Page 15 of Above Cursed Winds

“Bringing up your bed so soon, Z? If I didn’t know better, I’d think your invitation a bit premature.”

“If you didn’t know better?”

She scoffed, then consciously reminded herself that Jeremiah was here to help. The Elemental had flown to Oahu to fix her mistake, and frankly, she needed the assistance. Shoving her own distaste for the man down, she attempted to shrug off his animosity.

“Let’s head to the dome. We can start work on the breach. I’m certain you’re just as eager as I am to get started.”

“Oh, very eager.”

Pivoting on her heel, Zia fought off a shiver. Whether it was due to rage at his continual enmity or something else, she couldn’t tell.

Regardless of the early hour, her clansmen had begun to venture out, and the pathways were beginning to fill. One or both parents rolled along strollers on the wooden walkways. Zia fielded more than a few greetings.

Jeremiah’s presence was met with both tension and suspicion. With their clan’s most vulnerable still teething, few clansmen would allow their guard down around him. The only thing that tempered the response was Zia’s presence. Having the clan’s second in command track his every movement was the only reason there were tight smiles instead of swords.

As they drew closer to the property’s central compound, the heavens opened once more. Fat raindrops spattered down from overhead, and Zia grimaced. While she could easily remedy her hair with a bit of mousse, she was a woman after all, and rain was the enemy. Looking behind her to see how the Elemental was faring, she saw Jeremiah was perfectly dry, the water dripping down from what she imagined was an air shield.

“Did you want to share my air umbrella, Z? You have to say please.”

“I’d rather choke down rocky mountain oysters.” At his grimace, she turned around, a satisfied smile lightening her features. “In here.”

Tilting her head toward the central compound on the property, Zia passed through the doors and out of the rain. She didn’t bother holding the door for him; his air shield could have that honor.

She was surprised to find Key with her full attention focused on their arrival. Rising from her spot on the chaise lounge, the Foreseer moved to intercept them.

“You must be Jeremiah.”

Extending her hand, Key’s mouth curled into something almost seductive. A noise of pleasure rumbled from the Elemental. He took Key’s hand with a decisive shake, his eyes running up and down her frame appreciatively.

Instantly, Zia’s skin felt too tight.

She frowned at Key, seeing her for what felt like the first time. The other woman’s light blonde hair, nearly white beneath the lights, was spiraled up in a sophisticated updo, loose curls framing her stunning features. Her deep amber eyes glinted as she regarded the Elemental, streaks of lightning shattering through her irises. By all accounts, Key was gorgeous, an otherworldly beauty. Zia felt dull and plain next to her.

“And who are you?” Jeremiah’s deep voice purred, breaking Zia’s train of thought.

“Kiyonne, but all my friends call me Key.”

Key’s gaze swung over to Zia, and she donned her mysterious smile. Though her friend’s gift had saved lives and shaped the future, it could be infuriating at times. More often than not, the Foreseer kept her own counsel, revealing little. Placing trust in her obscure metaphors and veiled tips was trying.

“Lovely to meet you, Key.” Inclining his chin, Jeremiah looked around at the compound. “I must say, I’m rather impressed.”

Still irritated from his stunt with the air shield, she couldn’t keep it out of her response. “What were you expecting? A mud hut with a couple of twigs for a computer?”

Jeremiah chuckled. “No, I suppose not.”

Key’s laugh twinkled beside her, reminding Zia that they weren’t alone, and she needed to maintain the appearance of neutrality.

“Let’s go, Jeremiah.”

Resisting the urge to beckon him onward with a cluck, she waited while he bid goodbye to Key and turned his attention back to her. Satisfied he’d follow, she swept into her office moments later. After she’d flipped on the lights, she gestured to the desktop computer sitting on the credenza behind her desk.

“That’s the one.”

Jeremiah nodded, becoming suddenly focused and professional. It was the first time Zia saw traces of the genuine man he usually hid behind the cocky façade. “Show me how you usually log in.”

Zia went through the motions, powering on the computer before using her fingerprint and password to unlock access to the hard drive. Finally, she booted up the list of files that’d been stolen, glancing at him for what he’d ask for next.

“Is there a possibility that someone shapeshifted to your form and stole them that way?”

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