Empyrean Born (Origins Book 1) Page 5

  “What’s that all about?”

  “What?” I innocently ask.

  He eyes me sideways.

  “Nothing. My hair’s giving me a headache,” I defensively reply, forfeiting the thought of the lip gloss I was about to put on.

  “Hair can give headaches?” he asks, genuinely dumbfounded.

  I roll my eyes. Men don’t get it.

  I don’t normally fuss with my hair, and I don’t fidget. Ever. But what am I doing now? Fucking fidgeting. Because our celestial bodies have needs too, and now that I am acutely aware that I’ve neglected mine for so long, it’s all I can think about.

  Gabe completely misunderstands my squirming and suggests, “We don’t need Luke. We don’t have to see him. I can turn around and take us to get more coffee or cake….”

  Pausing for only a moment, I recognize his last ditch effort to keep me from seeing Luke. They get along about as well as a toaster and a bathtub. Although, I could go for a slice of cake right now.

  “No,” I answer, closing my eyes and rubbing my temples. “We need him. I hate to admit it, but we’ve been hunting down whoever this is for months now and have gotten nowhere. The southeastern part of this country is in the throes of hurricane season. What if he chooses to fuck with that?”

  “Sharknado,” Gabe replies.

  Despite myself, I chuckle. He’s always been good at snapping me out of one of my moods.

  We pull up to the towering building and slowly make our way into the attached underground parking structure. The sounds of the street fade as we descend into the darkened garage. Even the new pine tree air freshener swinging from the rearview mirror can’t squelch the noxious aroma of tires and exhaust trapped down here. After finding a spot that isn’t tucked too far back, we quickly head toward the elevator which brings us up to the entrance on the main floor.

  The building’s open and brightly lit lobby is enormous, adorned with plants, flowers, and an oversized water feature. In the center of a large seating area is a baby grand piano. A nicely dressed man is sitting at its keys, pounding out a familiar tune while his voice melodiously echoes against the walls and windows. His eyes briefly meet mine, and he winks before returning his concentration back to his hands. I know him. He’s one of us, although his name escapes my mind at the moment. His beautiful pale blue eyes close once more as he finishes the song. I’m about to enthusiastically clap, having heard just a small fraction of his substantial talent, when I notice that no one around is paying any attention. Their mask-covered faces are buried in their phones, completely oblivious to the world and the beauty in it. It’s stupidly ironic that they’d probably watch and click thumbs up on a video of this precise scene, but they won’t spare any time at all to witness it in real life.

  A sad expression crosses my face as Gabe casts a knowing look at me and points to the directory on the far wall. I don’t have to say anything. He understands. This isn’t the first time that humans have disappointed me, and I know it won’t be the last. Still, they’re worth saving. Even parents can be disappointed in their kids but continue to want the best for them.

  The only architectural company in the building is located on the tenth floor so we cross the lobby to the next bank of elevators, and with only the instrumental music filling the silence, we ascend.

  Stepping into a short hallway leading to a completely barren waiting area, we scan the room. The receptionist’s desk sits empty, a sign reading Sieben Architects & Design is propped up against the wall, and boxes line the hallway leading to a closed door at the end. Empty offices are spaced equally along the corridor, their walls floor to ceiling glass. It’s completely silent, and I start to wonder if we really have been led on a fucking wild goose chase.

  New office or closing up shop?

  Gabe and I exchange a look, one that says he’s wondering the same thing.

  “Where do you think everyone-”

  Before he can finish the question on both our minds, he’s suddenly on his knees, his arm twisted painfully behind his back as we’re surrounded by men in black tailored suits. Instinctively, I find myself crouched in a defensive stance, the Dissolution blade in my fist, aimed at the man holding Gabe’s arm. I have no idea where they came from or how we missed the ambush, but something has the hair on my arms rising. Normally that only happens when….

  “Valkyrie.” My name leaves his mouth like a seductively laced secret.

  My eyes close, and I take a few quiet breaths to steady myself. I despise what his voice does to me. Images of him whispering my name into my ear while his sweaty, naked body writhes against mine swim in my head. I’m suddenly dizzy.

