by Dylan Quinn
"As an Elder, you know it's my responsibility to keep you informed. But—I'm not sure your heart can handle what I know."
"While I appreciate your concern, you know I can’t allow you to withhold any information that may be imperative to ensuring the Convergence."
"Very well." He let out a sigh. "Keep in mind, we stepped in immediately after learning what was happening.”
“I understand.”
He was clear I wouldn’t like what I was about to hear. I was privy to all the information once she came of age, but nothing beforehand.
"Proceed. Please."
"When Zoe turned two, her guardian was killed. We believe their death to have been by a demon’s hand. Fortunately, Zoe was too young to recall." He leaned back. "That's when Michael arrived. Zoe went into a foster home, and he kept watch over her until we could send another."
“Who?”
"The Council met. We’d been monitoring the situation for some time. Lower-level demons had been keeping watch over Zoe's guardians, and we suspected it was surmounting. The Council discussed options, and Elijah volunteered."
“I had no idea.”
Elijah was an Eternal. Once human, he was rewarded with a position on the Council for sacrifices during his life. I recalled when Zoe matched Elijah with his Gemini. She was one of our close friends on the Council, an Angel who worked alongside Zoe, protecting the Tree of Souls.
To be reborn was the Eternal sacrifice, and there were no guarantees Elijah would regain his Eternal status. He offered his immortality and sacrificed his Gemini to save Zoe.
"And Elijah has returned to Lailah?" I’d not seen him in a while, but then, time moved differently in the other realms.
"Yes. It was problematic for a time, but it worked out."
"Tell me. What happened to Zoe?"
"After the guardian was killed, Zoe was sent into foster care. She was well protected until a private agency interceded. Steve Johns and his wife were given charge of the children at the home when Steve became obsessed with Zoe, and his wife disappeared.
“Zoe was four when she cut open her arm with a kitchen knife. Steve saw the cut heal, and it became a game for him. A demon approached months later. Steve turned dark quickly. For the following years, he abused Zoe. Cut her, then watched her heal."
I stood from the bench, ready to put my fist through a wall.
Raz stood beside me and grabbed my arm. "Cade, please. Sit."
"I'm not sure I can." I pulled free and began pacing the terrace. “Continue.”
"We needed Elijah to be stronger before he was placed, so a human Empath was sent and befriended Zoe. The Empath couldn’t protect her, but she comforted her. They remain friends, even today."
"Phoebe Kinkaid."
"Yes. When Zoe was seven, Elijah had developed his powers and was placed. Things were calm for years, but when Zoe was twelve, Steve was a full demon. He set the house on fire and fled, leaving the children defenseless. We wouldn’t sacrifice them for Zoe." He pressed his lips together, his eyes narrowed. "That's when Sophie intervened.”
Sophie had been on a mission, but Raz never said what his Gemini had done. In Zoe's time of need, our family—all of them—protected her when I could not.
I fell to the seat beneath me. They’d all made sacrifices. Their Gemini for mine. A sacrifice I wasn’t sure I could make.
"Yes. You could." Raz said, hearing my thoughts. He sat beside me and set his hand on my shoulder. "You would sacrifice for us. We're family. It’s what we do."
“So it is.” I nodded. “The demon?”
“Banished to the dark realm.”
“Good.” I let out a relieved breath. "And Phoebe. What becomes of her? Zoe told me the situation. And she claims to have matched her with Remie."
Raz rubbed his chin. "That, I don’t know. She has no mark of Genesis."
"Was Zoe in error?" I asked. "I've never known her to make that caliber of mistake."
"Nor have I," Raz said, rising to his feet. "Only Zoe has the gift of Gemini. It was hers alone, given for her sacrifice. If she knows it to be true, she must trust those instincts."
I was concerned, though. Clearly, her ability to trust those instincts was wavering.
"All you can do is give her time and the space she needs.”
I stood beside Raz, and he placed his hand on my shoulder, calming me.
