Hawking a Future

by Zenina Masters

That made her companion pause. “You don’t have family then?”

  She shrugged. “I have biological parents and their relatives, but no family. Family are the ones who stand by you, and I have none of those.”

  His arm tensed under her hand. “I don’t understand.”

  “I will explain it later if you want the details.”

  “You seem very forthright.”

  “If you ask a question, I can answer it. I have been doing it all my life.” She shrugged. His heartbeat was a little fast, but there were no signs of anything other than dismay around his mouth and eyes.

  He cleared his throat. “Why did you decide to come to the Crossroads?”

  She chuckled. “I didn’t. I was hijacked. Two of your seers came to interview me at the recovery centre. When I left to return to my day job, I ended up here.”

  Tovin stopped on the path to a huge Victorian house and stared at her. “The seers? Two seers came to you? Fey seers?”

  “Two tall, pale gentlemen with matching eyes and everything else showed up at the centre and asked me if I was averse to a fey as a mate considering my time with those abused by your kind.”

  “What was your response?”

  Hayley watched the tension in his expression.

  “I said that if I could find my mate, it wouldn’t matter what species it was. I am not even fussy on gender. I would go where my body and my beasts called me. My mind would have to wait and work out its own shit.”

  He blinked and opened and closed his mouth.

  She nodded toward the opening door. “Let’s get me checked in, and then, you can ask more questions.”

  He nodded and headed up the steps to where her hostess was standing with a wide smile and an open door as well as the bluest skin Hayley had ever seen.

  “Welcome to the Open Heart. I am your hostess, Teebie.”

  “I am Hayley Hyland. Pleased to meet you.”

  “I have your room ready on the third floor. Come this way.” Teebie snapped her fingers and the bags disappeared out of Tovin’s hand.

  Teebie nodded to Tovin. “I can take it from here.”

  He looked like he wanted to argue, but she arched a brow at him and he reluctantly removed Hayley’s hand from his arm. He kept it for a moment and bowed over it, lifting it to his lips. “It has been delightful to meet you, Hayley.”

  She nodded. “And you as well, Tovin. Goodbye.”

  Teebie sighed. “She isn’t going behind enemy lines. Go and arm wrestle with those idiots in the bar or something. When she is settled, I will send her out to play.”

  Tovin grinned and released Hayley’s hand. “Oh goody. I will wait on the steps...maybe in the drawing room.”

  Teebie chuckled and beckoned to Hayley. “This way.”

  The elf was gone in a flicker of light and shadow.

  Hayley mounted the steps and followed her hostess.

  Teebie explained. “Tovin isn’t a bad sort. He just gets fixated on a romantic target and disoriented when it is taken from him. It is a strange habit for someone of his age, but he is cute, so he gets by with the ladies who are there to soothe him through his moments of loss.”

  Hayley chuckled. “And you are telling me way too much.”

  Teebie paused at the landing. “You are right. I don’t know why I am telling you this.”

  Grinning, she patted the woman on the shoulder as she passed her. “That happens around me. I always end up with more information than I need.”

  “How?”

  Hayley shrugged. “I have no idea. It just happens.”

  They headed up to the third floor, and Hayley smiled at the size of her room. It was as large as her apartment without any space needed for a kitchen or living room. The bed was king sized in a four-poster, and the carpet and walls were thick.

  “Nice.”

  Teebie chuckled. “There is something different about you. You aren’t quite what I am used to in a shifter.”

  “Well, I wasn’t consulted on my appearance here. The fey seers redirected my transport home. They probably cost me my job as well, the assholes.” She had a thought. “Why aren’t all fey the same colours?”

  “Why aren’t all humans or all shifters? We are the colours needed to make the most out of our environments. The seers are underground fey. They lived in Underhill and did not need the light of the sun or moon to keep them healthy. They consumed the energy of the world itself, and as such, they did not need the defences of the fey who lived in woods, rivers and deserts.”

  Hayley went to her bags and began looking for something more comfortable than her current work slacks and blouse.

  “Right. That makes sense. So, Tovin and his kind would be forest related?”

  “Yes. Just as I am designed to blend into the shadows of the desert and the blue of the sky over sand dunes.”

  Hayley nodded and pulled out a comfortable shirt and jeans. “I am just going to get changed.”

  “Understood. Do you want a tour of the Crossroads?” Teebie cocked her head.

  “Tovin has already offered, and I think he will be a most jovial and informative companion.” She grinned and went into the bathroom, leaving the door open and whisking off her clothing.

  “Why are you different?”

  Hayley waited until she had pulled her shirt into place. “Unbonded parents. I am a shifter bastard. I have always had access to the talents of my beasts, but not the ability to shift. The emotional disclosure is something that always amuses me when it happens, but don’t feel bad. Humans do it all the time.”

  “You...you didn’t know who your parents were?” Teebie’s voice shook.

  “I was raised in the human foster-care system. No one thought I would ever develop any kind of skills, but the two families kept an eye on me just in case. I know who they are now and have met a few members of their clan, but neither side claims me, so I am on my own.”

  “What is your beast?”

  “I have two, but neither one of them manifests.”

  “And yet, the seers came to you?”

