by I. T. Lucas
She cast a quick glance at Anandur’s clenched jaw. “I could help him.”
“Or not. You can’t control what comes into your mind. Most of it is not good.”
Syssi sighed and put her head on his shoulder. “I know.”
But what if there was a way to summon positive visions? What if instead of opening her mind to whatever information was floating in the ether she could focus on what she wanted to learn?
Closing her eyes, Syssi imagined Anandur smiling and happy. Show me his truelove, she thought.
It was a long shot.
Thinking of the barrier in her mind, she lowered it just a smidgen and flooded the opening with sunlight, the scent of the Hawaiian breeze, and the happy memories she’d accumulated through their vacation.
Feeling herself drifting off to sleep, she sighed. Well, at least there was that. Instead of a sunny vision she was getting a peaceful nap.
The dream started almost as soon as Syssi closed her eyes. A young girl was crying in Anandur’s arms. He looked troubled and unsure as he ran his hand in small circles over her back, trying to provide comfort and whispering something in her ear.
The girl shook her head and cried even harder, the stricken expression on Anandur’s face getting worse.
In the dream, Syssi frowned, trying to decipher what she was watching. The girl looked too young to be Anandur’s love interest, especially since he preferred ladies in their mid-thirties and the girl looked barely eighteen.
Could she be his daughter?
It was possible. Perhaps one of his dalliances with a human had produced a child. But if she were, knowing her would only cause Anandur more pain. His daughter with a human would not carry the immortal gene.
What was the dream trying to show her?
Syssi looked closer, checking for any familial resemblance between the girl and Anandur, but there was nothing to either prove or disprove that.
The girl was tall, probably close to six feet or so. The top of her head reached just under Anandur’s chin, and the guy was about six feet seven inches tall. They had the impressive height in common. But where Anandur was a fair-skinned redhead, the girl’s long hair was so dark it was almost black, and her skin tone was deep olive. She looked like a Mediterranean amazon warrior woman who spent her days training in the sun.
“Everything is going to be okay, sweetheart, I promise,” Syssi heard him say.
The girl shook her head.
Anandur hugged her closer, kissing the top of her head. “Please don’t cry. You’re breaking my heart.”
Clutching his shirt, the girl nodded. “I’m trying,” she said in a shaky voice that was slightly accented.
Chapter 28: Turner
“Here.” Bridget spread a towel over her couch.
Turner groaned. He felt ridiculous sitting in the middle of Bridget’s living room in his underwear. “We should do that in the bedroom. What if someone comes over?”
He was badly sunburned, and it was entirely his fault. Served him right for being an idiot and not reapplying the sunscreen after each swim. Last night, he couldn’t make love to Bridget because his skin had felt on fire. Putting on clothes this morning hadn’t been a picnic either. He couldn’t wait to get home and take everything off.
Bridget squirted a big dollop of aloe vera into her hand, rubbed her palms together, and put them on his sunburned back.
He sighed. “It feels good.” Turner imagined a hissing sound and vapor arising from where the lotion cooled his skin.
“I told you so.” She smeared the blue gelatinous liquid all over his back, then reached for the bottle and squirted more into her palm. “Next time when I tell you to reapply sunscreen, don’t argue.”
He groaned. “There won’t be a next time.”
“Pfft, don’t be ridiculous. You love swimming. And I love watching you swim. All those hard muscles at work, yum.” She smoothed the cool stuff over his shoulders.
“You can watch me swim in the pool. Didn’t you say that there is an Olympic sized one in the underground?”
“There is.”
He pushed to his feet. “Let’s go. I bet the water is cold.” It would be heaven to submerge in all that water with no sun to spoil the fun.
Bridget wiped her hands on his arms. “I can spare half an hour.”
“Perfect.”
As he strode to the bedroom to get his swimming trunks, his private phone rang. Turner snatched the thing off the charging station, frowning at the display.
“Douglas, what happened?” His son never called unless it was Turner’s birthday or to wish him happy holidays.
“Hi, Dad.” He almost never called him Dad either. “Nothing happened. Nothing bad, that is. I wanted to let you know that I got engaged.”
That was big news. Turner didn't know Douglas was dating anyone seriously. The last time they had met, his son hadn’t mentioned anyone special.
“Congratulations. Who’s the lucky lady?”
“Her name is Melanie. We met a little over three months ago.”
That wasn’t long. Douglas was still young, but not too young to get married. Except, he was serving in a Special Ops unit, and that kind of a career didn’t lend itself to marital life.
“What’s the hurry?”
There was a moment of silence on the line before Douglas responded. “When it’s the right woman, there is no point in waiting. I knew Mel was the one as soon as I saw her.”
Turner thought back to the first time he’d seen Bridget. Had he known she was the one? Of course he hadn’t because he never entertained those kinds of thoughts. The only thing he’d known was that she was special and that he was attracted to her. But then Douglas was nothing like him. Thanks to his mother, the kid was normal.
“I’m happy for you.”
“I want you to meet her.”
That was unexpected. “Are you sure?”
