Inception

by Teal Haviland

  Much more.

  After breakfast was over, Lucas passed the time with the twins before picking up Gabby. Nonie and Nate brought out a deck of cards and a bag of coins, and the three of them began to play penny poker.

  As Nate shuffled, Lucas felt his eyes on him and sensed the shift that forewarned that Nate was about to act odd again. When he looked at him, Lucas’s concerns were validated by the darker color of his friend’s eyes. Lucas shivered.

  “What’s with the stare, Nate?”

  Nate continued to shuffle the deck methodically, his eyes remaining fixed on Lucas.

  Lucas shivered again. What gives?

  Nonie adjusted in her seat and leaned forward on her elbows, squinting at Nate. “Yeah, brother … what’s with the visual probe?”

  Nate stopped shuffling and leaned forward to put them in the middle of the table. He slapped the cards down loudly, and Lucas and Nonie jumped. Then he sat back slowly as he looked first at Nonie and then to Lucas. A strange smile pulled up on one side of his mouth.

  “Nate, man, you’re acting a little odd.” Lucas looked at Nonie quizzically. “Is it just me, Nee?” He hadn’t ever voiced his concerns about Nate’s behavior before. But it was occurring so frequently now. This time, it seemed even more intense. He had to know if it was just his imagination or if someone else noticed something wasn’t right, too.

  Nonie didn’t look at Lucas. She had her eyes set steadfast on her brother. Lucas waited for her to answer. When she didn’t, he stood up to leave. He was tired of this mood Nate got into, and he wasn’t about to stay around for a three-way stare down.

  “Where ya goin’, my man?” Nate asked just as Lucas was about to put his hand on the door and escape.

  Lucas let his hand rest on the knob as he half turned to respond. “What’s it look like, Nate? I’m leaving.” He turned back, but Nate spoke again.

  “Why? I thought we were about to have a friendly game of cards.”

  Lucas turned his back to his escape. “Nate, I don’t know what your problem is, especially in the last couple of weeks, but either tell me what it is or cut out this creepy act you keep pulling.” Lucas felt he was boring holes into Nate instead of just waiting for a response. When several moments passed, he added, “Seriously. I’m over it.”

  “Yeah,” Nonie chimed in. “I’ve noticed you’re being a little weird sometimes, too. So it’s not just Lucas seeing it.”

  Lucas glanced at her and noticed her expression still hadn’t changed. He focused his attention back on his friend’s face. Although, he didn’t feel friendship coming from Nate. He felt something else—something cold and dark. Something Lucas didn’t understand.

  Something he didn’t like.

  “Have I?” Nate asked tone of innocence. “Sorry ‘bout that. I guess I’m just a little worried about you.”

  “Worried?” Lucas started back toward the table. “Why?”

  So much for my escape.

  Lucas wanted to hear an explanation, hoping for something that might let him know Nate wasn’t turning into some … dark person.

  That’s what it is.

  Lucas was glad for the few moments of quiet that came after that realization. That was exactly what Lucas saw in his eyes and demeanor when this happened—something sinister and something very unlike the Nate he was used to.

  Nate kinda smiled again, but it still wasn’t particularly friendly. “I just wonder why you’re so wrapped up in Gabrielle. She gave you the brush-off for weeks, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Lucas adopted a similar expression to Nonie’s. “What’s your point?”

  Nate huffed out what was some kind of laugh, then replied, “I don’t think she’s good for you, my man. She’s … I don’t know … different.”

  Lucas let out a similar huff of laughter. What does Nate think of me? I’ve shown more strange quirks than Gabby.

  “Different? And what’s with the my mans?” Nate just smirked. Lucas wanted to pick up the chair his hands rested on and hurl it at Nate for being such a jackass. He felt like that thing that tried to creep out of him a few weeks ago was trying to escape again. He didn’t remember ever feeling this much aggression toward anyone.

  Except for Mara that day with Gran.

  Then, it hit him. That was the first time he’d felt this other side of himself, but he’d brushed it off as just a reaction to Mara hurting Gran. He didn’t want to think of Nate being in the same category as Mara, but he was beginning to think that the two of them were remarkably similar in that way. Like there were two completely different people within their bodies, and you were never sure which one you’re going to get from day to day or even minute to minute.

  He was beginning to wonder about himself a little, too. What bothered Lucas more than that comparison was the look in Nate’s eyes and the smile that spread across his face—like Nate knew that Lucas was thinking about throwing the chair.

  ‘Go ahead , my man… do it. Hit me with the fucking chair.’

  The voice in his head wasn’t his own; it was Nate’s. At least a strange, distorted voice that sounded like his. But it was deeper—more menacing—and it held a hatred he would never expect to hear out of his friend. If Lucas wasn’t paralyzed by the questions racing through his head and the fear that flowed over him like a shower from Hell, he would have bolted out the door.

  He suddenly felt cold, all the way to his bones cold.

  “What are you talking about, Nate?” Nonie asked.

  Lucas was glad she said something because Nate’s gaze diverted to his sister.

  That was so not cool. What the hell just happened? Could I have actually heard someone else’s voice in his head?

