by C. C. Wood
“Uh, I found her, um, when she was a kitten and brought her home. She fit in my bag, so I, uh, named her Satchel.” God, his smile should absolutely be illegal. Then I realized what he said. “Wait, how did you know she was a female?”
He chuckled. “She holds herself like a queen.”
I sensed there was more to it than that, but I didn’t press. “Well, let me go grab my stuff and we can head out. Do you want something to drink or anything while you wait?”
He shook his head, his face still downturned toward my cat. “No, thanks.”
I walked out of the living room and into the kitchen, where my bag hung on a hook. I took a moment to make sure all the lights were off and Satchel had plenty of food and water before I went back into the living room.
When I entered, I stopped dead. Rhys was seated on the sofa with Satchel lying across his chest. While my cat wasn’t mean or violent, she was aloof toward new people. Especially men.
Rather than ignoring Rhys as she usually did when a new person came to the house, she was cuddled up to him, her head tucked against his chin, purring so loudly I could hear her from several feet away.
“Your cat is very friendly,” Rhys said, running his large palm over her back.
“Apparently, she is,” I replied dryly.
“Are you ready?”
I nodded.
With one more stroke down Satchel’s back, he gently set her to the side. “Bye, Satchel,” he murmured.
Despite my attempts to remain strong, I melted at his farewell to my pet. Satchel shot me an annoyed look when we headed out the front door, letting me know that there would be retribution for me taking her new friend away.
When we climbed into my car I had to bite back a laugh when I saw that his legs were folded up nearly double. He seemed completely clueless on how to fix the issue so I pointed at the base of the seat. “Just reach underneath and pull the metal lever then slide the seat back.”
He figured it out quickly, but didn’t buckle his seatbelt after I started the car.
“Be sure to buckle up,” I stated.
Rhys smiled, small but amused. “Why? I’m basically indestructible.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to pay a fine if we get pulled over.”
His smile widened, revealing long creases in his cheeks. Vaguely I wondered if they would be considered dimples but decided I didn’t care because they were attractive regardless. “I’ll pay the fine,” he replied.
“Yeah, but it’ll be on my record,” I retorted.
Though he didn’t say anything, his grin didn’t fade and he reached for his seatbelt without further argument.
“Thank you,” I murmured, putting the car in reverse and backing out of the driveway. “So, you weren’t specific when you said you wanted to look for a vehicle. Did you decide if you want a car or a truck? Or maybe an SUV?”
“I think I’d like something larger than this. But I have no idea what you mean by SUV.”
“Sports Utility Vehicle,” I explained, struggling to keep my expression neutral. Ava said that Rhys was different and probably older, even centuries older, but he seemed somewhat ignorant of modern technology.
“What’s that?”
I tried to think of the best way to explain it. “It’s a cross between a car and a truck, but the rear area isn’t open. The roof extends over the cargo space and there is a door in the back instead of a tailgate.” I knew I wasn’t using the correct terminology, but it was the best I could do.
“That sounds more like what I would want,” he stated. “I don’t care for trucks and most cars are too small for me.”
“Okay, do you have any idea what make and model you want?”
His look said it all. I bit back a sigh. This excursion would likely extend into several days rather than one. I despised shopping for cars and only did it when I’d driven my previous vehicle into the ground. My current car was nearly a decade old and I intended to keep it for a couple more years if I could. I hated all the people and the smugness that rolled off the sales person when we finally agreed on a price. A price that was more than I should be paying.
“Well, the closest dealership sells Nissans. We could go check them out first.”
“Let’s do that,” he agreed.
Five hours later, I was a bit shell-shocked. Rhys surprised me when we pulled into the Nissan dealership. Since I knew he would want a larger SUV, I parked near a group of Armadas. Within ten minutes, a man came out of the building behind the lot and introduced himself as Chris. I watched with concern as Rhys walked up to the white Armada with all the bells and whistles. Chris looked as though he wanted to turn cartwheels as Rhys circled the vehicle. I could feel the glee radiating from his body.
As they talked, I sidled toward the window and took a peek at the sticker. When I saw the asking price, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. He was looking at an SUV that cost more than my last three vehicles combined. Chris headed back into the building to get the keys and I stepped up next to Rhys.
“This is probably the most expensive SUV on the lot,” I murmured.
Rhys looked down at me and smiled. “You think so?”
He seemed completely unconcerned and, considering he lived in a tiny rental home, I worried that he wouldn’t have the funds for a vehicle like this.
“And the sales guy is practically salivating at the idea of you buying it.”
“I know,” Rhys replied, his grin growing wider. When he saw the worry on my face, he tilted his head. “I’ll make sure he gives me a good deal.”
Considering he’d told me that he’d never bought a car before, his words did nothing to soothe my concern. I had enough experience to know that haggling over a sticker price rarely ended up well for the buyer. “Okay,” I said reluctantly. I decided to wait and watch.
