Chapter 3
A Messy Meeting
The light hit her hard when she walked outside, causing Astrid to put a hand over her eyes.
“Why is it so bright?”
“The sun’s setting. Come on. There’s something you need to know if you are going to keep going.”
Astrid fell in step beside him. “Is it within walking distance?”
“No. I’ll drive.”
“You know that women are told not to get into cars with men they don’t know. Isn’t this place known for having a ton of serial killers?”
Phoenix turned and looked at her with concern on his face. “If you want to walk, it might be closer to bedtime when we get there.”
“That didn’t answer my question. Besides, can’t you fly there? Because, I mean, you have wings.”
He started rubbing the area beside his eye. “I realize you have very limited knowledge of the shifter world, but we aren’t supposed to go running around in our other forms, at least not in highly populated areas. That was very poor judgment on my part last week, and I do apologize. I found it difficult not to take your actions as anything other than a display of power. Shifting was the quickest way to shut that down. At least, I thought it was. Shifting in public is a horrible idea, and it will result in us getting hunted again. And even if that were not the case, asking a shifter to carry you is quite rude.”
He looked over at her, the annoyance clear on his face. “So, if you could, please be more reasonable. I’ll drive us there. And if you need to feel safer with me because you fear I might be dangerous in this form, you should be able to use the liquid in my vehicle to interrupt my driving. There’s no gasoline, but there are plenty of other liquids required to keep it running. Or if you are particularly vindictive, you can probably manipulate the water in my body since we are over 70 percent water in this form.”
Astrid stopped. “You think I can… Is that even possible?”
He stopped a couple of steps ahead of her. “And here you thought I couldn’t teach you anything about your abilities. Come on. If you have to be suspicious, do it on the way because I’m getting hungry.”
She fell in step beside him, not sure what to say. All that she could focus on was the thought of controlling people with her powers – it was so distasteful. “Have you known someone who was able to control people?”
Phoenix unlocked the car and opened the passenger door. “Get in, and we’ll talk.”
Finally, she did as she was told without asking more questions. They rode in silence for a while before she finally asked, “So, what did you want to talk about?”
He didn’t immediately respond, so she looked over at him. It seemed unlikely that he didn’t hear her, leaving her to think that he was just considering his answer. After a bit, she decided just to ignore the question and looked out of the window.
Finally, he said, “The military is working with one of the organizations using people like you. As far as we’ve been able to find, none of them realize that men may also have abilities. Good for them, bad for you and other women. Anyway, you’re being here is incredibly dangerous.”
“I’m not going to go blowing up the base or flooding it or anything. I just want to find out what happened to my brother since he was supposed to be safe. He managed not to die on multiple deployments, only to die on a base far from home. I’m not a threat to the base.”
In her mind, Astrid knew that wasn’t entirely true, depending on what she found out about her brother.
“I meant it’s dangerous for you, not for them. As powerful as your ability is, there are many that are far more potent and dangerous, yet they managed to be manipulated and captured.”
“Even with an entire ocean nearby?” She smiled as she looked over at him. “I’m pretty sure I can protect myself.
His eyes darted over for a second, but he didn’t smile. “Elliott’s sister-in-law can see the future. With that kind of power, she can outplay nearly everyone, yet she was trapped by the Mora family for nearly a decade.”
Astrid’s eyes turned into saucers. “Like a psychic? Are psychics actually real ?”
That finally got a chuckle out of him. “No. Those are humans scamming people out of money. She can see the many ways things can work out to choose the right path for the result she wants. It’s a rare ability that is thankfully not likely to happen again for a long time, and there’s no chance that she’ll fall back into the hands of people who will misuse her abilities. So, fortunately, that power is safe and sound.”
Against her better judgment, Astrid found herself wanting to learn more. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because she’s married the eldest Sexton, Elliott’s brother.”
“Is your business protecting them then?”
He snorted. “They don’t need my family’s protection. They’ve been here longer than the country’s been around.”
