Piper

 

“Desmond Devoy, professor at the University of Cambridge," I said out loud, adjusting the fake glasses I was wearing. "I didn't know you knew him."

We’d just exited a bus and were walking through the twisting cobblestone streets of Cambridge to the Shell Building of the university there. All of the buildings were of a gray-gold stone, blending the college and city into one.

“You do not know everything about me, Piper,” Balt teased, looking hilarious in his hoodie and slacks. “Or rather, you do not remember everything. I met Professor Devoy when he taught in LA. He’s a Biological Anthropologist, with degrees in primatology and mythology. He helped with the Ravenscar case. Remember, I’d bring him samples and stuff?”

“Sort of,” I said, even though I didn’t really recall that at all. “And you kept in touch?”

“Yeah.” He laughed at me. “He’s one of my buddies I’d go hit the bars with.”

“Oh,” I said, secretly understanding why I had no memory of this Professor Devoy. I’d always tried to ignore that part of Balt’s life, where he went out with his boys and picked up women. It made me feel awkward and jealous, so I’d ignored it. Besides, it’s not like I hadn’t gone out with Soraya and my girls from time to time.

“Yeah, I’ve really missed the guy. He likes to travel around and teach at different places. But you two should get along, with all your degrees and stuff.”

I tossed my head and shrugged. A lot of shifters in Shifters of Anubis eschewed getting degrees, but I'd gone to school part-time for almost ten years. My father had two Ph.D.'s and connections up and down the coast. In another life, I often thought I'd be a researcher or a professor.

"You know, from time to time, it has occurred to me you deserved more than the Shifters of Anubis,” Balt said, reading my mind. You’re so smart, Pipla – I could see you hobnobbing with the high-browed academics and winning Pulitzers.”

I permitted myself a smile. “No way. You’re the creative one.”

Balt shrugged. “No more than you.”

I shook my head. Balt was always determined to get in the last compliment.

After finding the Shell Building, it turned out Professor Devoy was in the Zoology Museum, which was thankfully close by. However, when we entered, I made a face. It was filled with glass exhibits of taxidermies of animals from around the world. As we wandered through, looking for Devoy, my skin crawled and Balt reached out to give my hand a reassuring squeeze.

It's fine, I said sternly. They’ve been dead a long time.

But when I came face to face with a lion, a soft sound escaped my lips and dizziness hit me.

Balt.

The Kazan Lion lineage.

“Piper?” Balt had been several steps ahead and he came back. “Why are you freaking out? That’s not like you.”

“I’m not freaking out,” I said, my voice wobbling as I tried to get a grip. His hands settled on my shoulders and rubbed them in a reassuring circle. “Knock it off, I’m fine.”

“It’s normal to have a strong reaction to this kind of thing – especially as a shifter,” Balt said in a low voice, continuing to rub my shoulders.

“I’m not that weak and stupid,” I muttered, pulling away. “They’re here for science. I get it.”

“You were never weak or stupid,” Balt said patiently. “The Zoo–”

I whirled on him and clenched my hands. “What is wrong – do not bring that up, Balt–”

“Balt!” came a jovial American voice, almost disconcerting after all the British accents. “There you are and this must be Piper.”

Turning, I was met with a sturdy chest and craned my neck to look up at Desmond Devoy. He was a tall man, maybe an inch or two shorter than Balt, but with a long torso and legs which made him seem taller.

“Hi,” I said, as I reached out and took his hand to shake.

For a moment Desmond looked flustered, then he shook my hand and said in a rush, “I’ve always wanted to meet you. Balt tells me you double-majored in biology and zoology. Quite a feat!”

“Thank you,” I said, studying him.

Corded with muscle that contrasted with a nervous smile in his dark and handsome face, I realized with some surprise that Desmond was on the shyer side. He had shoulders to rival Balt and I could see the muscles straining against his mild buttoned-up shirt. But as he pushed his glasses up his nose and hugged Balt, I figured it out.

Desmond Devoy was an unapologetic nerd.

So, while he was tall and good-looking, he didn’t know it. Or use it like my brother and Balt did. Kai, ever the surfer bro, had the slouchy, careless grace and the smirk to amplify it. Balt, on the other hand, had a straight posture and an easy, gentle smile to tone down his looks.

Desmond held himself almost as though he wasn’t sure he should be there or should be carrying a stack of books. In one glance, I knew that in all likelihood he worked out hard to keep himself in shape for expeditions and long hours spent at a desk.

What an adorable dork, I thought.

And with excellent sartorial skills, too. Desmond was wearing a fedora, a bow-tie, and suspenders over his hard chest. The dull orange of the bow was set off nicely against the tan shirt and brown leather accents. Soraya would approve.

In fact, as we followed Desmond down the hall – the boys had decided to hit a pub – I couldn’t help but size him up for my cousin.

Desmond was the consummate gentleman, gallantly rushing to help someone who'd dropped their keys in the hallway in front of us and then promptly dropping them again. And like Soraya, he seemed to know everyone in the place – from the security guard who walked by, to the maintenance staff, to the students and faculty. 

But while Soraya had an instant glamorous popularity, it was obvious Desmond sometimes was far too nice for the people he said hi to. More than one person did a double-take and I felt my lip curl slightly. Just because he was a dork didn’t mean they had to be on their high horse.

As Desmond stopped to talk to another professor, I tugged on Balt’s arm and he looked over at me with a smile. “You didn’t tell me he was cute,” I whispered.

The smile flattened and Balt gave me a dull look. “Dez?” he asked. “Oh, I mean I could get you his number–”

Was Balt jealous? I wondered, heart fluttering strangely for a few beats, and almost laughed. “No, not for me, Balty. But Soraya, sure.”

