Six Branches

by Jeanne Allen

  As he brushes past me to survey my room, my poor heart tries to jump out of my chest. His face remains impassive, but when his eyes land on me, they light up then darken to a smolder as they travel my body.

  Everywhere his eyes land feels exposed. My skin prickles under his scrutiny, and I wish for a full-body suit to wear to bed. But I can’t change now, so I move forward with a false bravado.

  “I’ll take the right side,” I offer, proud at how strong my voice sounds.

  Before I reach the bed, Jin sweeps me up in his arms.

  “What are you—” My words cut off as he lays me on top of the comforter.

  His body covers mine, the heaviness of it giving me an odd sense of safety and security instead of suffocation or panic. My mind throws itself into overdrive, reveling in sensations I’d rather not label, until I can’t tell where he ends and I begin. I gasp as he runs a hand down my side, grabbing my hip possessively. His eyes darken to a shade of black I’ve not seen before.

  He bends to whisper in my ear. “I’ve been holding myself back, sweet Rose, but I’ve waited a hundred years for you, my darling.”

  I melt at his words and the sensation of his touch. He brings his head up, his eyes questioning. I don’t know what he wants permission for, but with my mind clouded by lust and bliss, I’ll agree to anything right now.

  At my smallest nod, he attacks.

  His lips devour mine with the same desperation as the first time we kissed. I open to his assault, drowning in the possession by this dangerous and dark creature. His hands are firm but not bruising, with one on my hip while the other drags my hands above my head. Normally I wouldn’t like the restraint, but somehow my inner psyche knows my Kladí will never hurt me.

  I’m utterly helpless yet completely safe.

  Pleasure courses through my blood, and a delicious burn pools in places that have never burned before.

  But soon enough, my past catches up with me. Jin reaches for the edge of my shorts, reminding me of other, smaller, hands that liked to tug on my waistband. My body goes cold, stilled by the same fear as back then. More than ten years have passed, and I still can’t move on.

  I blink away the tears forming in my eyes, trying to dissuade them from falling. Why do I have to be so stuck in the past? I want nothing more than to let Jin continue whatever pleasure he intends to give me, but my ice-cold hands slip from his grip to still his heated fingers.

  His passion clears as he first notices my tears, then the regret and fear reflected in my eyes. To my relief, he says nothing and instead smiles at me, gently kissing away my tears. He gathers me in his strong arms, moving back the covers and positioning us so I lay against his chest. My icy limbs thaw as I snuggle into his warmth.

  His fingers trace patterns over my arms, giving me a delightful, tingly sensation. They don’t stray anywhere near my shorts, and I’m thankful he guessed what caused my freak-out.

  His chest rumbles as he speaks, his voice gravely with lingering lust. “Now would be a great time to get to know each other. Do you want to start, or should I?”

  “You go. I want to know everything,” I whisper, biting back a yawn.

  His chest rumbles again with laughter. “That would take all night, treasure, but I can tell you the basics of my long, long life.”

  And he does. He tells me of his first twenty years living in the peninsula of Korea, before it split between the North and South. Born the year the Korean Empire was declared, in Hanseong, now known as Seoul, he escaped to Phóspolis at twenty, where the Elite immediately accepted him because of his Gift.

  “What’s your Gift?” I ask, realizing Jin is the only one of my Kladí who hasn’t revealed his Gift.

  He hesitates, and I think he’ll refuse to tell me. “Silent Death. I can kill with one touch. No mess, no weapons, It’s one of the Death Gifts.”

  Bitterness fills his voice, and his hands stop moving over my arms. He expects me to be afraid or disgusted by his Gift. What he doesn’t know is his Gift makes us more similar, not less.

  I’m not ready to reveal that part of myself, so I put my hand over his. “I’m lucky to have such a strong Kladí.”

  It must be the right thing to say, because he relaxes and continues his story. He tells me of rising through the ranks of the Elite, eventually becoming the leader, and earning the nickname Assassin along with the fear and respect of most of the Phósopoi society.

