“A once-in-a-lifetime match. I never even considered looking for it again, because it’s so uncommon.”
“What does that even mean? I thought he was O negative. I thought I was Rh null. And when he bit me the first time…he reacted strongly,” she said to put it mildly.
“Well, hewouldreact strongly. It had to be the best blood he’d ever tasted in his life.”
“So…because we’re matched, he couldn’t resist. It didn’t make him go feral?”
“Assuredly not. He should be able to drink your blood with no negative side effects. And I suspect with many positive ones.” Washington’s smile widened. “I believe the concept is very similar to a soulmate.”
“A soulmate,” she said, the breath rushing out of her. The word sounded impossible. A fairy tale. And yet, Washington wasn’t one for fancy. He was a scientific man, and if he was using the term, then he meant it.
“Yes. Your one true match. Beckham claims to be able to sense you at a great distance. Have you ever been able to sense him?”
“I don’t think so.” Though…had she ever tried? She’d always had an awareness of Beckham. The knowledge of him. The feeling of him. They had clicked. Even from day one, through her terror. “Though…I don’t know. Maybe.”
“We’ll do more testing later. I simply wanted to bring you the good news.”
“Thank you, Washington,” she said and meant it.
“And I apologize about what happened with Jodie. I heard about her leaving and fear that might have been partially my doing. I can’t change my past with her or William, but I do wish that it hadn’t scared her away.”
“Me too,” Reyna said with a hitch in her throat.
“Let me wish you luck. Be careful out there.”
“I will.”
She turned back to the door with her head in a daze as the realization of what Washington had said washed over her again. Soulmate.
“And Reyna?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t underestimate William.”
Reyna’s heart hardened around the words. Harrington. She needed to keep her head in the game. She was out to destroy the destroyer.
“I won’t.”
She met Meghan at the top of the complex, where the steel door was open and a stretch limo was waiting for them in the parking lot.
“Everything all right with Washington?” Meghan asked.
“I’ll tell you about it later.”
Gabe held the back door to the limo open and leaned against it in a slick black tuxedo. His red hair was gelled to perfection, his green eyes as charming and devious as ever. A plain black mask dangled from his hand.
“Ladies.”
Meghan stepped forward and straightened his bow tie. “This is a good look for you, O’Connor.”
His hand slipped to a lock of her red hair. “Everything is a good look on you, love.”
Meghan laughed softly and then slid into the limo.
“After you,” he said gallantly, gesturing dramatically into the vehicle.
She knew it was to lighten the mood, and she appreciated it. She gave him a small smile before pulling the folds of her dress in and entering the limo. Gabe slid inside last. The door slammed shut, and then they were off. No one spoke on the drive. Even Gabe’s normal chatter was absent as anticipation clogged the car.