“Mel is the best. I know you’re going to like her.”
“I’m sure I will. But the question is whether she is going to like me.”
Another moment of silence. “I’m counting on you to do your best. She is important to me.”
“Should I enroll in a charm school first?”
Douglas chuckled. “Just try to smile from time to time. I don’t expect anything more. I told her about you. She knows you’re not the friendly type.”
That was putting it mildly. “When and where?”
“I was hoping you can come over here. I’m guessing that you have enough miles to fly for free?”
As if that was a concern.
The problem was that Turner was about to start chemo and had no idea how it was going to affect him. Better to get the meeting over with before.
“I can be there this weekend. Does Sunday work for you?”
“Perfect. Our usual place?”
“Text me what time. I prefer lunch if that’s okay with you.”
“No problem. Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Turner put the phone back on the charging dock and sat on the bed.
“Congratulations,” Bridget said as she entered the room.
He was still getting used to that super hearing of hers. No conversation was ever private with immortals around. Not that he was intending to keep it a secret, but a few moments to process the news on his own would’ve been appreciated.
“Thank you.”
“Are you flying there for one day only?”
“Yes.”
“Why not stay the weekend and spend some time with your son and his fiancée?”
He shook his head. “We usually meet for lunch or dinner and that’s it. I will fly in and out the same day. Unless you come with me, then we can stay the weekend if you want.” He looked up at her expectantly.
The whole thing was going to be much easier with Bridget around. She could fill in the awkward silent moments, saving him from having to come up with things to talk about with Douglas.
“To meet your son?”
“Yes. Why not? I’ve met yours.”
Bridget shook her head. “This is about Douglas and his future wife, not about introducing your new girlfriend to your son.”
“Why not do both?”
She sat on the bed next to him. “Bringing me along will detract from Douglas’s happy moment. Let him and his future bride be the center of your attention.”
“I’ll miss you.”
She cast him a sidelong glance. “Nice try. You won’t miss me if you’re coming back the same day. Besides, with you gone, I’ll have more time to put the finishing touches to my presentation.”
He took her hand and looked into her eyes, hoping to soften her up. “You’ll be gone the whole day tomorrow, and then I’ll be gone Sunday. That’s two entire days out of the week.”
Bridget, Kian, and Syssi were flying to talk to the goddess, and Turner was not invited. It shouldn’t have stung, but it did, and not only because this project was his baby. Bridget should not be going without him. They were a team.
Fuck, he sounded like a lovesick puppy.
When had he become so dependent on her? Why was the prospect of not seeing Bridget for two whole days so disturbing to him?
After spending most of his life alone, this should be nothing. He should be glad to have some time to himself.
Right. He never wanted to go back to that. It had been okay when he didn’t know things could be different, that someone could care for him despite his oddities, or that he could care about someone and enjoy that someone’s company more than he enjoyed his own—which had been his default preference before he’d met Bridget.
Bridget lifted a hand and put it on his hot back, her cool touch soothing. “Put your trunks on and let’s go swimming.” She leaned and kissed his cheek. “Maybe after a nice cooling swim you’ll feel well enough for some fun time.” She waggled her brows.
Well, that was something to look forward to. He rose to his feet and headed to the walk-in closet. “Are you going to wear that red bikini?”
She chuckled. “No, I only wear it for sunbathing. I have a one-piece for swimming.”
“That’s a shame. I’m fond of that bikini. Though not while other guys drool over your assets.” The good thing about Kian and Syssi’s vacation home was the secluded beach the gated community enjoyed. There hadn’t been too many gawkers.
She walked by him, swinging her hips from side to side to taunt him. “Wait until you see that one piece. I bet it’s not what you’re expecting.”
He followed her inside. “Show me.”
“Take a seat.” She motioned to the bench.
“Am I getting a striptease?”
“Aha.”
“And you want me to put swimming trunks on after that? You’re a cruel woman.”
“On the contrary, my dear Victor.” She winked. “I aim to please.”
Chapter 29: Bridget
“Is this really necessary?” Bridget asked as she spread her arms and let William search her with his bug-detecting contraption.
Kian leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “Your boyfriend might have planted something on you. Where Annani’s security is concerned, I’m not willing to take any risks.”
She rolled her eyes. “Did anyone tell you that you’re paranoid?”
“You call it paranoia. I call it caution.”
“Do you want to pat me down too?”
“No, but I want you to change clothes. And shoes. Leave your laptop and phone here while you go upstairs to change. William is going to check them.”
Damn. This was one of the two outfits she usually wore for important meetings, and the other one was at the dry cleaners. She would have to throw something together.
“How do you know he didn’t plant bugs in all my clothes?”
“Just wear something you haven’t worn lately.”
With a sigh, Bridget lifted her large tote and put it on top of William’s cluttered desk. “You’d better check this too.”
The guy blushed. “Thank you. I was going to ask you to leave it while you go upstairs.”
“Don’t forget the shoes!” Kian called after her as she exited William’s lab.
“I heard you the first time,” she muttered.
