Chapter One

 

Becca stopped in front of the old building. She took out her smartphone, checked the time then her messages. She furrowed her dark, perfectly arched brows when she saw she didn’t have any new messages or missed calls. It was only 9 in the morning, but as a chartered accountant who was running two accounting and financial consulting companies by herself, it was strange to have such a quiet morning. Usually, her phone started ringing at 8 AM, sometimes even 7, and didn’t stop until 8 or 9 PM. She sighed and slipped her phone back into her oversized bag. She threw a disgusted glance down the narrow street. It felt awkward to be in this part of the city, in one of the poorest neighborhoods of New York. A woman with a baby in one arm and a bag of groceries in the other walked past her, and Becca squeezed her bag closer to her side, feeling out of place in her cherry red high heels, black midi skirt, white shirt, and elegant jacket. She bit the inside of her lip and looked up at the sign perched on top of the building she was about to enter.

“Shift Your Fate,” she whispered. “What kind of branding is that, anyway?” The kind she hadn’t been expecting, that was for sure. When June, her newest employee, told her about Shift Your Fate and the woman running it, Becca had expected something completely different. A small, yet fancy counseling center that combined modern psychology with alternative healing therapy and energywork. “Guess I got that wrong…”

She took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The second she stepped over the threshold, she felt a strong urge to turn around and make a run for it. “Crap,” she thought. “This really looks like a witch’s parlor.”

The door closed behind her, making the chimes hanging above it clink softly for the second time. Becca studied the room carefully. It looked a lot like a shop. There was a small counter at the far back, but there was no one behind it. Shelves covered all the walls. They were filled with crystals, talismans, statues representing various animals and gods, and pots which Becca guessed could only contain herbs. There were candles and dreamcatchers everywhere, and the air smelled divine. At least she couldn’t complain about that. It was a combination of incense, jasmine and nutmeg, and Becca inhaled hungrily. A warm, chirpy voice snapped her out of her reverie.

“Welcome, my dear! Feel free to look around. If you have any questions or you’re looking for something specific, I’m here to help you.”

“Oh, hello!”

Becca smiled sweetly. The old woman looked exactly like the kind of person she always preferred to avoid. She wore a long, colorful dress, heavy rings on all her fingers, bracelets around her wrists, and a single necklace around her neck. Becca couldn’t see the pendant clearly, but it looked like a bird. By the thin wrinkles on her face, the woman was old, but her hair was raven black. She wore it in a long braid that touched her waist. Her sky-blue eyes and fair complexion made it impossible for Becca to guess her country of origin. However, she could bet she wasn’t American. When the woman smiled back, revealing a set of white, perfect teeth, Becca almost felt guilty for her intention to leave without buying anything.

“Actually, I’m looking for someone,” she said. She was there, after all, so she might as well do what June had told her. “Kassandra I think is her name…”

The woman’s face lit up. “I’m Kassandra. This means you must be Rebecca Gilbert. June told me you’d come.”

“I… yes…”

Kassandra motioned for Becca to follow her in the back room. “Come. My office, so to speak, is in here.” She laughed at the word “office”. “You can check the shop later if you want, but I know you haven’t come to buy anything.”

Becca smiled tensely. “I… I’m sorry…” Now, she really felt guilty. Maybe she’d buy a candle on her way out.

“Nonsense!” Kassandra laughed wholeheartedly. “You’re here for something else. Something much more important than say… a scented candle. Let’s sit down and have a long talk. Would you like some tea?”

Becca sat down reluctantly. Her wide, chocolate brown eyes made her look like a deer caught in the headlights. Kassandra was moving too fast, talking too fast, saying some very weird things… How did she know Becca had been thinking of buying a candle? This was insane! Oh, and the room… the “office”, as Kassandra had called it, was even more insane than the shop. The walls were covered in what looked like ancient tapestries resembling all kinds of animals and mythological beasts. Bears, wolves, and lions Becca could understand. But griffins? Sphinxes, phoenixes, and thunderbirds? Becca decided she hated June and her crazy recommendation.

“Yes, tea… that would be lovely. Thank you.”

“It won’t take a minute.”

Kassandra disappeared back into the shop, leaving Becca with her own thoughts.

“What the hell am I doing here?” she whispered. She squeezed the edges of her cherry red bag. It was rather heavy, but she didn’t feel like parting with it. She studied the small, old desk, her brows rising in confusion at the heavy crystal ball and the big deck of tarot cards. “And I’m actually going to pay for this…” She ran a hand through her long, blonde hair. She had just had it dyed the day before, and she loved how soft it felt. “Tea, then she’ll probably want to predict my future, and I’m going to pay a handsome fee for all of it. Fuckin’ great!”

