Gryphon and His Thief

by Nutt, Karen Michelle

  "I don't know," he said with all honesty. He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes as if a headache throbbed behind his eyeballs.

  "Let's see if we can find Professor Leander's photo on the Internet," she suggested. "Maybe if you see her face, something will trigger your memory further."

  "Good idea." He replaced his glasses on his nose. "But first I must call someone in to fix the window."

  While Darrien made his calls, Calli sat at the computer and did a search for Professor Leander and her works. She could hear Darrien in the kitchen as he called a few repair shops. The first one he called must have been too expensive since his exclamation was followed up by, 'Bloody hell, this must be an elaborate jest on your part.'

  She looked over her shoulder at him standing in the archway, wearing an incredulous expression as he tried to negotiate a fair deal to repair the window. He turned and she stared at his broad shoulders and how they filled out his cardigan. His behind looked good in those very proper chinos he wore too. The man was really something incredible to look at. On a sigh, she turned back to the computer. "Work before pleasure," she murmured.

  Twenty minutes later, he finally strode back into the room. "The window repairman will be by in a couple of hours," he told her as he approached the desk.

  She glanced over her shoulder. "By the way, I never apologized for breaking it. I hadn't wanted to damage the place."

  "I'm surprised you didn't hurt yourself." He paused and then added, "You didn't, did you?" His brows furrowed over the bridge of his nose and his gaze wandered over her with concern.

  "Surprisingly, no."

  His features smoothed as he shook his head. "I'd say you must live a charmed life."

  "Charmed? If so, I would have stolen the stone without a hitch."

  "So, I'm a hitch, yeah?" He wagged his brows at her and she chuckled at his sense of humor.

  "You could say that. Come take a look here." She scooted the chair over so he could move in closer. "Here's a photo of Professor Leander." She pointed to the screen at a woman with her dark hair coiled into a bun. It had been difficult to find a photo of Professor Leander, at least one where Darrien could make out her features. She seemed to avoid the cameras, turning away as they shot the photo or lifting her purse to cover her face. This photo appeared to be a candid shot someone took without her realizing it. "Does she look familiar?"

  "Hmm..." He leaned over her shoulder, so close she could turn her head and place a kiss on his cheek.

  She chewed on her lower lip. She seriously had to rethink if she'd been hurt when she hurdled through the window. It would account for her mind wandering where it had no business going. It seemed the harder she fought the attraction to Darrien, the worse it became. Then she remembered when Beastie Darrien touched her hand in front of the motel room. The jolt of electricity had made her fly through the air and when she fell, she'd bumped her head. Her hand went to the base of her skull and her fingers gingerly felt for damage. She'd been knocked unconscious, surely there had to be a bump and…there it was. She winced and Darrien's gaze riveted to her.

  "Are you all right?"

  Her hand fell to her side. "Yep, peachy." She almost grinned with relief. Her odd attraction to Darrien had nothing to do with curses and reincarnation or that he could kiss her senseless. A bump on the head had to be the explanation.

  He stood up straight then. "She looks familiar," he said about the photo of Mrs. Leander. "However, I don't know why. Let's see if there is anything else we can find out about her."

  "Before I decided to take the job with her, I did some research, but didn't come up with anything to indicate she wasn't on the up and up. It was just my gut feeling that made me hesitate." His golden brown eyes were truly beautiful, even with them shielded behind dark-rimmed glasses.

  "What did you say about hunches and inklings? Hmm?" He gave her a lopsided smile, and didn't that just make him even more adorable.

  She was doing it again, wasn't she? She let out a tired sigh and made an executive decision on her part before she did something stupid like tell him how adorable he was, and maybe even suggest they kiss just to see if they were compatible. Yep, she was losing it. Sleep deprived and a bump on her head would do that to a person. She frowned wondering if she should chance sleeping. She could have a concussion and—

  "Calli? What's wrong?" Darrien asked. Apparently, he'd been talking to her for the last thirty seconds and she completely zoned out.