"It's how Zoe planned this sacrifice from the beginning,” he said. “Her instincts have not led her astray in all your years together. Trust her, and the soul you love will return. You must give her your faith if she’s to find faith in herself."
"You are a wise, old Angel, my friend. Thank you."
“In the meantime, we should formulate a plan. Prepare for the inevitability that this minion is the least of our worries. So I’ve arranged a business deal with Zoe’s employer. An excuse to keep us close.”
"Very well.”
"And when will you see Zoe?" he asked.
“This evening. I’m going to the lounge. You know what her voice does to me."
"Her talent has a way of enticing the strongest of men.” Raz chuckled. “I’ve often wondered if she’s a Siren and not an Eternal."
"She certainly can be.” I laughed. “So, what will you do to pass the time tonight?”
"I think I’ll go as well and keep an eye on our minion while you spend time with your Gemini. Until then, I have more research to attend to.” He bowed his head and retreated into the apartment.
I turned and leaned onto the railing of the terrace, staring out at Lake Michigan to appreciate the sunrise.
While immortal, it was easy to forget the brief nature of this world. The idea of time—fleeting and temporary, tends to change one's perception of Eternity.
I was only ever concerned with time during her incarnations. It reminded me and the other Eternals that even for us, time was precious and should never be taken for granted.
It could always run out.
~Chapter Twelve~
Zoe
I ended up sleeping in until nine-thirty the next morning, which was way late for me. Then I spent most of the day trying to distract myself, to avoid thinking of Cade. That kiss.
Not working.
By three, I’d binged on four episodes of Netflix with my favorite TVD vampire, who surprisingly, looked a lot like my Gemini.
Cade was everywhere.
I’d put off calling him all day, but I couldn’t resist any longer. I had to talk to him. See him. Maybe even kiss him again. This need to be near him grew with every second we were apart. I didn’t get it.
To hell with it. I picked up my phone and searched for his number.
"Cade? Hey. I—um, I’m not bothering you, am I?"
"Not at all. How are you?"
Damn, his voice was… enticing. "I’m good.” I cleared my throat. "So hey, I was uh, calling to see if you planned on coming out. To the lounge, tonight? I was hoping maybe we could hang out, you know, maybe meet my friends? You can meet them, I mean.”
Okay, dork. Geez. I rolled my eyes.
"There’s no place I’d rather be,” he said. “Would you like to meet my friend, Raz?"
"Sure. Bring him, that's fine."
"What time do you begin?"
"We go on at nine, our last set is usually finished around midnight. We can hang out between sets. Maybe after, if you aren't too tired, we can grab breakfast?"
"That would be wonderful. I’ll see you this evening, Zoe."
"Perfect. See ya soon."
Butterflies swarmed in my belly. Funny, I hardly knew Cade, but I was drawn to him as if we’d been together for years. After last night, I understood why.
We had.
I got up, went to my closet, and sifted through my clothes to find something to wear. I usually dressed casual-sexy for the lounge, but since Cade was coming, casual wasn’t going to cut it. I had this weird urge to impress him. To dress up for him. Guess this is what it felt like to be girly.
“Can I come in?” Phoebe’s voice echoed from beyond my door.
"Yeah."
Phoebe came in, and sat on my vanity bench near the window. "What are you doing?”
“Cade’s coming tonight.” I waited for her reaction.
Her lips trembled, yet she kept them sealed tight, trying not to get excited. It wasn’t working.
“Need help getting ready?"
"Maybe," I admitted, pushing one outfit over another. "Is getting ready for dates always this frustrating?"
She giggled. "Yes, usually.”
"It’s all so surreal. I still can’t wrap my head around Remie’s Genesis stories.”
"I know. I can't imagine the pressure you must feel. I’m sorry I got upset with you yesterday. I guess I’m—jealous.
I whipped around. "How could you be jealous? Of me? Of everything I have to give up?"
Her comment made me wonder if the universe had picked the wrong girl.
