by Dylan Quinn
I was a full-on boyfriend virgin, never having even kissed a guy before Cade. At least not a real, passion laced kiss.
I saved that passion for my music.
Maybe I could share some of it with Cade. The only option was to try—whether for us, or for the souls that would someday find their lives—something I’d been lucky enough to have many times over.
My gaze returned to the harbor as I struggled to grasp this new perspective on my life.
The sun had dipped below the skyline, and the lights of the pier now lit up the night sky. So beautiful. I really would miss this.
Cade stepped beside me, hands in his pockets. His lips were pressed together and his expression said, Sorry I killed your kitten.
I had made my decision, and it was time to claim what was mine, what my soul had claimed so long ago. There had to be something to all of this if Zoe 1.0 kept coming back for more, and I needed to figure out what that was.
Chicago was my present, but Cade.
Cade was my Eternity.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Exhaling slowly. I stepped up in front of him and pulled his hands from his pockets.
His gaze fixed on mine as I wrapped his arms around my waist then put my hands on his cheeks.
"I'm attracted to you, Cade. So. Attracted. I can't deny that. But this wall." I sucked in a breath. "It wasn't built in a day, and I need time. But—” I exhaled. “I’m ready to try. To make this work.”
He briefly closed his eyes, then covered my hands with his and kissed my forehead.
“Thank you, love. For giving us a chance.” He took my arm and traced the scars beside my Gemini mark. “This has been a harrowing incarnation for you. And it breaks my heart. But I’m certain once you embrace this life and our love— everything will change. I promise.”
Cade took my hands and led me inside. He sat on the piano bench, and I sat beside him.
I stared at the instrument before me.
Mine.
Pieces of my former lives had been scattering through my brain lately, like vague memories. Nothing concrete, but enough that my instincts understood. Unfortunately, the memories were never enough. I still didn’t get it.
"Will it be like it used to, or do I go on like we just met?"
"Your memories will gradually return, and you’ll feel normal again."
"Normal?” I let out a sarcastic laugh. “What does that even mean?” I sighed. “I’m immortal. An updated version of the original female. Eve 2.0. What about that is normal?”
“It’s our normal.” He placed his hands on my cheeks. “I know this is confusing. So for now, focus on us. Our love. Nothing else matters.”
I ran my hands through his hair and pushed it to the side so I could drink in his soulful eyes.
His aura grew brighter.
The beating of my heart synced with his, and picked up its pace.
“Chayah.”
Cade’s nickname sent tremors through me every time he spoke it. He said it with such tenderness. Reverence, like I was the only one who existed in his world.
“You, Zoe. Are the very best part of me,” he whispered against my lips and set his palms on my cheeks, firm yet gentle. Possessive. “I love you.”
He inched closer and pressed his lips to mine. Consuming, yet delicate. Passionate.
My pulse spiked, became erratic and unchained.
He loves me.
A current of heat pulsed through my limbs. Shivers raced from my chest to my toes. Every nerve came to life with his declaration—one I had suspected—but to hear the words, sent my heart into a tailspin.
Cade’s kiss enraptured me in a way, I suspected, only a true Gemini would understand.
Cade’s unspoken words penetrated my mind…
“I will always choose us, Chayah.”
His pledge drove me to the edge.
I was ready to fall in love.
My arms circled his waist of their own free will. I slipped my hands beneath his T-shirt, and set my palms on his stomach. Traced the lines of his taut muscles as they quivered beneath my fingertips.
Cade brushed his hands over my shoulders, slid them up and gently grasped the back of my hair. Tilted my head to the side.
“Chayah.” His kisses danced up my neck and across my jaw. His teeth gently grazed my earlobe. “I’ve missed you,” He whispered. “Desperately.”
My mind went blank. All the stress and pressure of the past few days drifted away, and my focus aimed solely on Cade—his hands on my sensitive skin. The indulgent whisper of his heated breaths that breezed across my neck.