“What?” Astrid looked at him incredulously. “That can’t be true. People didn’t come out this way until after 1776.”
“There were a lot of people already living here long before Europeans and their descendants started trekking out this way. And shifters have a very long tradition of looking for places far from most cultures and civilizations. The Sextons are a very old family, and they created what’s essentially a safe haven for people like you out here. About a millennia after they arrived, anyway. There wasn’t much need for them to offer protection before there was a population to protect.”
“So… you aren’t a Sexton then?”
“No. My family’s only been in the area a few decades. Well, working from out of here is probably a better way of describing it. My family moved us around a bit over the years, but we ended up here where my brothers and I finished high school. I left after graduation and only returned more recently. My family made a deal with the Sextons since shifters don’t tend to like having each other in their territories.”
“What kind of deal?”
He looked over at her, then sighed. “The Sextons’ parents died when they were still fairly young. Or at least Elliott was still young. The eldest brother, Cooper, raised him and the rest of the brood.”
“How many Sextons are there?”
“There are eight brothers. Most of them are married or mated now. I think Elliott’s the only one who's still single.”
“Well, he has you,” she offered, thinking that might help.
“My parents made a deal with the Sextons to help protect their town until they were old enough to manage without my parents. In exchange, my parents were able to find some relief from the persecution they faced back in Europe.”
“Oh. So, your family are refugees?”
He paused. “Sort of. Anyway, I spent a lot of time with the brothers. Well, not really Cooper and Elliott, but the rest of them. I think Cooper’s desire to help was strong even back then because I don’t think they really needed us. They were always a lively bunch, and I loved spending time with them. We became blood brothers when we were old enough to make that choice. Unfortunately, as soon as I felt like I belonged, my parents put me in charge of their company and sent me away.”
She looked at her hands, not sure if he needed comfort or any words of kindness. “It must have been hard.”
“It was bound to happen.”
Astrid glanced over at him. “You sound resigned.”
“Maybe. Any other questions?”
Drumming her fingers on her knee, Astrid wasn’t sure where to start. “I have many. But like you said, I should probably offer you something in exchange. So,” she closed her eyes and tried to tamp down her emotions.
“We are here.” The car stopped, and he opened his door. She looked over, not sure if his sudden interruption of her thoughts was intentional or if there was something else. Then her door opened. “Oh, thank you,” she said, a little confused by the gesture.
Phoenix’s voice was lower as he said, “We can keep talking if we get a seat outside. Will you be able to handle the cooler air?”
Astrid got out of the car and then stopped to gauge her comfort. “It’s a bit chilly. Sorry. I’m just really not used to it being this cool at this time of year.”
“I know what you mean. Louisiana is decidedly warmer and more humid.”
She froze. “I never told you I was from Louisiana.”
“You didn’t have to. The accent is a bit of a giveaway.”
“Is it?”
He smiled at her. “There’s more to it than that, but yeah. I’ve worked with a few people from the state, and no one else sounds like you guys.”
Astrid rubbed her forehead. “I guess we can’t hear our own accents. Man, that’s a bit disappointing.”
“At least it’s a very pleasant, melodic accent.”
Astrid pursed her lips, not sure how to take the compliment. Of course, it wasn’t something anyone back home said – they probably didn’t hear it either. “So, what do you recommend here? Oh, and I should probably warn you that I’m a pescatarian.”
“They have a couple of amazing fish dishes. Personally, I prefer the baked salmon with twice-stuffed potato and asparagus.”
Her mouth started to water. “Ok, now that sounds like a good dinner. Is it expensive?”
“That’s irrelevant. I’m paying, remember?”
“I don’t want your boyfriend to think that you are cheating on him.”
Phoenix sighed and dropped his head back. “Do you want me to invite him?”
“Will I feel like a third wheel?”
Phoenix bit the sides of his cheek, then said, “No. I can guarantee you that is not even remotely close to the emotions you will feel. Besides, he’ll be far more interested in you than me.”
Her eyebrows went up as he opened the door for her. “Are you jealous because of that?”
