Page 21 of Dark Shaman: The Lost Treasure
It was such a waste to drink fine whiskey that way, but it was an even bigger shame that he couldn't get a hot babe even in his imaginary holiday.
Who would want to hook up with a guy who looked like him and had the social skills of a Rottweiler?
Hot babes weren't exactly lining up to spend time with him.
"Have you ever heard about Perfect Match?" Thomas asked.
Tim snorted. "Who hasn't? They run commercials on late-night TV when lonely schmucks like me are awake and seriously contemplating shelling out three grand for a three-hour mind hook-up with some random chick that could be a guy pretending to be a babe."
"We have them in the village and they are free for our use. The wait-list is long, but if you put your name down now, you might be able to enjoy it before your two weeks are up. At least you won't be wasting your vacation time."
"You know what? I'll do that."
Thomas smiled and poured more whiskey into Tim's glass. "Let's drink to the wonders of modern technology and the relief it provides lonely souls like us."
Tim nearly choked on the whiskey. "You? Lonely?"
"It's not that easy for immortals. It's not like we can have human girlfriends, and the immortal females in the village are either our relatives or already mated."
It was shocking that an Adonis like Thomas was lonely as well and also comforting in a very selfish way.
Tim felt some of the tension ease from his shoulders. Maybe it was the whiskey, or maybe it was the fact that he had that in common with a stud like Thomas.
"So, any advice for tomorrow?" he asked after a moment. "I mean besides 'don't die'?"
"You'll need to put up a fight," Thomas said. "But you don't have to last long, and you don't need to be afraid. Just trust your inducer and let it happen."
"Let it happen. Right."
"You will be overpowered, and it's better to surrender willingly than to feel helpless."
7
AMANDA
Amanda shifted Evie on her hip as she followed Syssi up the path to Annani's house. Her daughter's chubby fingers were tugging on her short hair with the determination of a one-year-old who had decided to change her mommy's hairstyle from short to bald.
"Gentle, sweetie," Amanda said, carefully extracting the strands from Evie's grip. "Mommy needs that hair attached to her head."
Beside them, Allegra toddled ahead, refusing to sit in the stroller or be carried. "Nana!"
Syssi hovered behind her, letting the girl walk on her own but ready to catch her if needed. "Yes, sweetie, we are going to Nana's house."
Amanda smiled at the exchange. Allegra had a strong personality—confident, precocious, and absolutely certain the world revolved around her. Which, in their little corner of it, wasn't far from the truth.
She adjusted Evie again, this time to prevent her from grabbing the necklace that hung temptingly within reach. "I'm dyingof curiosity. Mother says that this version of Khiann is so spectacular that she can't take her eyes off it."
"Two different versions of Khiann." Syssi's voice carried a wistful note. "It must be surreal for her to see him through someone else's memories."
They reached the door, where Allegra was kicking it with enthusiasm. Once, twice, three times before Syssi scooped her into her arms. "We don't kick doors, sweetheart. It's impolite."
Allegra glared at Syssi. "I want Nana!"
It was funny how the little girl remembered to speak in full sentences when she was angry.
The door opened to reveal Ogidu, his broad face creasing into a smile that was still a little mannequin-like but seemed almost human. "Mistress Amanda, Mistress Syssi. And the young mistresses. The Clan Mother is expecting you."
"Nana!" Allegra twisted in Syssi's arms until she put her down and then darted past the Odu before anyone could stop her, her little feet pattering across the marble floor.
