Page 23 of Julian

“Nor I you. Yet here we are.”

“And what is the connection besides one chance meeting in Idaho?” Greyson asked. “What are you exactly? I can feel your energy but I admit I can’t quite place it.”

“I…” Cassia hesitated, unsure of her words. She looked to Julian, and he nodded.

“I’m a chameleon.” She braced herself for his reaction, and was surprised as he broke out in hearty laughter.

Greyson’s hand smacked on the table. “Brilliant!”

“You’ve actually seen one?” she asked.

“Hell, I used to date one back in the day when I was a newly turned vampire. I kind of liked the spontaneity of not knowing whether I was meeting up with a rabbit or grizzly. Damn near killed me but she was sexy…oh, man was she sexy. Alas though, vampires don’t bond with wolves or shifters but we had a good go of things.”

“It’s amazing you’ve met one. We’re quite rare,” she said.

“Indeed, but like I told you, I’m ancient. Full of knowledge.” Greyson pointed to his temple.

“You’re full of many things,” Julian commented.

“Greatness.” Greyson’s gazed settled upon Cassia. “Returning to the issue at hand?—”

“I don’t know how it happened. Like I said, I don’t dream of others. I’ve never dreamt of anyone but me and the hellhounds. The visions were a gift to me.”

“A gift of protection,” Julian said.

“It used to be. But another thing.” She took a deep breath and released it. “I used to go years without the hounds finding me. After tonight, I feel like they could find me wherever I am. That’s never happened before. And I’ve been in New Orleans for a while. I’ve built my business here. The tourists come see me year after year. Locals as well.”

“You control the cards?” Julian asked.

“Control the cards? No. I analyze situations. Spirit guides me as I read the spread before me. I can’t read for myself though. My nightmares are the only sign.” Emotion twisted in her chest, grieving the loss of friends over the years, never returning to her previous addresses. “But recently … something’s off. I sensed you.”

“Interesting.” Greyson looked to Julian. “Perhaps your magick rubbed off on the chameleon when you saved her.”

“I don’t know how that would happen,” the Alpha replied. “It’s true I can use my power to influence other people. Calm someone down for example. Or even make them submit. But it’s a one-fer. One instance of me sending power to someone isn’t permanent. It’s a temporary influence.”

“How did you get to the woods?” Greyson pinned Cassia with his question.

“I might as well tell you. It hardly matters at this point.” She shook her head. “It was a job. I was hired for a party. The guy wanted a reading for his wife’s birthday party.”

“So you went to a party with total strangers? Alone?” Greyson asked. “That’s not exactly safe.”

“She was working,” Julian told him.

“I have bills. It was a job. And I’m good at mine. Ask anyone down in the Quarter. Besides it’s not that unusual these days. Rich people want something unique for their party.”

“Who contacted you?”

“His name was Raphael Montego Chapman. He sent me an email asking me to do the party for his wife’s birthday.”

“Did you know him?”

“No, like I said. It does happen where someone new books me for a travel gig. Not often, but still. He paid upfront. Flew me up there. Paid for the hotel. Everything seemed legit.”

“Then what happened?”

“We can talk more about this tomorrow,” Julian offered.

“Two-minute version,” Greyson pressed.

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