Page 57 of Ravage
“Good. You can crash there until I get this handled. Keep a low profile until then, and I’ll let you know when it’s safe.”
“I can help you.”
No. Absolutely not.
“I’d rather know that you’re safe here. If everyone here has a gift, then put them all on high alert. Look out for each other. Don’t let it slip to anyone who they are until these guys are off of our backs.”
Frowning, she checks the clock in the room. “Last call has already been announced. I’ll head up now to check out my new home.”
I nod and silently apologize to Elias for the mess in his office. From what I know of him, he might have an aneurysm if he sees it. “I’ll walk you there so I know where it is and show you mine.”
I rap against Apartment 148B, where Elias’s friend and designated contact point lives. It’s one of those modern, sleek style buildings that fancy business people usually live out of. There’s a lobby area, restaurant, gym, and pool all on the first floor. I had to actually check in as a guest at the front desk and receive approval from the tenant to be allowed access upstairs.
I wonder why Portia isn’t staying in a place like this. I’m sure Elias would pay for it, considering all of his resources.
Then again, it’s a good twelve blocks from the nightclub and a decent walk.
Now that his friend knows I’m here, thanks to the front desk, I’m expecting the door to open right away.
It doesn’t.
I knock again harder.
“One second! One second! Don’t break the door down!”
I wasn’t banging on the door that hard, was I?
It swings open, revealing a guy with messy black hair and ash grey highlights around my age. He nearly collapses against the door jamb with a grin. “Ah, if it isn’t Miss Raegan of Ruin. Ruination? No, ruin.” He snaps his fingers and points at me. “Catchier to keep it short.”
My blood chills. “What did you call me?”
“Oh! Just a little nickname I’ve been working on since I heard about your”—he wiggles his fingers at me—“gift from Eli.”
I swallow, struggling with the lump in my throat at what that could mean. “Are you…Kit?” I take a gamble from the word scribbled on the paper with the address.
“That’s me! Short for Kittredge, but what the hell kind of name is that, am I right? Eli said that Kit fits me, though, so that’s what I go by now.”
“Er, right. Can I come in, Kit?”
“Sure, sure.” He steps back and waves me in. The entryway is tiled, with a narrow table and mirror on one side and a narrow door on the other. “Can I get you something to eat? Drink?” he calls over his shoulder as I follow him further inside to the living room.
“Thanks, but I shouldn’t be long. What gift did Elias tell you I have?” I ask while I take in the room. There are dog beds and toys filling the room, and even then, there’s fur coating the couches. I look around for a dog or dogs, but no one comes running out of the open doors off the living room.
Kit spins around and collapses into the couch, which seems more fluff than substance because it swallows him up like a bean bag. His grin widens, and I notice the sharp point of his canines. Did he file them down like that, or was he born that way? “Just the cool power to destroy. Anything. And everything.”
My stomach drops. How? And from Europe, no less? I’m too anxious to sit anywhere and keep myself standing at the edge of the sitting area. “And what makes him think that’s my gift?” I try to keep my voice calm and nonchalant.
“The Seer person he’s with out there. Said you were in trouble tonight. Well, that Portia was in trouble when Eli asked about her, and he wound up seeing what you were up to instead. Since, you know, you’re what led to Portia being in trouble.”
Fuck a duck.
“What do you mean he ‘saw’ me?”
He shrugs and kicks his bare feet up and over the coffee table. “The Seer can share what they see, when they see it. So, he watched most of it. Like a movie in his head.” He points to the side of his head and then cocks it to the side. “Eli also saw you coming here to tell me about Portia. He said the Seer didn’t see any issues with Portia for at least another couple of weeks, so he should be wrapped up with his project by then to come home. She’ll be safe in the apartment you put her in.”
“Oh.” I sit in the armchair so I can process all of that.
Elias knows what my gift is now. He actually watched me use it. On people. He’s seen me for the monster that I am, and instead of rushing home to keep me away from Portia, he’s still leaving her in my care for a few weeks.
