Protector (17 page)

“How?” was all I could
manage.  It wasn’t absurd to believe it to be real, just overwhelming.  All I could see in my mind's eye was that scorpion kills Orion. 

“And you?” His eyes pointed downward.

I lifted my shirt without hesitation.  He saw.  I dropped my shirt.  No doubt the display of apparent clothing exchange baffled some.  “And this explains the name they called you.  They know you have it?”  I nodded my head at his men and
the boys
.

“Yes and yes.”

“And you knew I had one?”

He flashed a pirate smile.  “Yes, but not what.  It is Orion surrounded by the sun I
’m guessing. I imagine at closer inspection, I might find myself represented down there too.”

Not
gonna happen.  So he knew some things.

“Do you know the meaning?” he asked.

“No, but I’m wagering to guess that you’re the scorpion that killed Orion and I’m somehow the link between them all.”

“Wow, gorgeous, sassy, and smart.”

Was that a compliment?  I didn’t react, letting ice form around heart.  “What do you want?”

“Do you see what you missed?”