Origin (Eternal Sacrifice Saga Book 2) (10 page)

“You can take time from Eternal duty?”

I shrugged. “Maybe? I’ll ask. Now I have a favor to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

“We’re going to the lounge tomorrow. Our final Chicago performance. What do you say?” I gave her my puppy dog face.

“Sounds perfect.” She stood. “Let me talk to Remie, I’ll be right back.”

Phoebe passed Micah as he came in with more boxes.

“What’s up,
boss lady
?” He set down the boxes and sat beside me, nudging my shoulder.

“Julian’s rubbing off on you, huh?”

“Yeah. What are you doing sitting here? You’re not gonna get out of here this way.”

“Guess I’m just taking it all in one last time.” I gestured to the room. “This is so weird.”

“Yeah.” He scoffed. “Tell me about it, we just finished up our place yesterday.”

“I bet that was an adventure, Mr. Clean.”

He scoffed, staring across the room.

“What’s wrong?” I narrowed my eyes. “You’ve been kind of quiet lately.”

“Eh.” He shrugged. “I dunno.”

“Bullshit.” I could always call Micah’s bluff. “Have you talked to Eli? Or Lailah?”

He shook his head. “Not much.” He stared at the floor, shuffling his feet across the carpet. “Eli’s been training me, but with all the border breaches, he’s gone a lot with Julian, Nate and Remie.”

“And you haven’t been going?”

“No.” He continued staring blankly at his feet.

“Is that what’s wrong?”

He shrugged. “I kind of feel like they don’t trust me.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Because of all these missions. I’m left behind doing stupid grunt work.” He kicked at the area rug beneath his feet. “And what’s the deal with all these Gemini matches?”

“Ahh.” I sighed. “You’re lonely.”

“I don’t think so.” He paused, staring at my bedroom door. “Well.” He shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know. When I was in school, I had a girl whenever I wanted. Now it’s all training and business, which would be cool, except I don’t think they take me seriously.”

Since I’d been gone, I had no idea what Micah was going through. I suspected part of my job as Eternal Mother was taking care of the Firstborns, so I should probably talk to Cade and make sure everything was okay.

“Well listen. Just keep training. Learn how to do your job. I’ll be on the lookout for your Gemini.” I winked. “In the meantime, just hang in there. Learn the ropes. When I get back from my mini vacay, I’ll take care of things. Deal?”

“Thanks, Chayah.”

“Hey.” I shrugged. “What are immortal mothers for?”

Cade

“Hello, love. How are things coming along in here?”

I entered Zoe’s room, passing Micah carrying boxes out the door.

She shrugged, sitting on the bed, hands in her lap.

“What’s the matter?” I sat beside her, pulling her into my arms.

“Nothing.” She sighed. “Everything.”

“What can I do?”

“Probably nothing. Everyone’s life is falling apart. Rainah figured out the Gemini thing, now she’s pissed.”

“About Julian?”

“Eh, she’s like me. Like I was, not ready to settle down. This whole thing is becoming a vicious circle. Before we converged, I somehow believed this Gemini Doctrine was only about me. It’s not. Rainah’s pissed, and even Micah’s upset.”

“Why is Micah upset? He appears to be doing well with his training.”

“I think he’s lonely. In part. He says nobody takes him seriously. I want to talk to Eli, make sure he’s spending time with Micah.”

“They’ve been training, but with all the breaches, I understand they’ve not had much time to rest and with concern for the Newborn’s well-being, they’ve not been accompanying on missions.”

“Micah said Remie was. You know, maybe leaving now isn’t such a great idea.” Zoe leaned down into her knees. “Gah, this sucks.” She shook her head. “Why didn’t I let you take me away when you had the chance?”

“We’ll find some time, I swear.”

“That’s the problem. There is none.” She sat up. “Newborns need to be trained. I need to be trained. And these constant border breaches are too frequent for our forces to handle, aren’t they?”

I pursed my lips. “I’m afraid so. Azriel’s attacks are only going to become more frequent and difficult to overcome.”

She put her hands on her head and squeezed her eyes closed.

“A vision?”

She shook her head. “A voice.” She opened her eyes. “I’m okay. So what does this mean?”

“It means the Elder Council has more work to do. To prepare for the threat of battle.”

“I sure created a mess, didn’t I?” She stared down at her hands and twisted her ring around on her finger.

