Page 21 of Of Flame and Fate
“Gemini, could you pass me my purse?” He drops it in my hand. “Thanks, love.”
I reach into the larger compartment where I keep a tiny container of hand sanitizer. Honolulu Sunshine, doesn’t that sound nice? Well, it smells even nicer! I lather my hands and Emme’s. It works so well to remove the nasty bits of leftover vamp, I slather it on her face then use tissues to dab her face somewhat clean.
We’re on the highway back to Tahoe by the time Emme is finally dressed. Like I thought, Gemini’s clothes are too big on her. But she’s warm, and safe, and alive. I’ll take it, especially with all the danger we’ve learned of tonight and following Gemini’s proclamation that we may not survive it.
As Emme settles, Gemini explains the suspicions the Alliance has about the Legion and how the shapeshifters are likely the opposing force leading them. When he’s done, I leave Emme to her thoughts and crawl into the front passenger seat. Totally illegal I know, but just as Gemini is calmer when I’m near, Sparky and I do better with him beside us. His hand slides over mine and he gives it a squeeze. I look up at him, smiling as much as I can, considering our rather eventful night.
“Who was called to the meeting?” Emme asks. “Was it just the leaders in the surrounding territories?”
“No. Alliance members from all over the world have been summoned,” he replies.
Again, the way he speaks makes me take notice. “Like who?” I ask.
Tension gathers along his shoulders. Apparently, I asked the winning question. “Babe?” I press.
“Those highest within our supernatural circles.” The apologetic look he shoots me and the words that follow send chills down my spine. “Including Destiny.”
Chapter Five
Trudhilde Radinka aka Destiny.
I first met her in vampire court a few years ago. The same day we met Misha, in fact. We were charged with unjustifiably killing one of Misha’s keep, a big no-no unless the vamp tries to kill you first or he directly challenges you to some stupid duel.
The court was packed with beings with sharp nails and fangs, deliberated by vampires older than dirt, and brought forth by Misha who will one day strike the most powerful master dead. Their collective power raked against our skin and pierced our bones, demanding blood and torture.
But it was Destiny who scared the unholy shit out of me.
Forget that she dresses like a six-year-old who found a chest stuffed with clothes accented in polka dots, zebra stripes, feathers, and roadkill fur. Destiny is different. No, she’s flat out bizarre. You know some of those freaks who walk around, those you suspect collect shoeboxes stuffed with Barbie doll legs and dust bunnies who resemble celebrities? Destiny is their leader and she wears that crown proudly.
Once every century an especially gifted baby girl is born from a union of two powerful witches. She is given the name of the original and most powerful soothsayer of all time. But it’s her insane ability to accurately predict the future that earns her the nickname Destiny.
She’s who decreed Celia and Aric’s children would rid the world of evil, sticking to her guns even after Celia was told she could no longer bear children.
I glance behind me as we reach the base of Granite Chief Peak, expecting her to pop out of the rear wearing a zebra-striped fedora. “Of all the supernaturals out there,” I mutter.
“She’s not so bad,” Emme says. She squirms as the first of many magical defenses leading up to the Den press against us. “She’s just a little unique and quirky.”
“Unique and quirky are good words,” I agree, rubbing my arms and trying to shake the mix of witch andweremagic we’re doused with. “So are outlandish and alarming.”
It’s not that I don’t like Destiny. Frying my brains to goo in vamp court aside, she’s nice enough, always waving and smiling like we’re besties. And if it wasn’t for her and all the clout she carries beneath the weasel fur she wears, Celia wouldn’t be under the protection she is, and her future children would be seen as mutts not saviors.
Gemini’s SUV barrels up the path, slinging mud from last night’s rain against the windshield and tiny pebbles pitter-patter beneath the undercarriage. I frown when I realize something doesn’t make sense. “Wait a minute. Why would someone target Destiny?”
“Why wouldn’t someone target her?” Emme questions softly. “She’s hailed as royalty among witches and is held in high regard across the supernatural spectrum.”
Gemini smirks. He knows what I mean. “Because you have to be a real dumbass with a death wish to mess with Destiny. I get that her name is figurative, but it’s literal too, given that her predictions, and those of her predecessors, are never wrong.”
“Pardon?” Emme asks.
“She can ‘see’ anyone trying to kill her,” I elaborate further. “And because she can, she can obliterate her assassin long before he thinks about taking her out.”
My “weird” magic gives me glimpses of the future. They’re always graphic and tend to revolve around chaos and dismembered body parts soaring through the air. They also pop out of nowhere and usually haunt me for months. I don’t think Destiny has that problem and would bet she can summon her visions at will.
“There’s a lot we don’t know about Destiny,” Gemini adds. “And a great deal more she and her predecessors have kept hidden. What we do know gives us just a hint of her strength. It’s what’s kept her, and others like her, safe throughout history.”
“I figured,” I add. “Disastrous taste in clothes aside, she’s not stupid. Personally, I think all the bells, whistles, and funky fur are to distract from all the mojo lurking beneath.”
“Agreed.” He eases along the road, easily avoiding a large ditch. “There are countless legends surrounding Destinies. All warn thatan attempt to kill Destiny seals your own fate.”