Touch of the Fire God [Scions of the Ankh 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  “Is everything all right, Dr. Selkis?” Jonathan asked, his eyes squinting slightly. The smallest smile played around his lips, as if he knew what she had been dreaming about.

  “Yes, it was just a dream,” she said softly into the headset, trying to believe her own words.

  Chapter 2

  By the time she had gathered her thoughts, Jonathan Thoth was weaving his exotic voice over the headset, informing her that they would be landing in Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, where a private plane awaited them.

  Rene couldn’t help but wonder why this powerful man just didn’t pull some strings to properly bury Franklin Summit himself. Why go through all the trouble to retrieve her? She was hardly more family to Franklin than anyone else.

  Something was amiss. She was sure of it.

  After the powerful rotor and blades came to a stop, Jonathan led her out of the helicopter.

  “It’s a little early for a nap, Dr. Selkis. Did you not sleep last night?” Jonathan’s voice rumbled out as he led her toward a sleek, private airplane, his hand casually resting at the small of her back. Rene thought it an unusual question; she glanced at him sideways before answering.

  “Not well. One doesn’t usually get a good night’s rest when someone important in their life has just been reported dead.”

  “Franklin Summit was important to you, then?” Jonathan seemed truly interested in her answer.

  “He was all I ever had in the way of family,” Rene answered, thinking of the kind, if slightly aloof, grandfatherly figure.

  “We weren’t close, but at least I had someone to call if I needed something.” Rene let her words drift low. She had never really thought about it like that.

  “Well, I am sorry about your loss, Dr. Selkis.” Rene nodded and allowed herself to be guided to the jet. After settling in the aircraft, Rene turned her gaze sharply on Jonathan Thoth.

  “Is this plane yours?” she asked, watching his reaction closely.

  “It’s a company airplane.” He paused, now seeming to study her features. “Why don’t you ask me what you really want to? I assure you I will not break.” He flashed his gorgeous grin, making him even more attractive, and yet Rene felt no urge to flirt with him.

  “All right then. Why didn’t you just bury him? You have the money, the power. It seems to me it’s costing you more time and effort to have me do it than it would to just take care of it yourself.”

  “It would seem that way,” he answered, “but the truth of the matter is, a will is a will. Franklin was very clear that he wanted you to take care of this matter.”

  “Doesn’t make sense.” Rene let her head fall back on the cushioned seat.

  “What doesn’t make sense, Dr. Selkis?”

  “None of this. Franklin Summit was some white knight that rescued an orphan. I have never figured out why and why me? And now I am the one he names in his will.”

  “He took good care of you, no?” Jonathan prodded gently.

  “Yes, but he made sure not to get close to me. I’m not complaining. I know many others who’ve had it worse. I just never figured he’d need me in this way.”

  “Ah, well, in time, all things are revealed.” Jonathan put a long, elegant finger at his temple and lightly rested his head on it. Again, Rene thought that he looked like a model for an expensive magazine.

  “You said you traded artifacts with Franklin. It’s awfully nice of you to go through this much trouble for a business acquaintance.” Rene wasn’t buying that Jonathan had been merely trading with Franklin. Mr. Thoth here screamed money, and there was definitely something about him that wasn’t quite right.

  “Mr. Summit stayed at one of my homes while he scavenged for artifacts. I feel obligated. On a certain level, he and I were friends. I’ve known him a long time.”

  Rene doubted that. Jonathan Thoth couldn’t be more than twenty-five, maybe thirty. Franklin Summit did not suffer the company of young people; he found them a tad “intellectually dull, without the benefit of sufficient life experience with which to engage in a decent debate, let alone conversation.”

  Rene smiled to herself, thinking of that particular conversation she had overhead once when Franklin was talking on the telephone.

  She never knew anyone that he knew, that is, until now. Rene let the conversation die, and she closed her eyes. Last night had been both intriguing and restless.

  She prepared to sleep again, partly in response to fatigue, partly as a way to pass the time in an awkward situation, when she netted the feeling that she was being scrutinized. Rene let her eyes fly open, determined to surprise Jonathan and make him uncomfortable. But he merely kept looking at her, every now and then tilting his head as if to get a better view.