“Here you go, my dear.”

Kassandra served the tea, then took a seat in the chair behind the desk. Becca used the small teaspoon to stir the dark, aromatic liquid, then took a tentative sip.

“Mmm… this is delicious! What is it?”

“Oh, just an old family recipe. Cranberries mostly. Just a dash of cinnamon and ginger.”

“It tastes and smells much more sophisticated than that.” Becca took a longer sip, enjoying the way the hot liquid traveled down her throat.

Kassandra smiled. “All right, maybe I added a secret ingredient to make it more interesting.”

Becca shot her a worried glance, but the tea was too good to put down. She was going to drink all of it, then ask for more. It was weird to feel such a powerful need to drink hot tea in the middle of July, but that was the last thing she was going to question about what was happening today.

“So, Rebecca…” The old woman leaned forward and looked deep into her eyes. “Tell me: how may I help you?”

Becca placed the cup on its tray and shrugged. “I… I don’t know. To be honest, I was expecting something else.”

“I know. You thought June recommended to you just another shrink.”

Becca’s heart jumped at the word. “Counselor… life coach…”

“What’s the difference?” It seemed like there was a permanent smile plastered on the old woman’s face. “No, you don’t need to answer that.”

Becca inhaled and exhaled softly. This was the last thing she needed: an old witch to criticize modern practices. Yes, she had gone to various counselors, attended countless self-help and motivational courses, and even been part of a therapy group for two months. And yes, they had all helped. Kassandra’s warm hand enveloping hers on the table brought Becca back to reality.

“Let me see your hands, my dear,” said the old woman. She took Becca’s small hands into her own and studied the lines in her palms for a long minute.

Becca cocked and eyebrow. “Well, do you see anything?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. You take good care of your hands, my dear. Such smooth, perfect skin… Vitamin E-based moisturizer, I’m guessing? I love your nails… cherry red fits your personality so well.”

Rebecca’s whole body relaxed and she burst out in laughter. She wanted to pull her hands back, but Kassandra stopped her.

“I don’t see, my dear. I feel.”

The old woman’s voice sounded low and serious this time, and Rebecca felt a shiver run up her spine. The smiled died on her lips.

“I’m not a life coach, as you expected, but I’m not a witch either.” She squeezed Becca’s hands to stop her from interrupting her. “No, you don’t have to apologize.” She smiled. “I’m an empath.”

“An empath?” Well, that was new territory to her.

“Yes, my dear. And empaths are not witches. You see… energy is real and perceivable with our physical senses. Some of us are so sensitive that we can feel other people’s emotions because emotions themselves are nothing but energy. An empath can understand and feel what another person is experiencing from within the other person's frame of reference, and this is exactly what I’m doing now, with you. The crystal globe, the tarot deck… these are for those who come here looking for a truth they’re not ready to accept. In fact, they’re not actually looking for the truth. They are looking for more lies to keep them going until they’re finally ready to make a change. You, my dear, are ready for a change. You’ve been ready for years, it just took you longer to find your way to me.”

Becca shook her head. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying. This whole thing sounds… well, you know how it sounds.”

“I do.”

Kassandra’s blunt answer took Rebecca by surprise.

“I do because I can feel it in your energy. You’re a tough woman, Rebecca. You’re wealthy, successful, you love your job and you work hard at it. Everything you’ve accomplished is real and palpable. But there’s something missing, something that’s out of your control. It doesn’t depend on you, and the thought is driving you crazy.”

Rebecca swallowed heavily and looked at the tea in her cup. She would have loved to drink the rest of it, but Kassandra didn’t seem to be willing to let go of her hands just yet.

“You’re afraid you’ll never find that special man who is worthy of you and of everything you’ve worked so hard to build. You’re afraid you’ll never find the man who is worthy to become the father of your children.”

That was it. Becca pulled her hands free and gulped down the cold tea. “How do you know all these things? Did June tell you?” She knew she shouldn’t have confessed to her young employee. June was only 23. Too inexperienced to understand, too naïve to keep the details to herself.

Kassandra’s eyes softened. “No, June didn’t tell me anything. Whatever you talked about, you can rest assured it’s only between the two of you. She’s a good girl. She would never betray your trust. She admires you so much, Rebecca.”

“Yeah, well… she’ll do better than me. She has a husband who supports her.”

“And you have such a beautiful life ahead of you!” Kassandra studied Becca’s round face, chocolate eyes, slightly upturned nose, and full lips. “You’re a beautiful woman with an incredible destiny.”