Up until she hooked up with Turner, Bridget had been treated as a trusted council member and respected as the clan’s doctor and researcher; now she was treated like an accomplice.
Up in her apartment, she changed into a pair of black slacks and a grey blouse that she hadn’t worn in years. It was one of the few outfits that had survived the closet cleanup she’d done in preparation for Turner’s arrival. Paired with low-heeled black pumps, the ensemble would do. Conservative, comfortable, and blah.
On her way back to William’s lab, she stopped by the clinic. If Kian was in no hurry, sending her for an unnecessary wardrobe changeover, he could wait a few more minutes for her to check on Julian.
“Hi, Mom.” Her son looked away from the computer screen he’d been staring at when she’d walked in.
Bridget leaned and planted a kiss on his cheek. “What are you reading?”
He pointed at the screen. “An article about genetic mapping.”
“Anything interesting?”
“I just started reading it.”
“Let me know if you learn anything new. I stopped by to let you know I’ll be gone all day. If you need help, call Hildegard.”
“Where are you going?”
“A meeting with Annani.”
He whistled. “Must be important.”
“It is. I’m going to try gaining her support before my speech in front of the big assembly. If she is on our side, the clan will follow her lead.”
Julian pursed his lips. “Not everyone, but enough. The younger generation doesn’t hold her in the same high esteem.”
“Really?”
He shrugged. “You know how it is. This is the age of entitlement. They are asking what’s in it for them.”
Bridget patted his shoulder. “We will talk about it when I come back. The others are waiting for me.”
“Have a safe trip.”
“Thanks.”
She kissed him again before leaving.
In fact, she took every opportunity to kiss her son. Bridget hadn’t realized how much she’d missed him until he’d gotten back. Mothers were supposed to let go of their grown children. It wasn’t healthy to cling, and she wasn’t going to, but as long as Julian didn’t protest, she was going to kiss him and hug him as much as she could.
One day he would, hopefully, find his truelove, and then Bridget would have to step back and let another woman take center stage in Julian’s life. She was okay with that, more than okay, she wanted him to be happy, to be loved.
But until then he was hers.
When she got back to the lab, William performed another quick scan before declaring her clean.
“Okay.” Kian lifted his briefcase off the floor. “Is everyone ready?”
“Where is Syssi?” Bridget asked.
Kian grimaced. “She is not coming.” He followed Anandur into the elevator and held the door open for her.
“Why? I thought she wanted to visit the sanctuary.”
“It’s my sister’s fault. Spouting some nonsense about not mixing business with pleasure, Amanda convinced her that they should go together some other time. She said Annani would be offended if Syssi’s first visit wasn’t some grand affair which was planned weeks in advance.” Kian strode in the direction of his car, with Bridget trotting behind him trying to keep up.
“Amanda is right. I’m glad she thought of that. Upsetting Annani is the last thing we want on this trip.” She should remember to thank Amanda later.
Kian waved a dismissive hand as he climbed into the passenger seat of his Lexus. “Nonsense. She would’ve been happy to see Syssi.”
Bridget climbed up into the back seat. “For one hour? While we presented our case? I don’t think so.”
Kian turned ar
ound to face her. “Yeah, I see what you mean. Annani will want to show Syssi around and have her undivided attention for at least a couple of days.”
“You should make plans for that. You know it would make her happy.”
He nodded. “I should. I’m a crappy son for not thinking of it myself.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. I’m a mother, so I know how a mother thinks. When you have children of your own, you’ll understand.”
Damn. She was such an idiot.
Kian’s pained expression reminded her that he’d had a child once. A human girl who he’d watched grow old and die.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I forgot.”
He nodded. “I didn’t get to be a father to my daughter. I watched as another man raised her, and it was centuries ago. I have no idea how a parent thinks.”
That wasn’t true, but Bridget wasn’t going to correct him. The sooner this conversation was forgotten, the better.
Kian had taken care of his daughter the best way he could under the circumstances. Faking his own death had meant that he couldn’t have shown himself to her, but he’d found ways to provide for her and her children and then their children. He had kept them safe for as long as he could.
As they arrived at the clan’s airstrip, Annani’s jet, which had been flown in by one of her Odu servants, was already waiting for them, fueled and ready to go.
Kian, always the gentleman, motioned for Bridget to climb aboard first. Anandur waited until Kian was seated to close and lock the door.
The jet had four passenger seats, and with Syssi not joining them, Kian could’ve brought Brundar along, but apparently, he’d decided to leave his other bodyguard behind. Though in truth, even Anandur wasn’t necessary on this trip. Annani’s sanctuary was the safest place on earth for immortals. Kian didn’t need his bodyguards at all.
As she buckled up, it crossed Bridget’s mind that Kian wanted Anandur on the trip to keep her company. The Guardian’s job was to save Kian from having to talk to her on the long flight.
In that respect, Kian wasn’t much different from Turner. Both men were inept at social interactions, mainly at casual conversations. The difference was that Kian was emotional, sometimes overly so, while Turner was not.