“This is not your fault, love.” I lifted her chin. “You saved my life. Don’t ever question your judgment. Trust in your instincts. Always.”

“Everything’s falling apart. I’m supposed to be keeping this family together, but so far, the whole thing’s been one epic fail. I’ve been out of it since the Samael thing. Speaking of, any news on that?”

“Nothing more than what we’ve already discussed. Raz is working on it. We can ask them tomorrow. I think all the Elders are coming to the lounge for your final performance.”

“It’s all set up then?”

“Yes. All taken care of.”

“It’s going to be hard.” She sighed. “Leaving Chicago.”

“We’ll keep my apartment, or perhaps yours.”

“Why?” She narrowed her expression.

“We always do. Elders travel quite a bit, so it makes sense keeping a home in the locations of each incarnation.”

“I love that.” She smiled, color returning to her cheeks.

“You love this city, and I want you to be happy.”

“You are the most amazing man I’ve ever known.” She ran her hands through my hair. “Do you know how much I love you?”

“Yes. I do.”

Zoe stood and went to the door, turning the lock and shutting off the overhead light.

I tilted my head, my pulse racing as Zoe strolled back toward me.

I recognized her wanting expression.

Pushing me down on the bed, she sat over my waist, then leaned down and unbuttoned my shirt, her gaze undressing the rest of me.

“We never got to do it in my bed.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“Zoe, the Firstborns are in the other room.”

“So?” She leaned down, kissing along my jaw, her teeth scraping against my earlobe. “Isn’t this what newlyweds do? Besides, I’m the Eternal Mother. I should get what I want when—I want it.”

She leaned up, slowly pushing my shirt off my shoulders.

“And I want you.” She kissed along my neck, sending energy bursting through my Gemini mark, pulsing and quickening through every nerve. “Right. Now.”

“You have no idea what that does to me.” I growled, reaching for her hips, then turned her on her back in one fell swoop.

She let out a laugh.

“Chayah.” I thrust up her top. Kissing along her abdomen, I pushed the shirt up over her bra, slipping my fingers beneath the fabric, exposing her perfect breasts.

Zoe let out a moan and leaned up onto her elbows, removing her shirt and bra, dropping them to the floor. She sat up and ripped the shirt off my shoulders, then began fumbling with the button on my pants, tugging them down past my hips.

“Damn, Cade. You’re like a freaking Adonis.” She shook her head, her gaze drifting over my body. “So gorgeous.”

I got up and pulled her to her feet, bent down and tugged her pants off, shoving them down to the floor, leaving her naked and perfect.

“Hey, this is my show.” She bit her lip then gently pushed me to the bed.

I laid back and she climbed over me, taking my chin in her hand, kissing me voraciously, roaming her hands down below my waist.

“Cade.” Her heartbeat spiked, forcing mine to catch up.

“Chayah.” I groaned, positioning her hips. “I need you, love.”

“Take me, please,” she whispered. “Il mio bel ragazzo.”

~

“Thank you. For making my final performance here at the Lighthouse one I’ll never forget.” Zoe blew kisses to the crowd.

The audience stood, shouting and whistling at the conclusion of her encore performance.

“I love you all.” She waved.

Visibly shaking, Zoe held hands with her band. After a final bow, they exited the stage.

I met her backstage, carrying flowers from her Garden.

Zoe stood embracing Phoebe. Her head tipped up and when she saw me, she pulled away and ran into my arms.

“You’re all right, love.” I held her as she buried her nose into my shoulder.

“I never expected it to be so hard.”

“Here.” I pulled back and handed her the flowers.

Zoe attempted a smile. “They’re beautiful.” She buried her nose into them. “And from my Garden, too. Thank you. For being here. Letting me do this.”

“Of course, love.”

“Zoe?”

“Lucci?” Zoe turned around and glared. “What are you doing here?”

“How could you not invite me to your farewell performance?” Zoe’s adviser from Northwestern University stood just feet from us, hands on her hips, an air of arrogance wafting from her.

Zoe moved to Dr. Lucci and hugged her.

Dr. Lucci never took her eyes from mine.

I crossed my arms over my chest and narrowed my gaze, curious what the woman was thinking.

If only Raz were here.

