Chapter 22
As promised, Jacinda woke in Chatan’s embrace. She couldn’t help pressing closer. His warmth chased away the chill of the lingering nightmare.
Thanatos.
The creature was awake again, searching.
How long until the thing found her or her mother? She knew of several others related to her, scattered throughout the world. She’d never met them personally but had seen them while scrying. If they were still alive.
She wasn’t looking forward to breakfast with Loretta. No, she wanted to do something on her own. However, she didn’t think that likely. She had virtually no practice cooking.
And it was one of those things that unless she stopped Thanatos, she didn’t see the point in learning.
Chatan pulled her closer, and she turned to face him. “Morning.”
“If I wasn’t hungry, I’d suggest staying in bed,” he murmured.
“Your aunt is expecting us, right?”
“Yeah, she’ll wonder where I am if I don’t make breakfast.”
“I’m not sure I could ever get used to that.”
He nodded but didn’t say anything. She climbed from the bed and grabbed her clothes from the day before, shifting them into shorts, T-shirt, and undergarments.
“How did you do that?” Chatan asked.
Her eyes closed tight. “I can shift things from one object to another. And don’t even ask if I can change a stack of paper to cash. I won’t do it.”
His hand landed on her shoulder, his front pressed against her back. “I’ll never ask you to change anything for me. I’m simply trying to understand. Like last night. You shifted a rock into a blade to slash tires?”
She nodded. “Then turned it back. I have a few outfits that constantly change. A blanket that I change to a towel or wrap as needed. A few dishes I shift into various other dishes. That kind of stuff.”
“Practical.”
She nodded. “I do odd jobs wherever I go to keep me afloat for food, rooms, other necessities. But this way I don’t have to buy much.”
Chatan turned her around and lifted her chin to peer into her eyes. “Relax. I get it. And you somehow changed the dress to fit Taryn.”
She nodded. “And the night they got me in that van, I changed the gasoline in the tank to water.”
“Resourceful, and even less reason to worry about you.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Get dressed. And if you’re still interested, we’ll see George. And later, we can see if we can figure out a way under the falls.”
“I already have a plan.” She pulled out of his arms and dressed while he pulled on his clothes from the day before. She looked up. “I could shift the clothes slightly. It beats washing them, but I can’t guarantee they’ll be exactly as they were when I change them back.”
He grinned. “You wouldn’t mind?”
She shook her head. “No, but don’t tell anyone I can do this.”
“Not a soul.”
“Too many people would abuse that gift. I’d rather only use it when it’s necessary.”
“I won’t ask you to change anything, though I won’t mind if you do something like this when I need to get dressed.”
She dipped her head and took his pants and shirt and changed the color of both slightly.
“You know, you could just stay in my room,” he murmured.
She shook her head. “That would be weird, with your aunt there.”
“She wouldn’t care.” Chatan took her hand. “Honest. We’re adults.”
“Yeah, but I’ll feel weird. Besides, that’s one more way for you all to check up on me, and I told you I’m not going to be down with that.”
“Not asking you to be. Though I’ll ask you to let me know if you’re going to disappear, so I don’t worry. And if you don’t, I’ll live.”
She nodded before leaving the room. She never thought she’d be confused by her feelings as she was in that moment. He was willing to accept her and her needs, without too many questions. And he didn’t want anything from her, other than her. But she knew he wanted her to tell him everything. And she understood why, but she couldn’t tell him everything. He would never understand.
His hands closed over her shoulders and she leaned back against his solid chest. “Jace, why so quiet? I told you, I’ll deal with whatever comes our way.”
He had no clue what he was offering, and he didn’t understand how deep the trouble truly ran. Maybe one day she’d tell him, before she had to leave. But right now, she wanted to enjoy the time they had, because forever wasn’t on the table at present.
“I’m not used to being with someone, Chatan.” She turned to meet his gaze. “I know there needs to be some compromise.”
Chatan slipped his hand into her hair and smiled. “We’ll figure it out. I’m not asking you to give me more than you can. Okay?”
