by Juniper Hart
“She won’t like that, Theo,” Simone told him. “If she finds out I told anyone…”
“I’ll handle it with pure discretion,” he promised her. “I’d have my own techs go through the Harper-Morris computers, but I don’t know who I can trust on my end, either.”
Simone peered at him. “How do you know you can trust me?”
A faint smile touched his lips, and he shrugged. “Maybe the same way you know you can trust me, Simone.”
She blushed slightly and looked away again. “This is all a bit much,” she muttered.
“I guess it is,” Theo agreed, laughing softly. Not when you understand where you come from, though, he thought, rising from the table.
“Where are you going?”
“I’ve got to speak with Rachel and look into your father,” Theo answered. Worry clouded Simone’s face.
“If my dad is somehow involved with whatever this is, Theo, I promise you, he only did it for money. He’s not some criminal mastermind.”
“Tell me about Cinnamon. Could she—?”
Simone’s burst into hysterical giggles. “That woman can barely tie her shoelaces. I promise, she’s no more involved than my dad. If anything, I’d say he’s the one who put her up to doing dirty work—if they have anything to do with it at all.”
“I’ll find out,” Theo promised her, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “You can’t leave or call out, all right? Just turn off your phone.” Yet as he spoke, he grunted to himself, realizing that if Simone’s father was involved, he might have called her specifically for the purposes of tracking her. “Better yet,” he said. “Get packed up. We’re moving again, and I’ll take your phone.”
Simone looked at him in disbelief. “What? Why?”
“You know why,” Theo sighed. “Come on. Let’s get you situated somewhere I know you’ll be safe.” Simone didn’t argue, and Theo watched as she rose to gather her belongings again. They couldn’t keep running every time he thought they were going to be caught.
But for the moment, it was the only option he had. Unless…
No, he thought firmly. She obviously doesn’t know who she is, or she would be able to protect herself. I’m not going to let her know she’s a Collingwood descendant until this mess is over and done with. Find Jackrabbit first, and then you can talk to her about the Enchanted.
“I’m ready,” Simone said, standing before him, only holding her purse. She placed her cell in his hands. “I turned it off.” Theo nodded and gestured toward the door. “I still can’t believe that my dad would have anything to do with a terrorist,” she mumbled as they left the charming hotel room. “He wouldn’t put me in danger, no matter how much of an ass he can be.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” Theo told her comfortingly. “But we need to be cautious.” He swallowed as he debated their next move.
“Where to now?” Simone asked tiredly. Without thinking, Theo blurted out an answer.
“New York,” he told her softly. “You’re going to stay with some friends of mine in New York.” He cringed when he heard himself, but what choice did he have? If the senator was actively looking for Simone, there was only one place he could put her that would ensure her safety.
Lane will protect her, he thought. For now.
Lane was unimpressed.
“Is this who I think it is?” she murmured, eyeing Simone as Theo pulled her aside. “Is she—?”
“She’s a witness in a case I’m on,” Theo interjected firmly. “She needs your protection. Can you do that for me?”
Lane stared at him almost balefully, and for a second, he realized how much she had changed since he had first seen her, fleeing from the Council in terror.
She’s a hybrid now. She’s more powerful than any of us. What would it take to make Simone like her? Again, Theo forced himself not to think about that.
“Theo, I’m happy to help you, but if Henry or any of the others figure out what she is—”
“I’m telling you, she’s not what you think!” Theo lied. “She’s just a girl in over her head, and I need you to promise you’ll keep her safe.” Lane sighed and nodded slowly.
“I’ll do it,” she relented. “How long will you be gone?”
“A day or two,” Theo said. “I can’t bring her with me, and there are people looking for her…” He cleared his throat and moved his dark head closer to her, lowering his voice. “There’s a demon who may be seeking her out.”
Lane’s face tightened. “Is Raven at it again?” she demanded.
