“Thinking of getting a tarot reading?”
Christian retrieved a peppermint from his pocket and paced the floor. “Have you ever heard of a Gemini?”
I got up. “I’ve heard the name, but I’m still learning about the Breeds I know. Why?”
He folded one arm across his middle and pinched his beard. “I know of a Gemini. Not a friend, but more of a friend of a friend. They’re a rare Breed.”
“What’s your point?”
He lifted his gaze. “They have an uncanny knack for predicting things. No one knows exactly how much they can see or sense, but people pay them good money for advice.”
I snorted. “Advice? Like the Dear Abby of immortals? Give me a break.”
“I don’t know if he’ll even see you, and if he does, I don’t know how much he’ll tell you. They can be rather infuriating, only giving away just enough details to influence the future. Or not influence. I’ve never quite figured that one out.”
“And you believe them?”
“Jaysus wept. Your friend just flew out the door, and you fought bears with lightning bolts coming from your fingertips. I never took you for a skeptic.”
I shrugged. “It just seems like if there was a Breed who could see into the future, they wouldn’t be so rare. Couldn’t they see their own extinction?”
“They were hunted. It’s a wonder any of us are here, and that’s why we keep our gifts to ourselves. Maybe it’s a bad idea,” he said decisively, marching up the stairs.
Curious, I followed. “Wait a second, if he can help us, why not? I’m up for trying a mystical fortune-teller. Does he use a crystal ball?”
When Christian hit the landing, he turned. “And that’s why I’m not so sure it’s a good idea. You can’t make this one angry.”
“I make everyone angry.”
“Aye, but a Gemini won’t be amused by your insolence. There’s something dark inside them, and if you anger them, they’ll hunt you until the end of time. The beast is sated only by blood. I’ve heard about them in stories; they’re not to be trifled with even if they’ve mastered the art of switching off their emotions. They have few friends because no one wants to get that close to a Gemini. If you break their trust, it might cost you your life.”
“I’ve got a lot of people hunting my ass down. What would make him any different?”
Christian’s gaze darkened. “They’ll kill everyone that stands in their way. Gemini are the things of nightmares—they’re the Big Bad Wolf in our world. You know how Claude gets when he flips his switch? Imagine that for centuries until they see you dead. They’re very old, to be sure, and every bit as strong as a Vampire. I’ve heard they’re perceptive to emotions, like a Sensor.”
I gripped the railing. “Are they the origin Breed? Do they also shift into an animal?”
“I don’t know, Raven. They guard their secrets.”
“But you think your friend might help us?”
“He’s not my friend. But if you’re looking for advice on whether or not to pursue this case, he’d be the one to ask.”
“Then we have to do it. Call him up and arrange a meeting. I’ll pay.”
“I’ll speak with him,” he said, turning on his heel.
I caught up and tugged Christian’s shirt. “I’ll speak to him. This is my case.”
Christian chuckled softly. “You’ll have us killed with your sharp tongue.”
“If it’s that dangerous, I promise to behave.”
“You’re incapable of keeping that promise.”
“That’s not true. You have more of a temper than I do.”
“It’s not your temper I’m worried about. It’s your tongue.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind and held him still. “The same tongue that’s going to be all over your cock tonight?”
He stiffened. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
I slid my hand over the front of his pants and felt him hardening beneath my touch. “This time I promise to satisfy you completely.”
He peered at me over his shoulder. “Why do I get the feeling this comes with strings attached?”
I withdrew my hand but kept my arms around his waist as he turned to face me. “Introduce me to the Gemini. I need to know if this case is worth pursuing or if I’m going to wind up destroying my career over it.”
He cupped my head in his hands. “I’ll move time for you, Precious. All you need do is ask.”
Chapter 15
I took another bite of my jelly donut and set it on the flattened paper bag next to me. One thing I liked about my old truck was the long bench seat. Lots of room to set things on, fit extra people, or even snuggle with Christian.
“I like watching you eat,” Christian remarked. “It’s like watching jackals on a kill.”
“I deserve a pound of sugar. I burned a lot of calories last night.”
“I have that effect on women.”
“I was talking about the bears. Hand me my coffee?”
I didn’t need to explain that I was joking. He knew. Last night, Christian and I had tried positions that were new to me. Because I’d had some of his blood to heal, he didn’t have to treat me like a fragile piece of glass. I sipped coffee from my thermos, thinking about the way his tongue had explored my body. The weight of his gaze, the heat of him, his rough hands all over me. I felt flushed all over just thinking about when I’d whispered his name and he slowed everything down. We stared into each other’s eyes for a long time, and I’d never felt more connected to anyone.
Christian lowered the visor and adjusted his dark sunglasses. “Did you notice Wyatt acting peculiar at the breakfast table?”
“If he was acting normal, I’d worry. Where is this place anyhow?”
“Keep going straight. We’re almost there.”
I handed Christian my thermos and reached for the donut. “Why didn’t he invite us to his house? It’s a little early for going to a club.”
“This is where most people like to conduct their affairs. You don’t invite strangers into your home.”
“A club isn’t exactly private.”
“I reserved a private room.”
I took a giant bite. “Swell.”
“You shouldn’t talk with your mouth full.”
I winked at him. “You didn’t complain last night.”
Christian pointed to a parking lot, and I steered into an empty space. When I offered him a nibble of my donut, he captured my wrist and devoured the glazed pastry, licking my fingers in the process. The amorous way he looked at me sent shivers down my spine.
“Isn’t that trench coat a little warm?”
He got out of the truck and followed me to the front. “Now that’s a peculiar thing to say to a Vampire.”
“You stick out like a sore thumb wearing a coat on a hot summer day.”
“Do you think these numpties care? I like all the pockets. More room for candy.”
I opened the main door. “You’re a twisted man.”