“All right. Done,” Marduk declared.
Well how about that? Enten marveled. It seemed that Marduk, too, was ready to get things moving, probably to get his wife home as well. She was still several months away from her due date, but Enten knew he would feel safer when she was near Dr. Dani, who was back at the compound.
Lahar gave Enten the thumbs up and misted out with a smile. Enten refused to lighten up until he had the final piece of good news that Glory would speak to him. He wished he felt as confident as everyone else.
****
“Oh.” Glory gave a start. Lahar lounged against the brick wall, on the sidewalk outside her office door. She’d been so busy shuffling keys, papers, and her cell phone that she hadn’t noticed him until the last minute. “Lahar, isn’t it?” she stated breathlessly. After a rough, sleepless night, she’d hoped to see Enten waiting for her, but Lahar was the next best thing. They were obviously close friends. Maybe she could get information from him about Enten’s hot and cold attitude.
“It is.” He smiled and his large brown eyes warmed. “Do you need any help?”
“Sure. If you could just get the door for me…” She almost dropped her laptop, but Lahar’s quick reflexes interrupted its trip to the sidewalk. He also snagged her sliding cell phone, all in one quick, smooth move. Damn, the acrobat had some fast reactions.
“Thanks.” She looked at the square-jawed male, and was once again astounded at the beauty of Enten’s friends. And Lahar acted so warm and friendly. “Would you like to join me for coffee in my office? We have one of those individual serving coffee machines and it’s pretty good.”
“I’m unfamiliar with that machine.” Lahar looked as if he would drool. “But I love coffee,” he purred. Funny how some people considered java as necessary as blood. The acrobat in front of her looked to be no exception. He eagerly took the rest of the burdens from her arms and followed her through the door.
It took a while to get to the break room. Every female in the office needed to be introduced to Lahar, who, behind his back—making frantic motions to Glory—tried to ascertain if he was hers or free for the taking. Glory didn’t want to release him to the sharks, so she played it cool and kept his status to herself before eventually leading him into the breakroom to show him the array of coffee selections. Glory suppressed a chuckle when he chose the darkest roast possible, and regarded her in fascination as she proceeded to make his cup and hers with the small machine. It must be nice to be so easily amused.
After handing him his inky liquid, he seemed unable to draw his nose away from the smell emanating from the cup, and following her blindly to her private office, settled in a chair across the desk from Glory.
“So. What brings you to Northampton, Lahar?” Glory took a sip, and couldn’t quite meet the man’s eyes as she pondered where their conversation might go. She needed to find out how Enten stood on their fiasco of a date yesterday.
Lahar left her in no suspense. “Enten’s really upset with himself. He thinks he blew it with you, and I came out to see if I could set things right.”
Glory was floored. “What?” Her voice squeaked. “The problem is with me, Lahar, not Enten. I have some…issues.” She stumbled over her words and tried again. “I’m usually more careful with my dates, not giving them reason to think I might be up for…uh, you know. Anything heavier than kissing.” Her voice ended in a whisper. How could she share more than that with this complete stranger?
“Yeah. He said you freaked.” Lahar regarded her over the rim of his cup, and she nearly died of embarrassment. So Enten had told his friend that little tidbit. Didn’t that make her feel like prude-of-the-century? She almost missed his next words.
“But he needs to know why you made him stop. He wouldn’t force you or anything.”
Glory sighed. Lahar had easily figured out she had some serious trust issues, and she really wanted to believe what he said about Enten.
She let out her breath. “He wouldn’t?” She swallowed convulsively, hoping Lahar would give her a little more to go on.
“Hell, no. As a matter of fact, if you knew how much he wanted you and how much will power it took for him to stop…” His eyes popped wide at what he’d just revealed, and he sputtered, clearly trying to backpedal after his blunt statement. “Shit. What I meant to say is…”
“No.” Glory held out a hand and interrupted. “I think I understand what you’re saying.” And weirdly, she did…and got a little hot thinking about it. Enten had pulled back when she freaked out. He’d clearly wanted her, but he hadn’t used even the slightest bit of force. She roamed in all new territory here when she asked the next question. “So tell me, Lahar, why didn’t he?”
