Dammit.
He’s way too thoughtful for someone I’m supposed to be thinking of as my enemy.
“I’m good with this,” I assure him. “Thank you, Zeph.”
He nods. “Enjoy, Hazel.”
My chest gets tight.
If I hadn’t killed his friend, I could see the two of us getting along. We both naturally stick out among humans and even other supernaturals due to our power levels. We’re both painfully bad at holding a conversation. He’s also quite handsome. It’s too bad our species are bitter rivals.
I don’t think Zephyr is evil.
I’m just not sure he would feel the same about me if he knew what I really am.
Chapter Sixteen
Zephyr
Hazel confuses my system in a way that’s difficult to understand. The more time I spend around the little witch, the more perplexed I become.
I watch her give a tarot reading followed by a prediction in which she uses a crystal ball as a conduit. Before today, I thought both to be little more than parlor tricks, but I can sense an immeasurable amount of power when her eyes glow as she gives the selkie a reading about her relationship.
It’s even more baffling that she’s able to sustain herself with so little nutrition. Granted, she’s smaller than I am, but I was able to finish both the chicken fettuccine and half of her spaghetti while Hazel had maybe five bites of actual food.
She’s not looking after herself, and that grates on my instincts.
I’m a caregiver at heart. I believe all angels are. We’re drawn to look after those around us. To offer protection and nurturing to encourage humans and supernatural creatures to choose a good path.
Hazel checks the selkie out at the register and returns to her chair. I moved to the seat at the side of the table while Hazelwas working so her customer could be directly across from her. It puts our knees close together as she swivels to face me.
Angels are taught to ignore our base desires. I’m no saint, but I do attempt to limit my transgressions. Sexual intercourse is meant to be saved for mates and procreation. I have no interest in the second, and I’ve yet to meet my mate. In general, I find it easy to pretend those desires don’t exist…with everyone outside of the little witch who studies my face like she has no idea why I’m staring at her.
“You knew things about that selkie, and you saw what would come to pass in the future,” I say, clearing my throat as I attempt to focus. “Allow me to share the memory I have of the creature. Please? It may give you the spark you need to be able to discern something. Maybe even a vision of where I can locate it...”
She stares at me for so long that I think she might flat-out tell me no and ask me to leave.
Hazel sighs. “Okay, but no promises.”
I exhale in pure relief, scooting my chair even closer. “This will require me to touch your face. If you could stare directly into my eyes that would make the exchange even easier.”
The little witch gives me an expectant look and says, “I really don’t want you to get your hopes up—” My hands land on her cheeks, and her words cut off. The same electric sizzle that comes anytime our skin brushes bounces between us. I’m not sure if that’s what caused her to pause or if she’s as frozen in place as I am.
A trance forms between us as I stare into her bright blue eyes while mine glow in response, reflecting silver light on her pale skin.
We’re pulled into the forest the night Levi was murdered, and I relive the frantic search for my friend. I can feel Hazel’s presence, even if I can’t see her, to be sure she synced into the memory.
My wings flex as I come around the massive oak tree, and that’s when the creature comes into view.
The monster is all black, void-like eyes and skeleton.
No muscles or veins.
Just a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and sinister intent.
Certified death.
Its shock is palpable as it spots me.
