And there it was, up close and identical to mine. My tattoo burned so hard, I glanced down, expecting the flames to be real.
We stood beside the café, both of us shirtless, staring at the marks on our skin. Dray didn’t offer an explanation, and I asked how it was possible. He was clenching and unclenching his hands, and judging by his expression, he was doing the same to his jaw.
“It’s, ummm, difficult to explain.”
“Try me.”
“They’re a sign.”
Obviously, they weretattoos. They were a sign we both had the same damned one. I took deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart and the frustration at Dray not explaining.
“They show up when two people are connected.”
Now he was talking fairy tales. Tattoos didn’t just randomly appear on people’s bodies.
“You’re shitting me.”
“They’re permanent.”
Of course they were! I couldn’t take it any more, and I stomped toward my car, ignoring the looks I was getting from people. Damn, I was bare-chested. I pulled on my sweater and tossed the shirt in the car.
Wait, he’d said we were connected. Gods, were we related in some way? Please tell me I hadn’t been lusting after a guy who turned out to be a relative.
I put my hands over my ears, mumbling, “No, no, no. Are you my long-lost cousin or something?” Maybe Aunt June had a kid I didn’t know about. Or a grandkid.
“No, ewww. Not that.” He folded his arms but didn’t cover his upper body.
There were some adoring looks from passersby, and I almost yelled, “Keep walking. No peeking allowed.”
“I can show you something that might make it easier to understand.”
For a split second, I thought he was going to drop his pants.
“But not here.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve waited eight years since I got it, and I can’t F it up.”
Eight years for what? For me to arrive in town? Someone was messing with my head. I’d almost forgotten about the tattoo during those years. It was just there, staring at me when I showered or swam.
“Follow me and I’ll explain everything.”
He unlocked his car but I was still standing where he’d left me. His hand on the door was trembling, and he was biting his bottom lip so hard it was going to bleed.
“Are you coming, Pax?” There was a plea in his voice.
I nodded.
EIGHT
DRAY
I’d made the drive to the clearing countless times in my life. But today it was never-ending. This was the moment when I had to tell my mate the truth. And judging by his reaction outside the café, I wasn’t hopeful he’d accept what I was about to tell him.
Pax followed me. Part of me expected him to turn around and disappear back to his aunt’s place. But he stayed there, even when the road became a dirt track and my car kicked up dust.
Don’t worry. He’s coming. I wasn’t the only one tracking Pax.He cares about you.
