Page 189 of Icy Cold Death

His tattoo was covered in them.

He didn’t even open his eyes, but he explained to their curious visitor.

“It happened in a fire. Someone tried to kill my woman,” he said. “Welcome, sister,” he said, finally looking at her. “You’ve got one hell of a wall up blocking everything from you,” he admitted.

When he opened his eyes, she felt like she was falling. Immediately, she took a step back.

Only, Genesis didn’t know why.

Raven stood, and he waved his arm, breaking the magic circle.

“Yeah, that’s our cryptic witch,” Bishop said. “He’s creepy and he’s spooky, but he’s all ours,” she said as he pulled on his shirt, headed their way, and greeted them.

He gave Bishop a kiss, and did the same to Tori.

When he stopped in front of the woman, he stared into her blue eyes.

“Detective, you’re well protected, even from me.”

She blinked.

“Uh, by my gun? Or my amazing wit and charm?” she asked.

He laughed.

“Neither.”

Then, without another word, he walked to his bag, pulled a long medallion out, and headed back toward her.

“I had a dream before we came. In it, I was told by a beautiful blonde woman that I needed to bring this. It’s onyx. I want you to have it.”

He took her hand, and the second they touched, she felt the kiss of electricity.

“Uh, for?” she asked.

He closed her fingers around it.

“Onyx is called the strength stone. It’s for longevity during stressful situations. You’re going to need this.”

She wasn’t sure why he was saying that.

Honestly, Genesis was feeling good. Spending time with Tori and Bishop was a breeze, and she was getting the hell out of this godforsaken town.

Maybe she should be asking herself why she felt like leaving ASAP when she didn’t yesterday, but then again, she’d just spent a whole night with her cranky partner.

“Please keep it on you no matter where you go,” Raven said. “It will also protect you.”

What more could you say about that?

You didn’t look a gift witch in the mouth.

To keep the momentum going, Tori filled them in so that they’d all be on the same page when it came to work. She also wanted to give the woman a break. Raven was watching her, and it was clear that she was uncomfortable.

“She’s coming to work with us,” she admitted. “I talked her into it.”

Immediately, Bexley was amused, and for only one reason.

“Does Julian know?” she asked.