“I agree with your lawyer. That’s the reason I took custody of my younger brothers. Do you have any siblings?”
Shaking his head, Tade said, “Nope, only me.”
Remy paused for a moment, then asked, “Why did your relatives call themselves your foster parents instead of disclosing their relationship to you?”
“I think because I was a low-level magic user,” Tade said softly. It wasn’t something he was ashamed of, at least not until he went to live with them, but their constant reminders of how fortunate he was that first-level magic users took him in, left scars that undermined his self-confidence.
Anger shot through Remy at the discrimination that Tade had been subjected to simply for who he was. If he ever needed proof he was on the right path regarding the Mystic Realm, here it was right in front of him. Tade’s life might be the first sad tale, butRemy knew it wasn’t going to be the last. And that’s what he had to keep in his mind at all times. As much as he wanted to, he sensed that asking more questions about Tade’s ‘foster parents’ would only upset the young magic user more—something he did not want to do. Moving on, Remy asked, “Did you like school?”
A wide grin filled Tade’s face. “Oh yes…very much. My grades were all ‘A’s,’ and my advisor thought I should go to the university…but I couldn’t…well, you know because I had to report here…but my dream is to go someday.”
“I loved school, too,” Remy said, smiling at the joy on Tade’s face. “Is that what you wanted to talk to me about? Going back to school?”
“I can’t do that right now because I need a job first…that’s what I wanted to ask you…about me working for you…maybe helping the rescued magic users…you know, figure out what they want to do. I’m a really good listener and I got top marks in my computer class so I could do a report on every rescued magic user and you’d then know who they were, what they want to do, and what they need. Do you think that would be valuable to you?” Tade asked, eagerly.
Impressed by Tade’s initiative, Remy replied, “It would…in fact, I think you are the perfect person for that job.”
“You do?” asked Tade, astonished it had been so easy. Then just to make sure, he added, “This isn’t a joke, is it?”
Chuckling, Remy shook his head. “Not at all. I really do need some help to get all the low-level magic users sorted out, and frankly I wasn’t sure where to start but your report idea sounds like an excellent place to begin.”
“I have lots of ideas!” exclaimed Tade. “Do you want me to send you a list or should I tell them to you now?”
“We’ll get to that in a minute,” Remy replied. “But first, you will need an office…hmmm…and since it would be easier if you stayed here, an apartment you can call your own. Oh, and definitely you’ll need a salary.”
“Oh wow! That’s good…really good,” Tade said, “but can I make one tiny suggestion first?”
Smiling, Remy said, “Sure.”
“I think the rescued magic users need a few things first…I know we all ate…and thank you for the food…trust me, it was very much appreciated…but they could use new clothes…and maybe a place they can call their own, at least until everything is sorted out.”
Remy’s smile grew wider and wider as he listened to Tade. When the young magic user was finished, he said, “This is why I knew you would be perfect. We think alike.”
Chapter 8
Looking up from his computer screen when his office door opened, Maximus’ smile quickly faded when he saw his wife’s exhaustion. Pushing back his chair, he stood and headed over to Oracle, wrapping her in an all-encompassing hug that brought her face to rest on his chest. It took several minutes after her body had melted into his before he felt her tension begin to ease. Bending down, he sniffed her hair, inhaling her heady scent while thanking the gods for bringing her back to him, yet again.
From the first day she’d walked into his life, everything changed for him. His childhood memories—that had haunted him for so long—disappeared, replaced by anticipation of their future together and, in that moment, he knew she was his home and the center of his universe.
Sensing her pain, Maximus scooped her up in his arms, carrying her over to the small sofa. Sitting down, he kept her close to him, waiting until she was ready to tell him what was troubling her. Once he knew, he’d be there for her, helping her in any way possible as he’d done in the past. Softly caressing her back, Maximus hummed her favorite tune, letting the music do its magic.
As her anguish drained from her body, she realized how precious these times with Maximus were. Even after all their long years together, it never failed to amaze her that the love of her life always knew what she needed—even when she didn’t—and she was forever grateful to the Fates for giving her Maximus.
~/~/~/~/~
Reading the latest text message from Emilia Miralles, his gallery owner, Kahn’s anger at his father once again filled him, causingcurses to fly out of his mouth. “Fucking typical,” he exploded, throwing his phone on the bed. Frustrated, he jumped up and strode to the window. Opening the drapes, he leaned against the glass, hoping it would cool him down.
As Heath approached Kahn’s bedroom, he knew the answer he had to Kahn’s question wasn’t going to go over well, especially after hearing the anger in the man’s voice through the door. But he’d bet whatever triggered the profanity had to do with Kahn’s current situation. And now he was about to add insult to injury. Knocking, Heath waited until he heard the muffled permission to enter.
Kahn turned around as the door opened, his gaze falling on Heath’s face and by the look on it, he knew Reeve’s sidekick wasn’t here to deliver good news. Sighing, he turned away, refusing to break down in front of him.
“Kahn? I’m sorry but…”
Furtively brushing away a tear, Kahn said, “Don’t bother. I already know the answer.”
“It’s just too dangerous,” Heath murmured.
Kahn snorted. “Dangerous? You gotta be kidding me. For fuck’s sake, we are talking about my father. If he wanted to kill me, there were all kinds of opportunities for him to do it before now.”