She nodded, leaning up to capture his lips.
He made a purring sound as he pulled her closer. She could easily become addicted to his warmth. She pushed him back. “We shouldn’t keep her waiting.”
“She knows where we are. I told her if you’d let me stay, I wasn’t coming home.”
Jacinda nodded.
He pulled her toward the door. “You’ll have no judgment from her. I promise.”
* * * *
Chatan was glad Loretta stuck around through breakfast. Jacinda seemed to relax as she realized there were going to be no awkward questions.
“You’re going to meet George today?” Loretta asked Jacinda.
She nodded. “Any suggestions?”
“Oh, you won’t have a problem as long as you’re eager to learn. And with Chatan helping you, that shouldn’t be an issue.”
Jacinda smiled. “I do like to learn.”
“He’ll be happy to have a smiling face in the nursery,” Chatan murmured, squeezing her thigh.
Loretta went to gather dishes, and Jacinda hopped up and took the plate from her hand. “Let me. It’s the least I can do.”
“If you’re sure,” she answered.
“I am,” Jacinda assured. “I’ve been cleaning up in the mornings.”
“It’s appreciated, but not necessary.”
“No, but you keep feeding me.”
“Because you’re a pleasure to have over. And you’re keeping Chatan out of trouble.”
Jacinda frowned as she turned to start the water.
Chatan hid his smile. “She blames herself for those jerks from Saint Morton wandering around.”
Loretta sighed. “We’re trying to find a way to keep them away from the reservation. So far that hasn’t been easy. I’m sure we’ll come up with something before they find you.”
Jacinda froze, her body tensing. Chatan sensed her nerves ratcheting up.
“Jacinda, we all know you haven’t done a damned thing wrong. We all know the real reason they want you. No one is going to turn you in to them.”
“I know, but that everyone knows is unnerving,” Jacinda muttered.
Loretta got up and touched Jacinda’s shoulder. “We’re glad you’re here. There may be one exception, but Jenna has never been very bright.”
“Thanks.” Jacinda turned to Loretta. “Chatan is convinced I shouldn’t leave until they stop Josephine.”
Loretta nodded. “Better you stay here. They could track you down if you leave. She can’t come here. She’s not exactly human now.”
“She’s a strigoi,” Jacinda explained. “Undead. Survives off magic. You know she was dead for several years.”
“She was dead for five years. I have never heard of a strigoi,” Loretta answered.
Jacinda pinched the bridge of her nose. “They’re vampire-like. They need magical essence to survive. Which would explain why she’s taking Others, but how is she draining them? Aren’t the Monvoisins psionics? Usually true casters who steal magic become the dark versions. A psionic would need something to channel essence from Others. They don’t have the magic to do it themselves”
“They are. But there are ways to steal another’s essence. All of them dark arts. Whatever she is now, she’s preying on Others. And I promise you, we’re glad you’re here, as opposed to out there, where they can get to you.”
Jacinda smiled. “Thanks. Still, if I weren’t here, they wouldn’t be bothering with you all.”
Loretta shook her head. “No, because she doesn’t want to piss off the elders. That’s the only reason she hasn’t taken one of ours, but that will change if she gets desperate enough. I’ve seen similar things happen in the past.”
“Her family?” Jacinda asked.
“Long ago, one of them had found an object that could steal magic, but last I heard, the Silver Council had hidden that away.”
“What was it?”
“The Galican.”
“Hmm.” Jacinda grew quiet, thoughtful, but went back to work on the dishes. “I read about it once. It’s been missing for a hundred years.”
Loretta shrugged. “I heard that a mage hid it. Now, you two have a good day. And I’d wish you luck, Jacinda, but you won’t need it. You’ll be a welcome addition to the nursery.”
“Thank you. For everything,” Jacinda said.
Loretta gave her a quick hug and hurried out the door.
“So, you ready to go meet your new boss?” he asked.
“Sure. I hope I don’t make a fool of myself.”
“You won’t,” he promised. George was a sucker for a beautiful smile, and Jacinda definitely had one.