Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Annahi
My mind is reeling with all the things. I don’t even know how to comprehend it all. First, Writ shows up at the clubhouse. I knew who he was. I didn’t even put two and two together that he was related to Justice in any way. Then again, I hadn’t seen Writ in a few years.
But you could see how close in resemblance both men are to one another. I was going to have to ask Justice about it when I got the chance. There was still so much about Justice I didn’t know, yet I felt closer to him than ever after the night before.
I love reading books and the experiences in those books, I never in my life thought it would be even better.
“You’re not concentrating,” Sibley says, intruding on my thoughts.
Okay, so I was supposed to be focusing on my mental shields, not thinking about my first sexual experience.
Granted, it was an experience I wanted to think about forever and a day. I want a lifetime of experiencing such pleasure at the hands of Justice.
What I didn’t want was the negativity I’d felt from him when his brother was here. He’d been ready to go after Writ, and I couldn’t actually blame him.
Writ was evil, truly the definition of it. So was his mother.
My mom was known for meeting with them on multiple occasions. They weren’t friendly, but they weren’t enemies either. My mom once told me they had a common goal and were working toward it together.
I didn’t know what that goal was, only that it had to do with her constantly taking blood from me.
“I’m sorry.” I blink and focus on Sibley. “I just have a lot on my mind right now. It’s hard to think of . . .”
Sibley waved a hand as she had earlier when she showed, nonchalantly.
I’ve noticed she does this. “Don’t apologize for anything.
I can see this and more. It’s not that you need help, Annahi, with your shield.
You need to let go of the fear of the past, let the present fill you, and move forward with what you know will be what it will be.
Justice won’t let the past come after you. ”
“She won’t just let me go,” I tell her, thankful it’s just the two of us. “My mother—”
“She’s not your mother,” Sibley interrupts me, her eyes going pale as I saw them do before.
Only this time longer. “Born of two. Two of the same. Separated young, not knowing of the other. They’re without each other.
Never to bond as they should. Only when mates seal the bond will they soon return.
Disaster and wreckage. Kisses and Carnage.
Death will come. Still more is to happen.
The future is untold. The future is to be what it will.
With mates, they will be strong, and both will learn to live without fear. Without the unknown haunting them.”
Sibley’s eyes go back to their normal color, and she blinks.
“What was that?” I ask.
“I’m a seer,” she announces, her typical wave in place. “I’ve been one since I was born. Becoming what I am now, a vampire, my gift is more enhanced. More powerful. It’s one of the reasons, Orpheus, nor my brother Aziz will allow me to go anywhere alone. I’m escorted wherever I go.”
“Isn’t that confining?” I ask, not even questioning the fact that she was a vampire or that she could be out in the light of day.
“It can be.” She nods. “Truthfully, it’s annoying, though I understand why they do what they do. It’s for my protection. Many people would kill to have someone like me in their grasp.” Sibley gives a shudder, and I could understand what she’s saying.
“Still, it must be hard.” I didn’t want to say that I pitied her because I didn’t, but I could relate in some ways.
Sibley shrugs and straightens. “Now, let’s focus. Clear your mind of everything and imagine the shield that blocks out everything else but your own thoughts.
Closing my eyes, I do as she says.
It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be. In my mind’s eye, I imagine Justice, standing tall and blocking out the rest of the world. But it’s not just him, it’s the beast within him. The other half of who he is. The beautiful coyote, I saw and helped heal.
Dark and beautiful.
“What are you doing, Peanut?”
My eyes fly open, and I dart a look around the room, not seeing him.
“Justice?” I don’t call out loud, but in my mind.
I hear a growly rumble in my mind and shake my head. “I’m trying to focus in here and felt you reach for me. Everything okay?”
I nod, though I know he can’t see it. “Ugh, um, yeah. Just practicing what Sibley said. Wait, how can you talk to me like this?”
“Mates can communicate like this sometimes. Some do anyway. Others feel each other’s emotions or thoughts. Others can do less. A few do more.”
Oh wow. That’s interesting. So, that’s how Clara and Zaid would talk to each other sometimes and seem to know how to read each other so well. It’s pretty cool.
“Get back to doing what you’re supposed to be doing,” Justice’s words cut off my thoughts, and I want to roll my eyes at the humor in his words.
I can’t help the smile that touches my lips. “Yes, sir,” I respond a bit cheekily, feeling his amusement ripple through our connection before it fades, but it’s not completely gone. He’s still with me, which feels good to know he’s there if I need him.
“What just happened?” Sibley asks, studying me with those knowing eyes.
“Justice spoke to me . . . in my head.” I tap my temple. “He said it’s a mate thing. Neither of us tried to do that before. I mean, we just completed the bond just yesterday, so I guess we hadn’t had a chance to.”
Sibley’s eyes seem to brighten as she flashes me this beautiful smile.
“Fascinating! The bond is already strengthening between you two. It’ll continue to grow and become even more powerful between you as time passes.
Some mates take months if not years to get that connection. ” She claps her hands together.
I blush, wondering if what we shared last night, how intense it was, had anything to do with how connected I feel with Justice.
“Now, what were you imagining as your shield before Justice spoke to you?” Sibley nods, getting back to task.
“Him,” I answer, my blush deepening. “I was imagining it was him and his coyote were standing up against whatever might come at me.”
“Good. If he’s who you need to imagine, use it. It would make perfect sense for you to want your mate to protect you.” Sibley nods. “So, what you’re gonna do now is, imagine your mate again and use that feeling to expand that shield to form around you like a hug, then I want you to lower it.”
Nodding, I do just as she says. The feeling of Justice grows in my mind along with golden red colors mixed with black swirling and locking into place around him.
Sealing itself in place. I feel a sense of ease and then take a breath to do the rest of the task.
I don’t want to lower it, but it’s a must. I can’t let fear override the present. Not anymore.