  But no. I can do this, I tell myself, willing my body to listen.

  “Tell your minions to let him go, Luke,” I call out to him over my shoulder. I refuse to let the asshole who has Gabe rendered helpless out of my sight. My partner simply watches us from the kneeled position.

  With my blade still at the ready, I slowly turn to catch Luke in my peripheral vision, catching his nod. To his credit, Gabe doesn’t even rotate his shoulder to pop it back into place as he stands up. Though he may appear calm enough - albeit slightly uneven with his shoulder dislocated - I can see the muscles flexing under his skin, his jaw tensing. Hell, he hasn’t even flinched under what I can only imagine is intense pain. But I know his anger, more than anything, is close to spilling over. I can read him better than myself. Something deep inside calls for me to check on him, to make certain nothing other than his arm, and pride, are hurt. The closeness we share can be inconvenient at times, and right now, I’m struggling to ignore that intense desire and focus.

  “To what do I owe this pleasure, my love?”

  I see Gabe give a barely noticeable nod, understanding the tug-of-war happening inside me. It’s a battle he fights, too. He’s telling me he’s okay and that I need to pursue this. Now.

  “We need to talk,” I tell Luke, the demand in my tone evident.

  “Can it wait? I’m running late for a meeting. Dinner, perhaps? Say, Antonio’s at eight? I can send a car to pick you up.”

  “No, Luke. It can’t wait.”

  His sideways grin reveals the dimple on his right cheek. Normally, that look would tilt me off balance, but not after he got the jump on us and then tried to blow me off. It’s taken me long enough to find him. He’s not getting away so easily. As much as I’ve been reluctant to admit it, I’m not firing on all cylinders. My abilities have been diminishing more than they ever have before, which stands to reason given how long we’ve been stuck here. Locating our kind can be tricky at best, especially when one doesn’t want to be found. It’s been a grueling process which has finally paid off, and I’m not giving up now. Demanding a favor from him and strong-arming his cooperation is new territory for me, but I’m pretty damn determined. I only hope he doesn’t see through my fragile veil of confidence.

  Luke considers me for a moment before nodding a second time to his goons. “Right this way,” he says, waving me toward the hallway. “But your boy toy will stay here.”

  Gabe doesn’t say a word, even as I answer, “Fine.” I know it’s going to piss him off, but it might be for the best. It’s been a while since Luke and I have seen each other, and the last time it didn’t end well. We damn near killed each other. Aside from my main reason for coming here, we also have unfinished business. Then again, when don’t we?

  As I begin to follow him, I take one more look at his men. Something about their appearance isn’t sitting right with me, and it hits me just as we leave them behind. They’re all wearing contact lenses, obscuring the true color of their eyes. I can’t understand why they would do that, but before I can think too much about it, we’re entering the office at the end of the hallway. It’s surprisingly modest yet tastefully decorated, filled with priceless antiques. I’d expect nothing less from Luke.

  Once inside, he shuts the door.

  “It’s good to see you, Valkyrie. You look incredible.”

  “Don’t start with me, Luke,” I bite out. He’s about the only one who calls me by my full name, and dammit if it doesn’t sound delicious coming from his lips. It lends weight to the heaviness of being alone with him.

  He chuckles, holding up his hands in surrender. “Easy there, love. I didn’t mean anything. Truce?”

  Reluctantly, I soften.

  “That’s not a smile, but I’ll take it over that scowl. Although, the scowl is awfully sexy. You sure you didn’t come here to seduce me?”

  The ghost of a grin immediately fades from my face. In its place are pursed lips and an exasperated sigh.

  He crosses the room and takes my hands in his. “It’s my turn to apologize. It’s been a long time. I’m sorry. For just now... and back there with lover boy-”

  “Gabe. I could spell it if you’d like.”

  Looking down at our hands with the grin still intact, he quietly admits, “Damn, I’ve missed you.”