  “She’s weird.” Nate focused back on Lucas. “She doesn’t seem to bring out the best in you, my man. Unless you consider your softer side the best in you.”

  “Really? She’s weird?” Nonie asked, then scrutinized Nate. “Who are you, and what did you do with my brother?”

  Did she actually wonder if this wasn’t Nate?

  He was seriously considering the possibility, himself.

  That just seems crazy.

  As Lucas watched his friend, he saw his eyes slowly shift back to their normal shade. Nate began to look slightly uncomfortable with the two sets of eyes staring at him. They belonged to faces holding expressions like they thought he was nuts. He laughed uncomfortably as though he didn’t really know what to say.

  Or maybe even what had just happened.

  “Oh … forget I even said anything.” Nate picked up the deck of cards and started shuffling them again.

  Suddenly, Lucas felt sorry for him. In an instant, he was back to the Nate he’d known his whole life—only shaken and maybe confused.

  Kinda like Mara had.

  The similarities made his insides turn, like his stomach was trying to make his mind understand something about the situation—something that should be taken more seriously.

  “Okay, Nate. Consider it forgotten.” Lucas tried to give Nate a reassuring smile when he looked up briefly from the deck in his hands.

  “So,” Nate said, “are you two ready for me to whoop you in cards or what?”

  Lucas pulled the seat out and made himself comfortable as Nate began to deal the first hand. His personality seemed to become more his own with every card he tossed in front of them.

  “We’ll see about that, brother,” Nonie said as she settled back in her chair, too. Lucas thought she also sensed the shift in Nate.

  Her brother was back again.

  But for how long?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  GABRIELLE ~ HUMAN EMOTIONS

  Gabrielle chose to let her human body rest without her after she made sure Grayson, Rissie, and Phalen were taken care of in Corstorphine. The guilt she carried grew heavier after seeing the reaction of the other Shifters when they saw the state Grayson and Rissie were in. She hoped by staying in her true form she would receive a premonition or Knowing without losing any
of the information it contained, but nothing new was shown to her.

  It was nine o’clock on Saturday morning when she returned to get ready for Lucas to pick her up. After what had happened the night before, when she almost lost more of those she cared for, her need to be with him was stronger than ever.

  There had been a time, for a very long time, when Javan was the only one I ever thought I’d desire to be with. Things change. Even what we think is unchangeable.

  But was it her human body’s emotions making her feel she was falling for Lucas? Or was it real? Gabrielle wasn’t sure, and she didn’t know how to find out. She’d been drawn to him with just the visions, and the feeling of peace and happiness was a definite whether in her Divine form or her human one. That feeling of peace would end at some point; there was no escape from it. She would have to deal with the loss just like she had with Javan. The only difference was that she knew the end was coming with Lucas, and it was coming in about three months. She hadn’t had that knowledge with Javan.

  What are you doing, Gabrielle?

  The question lingered as she showered and dressed, and it continued as she wasted time flipping through channels on her television, not really noticing anything on the screen as the images took turns trying to capture her attention. None did.

  She looked at the clock on the mantle again. Ten forty-eight.

  Any time now.

  Several very long minutes passed, and she looked at the clock again. Ten fifty-seven. More minutes trudged through human time.

  Come on, Lucas.

  The knock on her door finally came, and Gabrielle made her way to the entry as calmly as she could. Her desire to see Lucas was almost overwhelming. As she opened the door, she tried to slow the bounce of her heart.

  Lucas was there. He was safe. Smiling. Standing in front of her in long khaki cargo shorts and a blue, unbuttoned shirt, the long sleeves rolled up like there was nothing to be concerned about— no demons around every corner, no creatures lurking in the shadows of his world, no epic war on the horizon. He was unaware of it all. The thought made Gabrielle a little mad though she didn’t know where the anger was actually coming from. And she didn’t want to dwell on it. She quickly diverted her thoughts back to what she saw in front of her—back to Lucas.

  He wore a white t-shirt under the button-down that was snug enough that she could begin to make out the muscles it tried to conceal. A terrible urge came over her to kiss him, but she pushed it back to where it had come from. There was more intensity between them the more time they spent together. She worried it wouldn’t be long before she’d be unable to hide her growing feelings for Lucas from Amaziah. For all she knew, he was already aware. He could easily have someone watching her, not to spy but to ensure her safety, especially since Javan made his appearance.

  “Hi, Gabby.”

  “Hi back.” She resisted the urge to wrap her arms around his neck and let her lips softly touch his, knowing her desire could quickly escalate into a much more risky embrace, but she couldn’t help wondering what it would feel like.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  “I think so,” Gabrielle responded, looking down at her clothes as if to ask him if what she was wearing would be appropriate.

  How can I go wrong with sweat pants and a t-shirt for touch football?

  “Gabby.” Lucas slowly looked her over. “Only you could make that outfit … look that good. Really, is there anything you can put on to make me want to look at you less? On second thought, don’t do that. You wouldn’t be able to, and I’m certainly not bored with the view.”