  Now that I know his Gift, the nickname makes more sense. I wonder how many men Jin killed, but I stop the thought as it comes. There’s nothing to be gained by going down that path.

  He nears the part where he quits the Elite to go to New York City when my limbs grow heavy with sleep. No matter how hard I try, I’m unable to stay awake. Jin’s soft, low voice doesn’t help either.

  I struggle to remain awake, but Jin stops his story, laying a gentle kiss on my head. “Sleep.”

  It’s all the encouragement I need.

  Chapter 10

  “How do you feel about lace?”

  It’s mid-afternoon the next day—our first full day in Phóspolis. The ball is tonight, and Jin insists on making me a custom dress.

  “Making magic,” he calls it.

  So here we are, three hours of materials shopping later, and I’m beginning to suspect Jin got his nickname by taking his victims shopping and boring them to death. The only good part about today was this morning when Forrest gave me the knife he ordered for me. I finger the blade tucked into my pocket, the feel of cool metal more comforting than I expected.

  Turning my attention back to Jin, I eye my jailer, er, boyfriend, um, soulmate… and give him a noncommittal shrug.

  He grimaces and turns to the cashier. “Well, I think we’re done here.”

  Jin pays for yet another bolt of fabric to be delivered to our house. As he does, the cashier eyes me. Her scrutiny would have made me uncomfortable if this were the first store we visited today, but it’s not. After a full day, I’ve received similar looks from everyone—store clerks, fellow shoppers, even people on the sidewalk outside.

  At first, I assumed it was because of Jin, but when I mentioned the stares, he said they were mostly curious about me. I forgot how famous my Omás had gotten in the last few years.

  Our unusually diverse and powerful group sparks more than a little fascination amongst the general public. As their Agora, I guess I’m hot topic numero uno among the residents of Phóspolis. Unfortunately for my designer Kladí and his shopping obsession, the attention leaves me with a queasy stomach and little patience, which is why a big, relieved smile grows on my face at Jin’s suggestion we head home.

  He laughs at my expression and ushers me out the door he holds open. “You’ll get used to it.”

  Offering him a quick frown, I turn to face the outside. For the most part, Phóspolis is a normal city. However, there are little indications of its unusual inhabitants, like a store specializing in heat-resistant clothing for fire-Gifted Kladí, or bookstores advertising tomes with titles like Mental Gifts and How to Use Them or Waiting for Your Agora: The Lonely Years.

  The juxtaposition between what I’ve come to expect of a western metropolis and the true science fiction of living in a city of mutants is both fascinating and daunting. Another reason I’m more than happy to head home to my boys.

  With my Kladí, this whole thing seems all right. When faced with the Phósopoi world outside my Omás, it’s another story. The idea of facing so many Phósopoi at the ball tonight makes me so sick I refuse to consider it.

  Instead, I focus on Jin’s beautiful face as we walk towards the town car Quincy sent us out in. Jin squeezes my hands but doesn’t say anything, which is fine because I don’t need words to understand his feelings. Ever since our chat last night, I feel closer to him. I know more about Jin’s life before he met me, and I’m eager to do the same with the rest of my Kladí.

  We walk in silence down the sidewalk of what appears to be a main shopping road. Even on a Tu
esday afternoon, it’s crowded. Except, unlike other major cities, the people don’t seem stressed or in a hurry to get anywhere. People around us slow down to gawk a little before continuing on their way.

  I almost expect the paparazzi to show up, but I guess that’s too undignified a profession for a Phósopoi. Jin told me many of the adult residents of this city are upwards of three to five hundred years old, some even in the thousands.

  If I were that old, I wouldn’t spend long gawking, either.

  About to reach our car, the atmosphere shifts. The couple discretely walking beside us suddenly stops and strides away. The young-looking girl snapping photos of Jin on her phone freezes and runs into the nearby coffee shop.

  As I watch her scamper off, I hear a voice behind us. “So, this is the pathetic excuse for an Agora we’ve heard so much about. Old friend, I bet you wish you’d never left us.”

  The words are spoken with obvious vitriol. Next to me, Jin’s muscles go ridged.