  "I'm sorry." She hastily stood just to put some distance between them, so she could breathe. Her hasty departure from the chair increased Darrien's worry and he took a step toward her, but she lifted her hand to ward him away. Her heart pounded painfully hard and she couldn't seem to catch her breath. "Is it hot in here?" she asked and pulled at her T-shirt.

  "You're hyperventilating," Darrien told her. "You have to slow down your breathing or you'll pass out."

  The room spun and she teetered on her feet.

  "Calli," Darrien called to her and this time she couldn't keep him away. His hand snaked out to stop her fall, but the jolt of electricity that sizzled between them sparked to life once more. She shielded her eyes and cried out as the light, radiating around them blinded her.

  Chapter Twelve

  One moment Calli felt her body shutting down then the next second her body catapulted in another direction, somewhere else…somewhere foreign and yet familiar too. Had she passed out? Was this a dream or a vision? She blinked…and reopened her eyes, hoping to see the inside of the Museum, but nothing changed.

  * * * * *

  She stood beneath the sky where the sun shone bright above, and in front of her the ocean glistened blue and green like sparkling diamonds. She could swear the scent of the sea tickled her nostrils. Never had she had such a vivid dream where she could decipher such sensations.

  Giggling caught her ears and she whirled to the right of her where footprints in the golden sand led to rocks up ahead. Curious, she ventured forth.

  As she neared, she could make out voices, cheerful banter and teasing. Her trek led her to the other side of the rugged terrain to find a group of young people gathered as they enjoyed the sun and food that was spread out on a blanket.

  Her gaze took in each face with interest. They were young, teenagers and seemingly friends. There were three boys and two girls. She studied their faces but halted when she realized one of the boys was Darrien, a very young Darrien as a teen, before he'd reached his full height. His face was void of lines brought on by heartache and years of isolation. This was a happier time for him, before the curse, before he'd lost his wife. Her gaze shifted to the girl beside him with interest. She bore a striking resemblance to her, so much so it made the hairs on her arm stand up on end.

  "Callista," she breathed. This was the woman Darrien had loved. She strode closer, confident no one could see her. This was her vision quest, or whatever it was. She was an observer and nothing more.

  Callista wore a brightly colored peplos, with a gold belt decorated with jewels. An emerald brooch pinned at her right shoulder finished off the outfit. Elaborate braids decorated her hair in a flattering way to keep the long strands away from her face. Darrien leaned over and whispered something in Callista's ear. She pulled back with a laugh then jumped to her feet at a gallop. Darrien gave chase and Callista giggled as she ran away, but not too fast, making it obvious she wanted to be caught.

  His hand snaked out and grabbed Callista's arm, bringing her to a halt. Her lips curved into a grin as he pulled her into a lover's embrace. The way they gazed at each other was like no other existed on the beach. What she wouldn't do to have someone gaze at her in such a way. Loved as if nothing else mattered.

  A girl's scream penetrated the air and the moment was lost as the two lovers parted in alarm.

  Darrien looked toward the ocean and Calli followed his line of vision. Had someone screamed from the water? A cry for help came again and this time Calli spotted someone adrift, with hands franticall
y waving in the air. Darrien glanced at Callista with a few words. She nodded and Darrien broke into a full run toward the water. He never paused his stride as he dived under the waves. In the matter of seconds, he broke the surface where the girl still struggled to keep her head above the water.

  Calli breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Darrien had the girl and was making his way back to the shore. The other teens had gathered and Callista offered a cloak to put around the girl, who appeared to be a few years younger than the rest of the group. If Calli guessed, the child was no more than twelve or thirteen.

  Something seemed oddly familiar about the girl Darrien had saved, but Calli couldn't quite put her finger on why. Dark straight hair plastered the girl's face, but she brushed it aside to peer up at Darrien with nothing short of hero worship.

  "What were you doing out there?" Darrien asked the girl.

  It took Calli a moment to realize they weren't speaking English, but Greek, or rather a dialect similar, and she could understand them perfectly.