  “Why are you staring at me?” Rene was nothing if not bold.

  “You look almost the exact duplicate of a friend I lost a long time ago,” Jonathan responded with an almost sad smile.

  “I’m sorry about your loss.” Rene immediately felt contrite.

  “I’ve had enough time to deal with it. Still, the resemblance is remarkable,” he murmured, almost to himself.

  “Sleep now, Dr. Selkis. As you know, we have a long flight ahead of us.”

  “Couldn’t you have just sent someone? Why make this long round trip?”

  “If you want something done right, you do it yourself. Isn’t that the American saying?”

  “Yes.” Rene smiled. Jonathan had a way about him that put her at ease. “You mean to tell me you believed someone would screw up delivering me to your doorstep?”

  “I mean, this way, I can guarantee your safe arrival.” Jonathan rose and walked toward the cockpit, effectively dismissing all conversation and introducing a slew of questions. Her safe arrival? Rene shrugged off the remark. She was too tired to figure out the meanderings of a pretty rich boy.

  The plane ride proved to be an exceptional sleep aid. She vaguely remembered Jonathan telling her of a brief layover in Minneapolis for fuel checks and being given a nice cashmere blanket to snuggle up to.

  When Rene awoke, she was momentarily confused by her surroundings. Jonathan sat across from her. He had removed his suit jacket, his sleeves were pushed up to his elbows, and he seemed to be intently studying the papers in his lap.

  “Good evening, Dr. Selkis. It seems you’ve slept well.” There was a smile in his voice, but he never looked up from his papers.

  Creepy, Rene thought to herself.

  “Where are we?” Rene glanced out into the sky where darkness was rapidly descending; she hated to miss the sun’s setting. She was completely unaware of the deep breath of disappointment that escaped her lips.

  “About to land in Schiphol, Amsterdam. We need to refuel, and I am sure you are hungry. Is something the matter?” He finally looked at her, the expression in his hazel eyes showing true concern for her well-being.

  “Oh, yes.” Rene felt silly that things like sunsets were a vital part of her day. “I just hate to miss a sunset.” She pushed the blanket off and stretched. She felt wound up, but well rested.

  “I see,” Jonathan remarked quietly. “Well let’s get some food in you. Schiphol has nice restaurants. Do you like Dutch food?” He grinned, neatly stuffing the papers in the portfolio at his feet.

  “I can’t say. Never had it.” She grimaced, starving, but not in the mood for experimentation.

  “Well, I am sure we can find some cheeseburgers.” He looked like a kid when he said it.

  “I take it you like American cheeseburgers a lot.” Rene smiled, totally unaware of her own beauty. Jonathan looked at her for a second before urging her to get off the plane.

  After they were settled in a small restaurant tucked away in the airport, with a menu that boasted dishes from almost every nation, Jonathan started the conversation again. “Why is it you’ve never married, Dr. Selkis?”

  He stuffed a large fry into his mouth, still managing to look totally sophisticated.

  “What makes you think
I never married?” Rene tried to evade the question.

  “Franklin would have mentioned it, I’m sure.”

  “He spoke of me?” Rene was surprised.

  “Yes. He was quite proud of you.”

  “Well, he never told me that, but it’s good to hear.” Rene took a large bite of her cheeseburger. It wasn’t a Wendy’s burger, but then again, they weren’t at Wendy’s.

  “You haven’t answered my question.” Jonathan persisted. He pushed his plate away, looking completely disgusted and done with the meal. Rene swallowed, trying to carefully answer without telling him too much. It was, after all, none of his business.

  “I never had the time.” Rene took a quick bite of her burger. Every time Jonathan looked as if he wanted to ask a question, Rene stuffed her mouth. After a while, he just laughed and engaged her in idle conversation.

  It felt too weird, telling a stranger that she never had had a romantic feeling for any man she had ever met. For a brief period in time, she had suspected that she might be a lesbian, but after a secret experimentation that ignited no sexual sparks, she knew she wasn’t gay either.