There was a low snorting sound as she walked past him. “Not in the least.” He came up behind her as she stopped at the host desk. “Table for three outside, please.”
“It’s a bit cool outside. Are you sure you don’t want to sit near the fire?”
The winning smile Phoenix gave the hostess caused her to go a little pink. “I spent enough time in Alaska and Russia to not be bothered by a bit of breeze.”
The hostess giggled. “Ok, sir. Follow me, and I’ll take you to a table that has a bit of protection against the breeze. You may be used to it, but I hope you feel that we are a bit warmer and friendlier than the places where you’ve been.”
Astrid got the impression that the hostess moved her hips a little more as she led them to a table. She looked over at Phoenix, who seemed oblivious to the hostess’ attempts to get his interest. She turned around and tried to ask him a few personal questions, totally ignoring Astrid as they walked toward a table. His responses were pleasant and as detailed as was necessary, which seemed to encourage the young woman. When they reached the table, the hostess reached out and put her hand on his bicep.
“Here’s your—oh, my. You must work out.”
He looked over at her with a smile as he took a small step away from the hostess. “When I get the time. Thank you very much.” Phoenix then moved over and pulled a chair out for Astrid. “Where were we?”
Astrid looked at the hostess, who glared at her, then turned and flounced away. Shaking her head, the young woman sat down, and then she felt Phoenix easily push the chair under the table.
He sat down and looked at her. “I think we were talking about family.”
“Um, yes, you were telling me about your family and the Sextons.”
“Oh, um, yes, you asked if I had any more questions, but I can’t think of any. So, in the spirit of being more transparent,” she took a deep breath, “I suppose I should tell you a bit about my family.”
“If you aren’t comfortable because of where we are, then…”
“No. You invited me out to talk, and I agreed to it. I don’t know exactly why you are researching this particular region, but you’ve said enough that I can hazard a guess.”
Phoenix threaded his fingers together and rested his chin on them, but he simply looked at her. Feeling a little uncomfortable, Astrid shifted a little in her seat, “Since you said that the military is working with shady organizations, and you said we are researching the same thing, I guess you are trying to find out exactly what’s happening on the base nearby.”
He nodded a little. “That is a very good guess.”
She tilted her head a little. “Is it an accurate one?”
“It has a lot of merit and is… at least partially correct.”
“Well, that’s vague. But I also understand you’ve given me a lot more than…”
Suddenly, someone walked around the table. “I hope this is something – Oh.” The cold green eyes looked down on her, blinking a few times, the only part of the young face that indicated a sharp intellect. “It’s the woman who set off the sprinklers. And here I thought you told me that I was to leave this one alone.”
Phoenix stood up, then held out his hand toward her. “This is Astrid. Astrid, this is Elliott Sexton.”
“Astrid.” He looked at her. “She doesn’t have a last name?”
She was about to say something, but Phoenix spoke up, “Not one you need to know at the moment.”
This got sharp looks from both Astrid and Elliott, but Phoenix ignored it and sat back down. Finally, Elliott took a seat, but he never took his eyes off of her. He leaned forward a little. “So, you can control water? How much water? And to what level?”
“She is self-taught, Elliott, so she doesn’t have answers.”
“I would say that’s a shame, but we would both know I’m lying. Would you mind if I observed you for a few days?”
Astrid’s eyes widened as her nostrils flared. “Why would you want to do that?”
“Elliott has been deeply fascinated by people with powers because usually shifter abilities are more limited. Not all of us, of course, but for the most part, it’s an ability to shift and heal. Victor is definitely a different sort on that one.”
Elliott scoffed. “Victor’s a weird one on all fronts.”
“Who is Victor?” Astrid was looking between the two, starting to feel very much like a third wheel.
Elliott sniffed. “One of my many brothers. Nice enough guy, but not a normal shifter. I mean, acidic blood is not normal and really not safe.”
“Wait, are you kidding? Acid blood?” Astrid was starting to think they were making fun of her. At least, she hoped that compared to the alternative.