  I turn around to face an angry Ken doll. Seriously, I think Mattel should hire this guy to do some ad campaigns.

  Beyond the perfectly coiffed blond hair, glassy robins egg eyes, and smooth, tan skin, the guy’s features are so impeccably symmetrical and flawless I can’t fathom he’s real.

  Until he opens his mouth again and ruins the effect. “Not much to look at.”

  He lewdly motions to my figure before his attention turns back to Jin. In response, my Kladí leans closer, nearly cutting me off from the angry plastic man.

  “If you want, I can lend you one of mine.” Ken gestures to the two beautiful women on either side of him.

  Vacant and glossy eyes blink slowly at us in unison. I shudder to think of what kind of drugs he pumped into them.

  Menace pours off Jin’s body, and he seems ready to explode. “Lewis. If you value your life, you’ll take back what you’ve said against Rose.”

  Jin’s cheekbones become even more defined as he sucks in a breath, obviously trying to contain himself, and I send him calming thoughts and feelings through our pre-Bond. It’s not much, but he must sense something because he turns, and his eyes and limbs melt a bit as he regards me.

  I nod and turn my attention back to blondie. From Jin’s stories last night, I know Lewis was his second-in-command when he led the Elites. Now that Jin quit, he’s probably the new leader. I also remember Lewis was unhappy when Jin left for NYC. Something about Jin leaving the Elites for a career Lewis believed to be beneath him. There’s a rift between the two, but I’m surprised at the level of animosity rolling off Lewis towards his former friend. Jin seems taken aback as well, unsure of what to do.

  “I don’t think I will, Assassin,” Lewis continues, mocking Jin’s nickname. “What will you do? Insult my clothes?”

  My blood boils. I can handle threats and words against me, but insult my Kladí? My hands twitch for something, and I unlock my fingers from Jin’s hand to clutch my jeans.

  “You’ve lost your touch, old man. You’re nothing now. I run this city.” Lewis takes a step toward Jin, ignoring me and his own Kladí, who still stand listlessly, swaying a little when he leaves them. I’m not sure they even know where they are.

  Jin watches Lewis warily, but he calms down.

  I, however, am heating up.

  “This is my city now. I don’t know what the High King was thinking giving you special clearance. But believe me, you won’t be around much longer one way or—”

  “Or what?” I seethe out.

  I step close to Lewis, and my fingers squeeze around something solid. I blink, staring at my hand wrapped around my dagger.

  I don’t remember doing it, but the dagger now presses up against Lewis’ throat so hard it draws blood. On the inside, I’m quivering with fear, but I manage to keep up an impassive exterior. My eyes narrow on Lewis, remembering why I acted so violently.

  Lewis threatened to harm Jin. Not on my watch.

  With a badassness I didn’t know I possessed, I repeat, “Or what, Lewis?”

  To my complete astonishment, Lewis pales at my words. It could be me, or it could be the super scary expression on Jin’s face, who reaches out to hover one finger over his former colleagues’ forehead.

  I like to think, when Lewis wets his pants, it’s at least twenty percent due to my ninja skills.

  “I think now would be the time for you to leave.” The ice in Jin’s voice permeates the heated atmosphere, slicing through whatever hold my instinctive anger had on me.

  I put away the dagger, but Jin’s finger still hovers over Lewis’s forehead, the tip glowing whitish-blue. He wiggles his finger, inching it closer to blondie, who pales even more. He’s the color of cotton now, his eyes bloodshot with strain.

  With a jerky bow in our direction, Lewis stiffly walks away, his Kladí floating behind him. I breathe out the breath I unconsciously held, smiling brightly at Jin. Normally, I avoid confrontation, but today Jin and I worked like a well-oiled locomotive.

  Jin turns around and stares at me for a moment, his face blank.

  I shift from foot to foot, words drying up on my tongue.

  “You are exceedingly lucky your Kladí is a Royal, and a favorite of the High King.” He’s not yelling, but Jin’s voice is sharp and low, his body rigid once more—like a talking statue—as he holds back a number of emotions.