  Something was wrong with her, no doubt; still, she was too embarrassed to go get help for it. Hell, she didn’t even know what was wrong with her.

  After the quick meal was finished, Rene stood just outside the restaurant doors waiting for Jonathan, who was having a quick word with the establishment’s owner. She knew she would never have had time for traveling like this if not for Franklin. Her work kept her too busy.

  She watched an old woman with a long gray braid that reached her waist. As the woman ambled slowly toward her, Rene was reminded that Americans were often targets for beggars and thieves and braced herself to say no to whatever the woman wanted to sell her.

  She cast a quick glance into the restaurant, and it appeared Jonathan would be finished any second. The old woman stopped in front of her. Wrinkles hugged her warm, faded blue eyes. The woman fumbled in her pockets, mumbling unintelligibly, and finally found what she was looking for. Slowly, her gnarled hands reached toward Rene with what appeared to be an ancient golden necklace with a charm dangling from it. Rene squinted at the dangling charm. It was a raptor of some kind, maybe a hawk, with the sun symbol in its claws.

  “Un petit cadeau.” The woman’s gravelly voice barely reached Rene’s ear.

  “I’m sorry ... I don’t speak French,” Rene stammered, taking a small step back as the old woman advanced on her.

  “Un petit cadeau,” the woman repeated more forcefully. This time, however, her bony hand snaked out faster than Rene could react. She grabbed Rene’s hand, slapped the jewelry into it, and closed Rene’s fingers around it like a fist.

  “Beau ... deesse.” The old woman kissed her hand and released it, bowing as far down as her old form would let her.

  “No, you must take this back.” Rene looked down at the beautiful relic.

  “Please!” Rene called after the fast-retreating figure of the old woman, who moved rather quickly for one so old.

  “It is a gift,” Jonathan said quietly, suddenly at her side.

  “I think she has me confused with someone else,” Rene murmured, wondering if it was her imagination or if the pendant was actually growing warm in her palm.

  “No, beau deesse.” Jonathan repeated the woman’s words. “She did not.”

  He lightly patted her elbow and began to lead her away from the restaurant toward the waiting plane. “Wear it, Dr. Selkis. It becomes you.” He walked slowly, watching her reaction carefully.

  “It is beautiful,” she began. “I do love the sun.”

  She laughed, thinking of how many of her personal things had suns on them: pillowcases, figurines, clothing.

  “Maybe later.” Rene stuffed the jewelry into the pocket of her blouse. “What did she say?”

  “She said it was a small gift for you ...” Jonathan paused before he went on. “Beautiful goddess.”

  Rene laughed at that one. She knew she was an attractive woman, but goddess? Please.

  “That’s laying it on a bit thick, don’t you think?” Rene giggled. That woman might have been sweet, but she was definitely a lost turnip.

  “Not in the least,” Jonathan responded seriously. Rene stopped and looked at him, and he quickly covered his expression with an amused one. “You are very beautiful.”

  He extended his arm, and Rene nodded graciously before walking again. “This is the last leg of the trip, so to speak. We should arrive in Cairo in about four hours.”

  Rene silently breathed a sigh of relief. She just wanted to get this over with, and she had a nagging suspicion that her life was about to change. If there was one thing Rene hated, it was unwelcome surprises.

  * * * *

  He grumbled his pleasure. The old human woman had served him well, and he would make sure she would remember none of it. The old woman was merely a means to an end. His love now had his gift in her possession. Through the enchanted charm, he could feel her heartbeat, smell her skin. So close. He felt her soul’s presence. Soon he would awake. How long had it been since he was last awake? Time went on, and then it didn’t.

  No matter, the spell would fully wake him. She would no longer be a torturous sweet memory. She was coming back to him, and he had every intention of never letting her go ...

  Chapter 3

  Jet lag claimed her as soon as she stepped onto the plane. Rene had slept a lot this trip, so she had no idea why she was so tired. She might consider slowing down her workload a bit.