  Smiling, she stepped aside so he could come in, closing the door after him. She turned around, expecting him to be further inside the foyer. Instead, he had stopped and turned toward her. He was so close she almost ran into him. Without saying a word, he slowly brought one of his hands toward her face, stopping briefly as though second guessing himself. Gabrielle felt her pulse begin to quicken as his hand moved toward her cheek and rested on her face; his thumb slowly stroked her skin. Lucas never stopped looking into her eyes, and she felt pulled into them. The heat from his skin touching hers caused a chill, making her shudder. He smiled slightly. It felt like he was searching her mind and wanted to look even deeper, into her soul, making her feel he could pull her own to his. Her insides melted, and she loved it. She wanted to swim in that feeling—drown in it. She had never known sensations like this, not even with Javan.

  His face coming toward hers was almost a blur, and before she could stop him, his lips pressed against hers. A chill moved through her again, but she didn’t shudder. She pulled him closer, letting him push his body harder against hers. The combination of heat and chill crashing against each other in her body made her mind spin. Somehow, a rational thought broke through the chaos in her mind, through the yearning to have him even closer to her—to have him completely.

  I have to stop this!

  She felt her hands slip into his hair as she pushed herself even closer to him, denying the prompt to stop. His body reacted to hers as he kissed her more intensely. His hands began to search her body, and she felt their caress as they moved down her back, kindling more heat—more exquisite chills. She could tell by the urgency of his movement and breathlessness that he was feeling the same.

  All at once, an image flooded into Gabrielle’s mind. It was Javan glaring at her and Lucas, a remnant of her dream. It was swift and offered no additional information, but it was enough to force her to release Lucas. With her eyes still closed, she stumbled back slightly, catching herself on the entry table.

  “Whoa!” Lucas said, breathing as heavily as Gabrielle. “That was … intense.”

  Gabrielle heard him take several breaths before his breathing began to calm. All the while, she was internally yelling at herself about how completely reckless and dangerous that was for them. Particularly for her.

  “Gabby,” Lucas stepped toward her, “are you okay? I’m sorry. I … I didn’t mean for that to go so far, really. I’ve wanted to kiss you since I saw you in the parking lot that first day. It’s kinda like I was more, and more, unable to resist it. To resist … you.” He paused, waiting for her response. “Gabrielle, please look at me.” Lucas gently put his hand under her chin and lifted her head.

  Gabrielle opened her eyes. He was frantically looking at her. She reached up and softly, slowly traced the side of his face with her fingertips. “Lucas, you only did what I wanted to do. I’m not mad, not at all. I just need a minute to think. I wasn’t really expecting that. Not yet anyway.”

  “To be honest,” Lucas said, “I don’t know how it got out of hand. I was just going to steal a first kiss and wammo! I’m off in another world and, quite honestly, out of control. Are you an enchantress?”

  Gabrielle could tell he was trying to lighten up the situation, but he didn’t know he wasn’t far off the mark. All she could do was smile although she could imagine the trouble she was going to find herself in for this and the trouble it may cause. Her head was spinning with thoughts, coming at her so fast all they did was get tangled. The I shoulds and I wants were competing so vehemently, it was almost painful.

  “Lucas, can you wait for me out in the car? I need to pull myself together, and I think I can accomplish that quicker alone.”

  Lucas studied her face. She was sure it was an attempt to confirm it was really the reason why she wanted him to leave her alone. His expression told her he didn’t buy it.

  “Really, Lucas. Everything is fine. I’d kiss you right now to prove it to you, but I don’t think that would be the smartest thing … for either of us.” After another moment, Lucas turned and opened the door.

  “Take your time, Gabby.” He looked back as he spoke, showing a flirty grin, “I could use a few to calm down, myself.” Lucas walked toward his car, leaving Gabrielle with her warring thoughts. Thoughts about feeling so drawn to Lucas, a human whom she could be putting into terrible danger because of who she was, about the repercussions if she l
et things go too far—about becoming one of the Fallen.

  After several minutes staring at her reflection in the entry’s mirror, scolding herself, reiterating all of the bad outcomes that could result from the relationship between her and Lucas advancing, she made the decision to tell him she wouldn’t be able to continue seeing him. Again.

  “We’re both going to get hurt when I have to end my time here, anyway,” she told her reflection and sighed. The face looking back at her held sadness in its eyes.

  It was what she should do. It was what Amaziah would certainly tell her to do. And then he wouldn’t speak to her for at least a decade because he would be so angry about the line she’d crossed. Her time on Earth was too short, anyway. Three months would be gone before she knew it, and then she’d have to leave.

  Her plan to end things with Lucas came to an end itself as soon as their eyes met again. The moment he looked at her, happiness and peace began to move through her just because he was close.

  By just knowing he is here to be with me. Why shouldn’t I have happiness even if it is only temporary?

  She told him she’d forgotten her keys and ran back inside to grab them off the entry table, caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror again, told her reflection she was an idiot, and headed back out the door to spend the day with Lucas—a seventeen-year-old human she was apparently willing, for reasons she couldn’t begin to explain, to risk everything for.

  Even my life.

  And with that realization she had another—this wasn’t just her human body feeling something for Lucas. She, The Angel of Karma, was falling for this human. Hard. Her mind raced, and her stomach fluttered as she reached for the car’s door handle.