“What’s this
final performance
nonsense about anyway? And were you not planning on calling me? Or saying goodbye, even? Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you.”

“I was sick, but I’m okay now. I’m leaving Chicago, though.”

“So I hear. Where are you going?”

Zoe looked to me, shaking her shoulders, silently asking for support. Though I couldn’t read her thoughts, her body language was clear.

I walked over and pulled Zoe into my arms.

“Zoe and I are married now. We’re moving to New York, she’ll finish school there.”

Dr. Lucci’s mouth opened. She pushed out her chest then her hands sprang to her hips. “You’re married?” She glared at Zoe. “You’re joking, right? Please tell me you aren’t serious.”

Zoe shrugged, stiffening her shoulders.

“What about your career? Are you just going to give up like that?”

“I, um.” She stared down at her feet. “I have things going on. Maybe someday.”

“She’s made her decision, Dr. Lucci. This is not your concern any longer.” I said, firm. “It’s family business now.”

I pushed out my chin.

Dr. Lucci narrowed her eyes and stared, gauging my answer. “There’s still a chance.” She looked at Zoe. “If you’re in New York, you could still have this EP deal with Infinity. They’re based there.”

Zoe shook her head. “I can’t now, I’ve got…I just can’t.”

“Can we speak in private for a moment?” Dr. Lucci asked Zoe, never taking her gaze from mine.

“Anything you have to say to my wife, you can say in front of me.”

Zoe pulled back and shook her head. “It’s okay, Cade.” She set her hand on my shoulders. “Can I have a minute?” Her eyes implored.
“I promise to tell you everything,”
she whispered in my head, though jumbled.

I pursed my lips and exhaled making it clear to them both I wasn’t happy about this.

“Don’t worry, it will only take a moment.” Dr. Lucci assured me, arrogant smile on her face, like she’d won this round.

I pulled Zoe close. “If you need my support, call on me. Do you understand?”

She nodded. “I’ll be okay.”

“Two minutes,” I said, firm.

Zoe kissed me, sending a message to Dr. Lucci. “Love you, babe.” She turned and walked away with her advisor.

“What’s going on?” Raz stepped up beside me.

“I’m not sure, but I don’t like it. I don’t trust that woman.”

Raz tilted his head, trying to listen to their conversation.

“And for good reason,” he said. “She’s not human.”

Zoe

“What did that blasted woman want?” Cade scoffed.

“Tell me how you really feel.” I smirked.

Cade put his arm around me as we walked out the back door of the Lighthouse Lounge just off Navy Pier, heading the six or so blocks toward Cade’s apartment.

Snowflakes poured out of the sky.

The city was creepily quiet, the only sound coming from the wind whipping through the alleyway.

Man, I missed Aravot.

I put up my hood and bundled up in my long wool coat.

Cade pulled me close, keeping me warm.

I exhaled, staring at my frigid breath drifting off in front of me.

“I’m sorry, love. I know this was a difficult evening for you.”

I shrugged, trying to avoid another crying fit, not really interested in frozen teardrops sticking to my cheeks.

This was my last performance. The shortest music career in history.

“What did Dr. Lucci want?”

“More of the same. Trying to convince me to take this deal.” I blew out a breath, getting my nerves in check. “I said no.”

“I realize how difficult this is. But it’s for the best you cut all ties with her.”

“I know. I’ll be fine. But I need you to take my mind off everything, okay?”

I stopped in my snowy tracks as a shadow crossed our path a few feet away.

“What is it, love?” Cade narrowed his eyes.

“Did you see that?” I glanced up and down the empty alleyway, snowflakes piling up on my nose. The streetlight above our heads flickered, then burnt out.

I side eyed Cade, and he nodded, pressing his finger to his lip.

A noise, like someone banged a drum rang out on top of a nearby building, the sound echoing between the alley walls.

I stared up, not seeing anything, but easily distracted by the creepy color of the sky. It was that weird purplish hazy grey, like a blizzard was ready to dump over our heads.

A bad feeling punched me in the gut as another whoosh moved down the side of the building and passed in front of us.

“What the hell?”

Cade scanned the area, eyes narrowed.

A shove to my shoulder had me spinning on my toes. Cade reached out to steady me. A second later, another shadow whizzed past us.

“He’s toying with us, love.” Cade let go, shoving out his arms as if to protect me. “Do you have your dagger?”