Page 61 of Understanding Fate

This definitely wasn’t on my Bingo card for this year.

Silver flashes in his eyes, and I know at least one of them is excited by the prospect. I giggle at him as I see him fighting for control.

“Do you think my eyes will glow silver, too?” I ask, stepping back and pulling off his shirt so I’m standing in front of him completely bare.

“Not a chance, Firefly. I’d bet orange or copper based on their color,” he says, his voice full of gravel as he takes his time enjoying the view.

“That how you looked at Jake too?” I quip, raising an eyebrow at him, causing a growl to roll out.

“Usually, initiates wear a robe,” he says, wrapping his arms around me and kissing his way down my throat. “But I’m definitely seeing the potential of taking that particular piece away for today,” he finishes, dragging his teeth across my collarbone.

God, this man is intoxicating.

My body melts into him, allowing him to linger another moment before physically stepping back. Reaching around him, I grab the oversized robe from the back of the couch and pull it on.

“No distracting me with sex,” I say, mocking frustration because damn if I don’t want him again.

Plenty of time for that after I alter every cell in my body.

The thought is sobering, and I take a minute to let myself remember how I feel in this body. I stretch my fingers in and out, roll my head to loosen my neck, and even jump in place.

This is me.

What will it feel like?

“I’m going to write down the words so I don’t mess them up,” Cain says, leaving the living area and heading back into the room quickly before returning with a pen and paper. “I’ve seen hundreds of Awakenings, but I’ve always been the witness, Dante or his dad… Shit! We need a witness,” he says, returning his attention to me.

“Well, unless a ground squirrel is going to count, I don’t think anyone else is out here, and we can’t exactly pull someone off the street in town. Could we just pretend we have one?” I ask,nerves bundling low in my stomach at the thought of having to wait even longer.

I’d made my decision.

I’m ready.

“No. I will not cut corners with this. I will not do anything that could be seen as outside the tradition because it could be used against us later.” Determination is set in his jaw, and my heart drops.

Not today. It’s not going to be today.

“How long would it take to get someone here to be a witness,” I ask, curling myself into the large recliner. He stops writing and looks up at me instead.

“We can’t let anyone know where we are, Firefly. If anyone knows, the LLC will come to take you before we can even complete the transition.” His shoulders fall, and he sets down the pen he is holding.

“I forgot about that,” I say, my voice low and sad. Maybe Ghost knows someone in the area he can trust?” I say, sparking another idea. “Wait… Ghost! Can he be the witness? He already knows where we are!” I say excitedly as the plan forms in my mind. He can meet us here. Cain can perform the Awakening, and everything will work out.”

I wonder how far away he is or if he is on another secret ‘I’m not going to tell anyone’ mission.

Standing, I walk over to the phone plugged into the outlet by the table and text him.

Where are you, Casper?

As I wait for his response, I try to settle my heart rate, which is now racing as I anticipate his response. Hoping he is close and can make it today or tomorrow at the latest. We need to finish this so that we can get the Vegas pack out of the trouble we’ve put them in.

The phone vibrates in my hand, his message popping up.

In trouble again already, City?

Listen ‘next to be’ Nearly-Headless Nick, just answer the question!

Well, since you asked so nicely…

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