"I know it sounds weird, but I am.” She stared down at her hands folded in her lap. “I only wish my life meant so much."
"Phoebs, you mean more to me than you’ll ever know. You saved me.” I moved closer, pulled her to her feet and set my hands on her shoulders. “If it weren't for you, I’d have lost it. Even Sophie recognized that. She sent Eli away, but not you.” I pulled her into a hug. “I think you coming into my life was no accident. There’s a special purpose for you yet."
“Come on.” She pulled back, smiling, and patted the bench.
I sat in front of the antique vanity Sophie gave me when I turned sixteen. “What should we do with your hair? You need to look perfect tonight."
By the time we were finished, my hair fell in perfect ringlets down my back. I wore a short, black skirt, ruby laced halter, and my favorite knee-high boots. Phoebe did my make-up, giving me the smoky eye I could never pull off myself.
"Beautiful." She beamed at her masterpiece and stared at my reflection in the mirror. "He’ll never know what hit him."
She was right. I had to look perfect tonight. After that kiss yesterday, I needed more. My body ached for him.
Time to claim what’s mine.
~
I strolled into the back door of the lounge around seven-thirty and tossed my things onto a chair. I took a seat at the practice piano and started warming up. As I played around with songs for tonight’s show, voices filtered in from the bar. It was filling up already.
I loved a full house.
I’d made quite a name for myself in the two years I’d played here. I had offers to go to more popular clubs in Chicago, but I was comfortable here. The Lighthouse was my home.
Dr. Lucci had been a huge supporter, helping me at every turn to get a music career off the ground. She had some impressive connections in the industry and was always my biggest fan.
Like her ears were burning, my phone buzzed with a text.
Lucci: Sam Gaits. Tuesday. Gear up.
Tuesday. Oh. My. Gods.
The reality of it all sunk in, and my stomach rolled.
What was I going to do now?
I’d have to choose between them—Cade and Infinity. A choice I didn’t want to make.
What were the chances this Genesis job would wait a while? Give me time to live my dream?
Focus.
I pushed that out for now, playing around on the piano when a familiar scent swirled around me, and voices outside the door grew closer.
My boss Vince and his guest appeared in the doorway.
"Don't stop on our account,” Cade's yummy voice echoed through the room, chasing goose bumps through me to my wrist, making my Gemini mark tingle.
"Ciao, Bello." I couldn't help myself.
His cheeks flushed. The dimple from my dreams appeared, and my heart began to thud.
"You speak Italian?"
"Si."
"Tesoruccio mia." He winked.
Damn.
Vince narrowed his eyes and glanced between Cade and me. "You two know each other?"
"We recently met," I grinned.
“Ah.” Vince nodded but didn’t question us further. He shook his head and turned to leave.
Cade gave his adorable smile, then followed Vince out the door.
What was he doing here so early? And with Vince?
About a half hour passed, and I came out from the back to see if my friends—my family had arrived yet.
Cade and another man, the one from my birthday, stood at the bar.
Cade’s friend was a tall, handsome guy, like a thirty-something model. Lean with short, blond hair. He had porcelain skin with a strong, square jaw and high forehead. Piercing blue eyes. He reminded me of someone.
When he noticed me watching, he tilted his head and grinned. A warm glow grew around him, a gold aura that lit up the room in a way I’d never seen.
I gasped, and his grin widened.
Everything was off lately with these new talents revealing themselves. Guess I could see auras of all sorts of ethereally beings. He wasn’t like my family. Not Eternal. No, he was something else. An Angel, maybe?
“Yes.” A single word rang out in my head.
I narrowed my eyes, confused.
He laughed, bowed his head, and returned his attention back to Vince.
I shook it off and retreated backstage. When I stepped into the room, the rest of the band came in the back door.
We all played together. Strange how every one of us had some musical talent. Remie sang and played bass and guitar. Micah was our drummer, and Phoebe sang backup for me. She also played piano, violin, and steel guitar. Although Rainah sang backup and played keyboards, sometimes guitar, she didn’t perform at every show. She was more interested in flirting with the boys in the audience.