  "You know the waters are treacherous this time of day, Isa" he reprimanded her further.

  Isa? She regarded the child curiously. The girl Darrien saved was Isa. She was tall, but all gangly limbs. This child would one day be the cold-blooded killer who took Callista's life? The girl's lips chattered and her eyes were wide with fear. It made it difficult to believe such innocence could turn into something so hateful.

  Isa's lips pouted and she looked as if she would burst into tears. "I'm sorry," she said between chattering teeth. "The water looked so inviting, and I couldn't resist." Then she did sob big tears and her chest heaved as she tried to draw in a breath.

  Darrien didn't seem to know what to do with a weeping child. Finally, he just pulled her into an embrace and patted her back. "It is all right. You are safe." He held her as he would a little sister, giving her comfort and naught else, but Calli could see it in Isa's face as she rested her chin on his shoulders. She thought the embrace meant more. Her tears dried almost instantly and her arms went around him as if she relished the feel of him against her.

  A niggling in the back of her mind made Calli wonder if Isa had truly been in trouble or if the girl had planned the whole fiasco just to see if Darrien would come to her rescue. No, she wouldn't have, would she?

  Isa's lips began to curve like a satisfied cat. "You really do care for me," Isa said, but Calli knew she meant more to that statement.

  "Of course I care for you," he answered and pulled away so he could look at her. "Don't scare me like that again."

  "No, never," she said and threw herself into his arms again.

  Calli glanced at the others who were there, but they didn't seem to notice Isa had designs on Darrien. Even Callista didn't seem fazed that the girl hung onto Darrien as if he were her life support.

  Calli wondered if she could see it because she already knew what Isa was capable of doing. At this time and place, Isa was only a child infatuated with a boy. Calli took a step to move closer, but the world around her shifted again, and she found herself in another place and time.

  This time Isa was following Darrien, who was with friends his own age, but he didn't seem to mind that Isa tagged along.

  "I'll race you to the top of the mountain," one of the boys with a crop of blond hair announced to the group.

  "I don't know," Darrien shook his head and jabbed a thumb in Isa's direction. "I don't think she'll be able to keep up."

  Calli could tell he was teasing, but Isa's face scrunched up and she stamped her foot.

  "Can too keep up. I can fly faster than any of you."

  "Is that so?" Darrien's face broke into a grin. "What do you say, my friends," he glanced at his buddies, "should we put it to the test?"

  "We'll give you a head start, Isa," the brown haired boy told her. "Seeing as you're a few years younger than we are. It's only fair." He brushed his hair back from his brow. Once Isa glanced his way, his face flushed red.

  Calli had a hunch this boy was smitten with Isa, but she didn't seem to notice. She only had eyes for Darrien.

  "I can keep up with the best of you. I don't need a head start," Isa claimed.

  "Well then—" Darrien began, but was interrupted.

  "Darrien, wait up!" someone called to him.

  Calli turned as the others did, too. Callista was in the distance waving to them.

  "Her again," Isa said with a roll of her eyes. "Doesn't the mere human know she can't come with us? She can't fly."

  Darrien glanced at her with a chuckle. "She can fly if she's on my back." He jogged to meet Callista halfway, leaving Isa to stare after him, crestfallen that he chose Callista over her.

  "Be glad, Isa," the brown haired boy said. "You're sure to beat Darrien now, if he's carrying Callista. She may be petite, but she is still extra weight."

  She threw the boy a disgruntled look. "I don't want her to come with us. She's not of our tribe."

  "Darrien likes her," the blond boy said. "And besides, Callista is nice. She makes the best sweets."

  Again Isa grumbled and started walking away with her head down.

  "Hey, little one, where are you off to?" Darrien called after Isa, as he approached the group with Callista on his arm.

  "You don't want me tagging along," Isa grumbled without turning around.

  Darrien frowned, but called after her. "Of course I do."

  Isa halted her steps and glanced over her shoulder. Her gaze seemed to lock onto where Darrien's hand rested on Callista's arm. Isa's features hardened. "I don't want to play your silly game of who can fly the fastest." This time when she turned away, she didn't look back.