“It’s not Raven,” Theo assured her, shaking his head. “But he’s powerful in both worlds. Just keep her inside. I’ll be back soon.”
Lane clamped her mouth closed and shuffled back to where Simone was looking about the condo, her eyes examining the posh surroundings appreciatively.
“You know,” Simone chirped lightly. “If you keep bringing me to places like this, I may not mind staying on the run.”
“This is our last stop for now,” Theo told her. “Please, listen to Lane. She’s your friend.” Simone looked at them and smiled weakly.
“I’m not looking to be found,” she replied. “I’ll put a blanket over my head and hide there until you get back.”
Lane snorted. “I can think of more exciting ways to pass the time,” the witch replied easily, and Theo cast her a worried look.
Don’t question her. She doesn’t know anything, the bear told her silently, but if Lane understood, she made no indication. Suddenly, Theo worried he’d made a mistake bringing Simone. It’s too late now. This is the safest place for her to be.
He gently pulled his lover aside and stared down into her face, reading the uncertainty in her dark eyes. “Everything is going to be fine. I’m going to wrap this up now, and then I’ll be back for you.”
“I know,” Simone said quickly. “I’m not worried.” Theo stroked her cheek with his fingertips, and she exhaled a deep breath, closing her eyes. “Hurry back,” she murmured. Theo brushed his lips against hers, forgetting that they stood under Lane’s watchful gaze.
“I will.” They parted, and reluctantly, Theo turned away, casting one last look at Lane, whose mouth became a fine line. “Thank you,” Theo told her gruffly.
“Don’t thank me yet, Theo,” Lane muttered, and Theo felt a pang of worry course through him.
I’ll deal with her when I get back. For now, I have to assume she’ll do the right thing.
Without another look at either woman, Theo gathered his coat and left Lane and Henry’s condo, hoping for the best yet somehow expecting the worst.
12
“Are you hungry? Thirsty?” Lane asked pleasantly after Theo left them alone. Simone shook her head and managed a small smile of gratitude.
“No… just a little confused,” she said, trying to keep her voice light. Lane snickered.
“That makes two of us,” the small redhead replied, gesturing for her to sit. “How long have you and Theo known one another?”
“Only a couple days…” Simone realized how strange it sounded when she said it like that. It seemed to her that they’d known each other forever, but from an outsider’s perspective, she could see how it would look weird. To her surprise, Lane didn’t seem skeptical. “How about you? Have you known each other a while?”
Lane appeared embarrassed by the question and looked away, her green eyes glittering.
“Yes and no,” she said evasively. “It’s a long story.”
“Yeah. I’ve been coming across a lot of those lately,” Simone sighed. She knew she should feel awkward around this stranger, but she didn’t. Lane somehow put her at ease.
“Where are you from, Simone?”
“I was born and raised in Boulder. Never went anywhere else to live. Barely been out of the country,” Simone responded in a rush of words. Lane’s eyes widened with interest.
“Really? Is your mother around?” It was a pointed, almost intrusive question, and Simone felt herself growing slightly defensive.
“No. She died when I was a teenager.”
“Grandmother?” Lane pressed. Simone’s eyes narrowed.
“I never knew my mother’s mother. The women on my mother’s side seem to have died early in one way or another.”
Morbidly, Lane leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with interest. “Really?”
Simone studied Lane’s face.
“My father is still alive,” she offered unnecessarily. “But he might be the subject of Theo’s investigation.”
“Hm.” Lane stood quickly. “Let me get you something to drink. You want a glass of wine or—?”
“Maybe some water,” Simone interjected quickly, sensing that Lane was looking for something to do. She was glad to be out of the redhead’s scrutiny for a few minutes.
“How far back can you trace your family line on your mother’s side?” Lane asked. Once more, Simone was taken aback by the odd question.
“I… I haven’t really given it much thought,” she murmured. “I know my grandmother died in her late thirties. Her mother took her own life after the birth of her second child—my grandmother.”