Cade leaned up, and his gaze stole mine.
“I need you, love.” His tone laced with want, like my body, sent goose bumps sprinting through to my chest. The mere sound of his raspy words woke my soul.
I was falling for Cade—the man I was fated to spend Eternity with. Now convincing my heart to trust it all—that was another story.
He lifted my chin with his thumb. Running it along my jaw, he followed the curve of my cheek, leaving light kisses, then brushing the delicate skin behind my earlobe.
My body shook. Quacked at his touch.
I tipped my head further as he continued his exploration of my neck. He reached my trembling lips that waited for him. Craved him.
His gaze burned into me, piercing my soul.
I chewed on my bottom lip as he stared. Damn, he’s beautiful.
Breathless, I crushed my mouth to his.
Cade pushed forward and parted my lips with his tongue, pressing further. He explored every inch, but it wasn’t enough.
I needed more.
Goose bumps blasted through me while my hands roamed over his abs, and his kiss caressed my mouth.
Cade sensed my urgency as his own. He skimmed his hands down my arms and around my waist, then gripped my hips firmly.
I had to feel him. I slipped my hands past the hem of his T-shirt. Set my palms on his thighs and snuck my fingertips down. Further. Closer.
Holy Hell.
I briefly considered whisking him off to the bedroom, but I wasn’t sure I was ready. I wanted to—every inch of my soul told me to go, but fear held me back. What am I afraid of? He was my Gemini. I suppose that meant my husband, for all intents and purposes. What was wrong with making love? Claiming him, body and soul?
Cade shoved out the bench and lifted me onto his lap.
Startled, yet so turned on, I straddled his waist and tightened my thighs around him. I returned my hands to his amazingly ripped stomach. My lips pressed to his mouth.
I may not have had the nerve to push this all the way, but damn it, I wasn’t ready to let go of his kiss. Or his touch.
I needed him. Craved him.
Cade craved me. Clear by his hushed grunts and moans, by his rapid breaths, his whispers that blew over my neck.
He wanted, no. He needed more.
And so did I.
My body and soul responded to him. Recognized him as mine. His energy surged through my veins, igniting a fire inside as he held me.
Cade slyly crept his fingertips beneath my shirt, tiptoed them up my stomach. Higher. My muscles twitched as he inched his way closer and brushed across my breasts, fingering the fabric of my bra, and slipping his soft fingers beneath it.
I sucked in a breath. A heated flush raced across my cheeks and throughout my body.
I was ready.
It was time to claim my Gemini.
"I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?" Raz's brutal words ripped through the air, tearing Cade from my lips.
I pulled away and buried my head into Cade’s chest, his heart pounding against my cheek.
Cade stiffened and wrapped his arms around me.
I peeked out from his chest just as he shot Raz a glare of death.
Raz didn’t seem bothered. He just laughed it off.
Raz winked, walked into the room, and sat casually on the couch. He picked up a magazine and flipped through it like nothing happe
ned.
“You two had better get some sleep. Tomorrow, we train.”
Heat rose to my cheeks, and I buried my face back into Cade’s chest.
Cade gently grasped my chin.
“Look at me, Chayah.” He lifted my jaw, and gazed with adoration. “Don’t be ashamed, love.”
He rested his forehead to mine, smiling. Eyes now closed, he wrapped his arms around me and held me close.
“That,” he whispered. “Was beautiful.”
~Chapter Twenty-One~
Zoe
A swift kick to the side had me rolling. I got to my knees, palms to the floor. With no time to get to my feet, another jab pushed me over, face first onto my nose.
Hell no.
I jumped to my feet as Rainah stood, hands resting on her hips that jut out to the side. She grinned. Her long, auburn hair was tied up, and her hazel eyes glinted with, no doubt, snarky thoughts.
I didn't think. I just kicked.
My right foot sprang up and caught her chin. I spun around to see her body fall back to the floor and roll to the side. I crouched down, waiting for her to come back at me.
