill. Hatred boiled within her, heated her blood as she dragged boulders, stacked stones, and created the perfect place for the sacrifice. Her heart gave protest, yet she wouldn’t stop until her work was complete—the one thing she was certain of, her destiny.

  Like a huntress hovers over her captured prey, Jocelyn hunched protectively over the gold dagger—her ticket to the next world. Her dark eyes grew large as she climbed upon the altar, kneeling proudly at the center. With the throw of her head, she pushed her chin towards the sky, the raven tresses of her hair creeping down her back. The hefty weight of the cool, steel blade added to her thrill as she centered it high above her heart.

  With fervent conviction, she chanted the spell three times. As her final words echoed throughout the canyon ground, Jocelyn thrust the dagger deep into her breast with a wrenching scream and passed into the underworld.

  Chapter One

  Evie was dying to lay on the horn; to shove her palm into the chrome-covered center of the wheel and force a roaring screech over the quiet neighborhood.

  “Come on, Kelly.” She mustered her restraint, gave the horn two quick bursts, then opted for the phone instead. The second ring came, and Evie gritted her teeth. When the fourth ring sounded, she flung open the car door and stomped a leather pump onto the pavement.

  A mess of slurred words spilled through the receiver. “Don’t kill me, Evie, but I just woke up.”

  “I’m not going to kill you,” she said, slamming the car door shut. “I’m going to leave you.” She cranked the gear into reverse and peeled out of the driveway.

  “I’m so, so sorry, Evie. I’m the worst friend ever.”

  “I called to wake you up an hour ago.”

  “I fell back to sleep.”

  Evie glared at the narrow road. Shafts of morning sunlight pierced through the leafy trees overhead, but she refused to be softened by their beauty. “We’re not in high school anymore, Kelly. You can’t just skip class half the time and expect to still pass.”

  “I know.”

  “If you can’t get it together, we’re going to have to stop carpooling.”

  “I know.” Kelly’s voice was repentant.

  Evie sighed. “I only nag because I love you. You get that, right?”

  “Right.”

  Her gaze darted between the rearview mirror and the gas meter, a fresh wave of guilt spurring within her. “I’m clear down the street already, and I’m about to run out of gas.”

  “Go on ahead. I’ll drive myself. And if I see you stalled on the side of the road, I promise to pick you up.”

  Evie rolled her eyes. “Thanks.”

  The gas gauge sunk impossibly lower as she idled at the light. Speeding cars cut through the crowded intersection. Beyond the traffic, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, stood the university. She drummed her fingers on the wheel, glancing at the station down the road. Please make it there.

  She hit the gas when the light went green and coasted through the next two intersections without a pause. As she pulled into the station with a triumphant smile, relief washed over her in a soothing wave. Yet once she spotted the black Jeep Wrangler parked snuggly up to one of the pumps, tension tightened her limbs once more. Calvin Knight owns a Jeep like that.

  Evie eased forward at a slow crawl and settled on the pump furthest from the Jeep. With a quick glance, she surveyed the tall, lean stranger in question. His olive skin basked in warm contrast to the white polo shirt hugging his masculine chest. A thick leather belt allowed his khakis to hang perfectly low on his hips.

  Yep, that’s him. Her heart sped up to a wild flutter. She yanked down the rearview and gave her cheeks a pinch, forcing a bit of color into her tan-deprived face. After stepping out of the car, she turned her attention to the back fender, scanning the silver body once. Twice.

  “Wait, where’s the …” She took a few steps as realization sunk in. The gas cap–it wasn’t there. “Crap.” In her attempt to steer clear of The Mute, she’d pulled the wrong side of her car up to the pump. While releasing an annoyed puff of air, she shot a quick glance in Calvin Knight’s direction. Though she couldn’t be sure, it seemed as if he was looking her way.

  Great. She couldn’t get back in the car and move it now. She’d just have to make it work. The voice in her head warned it wouldn’t reach, but Evie ignored it and grabbed the nozzle, flicking her blonde hair behind one shoulder with the whip of her head.

  The outlook was promising. She’d made it to
the back of her car without the slightest resistance when she felt the dreaded tug. “No way,” she said under her breath. She tugged back, trying to gain slack, hoping it was simply snagged on the bumper.

  It wasn’t.