  Hayley jumped and jiggled into her jeans. “Apparently being an active shifter isn’t a requirement.”

  She zipped up and gathered her work clothing under her arm, heading out into the bedroom to dig for her sneakers.

  “Yet, you are willing to take on a fey mate?” Teebie seemed to be grappling with the situation.

  “I am willing to take on a mate if I find one that suits me. I am not going to settle for the first guy who tries to enchant his way into my pants, but neither am I going to fight it if I feel drawn to someone. It hasn’t happened yet, but I am open to the possibility.”

  Teebie smiled. “Well, then, you have come to the right place, by whatever means.”

  Chapter Three

  Hayley bounced down the stairs and headed for the front door. Tovin appeared at her side with a smile. “May I offer you that tour?”

  “You can offer it, but can you deliver?”

  He grinned brightly. “I can but try.”

  He offered her his arm, and when she took it, he opened the door to lead her into the bright light.

  “Do you want to see the shifter’s field? They go there to change shape and run around in the meadow.”

  “It isn’t really my thing, but sure, I will take a look.”

  He gave her a surprised look, but swallowed his questions. She could see it. Her amusement almost glowed through her skin. Being around supernaturals and being able to talk about what she could do was the only reason she had agreed to help with the patients at the recovery centre. She needed to be able to be honest and open with folks. It strangled her when she had to stuff herself back into her human life and pretend that she was just like everybody else.

  Being extraordinary was her personal bit of pride. When she met her first shifters out in the open for the first time, her ability to read what they were thinking and what mood they were in by the physical output she was getting was helpful. Her insight had been a boon to h
er in office work and with volatile shifters; it had saved her life on a number of occasions.

  Tovin took her around the salon and spa, the restaurant, the café and the bar.

  “I am going to get myself some lunch.” She blurted it out.

  He paused. “May I come with you?”

  “Are you hungry?”

  He blinked. “Not particularly.”

  “Then, I will go alone and you can go and do what you were going to do before I arrived.” She smiled brightly and released his arm.

  He looked delightfully flustered. “I will see you later then.”

  She grinned as she walked away. Playing with people was a game that never got old. Since she had been able to see his impulses becoming embroiled in arousal, the sudden shift of situation was going to make him try harder.

  The café was moderately busy, and she slid into a seat, beaming at the server. “Hello.”

  “Hello. You just arrived?”

  Hayley nodded. “I did. What’s good today?”

  “The salmon salad.”

  “Good enough. Salmon salad and a lemonade.”

  “Coming right up. Welcome to the Crossroads.”

  Hayley sat back and looked around. Several men were looking at her, but when they took in the small gleam on her wrist charm, they looked away. She grinned and made the small bit of gemstone glitter in the sunlight.

  Having a diurnal mother and a nocturnal father made her aware of both light and dark. The play of shadows and light was her favourite form of study.

  When the salad arrived, she dug in and nearly groaned in bliss at the warm, spicy salmon on the crisp and well-dressed lettuce. The lemonade was almost as good.

  She cleaned her plate, drained her glass and got to her feet. The server came over and Hayley swiped her charm over the payment plate and she smiled brightly. “Thanks. Now, I am fortified for the rest of my day.”

  “Go get ‘em.” The server winked, and Hayley left with a swing in her step.

  She headed into the bar and settled down on a stool. Her senses did a sweep of the room, and she found Tovin on the dance floor with a young blonde woman with a lithe build that pricked Hayley in her ample curves.

  The only thing that got her confidence down was comparing herself to the lithe and lovely women that she worked with in every aspect of her life. Eventually, she had managed to tamp down the comparisons, but the lack of personal physical awareness might have taken her sexual urges with it. If she didn’t view herself as attractive, attention was amusing, not serious.

  Hayley rubbed her forehead in frustration as she was forced to analyse her situation. She had tried to work out her own issues before, but something had always come up. It seemed that since she was here, she might as well get in touch with her body for more than five minutes per night.

  “What can I get for you?” A perky, young woman with a black t-shirt and a bounce in her step came up to her.

  “Water with lemon and deep psychological insight into myself.”

  The woman paused and extended her hand. “Spike.”

  “Hayley.” She completed the handshake.

  “Well, Hayley, I will fix your drink, and then, we will discuss your issues.”

  “Oh goody. Free therapy.” Hayley winked.

  It took Spike less than three minutes before she was back in front of Hayley. “So, what is your issue?”

  “Disassociation with my body. I don’t see me as me. I am just a bunch of mental capabilities and emotions in a walking, talking case.”

  Spike leaned back and whistled. “Wow. That is a little worse than that shirt making you feel a little washed out. Do you know why?”

  “Foster homes. Staying back and away from people was the simplest way to fit in and protect myself at the same time.” She sipped at her water.

  Spike ran a towel over the counter. “Wow. Intense. I am good with minor stuff, but that is way above my experience. All I can say is as long as you know yourself, know what you are, you can reach out to others when are ready. You know how to observe them, so let them observe you. Let them see what and who you really are.”

  Hayley grimaced. “That is easier said than done.”