  "I don't believe she likes me," Callista said.

  Darrien laughed it off and gave her a kiss. "What's not to like about you? You're funny."

  "And you're beautiful," the brown haired boy spoke up with a smile.

  "And you make us treats," the blond haired boy added, which won him a slap on the back by the brown haired boy.

  "Is that all you think about? You're stomach?

  "I'm a growing Gryphon, of course I do," the brown haired boy replied.

  Calli turned to see where Isa had gone. She stood high above them, gazing down at Darrien and Callista.

  Calli frowned as her gaze caught sight of Isa's eyes glimmering like gold. She wasn't just disappointed that she wouldn't have the afternoon with Darrien, she was furious.

  Again the landscape changed, and it took her a moment to regain her footing. These visions were taking a toll on her, and her stomach rolled to bring home the point.

  This time she was indoors. Whitewalls of a Greek style villa decorated with mosaics and wall paintings met her gaze.

  "There you are."

  She whirled around at the sound of a deep rumbling voice of good cheer and was surprised to find Darrien standing in the archway, tall and sure and good looking as ever. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word, a female voice answered him. Her gaze riveted to the right of her with surprise. She hadn't noticed someone else had been in the room with her.

  Callista sauntered by her with graceful steps. She was no longer a young girl, but a woman, probably close to Calli's age. Up close, the resemblance to her was uncanny.

  "What took you so long?" Callista said to Darrien and her lips curved as she walked into his embrace. Callista wore a rich colored, floor-length peplos. Surprisingly, no shoes adorned her feet. Elegant smooth toes peeked out from beneath her gown.

  Darrien sported a dark blue chiton, red cloak, and sandals adorned his feet, an outfit similar to the one she saw Beastie Darrien wearing when she first met him.

  "There has been trouble," Darrien told her. "A thief has stolen from the treasury and I must go after him."

  Disappointment marred Callista's features. "I wish your duties did not take you away this night. I have news of my own, sweet husband." Her hand caressed his cheek, and he leaned into her palm. "Though, my announcement is not so daunting."

&n
bsp; "And what is it you wish to share? You have my full attention, I must say."

  She sighed. "I wanted to tell you over a late night meal, but I am bursting with happiness and cannot wait. I am with child." Her hand went to her flat stomach as if the evidence could be seen.

  "She's pregnant?" Calli shouted in disbelief. Thank goodness, neither Darrien nor Callista could hear her.

  Darrien was all smiles as he lifted Callista off her feet and swung her around. She giggled with delight, though she protested he should put her down. Darrien did, but he didn't release her completely. He leaned toward her and kissed her with a searing caress which made Calli blush and turn away.

  As their murmurs and breathing became more labored with passion, she felt her cheeks burn and hoped she would be released from this dream… vision… or whatever the hell it was before she was forced to endure the couples' lovemaking.

  A shadow crossed over her, making her glance toward the window. A figure of a woman stood there watching the two lovers, but she couldn't make out the features with the way the shadows played across the woman's face. Calli stepped closer to chance a better look, and gasped in surprise. It was Isa, only older, and now she knew why she'd looked so familiar when she was a child.

  * * * * *

  In the next second, her wish to return to the present took hold and the world where Callista and Darrien were faded away. The museum's dark foreboding interior came into focus, as did Nerdy Darrien's worried features.

  It took her a moment to realize why he appeared to be floating above her. She was lying on the ground and he was fanning a folded paper at her as if the cool breeze would make everything all right. She slapped his hand away. "Stop that." She sat up, but the movement made her woozy.

  "You fainted," he spoke the obvious just in case she hadn't figured out why she was taking a nap on the floor of the museum.

  What was with this man and his electric zaps? Another thing Nerdy Darrien and Beastie Darrien had in common. "I didn't faint," she lied. What a pair they both were. He was obviously a bad influence since she'd never swooned in her life before she met him.