by Dannika Dark
I got up. “I’ve heard the name, but I’m still learning about the Breeds I know. Why?”
He folded one arm across his middle and pinched his beard. “I know of a Gemini. Not a friend, but more of a friend of a friend. They’re a rare Breed.”
“What’s your point?”
He lifted his gaze. “They have an uncanny knack for predicting things. No one knows exactly how much they can see or sense, but people pay them good money for advice.”
I snorted. “Advice? Like the Dear Abby of immortals? Give me a break.”
“I don’t know if he’ll even see you, and if he does, I don’t know how much he’ll tell you. They can be rather infuriating, only giving away just enough details to influence the future. Or not influence. I’ve never quite figured that one out.”
“And you believe them?”
“Jaysus wept. Your friend just flew out the door, and you fought bears with lightning bolts coming from your fingertips. I never took you for a skeptic.”
I shrugged. “It just seems like if there was a Breed who could see into the future, they wouldn’t be so rare. Couldn’t they see their own extinction?”
“They were hunted. It’s a wonder any of us are here, and that’s why we keep our gifts to ourselves. Maybe it’s a bad idea,” he said decisively, marching up the stairs.
Curious, I followed. “Wait a second, if he can help us, why not? I’m up for trying a mystical fortune-teller. Does he use a crystal ball?”
When Christian hit the landing, he turned. “And that’s why I’m not so sure it’s a good idea. You can’t make this one angry.”
“I make everyone angry.”
“Aye, but a Gemini won’t be amused by your insolence. There’s something dark inside them, and if you anger them, they’ll hunt you until the end of time. The beast is sated only by blood. I’ve heard about them in stories; they’re not to be trifled with even if they’ve mastered the art of switching off their emotions. They have few friends because no one wants to get that close to a Gemini. If you break their trust, it might cost you your life.”
“I’ve got a lot of people hunting my ass down. What would make him any different?”
Christian’s gaze darkened. “They’ll kill everyone that stands in their way. Gemini are the things of nightmares—they’re the Big Bad Wolf in our world. You know how Claude gets when he flips his switch? Imagine that for centuries until they see you dead. They’re very old, to be sure, and every bit as strong as a Vampire. I’ve heard they’re perceptive to emotions, like a Sensor.”
I gripped the railing. “Are they the origin Breed? Do they also shift into an animal?”
“I don’t know, Raven. They guard their secrets.”
“But you think your friend might help us?”
“He’s not my friend. But if you’re looking for advice on whether or not to pursue this case, he’d be the one to ask.”
“Then we have to do it. Call him up and arrange a meeting. I’ll pay.”
“I’ll speak with him,” he said, turning on his heel.
I caught up and tugged Christian’s shirt. “I’ll speak to him. This is my case.”
Christian chuckled softly. “You’ll have us killed with your sharp tongue.”
“If it’s that dangerous, I promise to behave.”
“You’re incapable of keeping that promise.”
“That’s not true. You have more of a temper than I do.”
“It’s not your temper I’m worried about. It’s your tongue.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind and held him still. “The same tongue that’s going to be all over your cock tonight?”
He stiffened. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
I slid my hand over the front of his pants and felt him hardening beneath my touch. “This time I promise to satisfy you completely.”
He peered at me over his shoulder. “Why do I get the feeling this comes with strings attached?”
I withdrew my hand but kept my arms around his waist as he turned to face me. “Introduce me to the Gemini. I need to know if this case is worth pursuing or if I’m going to wind up destroying my career over it.”
He cupped my head in his hands. “I’ll move time for you, Precious. All you need do is ask.”
Chapter 15
I took another bite of my jelly donut and set it on the flattened paper bag next to me. One thing I liked about my old truck was the long bench seat. Lots of room to set things on, fit extra people, or even snuggle with Christian.
“I like watching you eat,” Christian remarked. “It’s like watching jackals on a kill.”
“I deserve a pound of sugar. I burned a lot of calories last night.”
“I have that effect on women.”
“I was talking about the bears. Hand me my coffee?”
I didn’t need to explain that I was joking. He knew. Last night, Christian and I had tried positions that were new to me. Because I’d had some of his blood to heal, he didn’t have to treat me like a fragile piece of glass. I sipped coffee from my thermos, thinking about the way his tongue had explored my body. The weight of his gaze, the heat of him, his rough hands all over me. I felt flushed all over just thinking about when I’d whispered his name and he slowed everything down. We stared into each other’s eyes for a long time, and I’d never felt more connected to anyone.
Christian lowered the visor and adjusted his dark sunglasses. “Did you notice Wyatt acting peculiar at the breakfast table?”
“If he was acting normal, I’d worry. Where is this place anyhow?”
“Keep going straight. We’re almost there.”
I handed Christian my thermos and reached for the donut. “Why didn’t he invite us to his house? It’s a little early for going to a club.”
“This is where most people like to conduct their affairs. You don’t invite strangers into your home.”
“A club isn’t exactly private.”
“I reserved a private room.”
I took a giant bite. “Swell.”
“You shouldn’t talk with your mouth full.”