Rebecca shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She never knew how to accept compliments, especially if they came from other women. When a man told her she was beautiful, she knew he wanted to get in her panties. Women rarely complimented her, however. How could they when they were busy trying to keep their mouths shut about her weight? Rebecca was what some men called curvy and most women called fat. Round, heavy breasts which always made buttoning up her shirts a challenge, thick waist, and wide hips. She couldn’t wear short skirts, but midi skirts complimented her figure nicely. Oh, and she never walked out of the house in anything else other than high heels.

“Look at you!” continued Kassandra. “You’re ready to go on the greatest journey of your life, and you’ve come just to the right place.”

“This is starting to be really weird…” Becca opened her bag and grabbed her wallet. “Look, tell me what I owe you for the tea and… advice, and I’ll be on my way. I’ll also want one of those scented candles.”

“You don’t owe me anything, my dear. Keep your money. You’re going to spend a lot in the next seven days.”

Rebecca smiled indulgently and started counting a couple of bills, unsure of how much she should leave.

“If you want to meet your destiny, this is what you’re going to do: go home right now and ask your personal assistant to book a flight to Bucharest, Romania, and from there a train ticket to Segesvar. You’re going to love it there!” Kassandra made a wide gesture with her arms. “A small medieval citadel in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains… Amazing place! Breathtaking views, incredible history, rich mythology… Did you know Vlad the Impaler was born in Segesvar?”

“What are you talking about?” Rebecca added three more bills to the ones she had already fished out of her wallet. On second thought, Kassandra really needed the money. To see a shrink.

“Oh, and you must stay at The Weavers’ Inn. Get a room there, it’s a must. The best inn in Segesvar, I promise you. It’s not very expensive either.”

Becca placed the money on the table, securing them with the tea cup tray. “Look, lady: I’m not going anywhere. I have a business to run here.”

“Rebecca, darling, your destiny is waiting for you in Segesvar, Romania.”

“Are you out of your damn mind?” Becca grabbed her bag and stood up. “A medieval citadel in the heart of the mountains? I wouldn’t go there even if I had time for a vacation!”

“There’s so much history there…”

“I hate history!”

“No, you don’t.” It was Kassandra’s turn to give her an indulgent smile. “Why are you lying to yourself? You love history! You took up an optional ancient history course in college, when you found out it wasn’t in your curriculum.”

Rebecca’s jaw would have hit the floor if she were a cartoon character. Fortunately, she wasn’t.

“That was in college! Besides, I don’t… I don’t like small towns. I’m a woman of action! I like big cities, corporations, being surrounded by CEOs and attorneys!”

“You’re a woman of action, yes! So why don’t you act when I’ve just told you your destiny is waiting for you there?”

“That’s it. You’re crazy! You need treatment. Serious treatment.”

Becca turned around and headed for the door. Kassandra rounded the desk and ran after her, the bracelets around her wrists jiggling happily.

“You think you don’t like small towns, Rebecca. You created an image of yourself that is not real. I’ll tell you what you hate: you hate people who don’t have the courage to take risks, people who are afraid to step out of their comfort zones.”

Becca turned on her heels, her eyes shooting daggers at the old woman. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“Oh, but I know so much about you… I can feel it. And I know that man… that man you’ve been waiting for, that man you’ve been looking for on all those dating websites and apps, that man is waiting for you in Segesvar.”

“I don’t believe in destiny, but just to humor you, let’s say that I do. Doesn’t the concept of destiny imply that one can never run from it? If there’s a man in this world who is my destiny, then he’ll find me eventually, won’t he? I don’t have to go to a godforsaken medieval town in Romania to find him. He’ll come to me.”

Kassandra’s shoulders slumped and a flicker of sadness darkened her blue eyes. “New York is not a good place… One week from now is not a good time… Rebecca, so many things can happen in seven days. Don’t deny yourself this opportunity to finally get what you’ve wanted for so many years.”

Becca looked at the old woman one last time, then stormed out of the shop. She didn’t stop to hail a cab. Instead, she walked as fast as she could on her high heels, putting as much distance as possible between her and Shift Your Fate.

“What a joke!”

 

***

 

Rebecca closed the travel guide and looked out the window. After a 10-hour flight and 5 more hours on the train, the last hour she knew she had until she reached the remote medieval fortress of Segesvar felt like forever. The train was moving at the speed of a confused snail, but at least the view was gorgeous. Mountains rising up to the sky, green valleys, dark forests, and one or two long, clear streams finding their way between rocks and bushes. She could feast her eyes on the landscape for hours, but not from this cramped, uncomfortable seat in which she was currently stuck. She couldn’t wait to get off this ancient-looking train and start her exploration of this small part of the Carpathian Mountains.

