Page 52 of From the Shadows
She gave him a soft smile as she levered off the wall and continued following him. “He’s exhausted because he took on the bulk of my wounds as his own and is in the process of purging them. It’s a talent only the most learned shamans possess, and Jakar is top tier. As I lay on the table, he put his hands on me and I could feel my body knitting together, but I could smell his blood, too, as it seeped from the new wounds his body was developing. I tried to stop him, but his helpers held me in place, and I was too weak to fight it.” Her eyes were shiny. “If they hadn’t pulled him away at the last minute, he would have died just so I’d live. I’ll be off my feet for a few weeks as I finish healing. Jakar keeps saying he can complete the job, but I couldn’t live with myself is something happened to him. And I think Hal would be devastated too.”
Hal? “Why?”
“He’s always had a crush on Jakar, and I know the feelings are returned. It’s why Hal gives him shit. If anyone else had done what Jakar did, Hal would have forgiven them the instant it happened. But he likes needling Jakar.”
That was sweet, in a weird way. “What did he do?”
“Came into the house with wet shoes and dragged mud and leaves inside. He took them off in the mudroom, but still managed to track some with him. Hal berated him for his carelessness, and Jakar responded… loudly.”
“That’s sweet.”
“You’d think that. Jakar is unwilling to take any role other than the dominant, and Hal won’t give an inch if he truly believes in something. The two of them butt heads quite often. Still, with Hal being a… what did he call it? Spiritual American, I don’t see how a relationship between them would work.”
“Love finds a way,” Shay told her, his face heating as he thought about his cock sliding in and out of Diego’s mouth.
“I suppose. Where are Diego and Martin?”
“They went somewhere to see someone they called the Fates.”
Her eyes widened. “No.”
“What’s wrong?”
She got up, grunting and clutching her ribs. “I have to go after them.”
He grabbed her arm, as gently as he could. “Sorry, no can do. Per Diego’s orders, you’re on bedrest. The most strenuous thing you get to do today is play Monopoly with me and Jeremy.”
Her nose crinkled. “Monopoly with Jeremy? I’d rather fight the vampires, thanks.”
“What’s going on that you want to go after them?”
“When the vampires were fileting me, one of them said that Cristobal was eager to see Diego again and the time was drawing near. From the way he spoke, it seemed as though they’d been watching him for a while now.”
And with that, a chill went up Shay’s spine.
Chapter 16
Diego wasn’tsurprised when his phone rang. He pressed a button on the wheel, bringing the Bluetooth to life.
“Diego.”
He smiled. “Charla. Thank you for calling.”
She sighed. “You were ten steps from our door, and then you walked away. We haven’t seen you in ages, darling, and you deny us the opportunity to gaze upon that amazing face and body. How could you?”
“We were being watched.”
“Yes, yes,” she said, sounding bored. “There were ten of them skulking about, keeping an eye on you. Whatever you’re involved in has really got their dicks in a twist.”
He snorted. Charla was probably close to ninety, maybe more. She was funny as shit, and he enjoyed the time he spent with her. Fortunately, though she looked human, the gifts of her and her sisters made them paranormals, which meant Diego wouldn’t have too many issues around them. Still, it wouldn’t do his broody swagger any good to say he had a soft spot for these old crones.
“I’m sure you already know what they’ve got going on.”
She was quiet for a few moments, then gave a weary sigh. “About six months ago, there was a… flux that wrapped around your timeline, Diego. The convergence changed and no longer meshes like it should. There is an anomaly on or near your person. Despite the time we’ve spent together, your future is… weird.”
It could only be Shay. He’d healed Diego, made him almost whole again. Still, if the Fates couldn’t see him, Diego wasn’t about to tell them.
“Succinct as always,” Diego chided playfully.
