Chapter Twelve
Asher
“I wasn’t expecting a visit so soon.” I smiled as Echo sat in front of me at the bar.
“I need a drink, and knew I’d get a free one if I came here. Don’t flatter yourself.” She sneered, and it only made me want to laugh. She was laying it on thick today. It must have been a bad few days since I last saw her.
“So, let me guess, Lisa’s ex wasn’t the bad guy?” That would seem like something that would drive her to drink at seven in the evening. Her brown eyes that had been cast down looked up at me. The energy between us sizzled slightly. She was fierce and so strong. Something had made her into this woman who despised the company of others but made her want to protect anyone from going through pain, bringing justice to those who’d been wronged.
“He wasn’t the guy. Once he heard about Lisa, he actually cried, wanting to tell her he was sorry.” She exhaled loudly, and I knew what she needed. I poured her a glass and set it in front of her. Her eyebrow rose, but she took a sip, trusting me.
“Really?” She set the glass down and gave me a look of annoyance that was more potent than the one before.
“You don’t need alcohol. Just someone to talk to.” I watched her face for any reaction confirming that I knew what she really needed.
“Fine, all wise wizard. I’ve got so much shit going on in my head right now, and for some reason you annoy the hell out of me, but you’re easier to talk to than the other new friends that I’ve become acquainted with.” Her voice had risen, but since it was only the two of us in the bar, I didn’t sweat people trying to get in on our conversation.
“I take it you’ve joined the Hero Society?” I had been curious if she’d called them, heard what all they had to say.
“Yeah. They’re legit. Protecting mankind till the end. I’ve already sworn that oath once, so why not again?” She grabbed the glass of water and drank some more.
“You’re a good woman, Echo. Animal tics and all.” I winked, and she let out a soft laugh at me.
“So, what’s next on the agenda to catching the bad guy?” I changed the subject to something she probably preferred. Vulnerability was not a side she liked to show.
She looked me over, and I saw the gears in her head rolling.
Damn, it was sort of creepy how well I knew her. I couldn’t stop reading her, like a book that was written for me. I was good at reading people and all, but with her it was different.
If she was my mate, we were literally exchanging energies: part of her was coursing through me, and I through her. It would make sense as to why she would find me easier to talk to. Only spending more time together would tell if that theory was true.
“I have no clue. Wish you had cameras installed; it might have given us something to go on.” She looked around just to make sure her statement was indeed true. I shrugged. I didn’t have cameras.
“Sorry, not as big on technology as everyone. Signals and such mess with the natural energy of the earth. I’ve got TV and phone. That’s it.” I spent most of my time working, reading, and walking in nature, where I felt most connected to the world.
“Even I have the internet.” She shook her head, and I just kept on smiling, enjoying whatever was happening between us.
She pushed some of her shoulder-length black hair behind her ear and took another sip of water.
“I’ve been going through old files from the previous murders. Hopefully I’ll catch something others missed, and it’ll give a clue as to the identity of the killer. All while helping the Heroes figure out who the ultimate, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it bad guy is. No big deal, right?”
“If you need anything, I’ve got your back,” I told her directly, even though I had already said that I wanted to help find the killer. She seemed very thick-headed, and I’d probably need to proverbially beat it into her head for her to believe me.
She was staring at me, as if she was trying to see into my soul, to understand why I was so willing to help her with something that I had a feeling was personal to her but not me.
“Why are you alone?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” I didn’t know which aspect of my life she was talking about. Currently I was the only one in the bar. She could be asking about that, but I doubted it was that simple a question.
“The whole time I was in your apartment as a cat, you never had any calls from family. No one visited. No girlfriend, no family. You worked, read, slept, and watched some TV here and there. As far as I can see, you’re a nice guy, attractive, and seem to care about people. Why are you alone?” Her mouth stayed parted slightly after she finished talking, and I couldn’t think beyond the idea of kissing her again. I was alone. Hadn’t paid much attention to it, but staring at those lips made me think being with someone might not be a bad idea.
“My coven is all about breeding and continuing strong bloodlines. If we find our mates then of course we marry for love, but it isn’t very common. I wasn’t about popping out babies right away with someone I didn’t care about. I’m also the strongest wielder of wild magic there is right now, and sort of a rebel.” I winked at her and she shook her head.
“I left to do my own thing. I know they think I’ll come around eventually, so they aren’t pushing. And as far as a girlfriend, since I know that’s what this conversation is really about, I’m free. Waiting for the right girl to sweep me off my feet. You have my permission to court me now.” I smiled bright, and despite her normally stoic facial expression, a small smile graced her lips. She was warming up to me.
“Well, I can see why no fair lady has come to claim you after that kiss you gave me.” Her smile grew bigger. It seemed Ms. Cross was playing me. I’ll bite. She could use the pick-me-up, and I enjoyed this banter we had going on.
“I was still in shock from having my cat turn into a beautiful woman. I’d be happy to try again, convince you that we are simply meant to be.” I turned on some theatrics for her sake, and that smile on her face stayed put. Echo had been so serious both times I’d seen her. Even as a cat, she was kind of a bitch. But that smile on her face was devastating. It made me want to do what I could to keep a smile on her face every time she was around me. Which would be more often, if I had my way, and I would.