Segesvar was in the western part of Romania, in the region better known as Transylvania. She had read “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, of course, and she couldn’t deny that Kassandra had had a good idea to send her here. That was the only reason why she had changed her mind after leaving Shift Your Fate and going back to her apartment. After pacing her wide, modern living room for half an hour, she had eventually called her personal assistant and made arrangements for a quick one-week vacation in Europe. The girl had thought Rebecca was going to see some clients in London or Paris, so when her boss had uttered the words “Bucharest, Romania, Segesvar”, the young assistant choked on her own saliva. Thinking back to that moment, Becca smiled and smoothed down the edges of her already worn travel guide.

No, she still didn’t believe in destiny. So, why was she one hour away from the place that crazy old lady had sent her to? “They say all good men and women are already taken,” she thought. “If they’re over 30 and are not married or aren’t in a serious relationship, then it means there’s something wrong with them.” A pang of pain made her stomach tense. “There’s nothing wrong with me…” Her chocolate brown eyes focused back on the incredible view. She was 35, and yes, she was terrified that she’d end up alone, with no children. An old, childless spinster who worked day in and day out at two accounting companies no one would inherit once she’d retire. The thought sent cold, icy shivers up and down her spine. She tried to shrug off the uncomfortable feeling and relax against the backrest. That was why she was on the train, and she’d soon be in her room at the Weavers’ Inn: if there was the slightest chance that she’d meet a good man on this trip, then she wanted to take it. That, and what Kassandra had said right before Becca had walked out of her shop: she hated people who didn’t take risks and refused to step out of their comfort zones.

What Rebecca was doing now was a risk. She was alone on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, in a European country most people preferred to avoid and where the language sounded so foreign and unfamiliar that she found it impossible to learn even the most usual words, such as “please” and “thank you”. Fortunately, Romanians seemed to speak English quite well, especially the young people. In fact, she had already heard English, French, Spanish, and Italian being spoken around her, so she felt a bit better about this small, yet important detail. “I’ll be fine,” she told herself. It was just for seven days, not for an eternity. She had been trying to take a vacation for a long time, anyway.

The train stopped in a small, old station. At first, Rebecca couldn’t believe that was it. She asked the young woman in front of her and hurried to get her luggage when the woman told her the train wouldn’t stay there for more than 5 minutes. She was off the train in the blink of an eye, and was lucky enough to find a cab quickly.

Segesvar was so small that the cab reached the Weavers’ Inn in 10 minutes. The inn was in the heart of the fortress, and the moment she stepped out of the car, Becca knew she wouldn’t need to leave the citadel for the next few days. The town outside of the gates of the citadel was just a regular mountain town. To Rebecca, who was used to skyscrapers and modern buildings, it looked like a village. The fortress, however, was something from another world. Studying the travel guide, she had found out that it was one of the most beautiful and well preserved citadels in Europe. Even though every building had been turned into an inn or a restaurant if it wasn’t a church, a school, or a museum, the people had preserved the authentic medieval architecture. It looked like a place out of a fantasy novel.

The cab had left for over 5 minutes, but Rebecca was still standing in front of the inn, her wide, curious eyes studying the small square and the people drinking around the tables. The place was brimming with life! There was a fair chance she might not get bored, after all. When the chilly night air became slightly uncomfortable, she finally grabbed her heavy suitcase and entered the inn.

It was warm and nice inside, and the young man at the reception desk welcomed her with a bright smile.

“Rebecca Gilbert.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He looked for her name in his computer, then offered her a key. “Your room is on the first floor. Welcome to Segesvar! I truly hope you’ll like it here.”

“Thank you. I’m sure I will.”

She took the key and made to lift her suitcase again, only to realize it wasn’t where she had left it. She turned around and almost bumped into a strong, bulky chest. The black T-shirt the man was wearing stretched nicely over his muscles, leaving very little to the imagination. Rebecca’s eyes moved from his chest to his thick neck, square jaw, straight nose, and finally to his dark green eyes.

“Allow me to help you with your luggage, Miss. It’s quite heavy.”

The man smiled, but that was not what made Becca weak in the knees. It was his accent. His dirty blond hair and those wicked eyes made her droll, but that thick, panty-melting accent topped it all. He could say whatever he wanted… He could read the phone book to her. She didn’t care, as long as he did it in that low, husky voice and that unique accent. Her stomach tightened and her pussy throbbed with need. She tried to gather her thoughts and say something. This wasn’t the time to make a fool of herself.