Phoenix looked at her and nodded. “No, he does have acidic blood. There’s a lot that’s special about him, but he’s a great guy. Very different from his twin. Good kids.”
Elliott let out a humph. “You aren’t much older than they are.”
Phoenix looked at him askance. “I’m older than Cooper.”
Elliott frowned. “Really? I thought… There’s quite an age difference between you and your brothers.”
“Indeed.”
Astrid watched them for a minute. “Ok, how do you not know how old he is?” she asked, pointing at Phoenix.
Elliott looked over at him. “I only started getting to know him a few months ago when there was an… incident up in Canada. I worked with one of his brothers and then ended up getting roped into this mess.”
Phoenix laughed. “You make it sound like you weren’t interested.”
For a second, a smile flashed over the cherubic-looking face. “Well, I didn’t say I wasn’t interested.”
“The number of women you get to harass – sorry, the number of women you get to try to observe was too much of a draw.”
Astrid looked between the two men. “You guys aren’t together.”
Phoenix looked over at her. Elliott said, “He’s not my type.”
This made Phoenix laugh. Astrid looked between the two of them. “How is that funny?”
“It’s not.” Elliott frowned. “Just because you are cursed doesn’t mean that you can go around laughing at the misfortunes of others.”
Phoenix’s smile faded. “I suppose you are right. Carrying the curse Gavin passed onto you is more than enough to earn you pity.”
“Oh – shut up,” Elliott said, flopping back in his seat.
A waitress came up to the table, and Phoenix ordered for the three of them. After she left, he looked at Elliott. “I’m sorry.”
He sniffed again, almost looking like he was pouting.
Astrid looked between the two of them. “So, curses are real?”
Elliott looked up at her, his interest a bit muted. “Yes.”
“And Phoenix is cursed?”
Elliott nodded as Phoenix just looked down. Neither of them offered any answers, so Astrid asked, “What kind of curse?”
Elliott’s eyes darted over, but when Phoenix still wouldn’t look up, he said. “No one can get close to him.”
“Or what?”
“They die.”
Astrid sat back. “How is that possible? Doesn’t that mean… I mean, he runs a company.”
“He’s not…”
“That’s quite enough.” Phoenix’s voice was low but cut through the conversation. “We aren’t here to talk grudges, curses, and personal business. This is supposed to be about the organization and getting to the root of the problem here. So, unless you want me to start talking about Alina,” he finally looked up at Elliott, “or Evander,” his gaze turned to Astrid, “I recommend we stay focused.”
Astrid felt her stomach drop, and she was about to say something when Elliott gripped the table. “There’s nothing to say about Alina.” He looked angry.
“Yes, Elliott, there’s a lot to say about Alina. But you keep your mouth shut about me, and I’ll keep my mouth shut about you.”
“I don’t have to help you.”
“No, you don’t. And as I told you when you showed up and begged me to let you, I don’t need you here. So, if that is your threat, you are free to leave. But don’t expect me to keep your family updated. You all lost the right to updates about a decade ago, and this was meant to be an olive branch after what you did to help Nolan.”
Elliott looked at the table, his jaw clenched and his knuckles white.
“Whose Alina?” Astrid asked, her voice soft because she knew it was a question she shouldn’t ask.
“Don’t worry about it, Astrid. Just focus on why we are here so that I don’t end up saying things that I will only marginally regret.”
Elliott was now looking at her, his eyes flashing behind his glasses. “No. It’s a good question. Just like it’s a good question to ask who Evander is.”
It was Astrid’s turn to feel anger. She looked at Phoenix, who was looking at her without any particular expression. He gave off the impression that he was just waiting to see what she would say.
Her nostrils flared once, but Astrid then looked at Elliott. “Evander’s my brother. He died two decades ago while serving in the military.”
Elliott sat back. “I’m – I’m sorry to hear that. So that’s why you are here.”
She nodded but then looked at Phoenix. “The problem is that I never told him that.”