  “What? Why?” I ask, indignant. “You threatened him first! And he threatened us.” I’m acting like a child, but I expected praise for my bravery, not anger at my actions.

  “You drew blood from an Elite with a weapon. Not just any Elite, but the leader. Threats have no meaning to us, but drawing blood from an Elite or Royal is a punishable offense.” Jin roughly runs his fingers through his hair, glancing away as he explains my error.

  He’s not angry, he’s worried.

  “I didn’t know,” I squeak out. To my horror, moisture gathers in the corners of my eyes. My pride in my uncharacteristically brave actions seems foolish now.

  Jin sighs and draws me into his arms. “I know, woori gongju, my brave warrior,” he whispers into my hair. “I nearly killed him myself, and I knew better than you. You can yell at me for being irresponsible; it’s a bit embarrassing at my age.”

  I lose the fight against the smirk growing on my face. I break out of Jin’s hold and stare at him. “Shame on you.”

  A small smile flickers over his face before he turns serious again. “To be honest, I should have stopped his taunting sooner. I admit, I wanted to hear what else he had to say. We might have the backing of the Region Two Royals and the High King, but the Elite are a good indicator of how the rest of the high-ranking Phósopoi feel about our return.” He sighs again. “We will have to be careful at the ball. Today has not given me confidence at our reception tonight.”

  I nod solemnly.

  Jin considers me for a moment before unleashing one of his rare full smiles. “We will have to dazzle them with your beauty and wit. Come, I have magic to perform and a princess to dress!”

  I giggle, taking his hand as we rush toward the car. “You spend too much time with Lucas. That smile is entirely too cheeky for an assassin.”

  Jin laughs, and my heart lifts even more. I love his deep, rumbly laugh.

  He turns back to wink at me, nearly causing me to trip in surprise. “I think it’s Lucas who spends too much time with me. There’s more than one reason I’m called The Assassin.”

  Oh, great. Another charmer. Are all my Kladí ladies’ men? I’m turned on, annoyed, and a little jealous all at once so I do the only thing I can: I break away and run to our car.

  No sense prolonging that conversation.

  Back at the house, Jin disappears to work on my dress. He already refurbished one of the many empty rooms with the equipment he sent from New York before flying to Minnesota.

  How he plans to make anything in seven hours, I have no clue, but he claims he can do it. He’s got a magic sewing machine or something.

  Actually, maybe he
does. Maybe a Kladí out there has the Gift of making super-fast sewing machines. It’s not impossible. Nothing is impossible when you’re a mutant.

  Left alone, I go in search of the twins and Sebastian. Jackson is off hiring staff for the house and Forrest is working with our security team, so it’s just us kids with nothing to do.

  One of the staff tells me I’ll find them in the indoor pool room. Room is a relative term; it’s more like an indoor pool palace, roughly the size of the entire Better Homes bachelor house.

  The pool itself is Olympic-sized, but built like a natural lake with a waterfall and everything. A lake with a built-in two-story slide, diving board, and under-water lights.

  While technically indoors, the room is actually a greenhouse. Warm, fresh-smelling air circulates through the gigantic space. Glass walls and a glass roof complete the room. Plants from all over the world fill every crevice, surrounding the pool with paths weaving in and out. The effect is breathtaking, like stepping into a tropical oasis.

  Opening the pressure sealed door, I bounce over to the guys, happy I found where my swimsuits were in my closet before I came out here.

  “Finally!” Lucas calls out from the floating recliner he lounges in.

  My Kladí sprawl near the shallow end, which tapers out into a real sand floor. I set my towel and cover-up on the manmade beach and rush to splash in next to Lucas.

  “Hey!” he protests, trying to save the ridiculously colorful cocktail he sips.

  Lyle chuckles softly before climbing out of the water and walking away.

  Sebastian, however, is in full alpha-mode, his sapphire eyes on the black string-bikini I found. He inches over my body slowly, the smile on his face growing wider the more he sees.

  “Do you approve?” I ask huskily, raising my eyebrows at my Kladí. I’m bolder than usual, my mental high from my encounter with Lewis still riding high despite the possible consequences.