I winked at him. “You didn’t complain last night.”
Christian pointed to a parking lot, and I steered into an empty space. When I offered him a nibble of my donut, he captured my wrist and devoured the glazed pastry, licking my fingers in the process. The amorous way he looked at me sent shivers down my spine.
“Isn’t that trench coat a little warm?”
He got out of the truck and followed me to the front. “Now that’s a peculiar thing to say to a Vampire.”
“You stick out like a sore thumb wearing a coat on a hot summer day.”
“Do you think these numpties care? I like all the pockets. More room for candy.”
I opened the main door. “You’re a twisted man.”
Once inside, Christian led the way. Clubs were generally quieter in the morning, the music low but the crowd not always smaller. People showed up for morning drinks or breakfast. Others were conducting business. Some just seemed to live there. Immortals without jobs must lead a boring existence.
We reached the back hallway where the soundproof rooms were.
Christian stopped by door number ten. “I’ll be here if you need me.”
“Wait, you’re not coming in?”
“I just arranged the meeting, but this is your case.”
“You’re my partner.”
“Aye, but like you said, I’ve got a temper.”
Annoyed, a folded my arms. “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?”
“I wanted a peaceful drive.” He tapped his finger on my nose. “It’s better if he focuses on one person. My presence might distract him. I don’t know how their magic works, but I don’t want to muddy it up.” Christian pushed a button by the door.
Christian always liked to be in the middle of things, and I couldn’t imagine why he’d want to leave me alone with a Gemini. Was he afraid this guy would see something h
e shouldn’t about Christian’s past or future?
The door opened, and a somewhat tall man with a slender build greeted me with a smile. I wasn’t quite sure what to look at: his mesmerizing eyes or the terrifying dragon tattoo on his neck.
Touching the ends of his brown shoulder-length hair, he regarded Christian with familiarity. “As a favor to Justus, I’ve agreed to meet with your companion. But I require payment.”
Christian reached inside his coat and pulled out a wad of money. It was bound but not in an envelope. “It’s all there. We would greatly appreciate our money’s worth. Raven will speak with you about the details.”
The man slowly turned his gaze toward me. He had hazel eyes, but when I looked closer, they shifted in the light to a deep orange. I couldn’t be certain if it was a Breed trait or simply that beautiful shade I’d seen in magazines.
He inclined his head. “I’m Remi. Come inside, Raven.”
I anxiously moved past him, my hand resting over the small handle of a push dagger on my belt. Viktor didn’t want us going into Shifter territory armed, but I wasn’t making the same mistake twice about going into a club without my knives.
Remi whispered something to Christian before finally closing the door. “What do you drink?”
I watched him approach a long black counter and fill a glass. “I’m not thirsty.”
“But you are.” His hand brushed over the row of bottles until he settled on the tequila.
“I’m driving,” I said firmly.
“Do sit.”
The room was dark blue and the furniture black leather. Even the accent lights were blue. One couch faced a giant television screen on the right-hand wall, a table filled with snacks below it. I strolled to a circle of leather chairs and sat in one.
Remi set our drinks on the glass table and eased into the chair across from me. “It’s seltzer water. You should accept a drink when offered, especially when doing business.”
“Why? I’m not thirsty.”
“You are, but that’s beside the point.” He crossed his legs and sipped his green drink. Remi’s gaze was intense—more so than even Claude’s. “When you refuse a drink, it reveals you’re either nervous or don’t trust the person. Breed are very particular about rituals. One might assume you’re keeping secrets, and you’ll find it difficult to gain the trust of the party you’re doing business with. Always play the game even if you’re not thirsty. No one says you have to drink the alcohol.” He set down his glass and rested his arms on the armrests. “On the other hand, if you refuse a drink from a man hitting on you, and he buys you one anyway, throw the drink in his face.”
I sputtered with laughter. “Why would I do that?”
“Because you didn’t want it, and he didn’t respect your refusal.”
I crossed my legs, keeping my cool and heeding Christian’s warning about my tone. “I’ll make a note of that.”
“You’re a fast learner, aren’t you?”
“So I’ve been told. I’ll just be honest—I don’t know anything about Geminis and what you guys can do. Christian said you see into the future and give people advice.”
“People pay me for advice, yes. I have the gift of intuition.”
“Are you always right?”
“I am. But there’s a caveat.” Remi laced his fingers together. “Fate isn’t linear. In most cases, people think they always have a choice. But it’s the things we cannot predict that truly change fate.”
“Like what? I could get up and walk out of here.”
“But you won’t. You want to hear what I have to say. Sometimes choice is an illusion.”
I reached for my seltzer. Remi felt old, and there was something profoundly detached about him that gave me the creeps. He seemed like a sensible, polite guy, but I’d never met anyone so emotionally distant. The vacant look in his eyes and even the unnatural way he moved made it easy to imagine what sitting with a god would feel like—absolutely terrifying.
The top buttons on his black silk shirt were undone, as if he wanted the world to see his tattoo.
I set down my glass. “So if my choice doesn’t ever change, what does?”
“That’s an interesting question. Accidents happen. Serendipity. Is that how you wound up with this organization?”
