Page 26 of My Karmic Destiny

“Sometimes you have to scramble some eggs and all that,” she half quotes the expression. “Want to talk about it? I haven’t had girl talk in a while, but I’m sure I can swing it.”

“Nah.” I figure it’s better to talk it out with Dante than bring anyone else into my mess. I’ve always been a private person, and I default back to that now. Besides, I just want to get through my day. I change the subject instead. “Tell me about your first reap?” I ask as I dig into my delicious meal.

As the sun sets, Megan drops me off at Karma’s main gate on my request and pops away with a finger wave. “Good luck!”

Instead of heading up the long driveway, I hoof it over to the empty lot next door to Karma’s property. I had createda sacred circle of protection from even the gods for the guys and me to figure out my weird powers and to scheme against Instant Karma. Whatever we did or said inside the bubble was safe from prying godly sight and hearing. We were practically undetectable—unless a god just happened to stumble across it. Then they could probably force their way over the boundary.

Ironically, it was a safe space that was also where the guys tried to drug me for information, thinking I was a spy for Instant Karma. It’s also the place Kurtis tried to test my powers, pissed me off, and I accidentally killed him by knocking him away. Fortunately, I brought him back to life with my psychopomp powers.

So much has happened between the guys and me in such a short time that it makes my mind reel.

I allow a smile to grace my lips as I come over a rolling hill that shelters my sacred circle, remembering some of the fun times with my old team.

My steps falter when I see Kurtis sprawled out, head against the log that’s still stained with his blood from several weeks ago.

I race to him, briefly worried he’s dead. But when I activate my reaper gifts, I can sense his soul inside him.

“Kurtis?” I land next to his side and cup his face, hoping he isn’t too hurt.

His eyes crack open, and he grins. “You came.”

“What? Were you expecting me?” I ask, confused and scanning his body for injury.

“No. But I was thinking about you. Hoping we’d get some quiet time.” His warm hand covers mine on his cheek, holding my touch to him.

I yank my hand away, unsure what’s going on. What’s with their tricks? Is this a trick? Or did I feel drawn to his pull?

Then I remember why I came out here to think in the first place. Irritation rises inside me. Everyone seems to be set on destroying my peace.

“What did you say to Dante?” I try to keep my voice calm, but I’m losing my patience with this stupid nonsense.

He shifts, so he’s sitting up and has the good sense to look embarrassed. “Uh, we told him how we felt about you.”

“And what else did you say or infer? He seems to think we have something going on already. And behind his back.” My jaw clenches with frustration. I’ve done a lot of stupid shit in my life, but I’d never cheat in a relationship. And I’m pissed Dante probably still believes I did something wrong.

“If Dante thinks that, it’s only his imagination getting away from him.” Kurtis shrugs.

Exhausted, I slide to my ass and lean my back against the same log that he is. “Why would you tell him anything in the first place?”

“I’m sorry.” He rubs his face and curses. “I thought you both should know my intentions. I wasn’t trying to make your life difficult. I promise.”

“Yeah, being a pain just comes naturally to you.”

“Ouch. Am I that much of a thorn in your side?” He turns to face me fully. “I thought… I thought we had worked things out between us. That we were okay now. I know I was an ass before. Instant made me do it…mostof it.”

“Well, yeah, we haven’t had the smoothest past. And with this…” I gesture to him, then wave my hands around in annoyance. “I finally have a positive relationship that isn’t abusive or with a fucked-up power dynamic. Dante and I truly care about each other. I don’t want that messed up over a misunderstanding. It isn’t cool that you and Evan are sabotaging my love life.”

“I don’t want to sabotage your life.” Kurtis places a hand over his heart. “I want to be part of it.”

“Then be my friend.”

“Is that the only way you will ever see me?” he asks, his voice sounding defeated.

I don’t answer immediately, because it isn’t fair for him or me to not think about my answer. I deserve to know what I want and not dismiss things out of hand.

“You’re attractive. Fun, when you aren’t being an ass. If things had been different, I suppose we could have coupled up. But you weren’t there for me like Dante was. He wasn’t perfect, but he showed up every time I really needed him. He put the effort in.”

“He’s been the better man. I know that.” He nods and fiddles with his hands as he continues, unable to look me in the eye. “I was lost and broken. Instant did a great job damaging me, to make my life suck, but I didn’t respond to the challenges in a productive way. You, of all people, understand what that’s like.”

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