“Thank you. Yes, it is heavy. I might have packed too many things.” The smile was frozen on her face, and she hoped to God her red lipstick wasn’t smeared. She hadn’t had the chance to check herself in the mirror for hours. She ran a hand through her long hair and pulled at some knots. It was a mess. She was sure it looked horrible and needed a wash, and there was nothing she could do about it.

“Oh, I was about to call for someone to help you with that, but I see Mr. Severin is taking care of it. I’m so sorry, sir…”

Rebecca threw the receptionist a puzzled look. She had forgotten he existed. Mr. Severin… So, that was his name.

“It’s okay, don’t worry about it.”

That accent again. Becca turned back to her Mr. Severin, the receptionist forgotten once more.

“If you’d like to follow me, Miss…”

“Oh, yes! Absolutely!” She cursed herself for sounding so eager.

They took the stairs and he stopped in front of her door before she even had time to feast her eyes on his gorgeous ass. He was wearing his tight black jeans tucked into his sturdy mountain boots. Becca had never thought she could feel so attracted to such a tall, strong, rugged man. All her ex-boyfriends had been the type who only wore elegant suits and the most expensive shoes.

“This is it,” he said, leaving the suitcase at the door.

“Oh… that was fast.”

“Well, the inn itself isn’t that big.”

He smiled down at her and she leaned against the wall, lest she’d fall at his feet. He didn’t seem too eager to leave, and she wasn’t about to complain.

“You’ll see that Segesvar is all about the small things in life. You know… small and cozy. Even though you can visit the entire citadel in one day, there’s a lot to see and learn.”

“Mhm…” Her brain couldn’t come up with anything better. She just wanted for him to keep talking. She didn’t want to miss a word, the slightest inflection of his delicious accent.

“I’m Emil, by the way. Emil Severin.”

“Rebecca Gilbert.” She let him squeeze her hand in his, and she shuddered at the feel of his calloused fingers.

“Nice to meet you, Rebecca.”

“You can call me Becca.” She smiled sheepishly. What was it about this man? How could he make her feel like a horny teenager? He was a stranger, after all. A stranger in a very strange country. She needed to keep herself in check and stay safe. Unfortunately, her body wanted something else entirely. “That’s what happens when you don’t have sex in months,” she thought.

“Becca…” He hesitated. For a moment, he was lost in her warm brown eyes. “Listen, I was thinking… I hope this doesn’t sound weird. If you need a guide, I’d be happy to show you around.”

Her eyes widened and she didn’t know what to say. On the one hand, his offer sounded amazing. On the other hand… “Are you insane?” her brain lectured her. “You’ve just met the guy!”

He sensed her reluctance and scratched the back of his neck, trying to come up with a way to convince her it was okay to hire him as a guide. After all, he was one. So, why was it so difficult for him to say the right words, repeat the pitch he had repeated to so many clients along the years?

“I’m sorry, I don’t…” He searched through his pockets even though he knew he wouldn’t find anything there. “I don’t have a leaflet. There are plenty on the reception desk. In fact, you see… The Weavers’ Inn is mine. I’m the… how should I say? Keeper? Actually, it was my parents’ business and I took over when they…” he made a pause and took a deep breath. “Nevermind. The point is: if you need a guide tomorrow, a licensed guide who can tell you all about the history of Segesvar, I hope you’ll consider me. I’ve been doing this for years for my parents’ side business, the Weavers’ Tour Company, and I’d be happy to put myself and my knowledge at your service.” He bit the inside of his lower lip and laughed. “That came out weird… It’s my English… it’s not perfect. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to find the right… words.”

By this point, Rebecca was a smitten kitten. Emil’s accent had taken all that resembled reason and free will inside her brain and replaced it with hot images of their bodies rubbing against each other while he whispered sweet nothings into her ear.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she eventually managed to say. “I was actually thinking of asking the receptionist if he knew any good tour guides around here, so this is perfect. Can’t wait!”

“Then… see you tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“Say… 9 AM at the reception desk?”

“Marvelous!”

Rebecca’s cheeks started to hurt from smiling so much. He bid her good night and went back downstairs, and she followed him with her hungry eyes. Her heart did a flip when he turned to give her a small wave right before climbing down the stairs. She fumbled with the key, her hands trembling so hard that she could barely use them properly. She felt excited beyond belief. She dragged the heavy suitcase inside the room and closed the door, then flopped onto the neatly made bed, incapable of doing anything else but daydream.

“I don’t know about destiny, but that guy is sex on legs. Too much work and stress lately… If I’m on vacation, then I’m going to have some real fun.”