Page 21 of Commanding Flame and Shield
“My hands?”
He smiled, but his eyes fought the gesture, still grim. “Some of our minds have stronger holds on our bodies than others. Your spirit is immense. Intimidating, if I’m honest. It’s why I believe you survived as long as you did through endless wars. Who knows what you’ve gone through in other cycles. Did you ever hear about a schizophrenic dying when they hallucinate a shooter?”
I had, in fact, heard of those unexplained occasions. I inclined my head.
“Our minds are powerful tools, and quite obedient to the experience of the soul.”
Alec’s wisdom had accumulated tenfold since the life in which I called him Robert. He was coming up on his hundred and thirtieth birthday in this life. Their mortality hinged upon being murdered or committing suicide—otherwise no injury or disease was a threat.Myimmortality. That was a staggering realization.
We ate a lunch of herb-encrusted roast turkey, and mashed potatoes—one of my favorite meals. Comfort food. It tasted eerily close to the way my mother would make it for Thanksgiving. I couldn’t help but suspect Alvara somehow knew that minute detail, and made it appear on the table for us that day. Her energy was undeniably nurturing towards me. Being sent out on a mission with Lana and Ansel, whom I’d met only briefly, didn’t seem enough of a deterrent to keep her from looking after me.
Ansel and his mate were the first members that didn’t seem overly concerned with welcoming me. His steely eyes surveyed me like a threat, which in an odd way, was his job, I supposed. When Alvara turned to motion to his mate, the sharp-eyed blonde sauntered forward.
“August, meet Alana.”
Alana’s eyes rolled so far back in her sockets, I thought they’d vanish there. She huffed a breath as she accepted my outstretched hand. “Only my mother was allowed to call me that. And as she’s been worm food for over three centuries, It’sLanato you.”
“Alright,” I chuckled, and her eyes brightened. “Nice to meet you, Lana—never Alana.” And then they were gone, off to retrieve a braid.
Mental sparring was far more strenuous than physical sparring. We were in the coven’s lounge—the room dark, except for the dwindling fire under the great carved mantle. The decor was eclectic—in stark contrast to the uniform white, that was Grayshell. Alec told me each piece had a story—a collected item from those in the coven. The kitchen gave the room a homey feel, and we settled in around the island.
Sitting across the counter from Alec, I practiced dropping and raising my shield. It took an immense amount of energy to let him in, his voice finally ringing in my ears while his lips remained motionless. Alec promised to keep his shield down as we practiced, so I could hone the skill of telepathic communication between another Nephilim in our coven.
Alvara seems to break through when the rest of you don’t. Is that because she’s my sire?
Maybe. But Alvara has yet to meet a mind she cannot master. Perhaps you werehercalling because she could crack you when others wouldn’t.
Perhaps. Is it normal to feel...attached to your sire?
Yes.There had been no hesitation in his response.Sire and calling are assigned intentionally. God doesn’t make mistakes. They are almost always in a soul group. Like a spiritual family, who cycle through together.
Why don’t I remember her? If we’re in a soul group?
Patience, mate. Memories come back over time. You’re already making killer headway. If she’s in your soul, you’ll remember each other. Unfortunately, contact helps.
And she won’t touch me?
Not unless you’re ready for her to know everything.
Everything?
Everything. For her to see past lives, you’ll have to hang on long enough for her to filter through this one. She can’t...sort, memories. She sees them all.
That’s…
Uncomfortable?A nearly perfect vision of Layla’s charming face popped into his mind.
With the metallic finality of a prison cell slamming shut, my mind closed in on itself. Shield back in place.
“Good instinct.” He smiled. “You protect those you love. That’s admirable, August. An excellent trait to have on this team.”
My head was pounding, and I bowed it into my hands, rubbing my temples.
“We can be done,” Alec said, more a question than a statement.
I shook my head. “I just need a break.”
“Aye-aye. Whiskey?”