  The older man at the front pump snapped his frail-looking fingers. “Darn that. You were so close.”

  “Yep.” Evie replaced the nozzle and slunk back into the car, wondering if her morning could get any worse. With a bit of angst behind the action, she restarted the engine and circled into the adjacent slot. She turned the key, killing the hum of the engine, and replaced the sound with her horrified gasp, realizing she’d done it again. Wrong side.

  “You are kidding me,” she mouthed more than spoke. A bit of mental cursing ensued while she snuck another peek in Calvin’s direction. He stood leaning against his Jeep. The nozzle rested in the tank. His gaze rested on her. An odd trace of heat scurried over her body as she tried to decipher the expression on his handsome face. The only word that came to mind was amusement. He looked like he was enjoying her little mishap.

  Of course he was. Calvin Knight probably lived for stuff like this. Women doing stupid things in front of him so he could feel even more superior.

  She was hesitant while considering the open spot behind his Jeep. Yet taking the dreaded pump would be easier than turning around in the cramped space, and at this point she didn’t trust herself not to back into some poor, unsuspecting pedestrian. With a defeated eye roll, she fired the engine once more, shoved it into drive, and rolled up behind the black Wrangler.

  She stepped out of the car, expecting to see Calvin next to his. He wasn’t. A quick sting of disappointment gave way to relief. Soon he’d drive away and she wouldn’t have to witness his lame attempt to pretend he hadn’t even noticed her. She jammed the nozzle in the tank once and for all, vowing to never take the simple act for granted again, and listened to the rhythmic click as her total added up.

  “First time at a self-serve?” The deep voice, warm and masculine, echoed from behind. She stiffened before turning to look at him.

  Slight waves of cocoa graced the strands of Calvin Knight’s rich, brown hair, catching glorious tints of sunlight. A splash of gold swam in the dark pools of his eyes while his lips–those full and perfect lips–toyed with hints of a smirk. He looked so beautifully mischievous that she nearly forgot to answer his snide little question.

  “You’d think so, wouldn’t you?” Warmth spread up the front of her neck and settled in her stupidly pinched cheeks. A dose of pride crept in and whispered an equally snide remark that flew from her lips before she could give it a second thought. “Is this your first time? Talking to someone from art class, I mean.” She steeled her gaze, eyes boldly focused on his dazzling face and honeyed skin.

  He lifted his drink, took a pull at the straw. His penetrating gaze burrowed so deeply into her soul that she looked down to fidget with her skirt before looking up once more.

  “Not at all,” he murmured.

  She wondered what he meant by that. And what was that look on his face? His lips were closed, but she could tell he was fighting back a grin. He turned from her then. Began walking away. Not bothering to speak any further. Not even saying goodbye.

  Evie set her attention back to the gas pump, refusing to watch as he drove away, and heard her cell phone buzz. She reached for the phone and saw it was Kelly on the line as she put it up to her ear.

  “Are you kidding me? Was that Calvin Knight you were talking to just then?”

  Evie searched the nearby intersection. “Where are you?”

  A series of beeps blared, and Kelly’s black VW sped by.

  “You better not beat me to school,” Evie said.

  “Looks like I will. How long did it take to gas up? Or were you too busy finally sparking up a conversation with Mute Boy?”

  Evie knew Kelly couldn’t see her smiling, but her silence said enough.

  Kelly gasped. “That was him, wasn’t it?”

  “Yep.”

  “Get out! I want every detail.”

  Chapter Two

  The sight of the art building tangled Evie’s nerves into knots. Daydreams of Calvin had intruded on her every thought, making it nearly impossible to focus. As she headed to her final class of the day–the one class she had with Calvin–she mused back on the gas station incident, wondering if he’d speak to her in class too.

  Familiar scents of paint and lead greeted her as she stepped into the spacious art room, one of the first students to arrive. Golden beams of sunlight poured through the oversized windows, warming her skin as she stepped quietly over the hardwood floors.

  Tension drained from her body as she slumped into her seat, forgetting the anxiety that gripped her only moments ago. She glanced at Calvin’s empty chair just as he sauntered into the room. A bright burst of sunlight surrounded him like a luminous halo, casting an angelic glow over his alluring face. His rich brown eyes met hers with a piercing depth that brought familiar heat to her face in an instant. The corner of his lips turned up at one side, and her conscious thoughts scattered like a flock of frightened birds. She had no idea whether she returned his half-smile as he walked past his usual seat.