“Was her first child a boy?”
Simone’s skin erupted into gooseflesh. “Yes… how did you know?”
Lane returned from the kitchen and handed Simone a glass.
“Lucky guess,” she sighed, gritting her teeth.
“Do you know my family?” Simone asked with alarm. Theo wouldn’t endanger me. He brought me here to keep me safe. If he was looking to harm me, he would have done it by now.
“No, I don’t,” Lane answered, and although there was a sincerity in her voice, Simone suddenly didn’t trust her.
“Why are you asking me so many questions about them?”
“I’m just curious to know how much you know about the women in your line.”
“My line?” It was a bizarre way to talk about her ancestors.
“It doesn’t matter,” Lane said quickly. Simone disagreed.
“Lane, no offense, but I’ve been thrust into a mess I don’t understand with complete strangers who are talking to me in terms I can’t begin to comprehend. On Friday, I was a data processor whose biggest crime was selling term papers for college kids. Today, I am apparently running for my life because someone may or may not want me dead. My father might have used me to help a terrorist. I would say that everything matters right now. So, why are you asking me questions about my family? What do you know that I don’t?”
Lane’s eyes widened, and she laughed shortly.
“I don’t know anything about this business with you and Theo,” she said quickly. “And if what you’re saying is true, that your father is involved with something that put you in danger, I’m very sorry to hear that. My mother was suffocating in her own way. Family is complex at best.” Simone waited, watching as Lane’s eyes darted away. “Theo and you are fated to be together. He knew it even before he met you.”
Surprise swept through Simone. Did Theo tell her about me already? Even with everything going on? She hated that she was pleased by the idea. Their romance was the least of their concerns at that moment, not when they were both in trouble.
“We’re connected somehow,” Simone mumbled. “Yes.”
“You’re his mate, Simone. We all have them, and some of us are lucky enough to find them in our lifetimes.”
“I’ve never really bought into that whole soulmate thing,” Simone replied quickly, unsure of where the conversation was going. Just like with Theo, she felt like Lane was two steps ahead of her, enlightened in some way that Simone didn’t quite understand.
“No one believes it until it’s on top of us,” Lane chuckled. “I wouldn’t have known if Henry hadn’t been dropped into my lap. My grandmother saw that we found our way to one another.”
“Oh… that’s cool…” Simone didn’t know what else to say. Grandma is playing matchmaker. That’s cute.
Lane’s smile turned into a full grin. “Can I ask you about your family some more?”
Simone’s impulse was to say no, even when she knew that Lane was doing her a service by letting her stay. Although I have no idea what this little redhead would do if some people burst in here, guns blazing. I think I’d have a better chance of making it out alive than her.
“Sure,” Simone replied. “But like I said, I don’t know much about my mother’s side.”
“Can I look at your hand for a minute?” Simone blinked at the question, but she didn’t withdraw when Lane reached for her hand.
“Are you reading my palm?” Simone asked in disbelief, unsure of what she’d just walked into.
“Not exactly,” Lane said softly. “Palm reading the way you may have heard of it is a form of entertainment. However, the lines on your hand are a mirror of not only your experiences but those of your ancestors.” Simone wasn’t sure how to respond to that and decided not to speak at all. Lane seemed to sense her reservations and smiled warmly at her, tracing a finger over the lines of her open palm. “Do you believe in magic, Simone?”
“I’m more of a believer in science than religion,” Simone answered quickly.
“They aren’t mutually exclusive, you know,” Lane laughed. “There are those who take it too far on either end of the spectrum, but certainly, even someone who is based in the secular views has to admit that there is a lot in this life that we can’t understand.”
“Like what?” Simone asked almost petulantly. She wasn’t particularly in the mood to get into a debate.
“Like love, for example,” Lane said, as if she’d been expecting the question. “From your perspective, love would only be a mishmash of chemicals, brought on by an attraction of pheromones, correct?”