“That’s how I wound up in this world. My entire life is one big accident. So… do you read palms? I have questions about a case I’m working.”
“Just to be clear, I can’t elaborate on my abilities, but we were once trusted advisers to kings. I can understand the outcome of a situation.”
I scratched an itch on my head. “Have you ever played the lottery?”
“Money should be earned.”
So much for a sense of humor. “Someone gave me a list of names and thinks there might be a connection between their deaths. Most of them are unexplained, they’re all Shifters, and we even have some kids. Can you tell me how they died?” I reached in my jeans pocket to pull out the paper.
Remi waved the paper away. “No need. It doesn’t work that way, Raven. I can’t reveal details.”
“And why not?” I asked, trying to quell my anger.
“Too much knowledge can alter the outcome. I already see the path, but if I give you too much, it’ll change. And I’m not certain which new path will open up.”
“Doesn’t speaking to you change things?”
“The future I sense is without the influence of my reading. That’s why I’m careful about details that could affect the outcome. I don’t see everything, Raven. There is too much to know, and choices are constantly altering the landscape. But I know enough. I know that you are thinking about quitting, and that’s why we’re here.”
I leaned forward and looked at my drink. He didn’t seem to know when to stop staring, and it was unnerving.
“Crossbreeds aren’t accepted,” he said, shifting topics, “but there are more out there than you think. Some have both gifts, some have neither. And some keep very special secrets. You seem caught between two worlds.”
I slowly looked up, my body tense. “Did Christian tell you about me?”
“No, Raven. I see you. And you walk between light and dark. Your past is haunting you.”
I shot up to pour myself a glass of tequila. “I didn’t come here to lie on your therapy couch.” I knocked back the drink and felt my irritation dissipate. “What do you need to know about my case that will help? I’ve got all these new distractions. This job has opened up a lot of closets, and skeletons are falling all over the place.” I returned to my seat and met his gaze. “Am I on a wild-goose chase? Should I quit and take something else?”
“You can always drop the case. That’s not what you want to know.”
“Are the deaths connected?”
Remi leaned forward and mirrored my position. “It’s quite a conundrum. These distractions you mentioned—what would be the outcome had you given up right away? You can’t walk a path without making footprints. And yet you seem more concerned about what’s happening behind you than ahead. Does that make sense?”
“It kind of does actually. I live with someone who talks like you. But you see, bears and wolves are chasing me down the path. Literally. We’re inadvertently pissing off a few people, and I just don’t know if it’s worth it. Obviously the woman and girl were worth it, but isn’t there anything you can tell me? Something that’ll speed things along? I don’t want to keep working on this if it leads nowhere and ruins our reputation. Is the path a dead end?”
Remi’s hair slid forward, but he kept those stony eyes on mine. “I have conflicting feelings about your future. There’s so much darkness in your past that it threatens to put out your light. I don’t mean your Mage light, but the humanity that still dwells within you.”
“Immortals think humanity is a weakness.”
“Emotions are a weakness. Humanity is something else entirely. It’s what keeps us from becoming monsters.”
“Maybe it’s too late for some of u
s.”
He flicked a glance at the door and sat back. “Your love will be tested.”
The hair on the back of my neck stood up. “I didn’t ask about my love life.”
“No. You asked about a job. One that doesn’t end your life or end the world. You want an easy answer so you have a reason to quit. Perhaps I wanted to give you your money’s worth of advice—something of value.”
I stood. “I know I’m not supposed to piss you off, but if that’s all you’re going to tell me, you’re nothing but a grifter. At least have the decency to give Christian a refund.” I headed out. While he’d made some valid points, none of it helped me solve this case.
“An outsider will give you the information you seek, but it won’t be me,” he said. “It’s a worthy endeavor, and you’ve already changed the path of many lives without even knowing. The truth is right in front of you. All you have to do is open your eyes.”
I turned on my heel and stared at the man, who sipped on his green drink. I wanted to ask what he meant about my love being tested. Did I want to know? Would it change anything? Would I fall out of love with Christian or find myself plotting his funeral?
Remi snapped his fingers to snag my attention. “Put what I said about Christian out of your mind. Long ago, men wanted to know the time of their death. You can’t imagine the negative impact that knowledge had, and it subsequently changed their fate. If you know the details about your death, how will you ever enjoy your life? You’d live in fear, become reckless, lose your passion. Your chosen fate would change because of that knowledge. That’s why I can’t give you all the answers, but I give enough. And it’s the truth, Raven. Someday you’ll appreciate the value of a man’s advice even if it isn’t what you seek. Even if it’s not enough. What may seem trivial will set you on the right course if you so choose.”
Chapter 16
After I met with the Gemini, Christian lifted his motorcycle from the back of my truck and took off to buy medical supplies for Shepherd. I had a meeting with Graham I’d arranged earlier that morning, and he wasn’t comfortable speaking to anyone but Blue and me. He’d expressed his concern about meeting too often in public during the day, so we brainstormed and came up with a private location—my father’s trailer. My dad would be at work, and I had a spare key.