  She breathed in his crisp, woodsy scent as he walked by, wondering where he was headed. Her posture straightened in a blink as she realized he’d dropped into the seat directly behind hers, as if he’d been sitting there since school started a month ago. She could feel the warmth of him as he leaned across his desk toward her. Her heart sputtered.

  “You made it,” he said in a low murmur.

  Though entirely stunned by the fact he’d taken the seat, Evie glanced at him casually. With her body still facing forward, she spoke over one shoulder. “Yeah. Managed to fill up that tank all by myself. Can you believe it?”

  “Very good,” he praised. “You know, if you ever need help in the future, I’d be happy to meet you at the station, direct you to an appropriate spot. Course, I’d need one of those orange vests so you didn’t run over me.”

  She smiled and swung around, resting her elbow on his desk. “Oh yeah? Well, I’d offer to give you lessons on social etiquette, but it looks like I’m far too late.”

  A low chuckle rumbled in his throat as he ran a warm knuckle along the side of her wrist. “You’re right about that.”

  Blood pulsed beneath the spot where he’d touched her. She glanced down at his hands, liking the way he’d done it. Subtle, with a certain confidence.

  A loud cough sounded from behind Calvin. The jock who normally sat behind Evie stood in the aisle, burrowing a heated glare into Calvin’s head.

  Crap. Is he going to start something? Evie pulled her crossed legs toward her body, making room for him to continue down the aisle.

  Calvin glanced over his shoulder briefly, then looked back to Evie with an unrepentant smile. An awkward moment elapsed as the towering student looked around the room. He finally stomped past them in an irritated huff and slumped into the chair where Calvin usually sat.

  Evie sighed, glad a conflict hadn’t come of it. The professor had never assigned seats, but most students returned to their normal place: The loud guy to her right, the meanish redhead in front, and the jock in the seat behind her.

  Since the conversation had gone quiet, she turned toward the front of the room in time to see Kelly waving from the doorway. Her bright blue eyes flashed in stark contrast to her jet-black hair and thick, matching liner. She glanced at Calvin before looking back to Evie, fanning her face as if the temperature in the room had taken a sudden climb. “He’s so yummy,” she mouthed.

  Evie shook her head as Kelly disappeared into the hall, glad her wildly untamed friend had art in the next classroom–not hers.

  Professor Milton stood in front of his desk and propped a tall easel beside him. Evie’s gaze landed on the stack of manila sheets and canvas boards piled on the corner of his desk. She’d completely forgotten they were going to analyze one another’s work today. Her insides
sprung into a state of panic. She’d never been the best artist, and the idea of having her work critiqued in front of the class–though each piece was presented anonymously–terrified her. Crap. Please don’t start with mine.

  The professor steadied one of the canvas squares on the easel and cleared his throat. “First piece. What materials were used here?”

  Glad to see her art wasn’t first on display, Evie answered the question in a voice quiet enough to be drowned out by the others. The water painting portrayed several kittens nestled up to a mother cat, some licking at their paws in the sunlight. Looked like something the older lady on the back row might have painted.

  A handful of projects made their way through the sometimes-brutal class analysis. Loud guy and mean girl played tag team on nearly every piece. Evie forced herself to participate, speaking only when she had something kind to offer. Still, with Calvin so close behind her, it was hard to focus. She kept fidgeting, worrying that the tag of her blouse was sticking up. Or that her hair was wildly out of place.

  Just as Evie checked the clock, glad time was almost up, Calvin leaned forward onto his desk again. She brought the straight strands of her blond hair forward over one shoulder and leaned back into the seat, turning an exposed ear his way.

  “You have a thing for rubber duckies?” His voice was nothing more than a gentle hush, yet the heat from his breath graced the curve of her neck, causing goose bumps to break out over her arms.

  She smiled, eyeing the piece at the front. Bright rubber ducks of blinding yellow filled the canvas board. She nodded, whispering over her shoulder. “How’d you guess?”

  Calvin didn’t respond, but he stayed in place, so close she could smell his delicious spicy scent once more. Evie wondered if they’d critiqued his piece yet. She figured somehow she’d know which one was his, but so far, she’d only been confident about which ones were not his.