She rolled up to her side, grinning.
"Nice. Didn't think you had it in ya." Rainah laughed then got to her feet.
"Don't underestimate the boss lady, Rain. She's tough, this girl. Put me on my arse once or twice.” Julian smacked me on the back and winked at Rainah.
I shook my head at Julian and started to turn back when his aura sprang to life. No longer a clear, white light, but a teal blue shade. It glowed beyond his skin, grew out around him and emanated beyond his body. The light increased its intensity, and his color grew brighter and more obvious.
Julian’s blue eyes lit up, a cerulean circle encased his iris. “You okay, boss?”
I was speechless. I didn’t see aura colors often, but when I did, it meant something. Their Gemini was near.
Rainah came over, shot a flirty look at Julian, then turned to me. "You did good—Boss Lady." She grinned wide, then winked at Julian and bumped him with her hip.
The air in the room changed. A new charge hummed around them.
Rainah’s eyes lit up, as did her aura. Her pure light turned the same teal blue as Julian’s.
I studied their identical auras exploding through the air around them.
I craned my neck and squinted as their lights grew brighter, nearly blinding me, but too beautiful to turn away from.
Their waves of blue twirled around each other like a tornadic wind, then merged. As their auras came together, a burst of light jutted up above them. Like fireworks, colorful beams twinkled above their heads then dissipated into the air, leaving a single teal blue aura surrounding them both.
Gemini.
"Zoe?" Rainah nudged me.
“Um, yeah.” I blew out a breath.
She shrugged, tossed her hair around her shoulder, and walked away.
As Rainah sashayed across the room, Julian's head tilted to the side, his gaze following after her, watching her hips sway. His eyebrow raised, and a grin crossed his lips. He winked at me and turned, then not so subtly, chased behind her.
Should I tell them?
Nope. Experience had taught me it was better to just keep my mouth shut, see what transpired naturally between them.
They obviously liked each other. But after matching Phoebe and Remie, I was losing trust in this cupid thing. I totally misjudged Eli, and matched two people—one immortal and one human—who may never be together. I felt sick just thinking about what may happen to them.
I wouldn’t be making that mistake twice.
My gaze searched for Phoebe. She sat in a corner watching Remie and Micah sparring with daggers. She had this look of pure peace about her, like she had all the faith in the world.
Knowing she may be leaving though, I couldn’t where that peace came from.
Her conviction was nearly impossible for me to understand. My childhood took care of that. If Eve had given up so much for humanity, why wasn't I protected?
It was as if I’d been forgotten. Forsaken by those who’d sworn to protect me.
Yeah, it still stung.
"How are you feeling?" Cade came up beside me and pulled me into his arms.
Should I tell him?
"You matched someone, didn't you?" He brushed my hair from my forehead.
"How did you know?"
"I’m your Gemini, we share gifts." He gave his infectious grin that made me want to sink my lips into his. Especially after last night.
"You mean you saw that, too?"
"No, but I see your light at all times, just as you see mine. That's how we find each other. It's the imprint on our souls, as you explain it. When you pair Gemini, your light changes color. Then just for a moment, your light grows—your soul lifts above you. An explosion of light ignites the Gemini seal for those you match. They've probably already received their marks. Then your light returns to you, and I know you've matched a Gemini."
He tightened his grip, lessening the gap between our bodies as he bent down and gazed into my eyes.
"You were blessed with a beautiful gift. I’m in awe when I witness a match. It happens so rarely, so when it does, I’m reminded just how amazing you are. And to think you take some of your light from me."
I'd never considered that Cade and I could share such an intimate connection. If the stories were true, maybe he truly was meant for me. How could I deny that—the fact that I was a part of him? A perfect match. And then to give me the gift of helping others find theirs.
Maybe being Eternal wouldn't be so bad after all.
