Page 5

I nod and take a seat on the far side, away from the guys.

I’ve learned over the years to keep my distance from the opposite sex, regardless of whether they are involved with someone else. I don’t like to give anyone the wrong impression of me.

I am, and have always been, completely uninterested in anything romantic. It’s not that I’m completely closed to the idea of one day finding someone who is meant for me, but there are too many unanswered questions. The only answer I know for sure is that my abilities depend on my staying a virgin.

Yeah, being probably the oldest virgin on Earth is annoying at times, but it’s not that bad. It’s not like I’ve managed to find my mate or even anyone I’d consider giving my virginity to in all my travels. No one, male or female, has ever interested me that way.

All I know for certain is that it’s best to remain a virgin and to maintain my power, not to give up my abilities for something meaningless. When I find my mate and we’ve bonded, I can be as I am. There’s so much to deal with to keep what I have that it’s just best to be without. So, who cares if I have to be the oldest virgin around?

"So, how was being at the shop today?" Karsyn asks. "Boring?"

“It wasn’t too bad. I had a few disgruntled customers, but nothing I can’t handle.” In my time around people, I’ve learned never to let how someone acts bother me. That’s why Greta’s angry look didn’t bother me.

“Disgruntled? In what way? Did they do anything?” Justice was instantly on edge.

Before Annahi, I used to love tormenting and teasing Justice. He’s kind of become a best friend. He’s the only male, besides my brother and Orpheus, I’ve allowed myself to be around without overthinking.

With a shake of my head, I put my hand up to get him to calm down. It’s one of the main reasons I never tell them when something happens at the store. If they knew about the man who threatened to burn the place down if I didn’t move out, I’m sure the Spiked Raiders would have kept a protection detail at the shop, even to this day. Shoot, Orpheus would have gone after the man and ripped his spine out.

I can handle these things on my own without their help.

“It’s nothing for you to worry about. I’ve got it. Besides, it’s fine. Just a customer who didn’t like hearing that her future didn’t involve a guy she wanted. When they hear something they don’t like, of course, they are going to be disgruntled. I promise there is nothing you need to do. I’m safe.” I nod again, but I swallow the uncertainty in my gut.

I’m safe now, but when I was leaving earlier, I definitely didn’t feel completely secure.

It’s just paranoia. There’s nothing to worry about.

“You sure?” Justice asks, letting out a breath.

“Yes, now let me go in and check on Arely.” I stand, nod to those at the table, and walk toward the room where Arely slept in a coma. On the way, I wave to or acknowledge everyone else in the main area.

This time, when I get to the door, I knock. I hadn’t seen Jett in the main room, so I know she’s inside with her. I’d seen her car out front when I arrived. I don’t want to intrude.

“Come in,” Jett calls out.

I push the door open gently and see Jett closing one of the windows. “I didn’t want her to get cold,” she says by way of explanation.

There is nothing Arely could want or need that Jett wouldn’t do for her. If Jett had her way, Arely would be either at Club Dyrk or at her and my brother's home instead of here at the clubhouse. It’s only because of Arely’s mother, an Oracle, and me that she’s here. The two of them might as well be sisters, given how close they seem to have been. If only Jett knew how to wake Arely up. But only one person could do that, and he’s not ready to admit it, even though he claims he wants to. It’s going to take Zavier’s kiss to wake her, like Sleeping Beauty. But as with everything, the time must be right before anything happens.

“She looks good today,” I say softly as I move closer to her.

“Yeah, I think so too.” Jett steps to the side, so I have room to get to the chair. There’s a brief lull, a tense silence, before she speaks up again. “Anything new? A time frame?”

“No, I’m sorry. I wish there were more I could tell you. It’s still the same. I see her waking up, I just don’t know when.” I don’t remember the last time I felt this useless with my gifts. It’s not that I always get clear visions, but this is the one time I really feel like more information would be a lifesaver. But until Zavier’s ready to kiss his mate, I can’t give that answer.

You never force a vision to come true. If you do, you risk the fates’ wrath.

Jett sighs, then walks toward the door. “Thanks. I know you’re trying. I’ll leave you to spend some time with her.”

“You don’t have to go.” I smile at her.

"I told your brother I wouldn’t be long. You know how he gets." Jett returns my smile with one of her own, and I nod.

I know exactly how Aziz can be. He might be protective of me as his little sister, but Jett is a whole different story.

"I’ll see you later. I’m meeting him at Dyrk."

"I’m heading there after this," I tell her.