Compel

Compel by Rachel Van Dyken & Patti Stanger Copyright © 2023 Rachel Van Dyken & Patti Stanger This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation. COMPEL Copyright © 2023 RACHEL VAN DYKEN® & PATTI STANGER ISBN: 978-1-957700-13-7 Editing by Kay Springsteen & Jill Sava Cover & Interior Design by Jill Sava, Love Affair With Fiction Table of Contents Title Page A Note On Content Praise For Compel Dedication Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Chapter Twenty-Four Chapter Twenty-Five Chapter Twenty-Six Chapter Twenty-Seven Chapter Twenty-Eight Chapter Twenty-Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty-One About The Authors A Note On Content I know that some of you like to know if there is anything in a book that may be difficult for you to read. Some real-life issues are discussed/portrayed within these pages. If you would like to see what they are, please click HERE Or scan the QR Code As always, thank you for reading! Hugs, RVD Praise For Compel “What do you get when you combine Age Of Adaline, and Beauty & The Beast? You get this amazing book that is unlike anything I’ve ever read!” ~ Carrie Youngcourt, Goodreads Reviewer “The mastery of Van Dyken’s words know no bounds! Match her with Patti Stanger and it’s a match made in heaven…” ~ Patricia Rohrs, Words We Love By Blog “True love and fate fight it out in a love story gone wrong. Romeo and Juliet have nothing on this Prince and his Princess.” ~Becky Rendon, @omg_becky_look_at_those_books “Compel was absolutely spellbinding.” ~ Crissy, Goodreads Reviewer “Compel is an addictive supernatural romance, diving into the world of fae’s, star crossed lovers, magical curses, suspense and a whole lot of tension.” ~ Farah, Goodreads Reviewer “Oh boy. I decided to take a walk in the fae world for the first time and fell in love. So much mystery and drama. Could not put this story down. “ ~ Nicole Collins, Goodreads Reviewer “OMG this book had me sucked in from the beginning. Fae, werewolves and sea witches, this book had everything a fairytale and supernatural book needed. I highly recommend it and I hope these 2 ladies continue with this series, because I would love to know the other characters stories.” ~ Anastasia, Goodreads Reviewer “Just wow!!! This book exceeded my expectations by far… I felt like I was pulled into a movie.” ~Romance Me Dedication To adventures in Matchmaking and Love XOXO Patti, and RVD Prologue New York, 1918 It was a close walk. That was what I repeated over and over while I sat by her bedside and tried to bring her fever down with cold rags to her forehead. It hit us overnight, or so it seemed. I was immune. She wasn’t. I’d stupidly made the mistake of waiting too long to ask forgiveness from my family, and now, I was here with my wife as she coughed and coughed until I was afraid she was going to either throw out her back or fracture a rib. Death seemed to constantly follow every step I took. Regardless of how many years I’d avoided her, it still found me—us. “Benjamin,” she rasped, raising her wrinkled hand to my strong jaw. “Maybe it’s just time…” “No!” My blood heated in outrage. Time was never supposed to be against me, and it sure as hell was never supposed to be against her. I knew, though, didn’t I? In the deepest recesses of my mind, I knew that I was cursed. And then I justified my desire for her and lied to myself, told myself love could cure all. She was mine! Mine to claim. Mine to own. Mine to save. And now, I could see her breaths weaken, hear her cough worsen, I could fucking feel her blood slow its flow to each individual part of her body where it was needed most. But at least it was a close walk. To the small local hospital. To the people who were already so overrun by the sickness that it would be impossible to even get seen. My heart cracked a little more as her blue eyes twinkled with the same mischief that had attracted me to her the first time so many years ago. Her playful spirit. Her huge heart. And her ability to make anything and everything seem amusing even when it wasn’t. I was powerful. And even I couldn’t save her. Because I was cursed to watch everyone, everything I’d ever loved, die. And I knew, when I made that short walk—neither could they. “Addie.” I fought like hell to keep my emotions in check, but they’d always been hard to contain—after all, once you give your heart to someone—your soul—it’s nearly impossible to hold back everything, and for me, it was harder than most. Hadn’t I learned that fucking lesson years ago? Was I cursed to repeat the same mistake over and over again for eternity? “You’re going to be fine, just let me—” I lifted my hand… she knew what it would mean. It didn’t matter. I just wanted more time with her. Even if it was five more seconds versus five more years, I just needed more, and it was the one thing I didn’t have the power to give, but I would try even if it meant sacrificing everything