The test drive was hair-raising, to say the least. Rhys seemed determined to test the vehicle’s ability to handle turns at top speed. At one point I thought the SUV was up on two wheels. To my shock, Chris didn’t say a word, though I did spot a few beads of sweat along his hairline. As Rhys made his way back to the dealership, he wove in and out of traffic so quickly that my stomach felt as though it were about to flop out of my body. I bit my bottom lip hard to keep myself from screaming in panic. I nearly sobbed in relief when I saw the dealership a block away and my heart was still pounding when we returned to the lot. Negotiations began in earnest then. The longer I watched Chris and Rhys interact, the more suspicious I became.
There was something slightly off about Rhys. I’d been so distracted by his blinding good looks before, but now that I wasn’t the focus of his complete attention, I was beginning to notice things about him.
When Chris spoke, he listened intently, which I’d come to expect. However, even after the salesman stopped speaking, Rhys still seemed to be listening to something. He was also very in tune with what Chris was thinking and feeling. The longer I watched him, the clearer it became.
Rhys was some sort of telepath. I wasn’t sure if he could read thoughts or emotions, but I knew he saw beyond the surface.
At the realization, I had to fight the urge to curl up into a ball in the corner or maybe find another place to live. It was highly likely that he knew how attractive I found him. He had to. My private feelings were out there, whether I liked it or not.
I was in a daze for the rest of the process, barely paying attention as Rhys negotiated with Chris over the purchase price.
Now, he was following me back to our street and I had no idea what to do. I felt as though my trust had been betrayed. But I also understood why he would keep it to himself. Even among the supernatural community, telepaths and empaths were considered outsiders and avoided. It was dangerous for anyone to know our secrets or to understand our innermost thoughts.
I should know. I’d been on the receiving end of suspicion and even disgust.
As I pulled into the driveway, I was struck with an epiphany. If I began avoiding Rhys because of his a
bilities, I was no different than the witches, vampires, and shifters that shunned me. He didn’t ask for his gifts, and if he was anything like me, he probably thought of them as a burden.
I didn’t want to be that kind of person. I wanted to be the kind of person I often wished to meet. Kind, compassionate, and accepting. Even with my abilities, I did the best I could to avoid invading someone’s privacy. I didn’t know Rhys very well, but he struck me as that type of person as well.
I needed to give Rhys a chance to do the same.
When I pulled into my driveway and parked, I got out of my car and watched Rhys turn his new SUV into his own drive. He climbed out and walked across the street toward me. My heart beat a little faster in my chest as I watched him. His walk was smooth and loose, as though he were in complete control of his body and he knew exactly what it was capable of. The underlying confidence in his every move was sexy.
He smiled as he approached me. “Thanks again for helping me today. I didn’t realize driving a car was so much fun.”
I found myself returning his smile. He sounded so sincere and serious. “It wasn’t a problem. Honestly, I’ve never been on such a short car shopping trip. Usually it turns into an all day event.” Then I comprehended exactly what he said. “You didn’t realize driving a car was so much fun? Haven’t you driven before? How did you talk them into letting you drive without a license?” I asked, my eyes wide.
Rhys laughed. “I recently learned an expression. Money talks. When Chris found out I was planning to pay cash today, he was willing to…overlook a few things.”
“Oh my God,” I gasped. Well, that certainly explained the test drive and the fact that I’d been strongly tempted to throw myself out of the SUV every time we stopped at a red light. I had to bite back the urge to recommend that he practice his driving skills. Or take a driving class.
He continued to chuckle. “I’ve ridden enough to learn a few things. But I’m glad you came with me today.”
“I am too,” I replied. I was also glad he hadn’t gotten into an accident. He might be indestructible, but I certainly wasn’t.
“I appreciate it. I’ve never—” He stopped speaking before he finished his thought.
I understood then that Ava had been right. It was unlikely Rhys knew anyone well enough to call them a friend. I might spend a majority of my time alone, but I did have friends and family. I had people in my life that cared about me and were willing to do things for me. Somehow I got the impression that Rhys did not. I didn’t need empathic abilities to see that Rhys wasn’t used to people helping him.
“It was fun,” I said. It was a semi-lie. I enjoyed watching Rhys negotiate with the salesman and watching how animated he became when he haggled. The test drive and the process of buying the car, not so much.
He grinned. “You don’t have to lie.”
I recognized the teasing glint in his eyes and shot him a narrowed look. “Are you telepathic?”
Rhys shrugged. “Not exactly.”
“Where exactly do your talents lie?” I asked.
I watched as the smile melted off his face and felt a pang of guilt. I hadn’t meant to upset him, but his face revealed that I had. “I don’t think I want to tell you,” he replied.
Unable to stop myself, I reached out and touched his arm. I wasn’t prepared for the sharp buzz of awareness that shot through my body, nor the subtle swell of his emotions. When I touched him, I had a stronger sense of what he was feeling. He was still muted and difficult to read but it was no longer impossible to discern his emotions. “Why not?”
His eyes locked on my fingers as they rested against his skin. “You won’t want to talk to me anymore.”
His honesty surprised me and left me breathless, like a blow to my belly. “Rhys,” I whispered.
His gaze lifted to mine and I saw the pain there. I wasn’t used to this. The barrier between us meant that I couldn’t rely on the usual emotional cues to help me navigate our conversation. Instead, I was going on instinct.