“Soraya?” Balt asked, his eyebrows raising. “Our Soraya? Your cousin? The whirlwind of high heels and heartbreaks? Are you a sadist? Dez is a nice guy.”

“Soraya only breaks the hearts of idiots who aren’t good enough,” I whispered impatiently.

“She’d eat him alive,” Balt said, shaking his head.

“No, I’d eat him alive,” I retorted. “I think Soraya would really like him.”

“And I think your blood sugar needs to be checked,” Balt rejoined. “No way.”

“Uh, guys?” Desmond asked. “Everything okay?”

“Yes,” I said, smiling over at him and punching Balt, who let out a groan. “By the way, Desmond, I love your outfit. You cut quite a dash.”

He laughed and hunched his shoulders, looking embarrassed. “Uh, yeah, I enjoy dressing well. Didn’t really have the money for it growing up.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, wondering if I’d already messed up Soraya’s chances.

“No worries. I’ve got plenty now,” he said easily and laughed. “Call me Dez.”

“You know, Dez,” I said, walking over with a smile and he swallowed as I took his arm. “I’ve got a cousin who you’d just adore – she’s got quite the nose for fashion. Maybe to rival yours.”

He nodded, looking bewildered and I almost laughed. At that moment, Balt took pity on him and rescued Desmond by pulling me away. “Ignore her, Dez.”

An hour later and Desmond had relaxed somewhat as we sat in a pub. He was an incredible storyteller and speaker, with an unbridled passion for teaching and his studies. And he possessed the same kind of fine, patient strength Balt had. I could see why they were friends.

After listening to us explain what we wanted, Desmond pressed his chin into his knuckles and lapsed into thought. “You’re hearing rumors about people interested in Kazan blood? I mean, isn’t it just that they’re buying into the rumors about your family, Balt? More of the same old story?”

“We’re wondering if it’s more. Or if there’s something we’re missing,” I explained.

“And we can pay you, Dez. I don’t expect you to do this for free,” Balt added.

“Hm, no I’d do it for free. Your family pops in and out the mythos of shifters all throughout history. It’s just a little harder to keep it on the DL here than other places. But the summer term for me will finish up in a week and a half. I’ll gather what I can and then we could touch base – how about that?” As both of us nodded, he smiled. “So, you’re traveling to France next? That’s exciting.”

“Trying to decompress – it’s been a rough couple of months,” Balt explained.

“And yet you’re still working,” Desmond chuckled. “Same old Balt. Never stops.”

I smiled to myself. As far as Desmond knew, we were freelance investigative reporters. As Balt and I were both decent writers, we had pieces circulating out there as proof, including several independent periodicals run by shifters.

“Well, sure, bro – anything I can do to help. I’ll keep you posted,” Desmond said, then stood up to get us another round of drinks. “Be right back.”

“I like him,” I announced and looked over at Balt. “So, there’s a bookstore down the street.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Would you like to go there after?”

“I think I’m going to go there now. You two hang out, catch up and flirt with some Cambridge co-eds.” The last words felt heavier on my tongue than expected and I winced.

A strange look came over Balt’s face. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I said as Desmond came back. “Dez, you’ll have to forgive me but I have to run an errand up the street. Some books to pick up. It was nice meeting you.”

“Oh,” he said, looking startled as I stood up and shook his hand.

“Balt’s gonna relax with you till I’m done. I’ll be back in an hour or so,” I said.

Waving goodbye, I headed out and paused at the door. A couple of girls were already nudging each other and glancing towards the table where Balt and Desmond had fallen into a serious conversation.

As I walked outside and down past the pub, I passed the window where Balt and Desmond were sitting. It was made of thick, multi-colored glass and when I’d just reached the corner of the building, I heard my name and stopped.

Turning, I saw the window was open a crack. Knowing I shouldn’t eavesdrop, I nevertheless found my feet inching closer as I leaned against the wall.

“So that was Piper,” Desmond said. “I can see why you never leave her side or shut up about her. She’s brilliant.”

“She is,” Balt said in a soft voice.

“How come…?” Desmond asked.

Balt let out a choked laugh and I wondered what Desmond had done to make him do so. “No, no, we are only friends.”

“Uh-huh,” Desmond said, sounding unconvinced and my cheeks burned. “Is that why you were hovering over her like a Centurion assigned to guard the life of a princess?”

“Dez, friend, please, not this,” Balt said tiredly.

“Oh, did something happen?” Desmond asked, sounding concerned now. “You seem down Balt. Is she dating some loser? Need me to dig up dirt?”

“No, Desmond, nothing like that. Geez, maybe Piper was right about you and her cousin.”

“What?” he asked, puzzled.

“Forget it,” Balt said with a sigh and then he murmured. “Like I said, a long couple of months. I can’t help but wonder sometimes – what would I do without her?”

Do without me? I wondered, staring at the window and then turning to run blindly down the street. What does that mean? I’m not going anywhere – is Balt?

I shouldn’t have heard that. I thought as I swallowed hard. He’s keeping me at arm’s length for a reason. Does it have to do with that stupid curse, I wonder?

Shaking, I fell onto a bench and stared down at my hands.

It was clear Balt was still worried from the kidnapping, but now I’d inadvertently stumbled into something else. Desmond had been teasing him almost like a little boy harangues another for…

I pressed my hand to my lips and shook my head. No, no, I was reading into it.

But it was clear Desmond knew Balt far better than he’d let me believe. And that Desmond knew something about Balt that I didn’t.

Selfishly and unreasonably, I wanted to be the one who knew all Balt’s secrets. And I thought I did, for the most part.

But now I was starting to wonder how many secrets Balt was keeping from me.