The Grey God

Darian found a summer cabin beside a lake in a small logging town near the Black God's hideout. He broke in and checked the electricity, which someone had left on. A quick glance around at the furnished cabin left him satisfied. He left and walked through the snowstorm to the Realtor sign hanging at the end of the long driveway. Plucking it free, he Traveled back to Texas to find the stash of credit cards and identifications Damian kept in the safe in his study. He opened it and rifled through the files.

"How was Jenn?" His sister-in-law's voice was soft.

"So it was you who wanted me to check on her," Darian said. "Jenn thought it might be."

"For an Original Being, Xander has no discretion."

At Sofi's icy voice, Darian turned away from the safe and faced her. She stood in the doorway, silver-blue eyes swirling and arms crossed. Damian's lifemate was petite, beautiful, and angry.

"Take it up with him," Darian said, amused. "Something weird is going on up there. I'm going to stay close."

"That's good." She still sounded irritated.

Darian faced the safe to hide his smile and continued searching. Sofi was the only Oracle to be found since the Schism. Her cool energy surrounded him. She was constantly assessing him and had been since she discovered him as a prisoner of the Black God.

"I'm fine," he said. "Better than I have been in a very long time."

"I sense that."

"Then what worries you?"

"Just the usual."

Darian snorted. "I'm fed up with moody women today. Jenn treated me like a shitbag and now you."

"I was afraid of that. Dammit, Xander," Sofi muttered. "You just need to keep close to Jenn. She's in a great deal of danger."

"Like immediate danger?" he asked, facing her again. "I'll yank her out of there so fast, not even-"

"You'll know when."

"Damn Oracles." He snatched the documents he needed and closed the door to the safe. "I planned on sticking close anyway. You're not about to tell me anything else, are you?"

"Not yet."

"It must be important if you and the Original Being are interested," he baited, even knowing she'd ignore him.

"Don't trip over your own feet on your way there or anywhere else."

"Your Oracle advice sounds like it came out of a fortune cookie."