Rebirth - Book 1 Rogues Shifter Series

by Gayle Parness

  Chapter Sixteen

  After cleaning up the remains of our dinner, I walked into the back yard, nervous with anticipation. I had the necklace in my pocket instead of around my neck, trying to get used to feeling the magic, kind of toughening myself up. The night was cool so I pulled up the hood of my sweatshirt and waited, taking a few minutes to stare up at the stars surrounding the hazy half moon.

  A large raven sat on the edge of the low brick wall that bordered the yard, watching me, ruffling its feathers, and cawing once. Blue eyes stared from its pointed black face, causing me to gasp and take a startled step backward. Magical energy suddenly crackled around me, biting into my chest and making me shut my eyes in pain. When I smelled a familiar scent, I opened them again.

  Garrett sat where the raven once had, his thick hair mussed, with several strands hanging over his eyes, still managing to look amazing. Noticing my stunned expression, his lips parted in a smile. “Before I was made vampire I was a shifter and could use the ley lines as you will soon. In this present state I’ve lost my ability to transition into my original form, but on occasion I can pull a different change. Did you like it?” His expression was boyish with excitement, a kid showing off for his friend.

  Sensing my mouth was still hanging open, I shut it with an audible snap. I guess that explains why he wants to help shifters. “Umm … that was cool, Garrett. Why a raven?”

  “A raven is the easiest form for me to take as a vampire. It’s a harbinger of death,” he joked, using a spooky voice. When I didn’t respond, he shrugged. “It’s a good form for a fast escape and it’s come in handy more than once.”

  “Can all shifters switch animals?”

  “No. We usually just have the one form. I’m hoping soon I’ll be able to transition to my original animal again.”

  I narrowed my eyes in irritation. “How is it that you’re dressed after you change back?” This was a trick I wanted to learn, although I wouldn’t have minded at all if he’d ended up naked the way the rest of us did. I tried to keep my lips from curling up as I felt my face grow hot.

  “It’s not magic. I can just put on my clothes faster than you can see me do it.” He stood and walked in my direction, running his fingers through his messy hair. He was dressed in jeans and an unbuttoned black silk shirt showing off his perfect skin and hard abs. I closed my mouth and swallowed hard. This guy pushed every one of my buttons without even trying.

  As he buttoned his shirt, I noticed that he wasn’t breathing. “You don’t have to breathe?”

  “No, I do it to pick up scents. Also, humans tend to notice if you never take a breath, so I breathe when I’m around them.” He came to a halt a few feet in front of me. Garrett made a point of breathing in deeply. “Your scent is unique. Lovely.”

  I couldn’t resist taking in a quiet breath of my own. He’d moved to the chair to retrieve the jacket he’d left draped over the back, and bent to pick up his shoes. My heart was beating faster, my eyes taking in his every motion.

  Why was I drawn to this guy in such an intense way? Yeah, he was incredibly hot, but I’d always been able to keep my head around men. I had no illusions when it came to happily-ever-after and all that crap. Most men saw something they wanted and went after it. When they’d gotten their fill they moved on. I knew that love was out there, having seen it with Justin and Maggie and a couple of other foster families, just not for someone like me.

  Was Garrett using his glamour on me? Vamps had the ability to make you want them physically, making it easier for them to convince you to give them blood. I didn’t feel power coming off him, but then I wasn’t really experienced with how the magic worked. But he hadn’t tried to touch me except when the energy made my head hurt.

  When I dreamed of him, he opened his arms and welcomed me inside. But a male like Garrett must have dozens of girlfriends, maybe even a wife, or a mate. I was only his student, not even his friend.

  He spoke again, breaking through my jumbled thoughts. “What I’ve shown you tonight is between the two of us. Only a few shifters know that I can change form, and I’d prefer it to remain that way. Your magical abilities should be kept secret, too. When you’re skilled enough to defend yourself, we can let your closest circle know. Until then, it would be dangerous for you to tell anyone. Certain powerful supernaturals would seek you out if they knew the truth.”

  Pain from the lines attacked me in waves. I rubbed at my temples, frowning.

  Garrett asked, “Why aren’t you wearing the amulet?”

  “I’m trying to get used to the feeling.”

  “That’s foolish. It will only get worse and then you won’t be able to focus. You don’t have months or even weeks to learn the skills I’ll be teaching. You’ll think I’m being cruel, because there will be pain, but manipulating the lines is dangerous and I take my responsibility as your trainer seriously. I will keep you safe.” He lifted my chin. “Will you give me your full attention and follow my instructions?” I nodded, grateful that he’d decided to take the time to help me.

  “Do you trust me? I’m asking because when I train you, you’ll need to open your mind to me. Tell me now if you have any doubts.”

  He smiled to reassure me and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling back, especially when I noticed the sweet way his skin crinkled up around his eyes. “I do trust you.” The surprised tone of my voice made him laugh. I looked away. “Trusting someone .... It’s hard for me.”

  “I won’t betray your faith in me. You have the talent to become a great manipulator of the lines, a magical warrior, a lifeline for whatever cause you decide to champion.”

  His accolade was lost to me as a wave of hot static hit me in the belly. He reached out with his hand and I grabbed at it desperately, squeezing hard. The pain fled as quickly as it had appeared, and I found that I could breathe normally again. My gaze lifted up to meet his, my mind trying to communicate what my voice was too afraid to say.

  Please don’t let go.

  I knew he hadn’t heard my mental plea, but he kept contact with me anyway, as he led me into the house, his long fingers still twined around mine. I hoped with all my heart I wouldn’t disappoint him, or myself tonight.