Page 77 of Of Flame and Fate

“It’s what I need,” he says, punching out every syllable. He quivers, his respirations increasing. “My parents used to tell me that one day, I’d understand why they kept me away from the mystical world.” He laughs without humor. “I didn’t get it. I was excited when they told me what I was, thinking I was going to Hogwarts or some shit. I didn’t understand why they didn’t want me to be a part of it and waspissedat them for denying me friends and keeping me away from beings who wouldn’t consider me a freak.” He looks around. “I get it now. This is fucked up and I want out.”

“Fine.” Gemini jerks his head in the direction of the door. “Let’s go.”

Johnny rises a lot faster than I do. I stand slowly, pulling away from Gemini when he tries to help me. “You’re letting him leave, just like that, even after seeing what he can do.”

“I sent a wolf to inform our Elders of the Fate’s abilities before I shut the door,” he tells me. “But his magic changes nothing. He’s not Pack, he’s noloneI need to monitor, nor is he a rogue vamp or witch who needs to be accounted for.” He looks to Johnny. “He’s a Fate, who with or without us, will meet his.”

Johnny hurries to the kitchen where he left a T-shirt draped over a stool. It’s too big for him, thewerehe borrowed it from far exceeded Johnny’s leaner build, making Johnny appear smaller and younger.

“What do you see?” I ask Johnny. “When your predictions come, do you know what’s going to happen to you?”

There’s no genuineness in his smile, and far too much bitterness. “Yeah. I’m going down as the greatest Fate that ever was. Don’t you worry about me.”

It’s what he claims, but I don’t think he means it in the way he intends.

“Can I get a phone? I need to call my manager.” He swipes at his face. “Drake thought I was tripping. He didn’t understand what I was saying the last time we spoke. I-I-I need to tell him I’m coming back, and that the tour is back on.”

“Sure.” I reach for my phone in my back pocket and hand it to him, noting how badly he’s shaking. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah, and no. I don’t know what I’m going to tell him. It looks like I just up and left. He’s probably going to lose it on me.”

I remembered hearing Johnny on the phone with his manager. He was scared, promising to continue touring regardless that it seemed he was really gunning to quit. I don’t know Drake, but I imagine that like his fans, he probably can’t get enough of Johnny.

“Were you planning on walking away from the music industry?” I ask.

Johnny looks up from fiddling with my phone. “No. I just wanted to take a break. Stop touring for a while, maybe try acting or take a real vacation, you feel me?” He taps the numbers on my phone. “I’ve been on the road since Drake discovered me three years ago—Drake, it’s Johnny. Sorry, I’ve been out of touch.” He glances my way. “I lost it a little. But I’m okay now. I’m coming back to you, to the hotel. Just wait for me, okay?”

He disconnects. “He wasn’t there. Do you mind if I hang onto your phone for a while?”

“No, but I do,” Gemini answers for me. “We’ll provide you with a secure line.” He shoots me a look, warning me it’s a done deal and not to bother arguing. “I’ll be the one taking you back to your people. Where do you want to go?”

“Take me to Santa Barbara,” Johnny orders. His voice lowers when he catches Gemini’s non-too-pleased expression. “Please,” he adds. “He’s at the Belmond.”

“You’re sure?” Gemini asks.

“Positive,” Johnny answers. “It’s been a few days, but Drake wouldn’t just leave me. I’m his only client.” He shrugs. “He booked the top floor for us for a week.”

In other words, Drake wouldn’t leave without his meal ticket.

Gemini reaches for his phone, tapping an icon with a moon on it. “I need a private plane chartered for the Fate . . . Santa Barbara.” He shifts his stare on me. “As soon as possible.”

He disconnects, motioning me to follow him out.

“Wait, where are you going?” Johnny asks, hurrying to catch up with us.

“Nowhere you need to be,” Gem tells him. “Wait here until I come for you.”

“I thought you said I wasn’t a prisoner,” Johnny calls after him.

“You’re not, I just need a moment with my mate,” Gemini replies. He throws open the door where about four imposing and snarlingwereswait. “My pack doesn’t like the aroma of your magic, and the scent of blood has them on edge. I’d encourage you to stay on your own accord.”

“I can wait here,” Johnny stammers.

Gemini slams the door behind him. He continues forward, his movements so quick, I have to run after him. “You weren’t very nice to him,” I say.

Gemini stalks forward. “He’s lucky I didn’t throw him against the Goddamn wall giving the way he was looking at you.”

I roll my eyes. Now I get it. I snag his wrist and pull him into a small lounge, shutting the door behind me. “You’re being ridiculous—”

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