“It’s a spray that masks faces from all CCTV and other recording devices,” Tabi said. “Since humans have caught up so quickly with technology, and since we potentially live for thousands of years, it’s necessary.”
Emma smiled. “That’s brilliant. Good on you.”
Tabi tried to gauge Evan’s mood, but his face revealed nothing. His mind had to be spinning. “So I guess we should talk?” she asked.
He turned, disbelief still in his eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”
Vulnerability twittered through Tabi, and she turned toward the queen, who’d once been an enhanced human. “Was it difficult for you to accept that there were different species on the planet?”
Emma shrugged. “No, but I’m psychic and knew there was more out there than anybody else could imagine. It seems like your mate’s ability is like a demon mind destroyer’s. He probably didn’t even realize he had an ability.”
Evan shook his head wildly and then reached for his gun in Tabi’s hands before placing it on the mantle. “I’m not saying I believe all of this, considering I might’ve been drugged last night, but if I did, are you telling me I’m about to turn into a demon?”
Max snorted. “No. Nobody turns into anything different than they started as. We’re all different species. Stop watching late night television.”
Evan lowered his chin in an intriguing and threatening move.
Tabi grinned. Man, he was sexy. Hopefully he wouldn’t turn into an immortal jerk now that she’d forced his chromosomes to multiply. And if she believed in fate, which she might, the marking did appear on her hand after he’d kissed her. That mattered to her people. “Listen. When an immortal mates an enhanced human, the human becomes immortal and can’t die except by beheading or being burned to dust. Also, mates share abilities, so that happens.”
Emma nodded. “Most mates can communicate telepathically after a while, too.”
Dage watched Evan closely. “Mating is forever. You touch another female, since you’re mated to one, and you’ll get an allergic reaction that is not funny.”
Emma looked to her side at the king. “Well, mating doesn’t have to be—”
“It is,” Dage said, his jaw hard. “When both parties are alive, even a deadly virus won’t negate the mating bond.”
Emma shrugged. “That might be true.” She smiled at Evan. “Welcome to immortality.”
He turned and looked at Tabi. “Everyone needs to get out of my house. Except for you, Tabitha.”
A shiver wound down her spine. Was it fear? No. She’d never be afraid of Evan. Maybe wary, though. Her nipples peaked.
Emma switched her bag to her other hand. “If you let me draw blood from you both, then I promise I’ll take all of these soldiers out of Indiana and fly them far away. You have my word.”
“I thought we were taking them to headquarters,” Max interjected.
“No,” Tabi said. “We have a lot going on here, but I’ll contact you if we want to seek refuge.” Heck. Once she told Evan everything, she might be the one needing a safe place to land. Then she placed her hand on Evan’s arm and turned toward him. “Trust me. She just wants blood to study.”
“Trust you?” he repeated, his gaze shuttered. “Are you insane?”
Max chuckled. “Most demons are crazy, and the Ruskos are legendary.”
Tabi glowered at him.
Emma withdrew medical supplies from her bag, hopping with what looked like excitement. “Who wants to be first?”
* * * *
The atmosphere in his home did feel different after everyone had left. Evan tried to grapple with what he’d just learned and turned for his kitchen. He might as well see if he’d gone nuts.
“What are you doing?” Tabitha asked, following him.
He reached for a knife from the block. “Seeing if this is all bullshit.” Taking a deep breath, he lifted the blade. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been cut before in a fight or two.
“Wait.” She grabbed his wrist. “You probably don’t have healing cells yet. Don’t cut yourself.”
How could he have missed an entire other world living around them? It just didn’t make sense. He paused, his mind reeling.