  “You have to try. In the Crossroads, it is a safe place. Let your impulses guide you and your instincts carry you through your social situations. Let your beast guide your actions.”

  Hayley nodded. “Thanks for your insight. I will apply it to my situation.”

  “I apologise for not giving better advice. For a standard shifter, I would recommend a day at the spa, but something tells me that it would not even come close to help you deal with the world you are in.”

  She sipped at her lemon water and looked at the men in the bar who were giving her friendly glances and intense looks. “No. I don’t think hiding is the best idea right now.”

  “Let your instincts guide you. Listen to them. Let them rule your actions. Nothing you do here will be carried to the human world, unless you find your mate. You are safe here.” Spike reached out and put her hand on Hayley’s.

  Hayley’s hand contracted on the wood of the bar, and she stared at the scratches that her nails had left. Her fingers were more claw-like and a darker shade of skin covered her familiar digits. She relaxed into the possibility of her beasts coming to the fore. If they were going to do it, this was definitely the place, even if the timing sucked.

  * * * *

  Tovin moved with the young woman who had come up to him with a flirtatious eye. He tried to keep his attention on her for politeness’ sake, but his gaze drifted to Hayley as she spoke to Spike.

  The lush curves of Hayley’s body were barely visible above the high bank of the bar, but every inch he could see set his blood on fire. Until this moment, he had been convinced his type was lithe and athletic. Hayley was built for comfort, designed to be touched, and if anyone else tried to touch her, he was going to start breaking bones.

  “You aren’t even looking at me.” The woman in his arms pouted.

  He smiled down at her. “We both know that we are not destined to be together.”

  She opened her wide blue eyes and snapped her mouth shut. “So, why are you dancing with me?”

  “You wanted to dance, and I enjoy it.” He twirled her around.

  The music concluded, and he stepped away from her, bowing to kiss her hand. “Thank you for the dance.”

  She sighed. “You don’t even know my name.”

  “Anisa. I know it, but you are not for me and I am not for you. Enjoy your hunt.”

  He straightened and turned back toward the bar. His mate was missing.

  “Damn it.”

  He wandered over to the bar and got Spike’s attention. “Excuse me, Spike.”

  She twisted her lips in a smile. “Yes, Tovin?”

  “Where did Hayley go?” He kept his voice polite, but his heart was hammering in his chest.

  “Look behind you. Even shifters have to use the ladies’ room.”

  He turned and faced his destined mate, his heart pounded, his cock swelled and his hands itched to learn her curves.

  “Hello, Hayley. Would you care to dance?”

  He watched Hayley’s dark gaze flick to Spike and then back to him. She took a deep breath and held out her hand. “Yes.”

  He took her hand with his, and the sparks crackled between them. His skin shuddered as ripples of heat ran along the surface, and if they hadn’t been in the midst of a public venue, he would have been looking to discard his clothing and convincing her to remove hers.

  Her hand trembled in his, and he kept his hand relaxed as she moved her fingers against his skin. It was torture, but he locked his expression and kept it pleasant.

  She licked her lips and his groin throbbed.

  “So, the sparks. Do you feel them, too?” Her whisper struck through to the centre of his soul.

  “Oh yes.”

  “Can you tell me what they mean?” Her voice was a low and husky invitation. Her fingers skate
d up his palm and around his wrist in a slow caress.

  He cleared his throat. “I think that is a discussion for another time.”

  She blinked and pulled her hand back, shaking her head. The dozy, sensual look in her eyes faded, and she suddenly looked wary.

  He moved to recover lost ground. “Dance with me.”

  She nodded, and he led her to the dance floor, stifling a groan as her body moved against his. He was in hell and delighted to be there.

  Chapter Four

  Hayley shivered as the weird shocks ran through her body. Her skin felt too tight, and she wanted to pull back, but she was trying to see where instinct led her.

  Fighting her hard-won behaviour to defend herself, she let her hands relax on his arm and shoulder. Somehow, she had imagined that the fey danced in ancient patterns, not swaying slowly to modern music.

  His body was warm under her hands. The muscles of his shoulder and bicep had a firm resilience that fascinated Hayley. She let her fingers explore him, leaving no room for any additional thought.

  She was throttling down every developed self-defence impulse she had woven over the last few decades. It wasn’t comfortable emotionally, but she was enjoying touching him on a basic level.

  Tovin wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her in close. His pulse was beating rapidly in the heavy column of his throat. Her senses told her that arousal was drawing his skin tight across his cheekbones, but aside from the increase in contact, he wasn’t doing anything to alert her own reactions.

  Hayley moved with him, sliding her hand through his and around his wrist. The thundering of his pulse translated to a heavy thumping under her fingers. Instinct. Follow your instinct.

  She moved her head to one side and pulled his hand to her mouth. She pressed her lips to the pulse and felt her teeth change shape. Hayley licked at his skin and grazed him with the teeth.

  He jumped and she jerked back. Her hand slammed over her mouth, and she did what came naturally, she ran.

  * * * *

  Tovin looked at the small hickey on his wrist. The wet stain in the front of his trousers had caused him to jerk. The moment she pressed her tongue to his skin, he lost his focus, and no amount of baseball stats were going to undo his body’s reaction.