  Jonathan made sure she was covered in the cashmere blanket before he settled with a tray on his lap and began to immerse himself in paperwork. When she fell asleep, it was quick and deep.

  * * * *

  “You’ve come back to me,” he said, his deep voice vibrating through her very soul. She had no idea where she was, but it was beautiful. Pillows of every color, every shade, and created from every expensive cloth known to man surrounded the room. Scented candles burned in sconces of pure gold that adorned the walls.

  Wherever she was, night was falling, for the large picturesque window displayed the purple and pink remnants of a spectacular setting. Then he stepped out of the shadows, like a predator, silently, with the most dangerous look Rene had ever laid eyes upon. Long pure white hair shimmered; it looked as soft and silky as the strands found in corn. It swayed gently about his waist while he stalked her. The corners of his mouth dug up in a dimpled, slight smile. Pale gray, stormy eyes sighted her and held her immobile. Blond eyebrows, perfectly made, perfectly placed, would have been feminine on any other man, but not this one. It made him appear more masculine, beautiful, and frightfully dangerous.

  “Do I know you?” she asked breathily. Her hand unconsciously fluttered to her throat as she wrapped the other arm around herself, trying to find comfort in an atmosphere that reeked of tension.

  “Better than anyone, zenj’a,” he responded, slowly circling her and watching her intently.

  Rene looked around. Was she dreaming? It sure didn’t feel like it. Everything felt real, smelled real. Her wide, dark eyes scanned the room. Nothing was familiar, but something was nagging at her, something desperately trying to be remembered.

  “Do you know this place?” he asked, gently now, as he came closer to her, no longer stalking but seeming to go in for the kill. Rene began to step back slowly, trying to keep her composure.

  “I don’t think so” she faltered. Her heart began to beat an erratic tattoo against her chest, threatening to burst through. She looked down just to see if her heart indeed was about to burst forth when another shock hit her.

  She was draped in a tunic-style dress made from the softest linen she had ever felt. The cloth split at the very top of her thighs, and her long brown leg stuck out seductively. She gasped in surprise.

  “I find it just as breathtaking,” he whispered in her ear.

  Rene jumped, having neither heard nor seen his approach. He closed in on her, and she back
ed up until a smooth marble pillar hindered her escape. He stopped, his well-muscled chest just a centimeter short of touching her.

  “I find your arousal intoxicating, zenj’a.” His strong hands ran lightly up and down her arms, leaving fire and goose bumps in their wake.

  He frowned, though it did not take from his masculine beauty whatsoever.

  “Where is my gift to you, zenj’a?" Rene’s brain scrambled, tried to answer his question, but was lost in the sensual proximity. Her fight-or-flight response was sorely lacking.

  Her necklace appeared in his hand, and his eyes burned through her as he began to clasp the necklace around her neck. Rene stood there, totally immobile. She wasn't quite sure of what to do or say.

  Everything about him screamed a dual reaction. To give him whatever he wanted, to run like hell, and get as far away from him as possible if she ever wanted normalcy in her life. His very touch ignited an interest her body had never felt before. Rene thought sarcastically that this was a fine time to discover she was a normal, healthy, sexual adult.

  Truth be told, she was wet as hell between her legs. Hot liquid began to make its way down her inner thigh.

  His nostrils flared slightly, as if he could smell how aroused she was. She would have felt ashamed if she wasn’t so turned on by this man.

  Instead, she found herself tentatively touching his pecs, letting her fingernails graze the muscles that now responded to her caress. She joined her hands with his, reveling in the feel of him.

  Never before had she been so bold in her dreams with this man. But this was her dream, and she had a right to sample anything she wanted. Rene, however, had the sneaky feeling that something was off-key. That now something was different, stronger—real. She could feel his heartbeat in sync with hers, rapidly beating.

  For a brief second, she was afraid of this virile man and wondered if she could handle him when he was full throttle.

  “Don’t be afraid. I would never hurt you,” he said softly, as if sensing her thoughts. “You have no idea what it means to know you are untouched, that the first and only man you will have will be me,” he said arrogantly.