“I’m not a good creature, Savannah,” he declared quietly. “I’ve done things. Hurt people.”
It was clear that it haunted him. I could feel the faint echoes of guilt and sadness resonate within him. Without thinking, I slid my hand down his forearm and laced our fingers together. “I don’t believe you’re a bad person, Rhys,” I replied. Tension wound tighter inside him, so I decided to shift the topic a bit. “Look, I’m starving. I usually eat lunch earlier than this. Do you want to order a pizza and hang out for a little while longer? You might be able to convince Satchel not to murder me in my sleep.”
Some of the pain cleared from Rhys’ expression and he hesitated for a long moment. Finally, he said, “I enjoy pizza.”
“I’ll even share my wine with you,” I offered.
Finally, his lips curved in a barely there smile. “If you insist.”
Satisfied that I had pulled him out of the dark place in his head, at least for the time being, I released his hand and gestured for him to follow me. “Let’s go inside. It’s hot out here and I’m starving.”
Chapter Seven
Rhys
I watched as Savannah moved around her kitchen with her cell phone pressed to her ear. She seemed to float rather than walk, her steps light and quick. With her multi-colored aura pulsing around her like a halo, she looked like an ethereal being, as though she belonged in another plane of existence. In my long life, I’d never seen the Goddess, but there was something about Savannah that made me think of the deity.
Then there was the dress she wore. The purple fabric was opaque in the sunlight that poured in from the kitchen window. I could see the shadow of her legs beneath the skirt. The sight distracted me, bringing up thoughts I had no business entertaining.
I didn’t listen as she ordered the pizza, instead focusing on the movement of her hair against her bare shoulders and the light flush of pink on her cheeks. I knew she was attracted to me and I felt the same, but I would never act upon it. She didn’t understand what I truly was. It would be wrong for me to take advantage of that.
I remembered the moment in her driveway when her fingers clasped my hand and the soft skin of her palm rested against mine. She hadn’t believed me when I told her I was evil. She didn’t understand that I was dangerous.
I shouldn’t even be near her, but I couldn’t stay away. The light that emanated from her soul was warm and bright and it drew me in despite my attempts to resist.
“Pizza should be here soon,” she said, setting her phone on the counter. She glanced at me. “Do you want some salad with it?”
“You eat salad with your pizza?” I asked.
Savannah laughed and I relished the sound. I liked her laughter. It was vibrant and warm, much like her. “Not usually,” she answered.
“Then don’t worry about the salad.”
She shrugged. “Fine with me.” She moved to the fridge. “Do you want wine, soda, water, or something else?”
“Soda is fine,” I answered.
Savannah smiled and took a bottle of wine and a can of soda out of the fridge. “More for me.”
After she poured the soda into a glass and added ice, she handed it to me. “Thanks. Do you want me to open the wine?” I offered.
She laughed again, her face and eyes lighting up. “Don’t worry about it. It’s a screw top.” Then she twisted the cap off the bottle and poured a glass for herself.
A delicate tap on my calf drew my attention down. Savannah’s small grey cat looked up at me with expectant blue eyes, her paw suspended in the air in front of her. Understanding what she wanted, I reached down and lifted her in my arms. I’d always enjoyed the company of animals. They were simple creatures that typically wanted nothing more than a meal or attention. I’d never considered getting a pet before because I was constantly looking over my shoulder. Perhaps in time I could change that.
“Hello, Satchel,” I greeted the animal.
She curled up against my chest, a rumblin
g purr emanating from her small body. Savannah studied us while she leaned a hip against the counter and sipped her wine. “Why did you say you weren’t a good…creature?” She hesitated. “Do you think you’re a creature rather than a person?”
I stared down at the glass in front of me. I didn’t want to discuss this but she deserved to know. “I am a creature, Savannah. I may have begun my life as a man, but what I am now…I was created. I’m not human any longer. I haven’t been for a long time.”
She stood completely still and kept her gaze locked on mine. “Then what are you?”
“It’s complicated,” I evaded.
She leaned forward. “Rhys, I’m not going to judge you for something you have no control over.”
“I don’t understand.”
Savannah put aside her wineglass. “Did you ask your creator to make you what you are?” she asked.
My only response was to shake my head.
“Did you want him to do this to you?”
“Of course not,” I answered.
“Then what you are now is not of your doing. You had no control over this and what kind of person would I be to judge you harshly for it? I was born an empath. Do you know what that means?”
I nodded, wondering why she was bringing this up.
“Did you know that other supernatural beings loathe empaths and telepaths because of what we can do?”
I hadn’t known that, but I could understand it. Anyone who could see into your mind or heart was dangerous when your life was full of as many secrets as ours were.
“I won’t look at you differently, Rhys.”
I knew that wasn’t true. She might believe she was telling the truth, but knowing what I was would change her view of me. I liked the way she looked at me, the way she felt about me. I didn’t want to change it. But I had to. She should know.
“Have you ever heard of the animavore?” I asked.
She appeared confused for a moment. “Creatures who consumed the souls of others? They’ve been extinct for millennia, if they ever existed at all. They’re part of the dark lore in our history.”