I stared at Julian and Rainah, smacking each other around. They were laughing and being silly. Getting to know each other. While nothing about Julian sparked a memory, a part of me knew he was there, somewhere inside me. All Genesis were.
Eternal Mother, huh? It started to make sense.
My soul recognized them. Though still mostly hidden, there was something instinctive in the connection we all shared.
Bonded by blood. Family.
“Are you ready for a break? You worked very hard today, love. I’m impressed.”
“Yeah, I’m exhausted.”
After hours of military training, my body ached in muscles I’d forgotten existed.
Cade led me over to a break room, and Raz got my favorite pizza, Home Run Inn.
"How did you find this place, Julian?" I was curious how a bunch of people like us could come into a random gym without alerting attention.
"We have sanctuaries all over the world. We built this when Chicago was chosen for this incarnation. Keeps us hidden for miscellaneous reasons. We can use this facility for training, interrogating, whatever. There are rooms for us to stay in, even a weapons vault. It's like a hideout when we're chasing demons through the city, or protecting the gates from demon attacks or soul retrievals. And it's protected. No demon breaches here."
"Weapon vault?" My eyes narrowed.
Julian laughed. "Yeah, weapons. Speaking of, Raz—think it's time these Newborns get their toys?"
"Newborns?" Micah jumped in. "I ain't no vampire."
"What?" Julian's eyes narrowed.
"Movie reference, Julian. After your time." Raz smacked him upside the head. "It’s what we call the latest generation of Firstborns to keep them distinguished. In a thousand years, you won't be the newbies anymore."
His mention of a new batch of Firstborns made my stomach lurch. This recurring nightmare was more than a simple nuisance to my soul. I mean, seriously. How many times can a girl sacrifice herself?
The revolving door was not something I looked forward to.
"Once we've figured out your powers and placements," Cade chimed in. "We’ll get you each the appropriate relics and weapons. We generally don’t do this until after Zoe and I are bound, but under these circumstances, the Elder Council is allowing early initiation."
"What do you mean by placements?" Rainah narrowed her eyes and swung her hair around
her shoulder.
According to Julian, there was never a female Firstborn other than me. This time, Raz and his Gemini had twins, which he said had never happened before either. It had to mean something, I just wasn’t sure what.
"As Firstborns," Julian started. "Raz and Cade will oversee your training, discover what type of powers you develop. Then you’ll be given a choice as your placement, depending on your abilities. I'm fast, strong, and can hear thoughts like Raz here." He smacked Raz on the back. "I like kicking some demon arse and taking names, so I’m perfect as a Guardian on earth. Someday when I've been at this a while, I want to be a Gatekeeper in Aravot." Julian laughed.
He really was adorable. All the Eternals were.
"So a Guardian is a fighter? Runs around chasing Fallen Angels and shit?" Micah never was one to be subtle.
"Yeah, I think that's what you're going to do." Julian strolled over to him and prodded a fist bump. "Once you're trained, you'll be assigned a partner, probably Remie, and a location. Usually Zoe does that with Cade." He stopped for a second. "Though I don't know what happens this time. They didn't do this early in my day."
"What other assignments are there?" Phoebe asked.
"Well, Phoebe, there are two types of Guardians.” Raz joined the conversation. “Some do more combat with Fallen and demons, others watch over human souls, similar to Guardian Angels, but we all work together."
"So a regular human can become an angel?" Phoebe asked.
"Not exactly. Angels are separate beings, but humans have been known to receive angelic light on occasion, allowing them to ascend to the level of something like an Angel once they have passed to the Eternal realm."
"You mean, once they die?" Her voice trembled. "So what about Remie? What kind of powers does he have?"
Remie smiled and pulled her close.
"Remie is a wise, old soul,” Raz said. “I’m sure he’ll be guarding Aravot before he knows it."
"You mean, not here?" I asked.
Understanding crossed Phoebe's face, and Remie tightened his grip.
I couldn't quite read his expression, though I could guess what he was thinking.