Charlie and Randolph (Fated Fantasies Book 4) by Holly Oliver

Author:Holly Oliver [Oliver, Holly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-08-23T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Charlie

There had only been one other time in Charlie’s life that he could recall feeling this powerless. Back then he had been younger, smaller in every way. But despite all the strength of will and body he had accumulated, brick by brick over the years, this was almost too much to bear.

The unseen enemy had attacked again, and this time it had struck at the heart of everything Charlie had been fighting for. He had truly believed when he saw Randolph skulking in the tree line all those hours ago, that he had been the enemy. But the Fates had smiled at him and shown him he had not been forgotten. Charlie had let himself believe in love, and foolishly in the possibility of a happily ever after. He hadn’t had any time to truly get to know the man the Fates had set aside just for him, but despite this, Charlie knew in his heart of hearts that if their roles were reversed, Randolph would stop at nothing to see Charlie free of this thing. But come on already! It had quite literally been one thing after another.

This is not how I imagined this day would go, he sighed.

We’ll never see the other side if you think like that, his hedgehog whispered. You’re stronger than this, Charlie. You just need to remember that.

Charlie knew that Helena and Malfie were deep in discussion, but he’d zoned out and was content to stay there. No, no, no, no. The words of whatever foul beast was inside Randolph came back to him, serving as a reminder of the price Randolph had paid for simply wanting a few moments of precious peace. I need to stay vigilant.

“Do you have anything to add, Charlie?” Helena asked gently. Charlie looked down at himself, still slumped on the ground. He cast his eyes over to Randolph. To an outsider it would appear as if he was blissfully sleeping, just like he had so desperately wanted. But Charlie knew the truth and it chilled him to his core. Malfie and Helena were standing over him, looking concerned. Charlie was ashamed of himself. He could see Helena’s pity, and Malfie’s reluctance to push.

Get it together, Marine.

Without answering her question or allowing himself to think too deeply about what they must be feeling right now, he got to his feet. Helena extended a hand to help him up and he took it, showing his gratitude with a weak smile.

“I must confess,” he said, wiping his hands down his pant legs, “I have no idea what either of you were saying.”

They exchanged a look.

“I was wallowing. But I’ve had my moment, and now I’m ready to tackle whatever comes next.”

“You may not like what comes next,” Malfie said cautiously.

“In fact, I’d wager my hoard you won’t,” Helena added.

“Well, lay it on me,” Charlie said. “And apologies for wasting precious time with my self-pity.”

A comforting hand from Helena and a reassuring nod from Malfie told him he was forgiven for his moment of weakness.

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