  As my eyes are about to roll into the back of my head, he raises his to meet mine. I’d nearly forgotten what it was like to stare into those ocean blues. They’re hypnotic, both naturally and by design, and a human woman wouldn’t stand a chance. It’s happened many, many times. He and I aren’t the “exclusive” type. We tried, but the two of us together? It’s explosive passion mingled with regret, the magnitude of both difficult to ignore and damn well impossible to forget.

  Luke’s eyes and sideways grin aren’t his only enticing attributes. Beneath that custom tailored suit, I know the hard, lean body all too well.

  He breaks the gaze, only to look at my mouth, and before I realize what’s happening, his lips test mine, his heated breath daring me to stop him. I want to pull back, I should pull back, but I find myself utterly incapable. With one taste, I’m hooked, like an addict needing their fix. His hand tangles in my hair as his other arm circles my waist, closing the gap between our bodies. My arms find their way around his neck as the kiss deepens, and our breathing becomes heavy, rapid. Need and loneliness pushing me nearly to the edge. Suddenly, our hands are removing the other’s top layer of clothing. My jacket falls to the floor with a loud enough thud to snap me out of this spell.

  “No,” I pant. “No. We can’t.”

  “What? Val,” he pleads, his eyes still fixed on my lips.

  I step back and out of his arms, slowly and deliberately, not wanting to risk my body betraying me again. I’m almost shocked to see we’re both still fully clothed; all that’s been removed is my jacket, the knot on his expensive tie loosened, a few buttons on his shirt undone. There have been times when our supernatural speed has made the chore of undressing a mere hiccup in the throes of passion. For the first time, I’m grateful for my diminished powers and that little voice in the back of my head who told me the kiss was a bad idea.

  Considering my drought, this girl deserves a damn reward. I make a mental note to have Gabe take me for that slice of cake after this.

  Sitting on the arm of one of the chairs, I shake my head before cocking it to the side and looking at him.

  “Okay,” he reluctantly agrees, buttoning his shirt and then straightening and tightening his tie. I take a minute to notice he’s cut his hair short since the last time we saw one another. But that’s not the only difference. Somewhere behind the mischievous and flirty expression is a newfound seriousness. Perhaps he, too, understands we’re in dangerous times. It’s that thought which brings me back to the reason I’m here.

  “I need your help. Before you say no, please hear me out.” I hold my hand up to stop whatever words are going to come from his mouth next. “One of ours is behind this whole disaster of a year. Everything from the unprecedented weather events to the racially charged riots and political fiasco. Luke... even the pandemic.”

  “Do you have proof?”

  Ignoring my surprise that he isn’t immediately shutting me down, I answer, “He left us a message. Well, he left me a message.”

  “What message?”

  Just as I’m about to answer, his intercom buzzes. He looks at the phone on his desk and tosses me a pleading look. While he picks up, I puzzle over the thought of a receptionist. The front desk and waiting area were completely vacant; there was no computer, no phone, and certainly no receptionist.

  “Then get the fucking electrician down there!” he yells.

  I stifle a smirk. Gabe’s little stunt is causing him another headache. Something I’m sure Gabe will take more than some pleasure in.

  “Yes,” he continues, less hostile. “Reschedule. And tell Dr. Bowers I’ll be with him in just a moment.” He hangs up and returns his blue eyes to me. “I’m sorry, Val. My next appointment is finally here,” he angrily explains. Tardiness irritates Luke to no end. “You should go. We can meet tonight. I’ll see you out.”

  “Wait. What? No. What about-”

  “Val, I will meet you tonight at Antonio’s at eight. This is probably going to require a longer discussion, and my afternoon is booked solid.”

  Bending down, I hide my frustration and grab my jacket off the floor, giving him a disappointed look when I feel the paper tucked away through the fabric. Apparently, some things never change. I’m talking about someone staging an armageddon, of sorts, and he’s more concerned with blueprints. His life always did take precedence over others. But for as much as I hate this part of him, I have to remember that I do need his help. If we have to play by his rules, so be it.

  “Fine,” I say, surprised that my foot doesn’t stomp like a toddler. I walk up to him and stick my finger into his solid chest. “But you better fucking be there.”