Simone frowned. “I’d never really thought of it like that,” she muttered. “But… I suppose, yes.”
Lane met her eyes and nodded slowly. “But why? What makes your pheromones align with Theo’s? Why does that happen?”
Simone was becoming decidedly uncomfortable with the discussion. I have no idea! she wanted to scream, but she held her tongue. I’m confused!
Lane released her hand and opened her own, showing Simone her palm.
“Look closely at my hand,” she urged. “What do you see?” Simone shook her head and laughed shortly.
“I have no idea what to even look for,” she replied, drawing back, but Lane shoved her hand firmly in Simone’s face.
“Look. Don’t try to read. What do you see?”
A peculiar sensation flowed through Simone then. Lane was trying to tell her something—she just had to listen.
“I see…” Simone inhaled and stared at the soft skin of Lane’s palm. “I see a bunch of even, straight lines.” Her brow furrowed. Were the lines in someone’s palm supposed to be so straight? There were no curves, no turns, only straight, even slashes against whatever were Lane’s love, life, and money lines.
“What are they saying to you?” Lane pressed.
“I…” Simone peered closer. “I see a distinctive ‘A’ in there.” She trailed her fingertip along the capital letter to show Lane what she saw.
“Now look at your hand again and tell me what you see.” Simone glanced at Lane, and the redhead unfolded her hand again. “Look closely,” Lane urged. “What do you see?”
“A… Oh! There’s a ‘C,’” Simone muttered in surprise. How have I not seen that before? Weird. She reasoned that she had not spent much time examining her own hand in the past.
“Good,” Lane sighed, exhaling. “Good, you see it.”
A chill of alarm shot through Simone, and she sat back against the couch to look at Lane, forcing a wry smile onto her lips.
“So what does that mean, Lane? Is it good or bad if we have letters on our hands?” Lane did not return her smile.
“That depends on who you are,” she murmured. “In my case, it’s a good thing. In yours, not so much.” Simone shivered. There was a dullness to Lane’s voice which terrified her.
“Are you working f
or Jackrabbit?” she whispered. Lane looked at her in surprise.
“Jackrabbit? No, I have no idea who that is,” she assured her. Simone exhaled slowly, even though her heart was still pounding. “Simone, have you heard the name Collingwood before?” Lane asked.
“Um…” Simone wracked her brain before shaking her head. “No, I don’t think I have. Who is that?”
“Theo is not going to be happy, but I need to tell you something now,” Lane said quietly. “You have to listen to me, and don’t do anything stupid when I have finished, all right?”
“Okay…” Simone squinted at her and silently cursed Theo for having brought her there. She’s probably going to clean my chakra or some shit.
“The reason I have an ‘A’ on my hand is that I belong to a coven of witches,” Lane explained.
There it is, Simone sighed to herself.
“I’m an Aldwin witch, and over five millennia ago, my ancestor, Alaric Aldwin, cast a spell over a selected group which we call the Enchanted.” Lane stared at Simone, waiting for a reaction, but Simone managed to keep her face neutral. “Theo, Henry, four others, and I belong on the Council of Seven. We oversee our respective species.”
“Species?” Simone asked before she could stop herself. “There’s more than one type of witch?” Keeping the sarcasm from her tone was more than she could manage, and Lane’s eyes flashed with anger.
“The Aldwin witches are the most powerful, but I speak for all the covens before the Council.”
“Uh-huh…”
“You’re a witch too, Simone. You belong to a group who was banished two centuries ago, the Collingwoods.”
“Oh! Yeah, that explains the ‘C,’” Simone agreed, nodding eagerly, wishing she’d managed to keep her scorn out of her voice. If you’re going to be stuck here with this crackpot for two days, the least you could do is placate her.
“You had no idea,” Lane sighed, shaking her head. “This is going to make things worse.”
“What things are those?” Simone asked, sliding forward to fold her arms over her chest. Lane exhaled and shook her head.