“Why didn’t he what?” Lahar seemed to have lost track of their conversation.
“Why didn’t he…keep going? Have sex with me?” She questioned, blushing at what she’d heard coming from her own mouth.
Now Lahar’s bearded chin trembled with suppressed laughter. Maybe he liked her boldness, even if she wasn’t ready to perform.
“Because you panicked. Hell, even if you’d been all over his ass, he might not have gone much further. In case you hadn’t noticed, he’s got this…condition.” Lahar turned a worried gaze to her, which she strove to interpret. “His temperature is a little…off and he’s very self-conscious about it. Most women don’t like to touch him, so after a lot of rejection, he’s gun shy.”
Glory inadvertently cursed. Damn. She remembered specifically when that bitch model, Victorianna, had first touched Enten. If that’s the reaction he usually got from women, no wonder he’d looked so devastated when she’d brought things to a halt. She had inadvertently made him feel as bad—if not worse—than how she felt. If there was ever an incentive to overcome her own fucked up issues, it would be to make Enten feel like the desirable male he was.
And she could do it. The opportunity would present itself, and she’d have to take matters into her own hands, because surely—after having shot him down—there would be no more overtures from Enten. Glory let herself think of sex with him. She went still at the thought. His mouth, arms, chest…he felt cool all over. Would his cock…
Lahar must have seen the emotions flood over her very readable face, and he—uncannily—seemed to know the very moment Glory thought of what sex with Enten might entail.
“Yup. Cold dick too,” he enlightened her. “It will probably take a little getting used to.”
Glory’s mind spun back to yesterday, picturing herself sprawled back on the hot, sun-soaked rocks, naked and being impaled by Enten’s hard coldness. Her cheeks suffused with color. Oh my. Now that was a picture. And a good one at that. It suddenly occurred to her that maybe, in Enten’s need for her approval, subjugating her would be the last thing on his mind.
Glory took a deep breath to tell Lahar to call Enten. The man of her fantasies needed to know she’d be ready for him. But before she could put her thoughts into words, her cell phone rang. She scrambled back to business mode.
“Sorry,” she mumbled. “I probably need to take this.”
Lahar settled back and took another sip of his coffee, satisfied with the way things were unfolding. He’d have Glory and Enten together within the hour. He was sure of it.
He kept track of Glory closely as she listened on the phone, his posture changing as hers did. He felt all of his protective instincts kick in as her expressive face went from its previous shy arousal to hard and inscrutable. He grunted to himself. Whatever bugged her about the phone call, he should stay out of it. It was none of his business. It could be a work problem, and he needed to keep his macho defensive sixth sense to himself.
He already knew she didn’t like domineering males. They’d all been coached on that. How would she react if he growled out loud, grabbed the phone, and gave the asshole on the other end a gods-damned piece of his mind? Probably not well. Although his fingers itched to grab her device, he was able to hold back.
Lahar continued to
watch her closely. She clearly forced a small, upward tilt to her mouth and did a very poor job controlling some shaking that tried to overtake her body. He tried to hear both sides of the conversation with his super-god hearing, but the voice on the other end was muffled. Not so, Glory’s mumbled response. “Yes. I understand. Let me just get that for you. It’s in the other room and will take me a few minutes.” The phone slipped from her fingers, onto her desk.
Now Lahar tuned in to the voice on the other end that disturbed her so. “Good girl. I’ll call you back in three minutes with instructions.” The phone went dead.
“I’m so sorry, Lahar.” Glory nervously tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “Always a crisis.” The laugh she gave didn’t reach her eyes. “Sit tight will you? I have to solve a problem up front, but when I get back, we can continue our discussion.”