  “I’ll be there. I promise.”

  Reluctantly, I leave his office. The ring of his cell phone and the sound of his voice fades as I walk down the hallway to the waiting area. So much for that veil of confidence. It evaporated far quicker than I’d hoped. I hate myself for caving, a terrible habit that surfaces when I’m around him. It’s one of the reasons our relationship didn’t work. When I’d finally come to my senses, I realized how much I let him control every situation. But our history being what it is, I still know he’ll be there tonight. The same as I knew I wouldn't stop until I found him. We are inexplicably drawn to one another. Testing the waters with that kiss was just enough to get us both hooked once again. Even if temporarily.

  When I enter the waiting room, I instantly observe several things. A receptionist, clearly the one who rang his office, is sitting behind the large desk answering multiple lines tied to a ringing phone. There is also now a computer monitor in front of her, the company’s logo affixed to the wall, end tables with various magazines are placed alongside the couches, and plants in nearly every corner.

  It’s as if one of those HGTV staging shows appeared out of thin air and completely transformed the entire space.

  Slowly, I turn to the hall behind me and notice the boxes are also missing and each office now has furniture, complete with computers and phones. But that’s not all. Gabe is nowhere in sight. My shock at the change in decor is wiped out and replaced with panic. And anger at myself. I never should have left him with Luke’s recruits - or whoever the fuck they are.

  “Excuse me?” I ask the girl behind the desk. She holds up a finger as she types with her other hand while speaking into the headset. How they can understand her through the face mask is beyond me. “I’m looking for my friend,” I try interrupting. “Did you see where he went?”

  She completely ignores me.

  I toss my arms into the air out of frustration and turn to see a man sitting on the couch watching me.

  “I think your friend stepped out for a phone call. Big guy? Has The Rock look, but with hair?”

  I can’t help but smile. “Yes. Thank you,” I say, trying to hide my relief.

  He rises and walks the few feet to extend his hand. “I’m Charlie. Oh, shoot. Sorry, I forgot,” he says pulling his hand back. “Chivalry is yet another casualty of 2020.”

  “Val,” I answer, somehow smiling at the handsome stranger despite everything going on in my head.

  He stares at me for a moment before fiddling with his pockets. “I’m sorry. I should have my mask on,” he mumbles.

  “It’s okay. Really, Charlie. So you’re here to meet with…” Shit. Luke’s newest name has flown right out of my head, and the sign is behind me.

  “Mr. Sieben,” Charlie finishes with a puzzled expression.

  “Of course. I guess I… have a headache.”

  I take a silent moment to thank human women everywhere who have nailed the best and most universal excuse for literally anything.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Why don’t you sit down,” he offers, ushering me to the leather couch. “Can I get you a glass of water? Hold on. Miss,” he calls out as he walks to the receptionist’s desk.

  Unsurprisingly, she sets the phone down and is all ears for Charlie. I certainly can’t blame her. He is quite the specimen, with light brown hair curved up into a rather stunted faux hawk, biceps nearly bursting the seams of his black t-shirt sporting the name of a band I don’t recognize. His dark but faded jeans hug the perfect curve of a perfect ass. And his smile reveals laugh lines around his eyes, an indication he enjoys life. I can’t imagine what business he has with Luke, but I’m all too happy to watch the way his muscles flex as he pulls out a ringing cell phone and silences it.

  Catching movement from the corner of my eye, I tear my gaze away from Charlie’s beautifully sculpted ass to see Gabe exit the elevator. Immediately, I get to my feet.

  “Wait,” Charlie says after me, a glass of water sloshing in his hand.

  “I’m really sorry, but I have to go.”

  “Well, here” he says, handing me a business card. “I don’t normally do this, but call me if you’d like to get a drink sometime. Other than water,” he jokes.

  Even with the chaos surrounding me, I laugh. Truly, I’d love nothing more than to get lost in this man’s hazel eyes with flecks of green. To talk about meaningless human things and forget the mess that is my life and that the lives of literally countless others hang in the balance. But that will have to wait until another time.