Page 9 of Unclaimed

“I’d love that.” She stood and linked arms with him. “It was a good day to find my best friend.”

The warmth in Frost’s chest spread through his body. He would be happy here. Thank God.

As Gemini drove up the mountain, Frost’s existence was a sweet hum at the back of his mind. It was nice not to be alone. He could have run to Riku’s hidden away home. It probably would have taken less time than the slow crawl up the steep hills with sharp drop-offs. Gemini wanted to save his energy for Frost. He had felt Frost’s lust drowning him during that kiss. He didn’t imagine they would make it through another night of only holding each other. They wouldn’t have made it through the morning if Gemini hadn’t sneaked from the bed and let Frost sleep a few extra minutes. No one had warned him enough about the deep ache in his chest. He had to get through this so he could get back to Frost.

Gemini slowed even more as Riku’s house came into view. It was a Tudor-style home almost overgrown with greenery. Perfect for a snake. Riku stepped outside. His long, dark hair was a mess, and he was shirtless. Gemini could make out his bright amber eyes before he could make out a single other feature. His skin was a lovely dark tan and his face an attractive combination of sharp lines. He didn’t smile. Riku simply clasped his hands behind his back and waited—like a soldier, which made sense since—like Gemini—he had been alive long enough to fight many battles. Way too many deities had tried to forcibly claim Weres as their own. They would never be slaves. He didn’t know a single creature from their world who wouldn’t die for their freedom. All they wanted was peace. War was a god’s game. Humans hadn’t realized yet they were only being used. Until they did, they would never know peace. They were toys on a chessboard. Unlike Gemini, Riku was a godling. A discarded creation of the gods. He couldn’t die and was a much bigger prize than any Were. It was no wonder he wanted this hideaway on the mountain.

Riku’s gaze moved over Gemini. “You still haven’t claimed your mate. That’s a dumbass move with Lucifer roaming the earth.”

Gemini nearly missed a step. “Lucifer?” That could explain the human mates disappearing. The self-appointed king of Hell walking among them made sense. He notoriously hated humans and believed all supernatural creatures should keep a pure line. Damn. He got tired of these old timers getting bored and causing drama. “Well, fuck. One issue at a time. Why have you been scaring my man?”

Riku laughed. It lit his entire face, transforming him from warrior to runway model. His laughter had a slight hiss. “Your man was not scared in the least. He was more confused and awed than anything. However, I get your concern. I was there as a favor for Celeste. Your mate is important. He has a purpose unseen. She cannot risk his safety because of your wish to go slow. Frost is strong and steady. He’s more than meets the eye. She wouldn’t bring a weak man into our world.”

Gemini blinked. He shifted from foot to foot. “Huh.” Gemini had a bad feeling he would be enraged in the very near future when Frost got dragged into more than he deserved to endure. Riku’s claim of Frost being special didn’t surprise him. Since the moment he set eyes on Frost, there had been some growing knowledge building inside him that felt bigger than a match literally made in heaven.

“You should get a phone and save me a drive. It would’ve been nice to know this sooner.”

Another bark of laughter burst from Riku. “No, thank you. My daily commune with the gods is enough conversation to sustain me. Save me from this gossipy town. That’s not a life meant for me.”

A hint of worry and sadness washed over Gemini. “Life is too long to spend it completely alone. If you get bored, slither down the mountain. You can sit in silence with me.”

A sweet smile touched Riku’s lips. “Thank you for the offer. If you need me, you may pray to me. I’ll come to your aid. Now get home to your man. Don’t risk your heart. We’ve lived long enough to know how rare this blessing is. Some have no hope of having what you so freely risk.”

Gemini shook his head. It was beyond obvious Riku never interacted with humans or understood their world. Otherwise, he would recognize the corner Gemini was in. Gemini had two choices. He could sit Frost down and explain their world, giving him a chance to run. Or Gemini could simply claim Frost and let the chips fall where they may. Gemini really didn’t like the thought of the second. It felt way too sneaky and like they would be built on secrets. Unfortunately, it seemed Lucifer hadn’t left him a choice. Subterfuge, it was.

Chapter Five

Anothernightinthebooks. Frost had a surprising amount of energy left to burn. He knew it was giddiness. For the last few years, Frost had dragged himself home from work each night. He realized now how much of that was because he didn’t want to see Craig. His phone buzzed. Frost sighed. He hoped he wasn’t about to get tied up before he could make it out the door.

Craig:Seriously, baby. Answer the phone. I really just need to hear your voice.

A loud snort escaped Frost. Yeah. He needed to hear Frost’s voice. It totally wasn’t the first of the month and now Craig had to face the reality of paying bills. He had known Craig would miss him the first time that rent came due.

Frost opened his contacts, intent on blocking him. Craig could get that guy he was fucking to pay. Before he had time to findthe block button, a shadow fell over him. Frost looked up and found himself staring at a very hard and very wide chest. It was eye level. He lifted his chin. His brain stuttered. There was beauty and then there was whatever the hell this guy was. He was temptation incarnate.

Frost swallowed. “How can I help you?”

The man’s smile was the devil’s allure. “I just had to see the new doctor Odin’s been whispering about.”

Frost blinked for a moment. “Did you say the new doctor Odin’s been whispering about?”

A chuckle that cast a spell over Frost filled the air. “I said the new doctor everyone’s been whispering about.”

Frost shook his head, trying to dispel the odd sensations overwhelming him. “Oh. You’re so dang tall. It’s hard to hear down here.”

Another one of those damn laughs unbalanced him.

Frost took a step back, hoping to put some space between himself and what Frost could only describe as what he pictured when he thought of angels. Big and warrior-like while still managing a blond and blue-eyed beauty no one else could achieve.

“Well, you’re meeting him. I’m Dr. Hymal, and you are…”

“Lucifer.”

“Lucifer? That’s one hell of a name.” Frost laughed at his own bad joke, but fuck. That was the nail-on-the-head name, though. He looked exactly like a fallen angel. “Sorry. You probably get that all the time.”

“You have no idea.”

Holy shit. That voice. It was as if tiny whispers of invitation were hidden beneath each note. Frost wiped his sweaty palms on his thighs. He wasn’t interested. Frost was just overwhelmed. “I don’t have the advantage here. So far, I haven’t heard any whispers of you.”

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