She said it like they’d been discussing the weather, not something that had been making her hot and bothered. Lahar didn’t like it. Something was very off. Glory rose and headed to the door.
“Umm, I’ll bring you back more coffee.” Before he could respond or ask if she wanted help with whatever problem had come up, she was gone.
It took one minute for Lahar to replay everything that had just occurred. It took three more for his skin to crawl with disquieting anxiety. Another half minute passed before he finally got up and looked out into the main office space. Right. No Glory. One more went by and he strode forward to question the girl at the front desk only to find out Glory had grabbed her light jacket and headed out the door.
Shit. He bounded outside, leaving the receptionist open-mouthed, and looked left and right as he pushed onto the sidewalk. She was nowhere to be seen and slowly, awkwardly, he filtered into mist.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Red alert. He sent out to all the gods who could hear him. Fucking hell. Glory got a phone call and disappeared. She’s already more than a hundred yards from her office and I need backup, right the fuck now. He was an idiot. Why hadn’t he paid attention to his instincts? His gut had told him something wasn’t right, and he’d ignored it. Because of him, Glory could be in danger, and the worst part was, she couldn’t possibly know why.
Lahar took to the sky and looked for her mop of dark curls and tall figure, hoping beyond hope that he’d turn into flesh again and fall like a rock, but he didn’t. She was long gone, and he had no idea how to look for her.
Chapter Thirteen
“What have we got?”
Enten paced frantically, but Marduk’s voice remained calm and level. The group had convened on the street in front of Glory’s apartment. They attempted to look inconspicuous, but even with only three of the gods visible, they remained impressive enough to cause people to stop and ogle them where they stood.
She’s not home or in her office. Enten couldn’t keep the panic from his voice.
“She drives a silver station wagon, which is not in her paid parking spot,” Anshar added.
…and she’s not in any of the restaurants where she usually gets lunch. Absu finished.
The only other place she’s been is to visit her mother, who is in that care facility in Agawam. I think we should go there next. Emesh had told them all about Kate, and if the mentally challenged woman was, by association, in danger, they needed to get to her, fast. If Kate remained blissfully unaware, the visit would only take a few extra minutes out of their search.
Enten couldn’t prevent the air around them from turning chilly while Marduk spoke. “Chances are we’re jumping to conclusions and she’s fine. There are any number of models and agencies Glory deals with in her line of work. She probably had to rush off to put out a small fire…”
…and lie, assuring me she’d be back in ten minutes? Lahar interrupted. Clearly he didn’t buy it, and neither did Enten. His mating senses had kicked in, and he could feel she was in trouble. He damned well wasn’t going to leave this alone until Glory was safe, and back in their compound―in his room―where she ultimately belonged.
Enten became adamant. She’s not the type to leave Lahar without a word. She’s in danger.
Marduk spoke to assuage him. “Listen. The conversation she was having with Lahar had gotten a little personal. Maybe she felt nervous and skipped out…”
No. She was totally into it. Lahar disagreed. She had started to sizzle in her chair before she took that call. She was so hot, if Enten had shown up at that very minute, she would have done him on the desk right then and there…without locking the door.
Enten groaned, pulling at his hair.
“Okay.” Marduk held up a hand. “Let’s take the next logical step and visit her mother. Emesh,” He looked to Enten’s twin. “Lead the way.”
****
When they reached the facility in Agawam, the first thing they spotted was Glory’s small station wagon in the parking lot. There was a collective sigh of relief. Enten’s shoulders relaxed slightly. She was here.
They all remained invisible to gain access to the building. And quickly on the heels of Enten’s relief, trepidation rose. When he entered the building, he―and Lahar―should have regained their bodies, but both stayed invisible. Enten looked at Lahar in a panic and addressed the group. Something is really wrong. Her car is here, but Glory isn’t.
Emesh spoke up. Try not to get upset quite yet, brother. Let’s talk to Kate and see if she knows anything.