We all took our places on the main stage to warm up, still hidden with a blue velvet curtain.
"Ten minutes." Brennan brought drinks from the bar.
My cheeks heated, knowing Cade was in the audience. I took a shot from Brennan and put it down quickly.
I sat on my perch, a short barstool, put on my headset so I could play wirelessly, and closed my eyes. Goose bumps. I blew out nervous breaths.
This was my favorite part—the anticipation. Waiting for the curtain to be pulled, to feel the heat of the spotlight land on me.
Nothing else existed.
“Welcome to the Lighthouse Lounge on Navy Pier," Vince began his nightly introduction from the other side of the curtain. "For the past two years, they’ve performed exclusively on our stage. Please give a warm round of applause for Zoe Adams and the Eternals."
~Chapter Thirteen~
Cade
"Thanks for hanging with us tonight.” Her infectious smile lit up the shadowed room. The crowd whistled and clapped wildly.
Zoe’s gaze met mine, and the corners of her lips turned up.
“We're gonna take a short break. We'll be back in thirty."
Watching Zoe perform for the crowd, I understood how comfortable she was there. I’d seen her sing in other incarnations, but she never appeared so at peace as she did in this moment.
Raz moved toward me with an approving nod. He, too, could sense she was beginning to open up. To the idea of us. While it would not offend me to avoid this incarnation every millennium, witnessing her growing love for me again and again was beautiful.
Zoe stood from the piano and took a bow, waved to the crowd, and disappeared through the back. Minutes later, she emerged through the side door, friends in tow. We had left seats empty at our table, anticipating they would join us during their break.
"Hey there." Her sweet voice pulsed through me when she tapped my shoulder.
She stood tall. Long, near ebony curls hung around her bare shoulders. Lips painted red, eyes dark and alluring. She dressed in revealing clothing, more so than in previous incarnations. Times had changed for sure. I may not appreciate other men seeing her like this, but my body was not balking at the display.
I stood. "You look beautiful this
evening.”
Her expression lit up, and her aura burned incessantly. "Thanks, I'm glad you could come."
She acknowledged Raz, and he tipped his head to her.
"Zoe, this is Raziel or as I call him, Raz. He's a very old friend.”
She nodded and put out her hand. "Good to meet you, Raz."
He lifted her hand and gave her a kiss, rousing a flush in her cheeks. Raz sent a knowing expression in my direction, letting me know he could sense her feelings now.
"Would you like to sit?" I asked.
"Actually, I was thinking we could grab a drink and head out back for a few minutes. It's pretty stuffy in here, and I could use the fresh air."
“Of course.” I followed her toward the bar.
The minion stood behind it, glaring toward me. His eyes were darkening, as happened with all minions before they became demon.
"Hey Bren, can I have a Fuji Water?" She turned to me. "What would you like?"
"I'm fine, thank you."
She turned back to the minion, who was visibly fuming.
He handed her the drink and growled at me.
I tipped my head and narrowed eyes, letting him know I was not going to accept his attitude.
He turned around and walked away.
Zoe’s gaze followed the minion, then returned to me. She must have sensed something, though she didn't say what she was thinking. "Ready?"
I nodded and followed her backstage toward a door that led behind the lounge.
She turned on a light to a patio with a seating area, an umbrella, and chairs. There was a quaint flower garden overlooking Lake Michigan and a bench swing. She sat down and motioned for me to join her.
"This is quite pleasant.” I took a seat beside her, and the swing beneath us began to move.
"Thanks. I actually designed this patio and planted the flower garden over there."
She pointed toward a small area near the wall. Peonies, her favorite floral fragrance. I’d recognize their scent anywhere. The garden in Aravot was bursting with them.
"It's like, my favorite space. Well, almost. Except for the stage."
"I can tell. You appear quite comfortable performing."