Good advice, Emesh, Marduk agreed, but Enten pushed at his brother, unable to be calmed.
Just move. He ground his teeth. Show us where Kate is.
Emesh led all the incorporeal gods swiftly down a hallway. They misted past a desk where several nurses had convened, and it wasn’t difficult to hear their conversation.
“…still think it’s very strange.”
“I agree.” A male in a uniform of khaki’s and a navy blue button down shook his head. “Since when do three guys from the state come to interview a patient and then frog march the patient’s daughter out of the facility?”
“Not only that, but I’ve never seen Kate this upset. Jo and Bev are out in the courtyard with her now, trying to get her to settle. I’m going to call the doctor and see if he can prescribe a sedative. I hate to see her so worked up.” The nurse in the pink uniform picked up the phone as the others nodded their agreement.
Now you can panic, Enten. Glory is in trouble. Emesh growled at the other gods and goddesses, and Enten let out a tortured groan. His brother wasted no time, but rushed toward what Enten assumed was Kate’s room, glancing in quickly. When she wasn’t there he poofed out through the roof with Enten and the others on his heels, scanning the complex for the nearest courtyard. They didn’t have to look hard. A loud wailing made its way to their ears, and they followed the terrible sound.
“Kate, dear. Its fine, hon.” One of the nurses stroked an inconsolable woman’s hair as she sat, perched on the edge of her wheelchair. “Those men from the state just needed to get a little more information from your daughter. Everything’s fine.”
“Noo. Help her.” Kate’s voice rose as she rocked back and forth in her chair, eyes haunted. “Those men are bad. Glory will be scared.” She cried louder. “They’ll hurt her.” Enten saw her struggle to rise from her seat, but the friendly hands wouldn’t allow it. “Please…” she begged, before looking up at where he and his group approached. She sobbed, as if relieved, and her body sagged.
“Emesh.” Her relief was palpable.
Enten followed Emesh as he approached, not paying heed to the questioning looks of the aids as the fight went out of Kate, and she conversed with what appeared to be thin air. They’d think she was having a crazy episode, but Enten remained unconcerned with that now.
Emesh spoke to the shuddering woman. I’m here, Kate, and I’ve brought all my friends, including my brother, Enten. You remember Glory talking about him. I told you I’d bring him to meet you.
Enten knelt down next to Kate and picked up her trembling hand. Oddly, he didn’t seem to confer his cold
to her. Kate’s warmth surrounded him instead. It was an unaccustomed and strange feeling, but Enten had no time to analyze it. His thoughts were all on Glory.
Kate. We’re looking for Glory. He knew his fears showed starkly on his face, but he couldn’t help it. We need to find her right away. Can you help us?
Kate’s eyes cleared as she gazed at Enten. “You’re her man. You love her.” She raised a hand and stroked his cheek. Enten felt his face thaw in the one spot under her fingers. He was stunned, and held nothing back.
I do love your daughter. He marveled at the feel of the words leaving his mouth. She will be my wife and my mate for the rest of eternity. He answered honestly. She is my other half and I need to find her. We need to find her. Now.
Kate’s glance took in the rest of the group. She became calmer, as if she was suddenly sure that everything would be taken care of.
“There were three men who came to my room this morning. They made me get in my wheelchair, and they brought me out here into the courtyard and called Glory on the phone.” Enten connected with Kate on a visceral level, and felt the facts coalesce, knowing her mind grew sharper than it had been in months as she described what happened.
“They told her she had to do what they said or they’d kill me. They wanted her to get rid of whatever big man was in her office and get to her car.” Kate looked around. “They had to be talking about one of you.”
Lahar nodded at her prompt.
“The one in charge was worried about letting something slip in front of me, so I fooled him.” She gave a sly smile. “I started humming off key and reaching for butterflies that weren’t there. The imbecile thought I was out of it, but I listened carefully. Idiots are easy to fool.” She snorted. “They said they would bring her back to headquarters and thought some goddess would be very pleased.”
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