Genesis Read online

She slipped out from under the covers, surprised to find she was only wearing panties. After a quick trip to the bathroom, she ran back to slip under the covers and into the warmth of the bed. Her folded clothes lay neatly on one side. She looked around for Remi, but there was no sign of him. He’d probably gone on the hunt for food.

  Her own stomach was starting to complain after being empty for so long. From the clean, elegant bedroom, she surmised that maybe they were back at the Paranormal Center.

  Connor shifted, stretching an arm across the bed.

  Smoothing a hand over his arm, she gently massaged his shoulder. She smiled at the moan that erupted from him. When she stopped her hand movements, he murmured gently, “Don’t stop.”

  “Good morning.”

  “Is it morning already?” He didn’t lift his head, and his words were more of a mumble than anything else.

  She leaned over and dropped a kiss on the top of his head. “Actually, I have no idea what time it is. I just woke up myself.”

  He propped himself up on his forearms and studied her face. “You look much better.”

  “A good sleep rejuvenates almost anything.”

  A warm light shone in his eyes. “Really?” He dropped his gaze, interest heating his face.

  She followed his gaze and flushed. She tugged her bedding higher up her chest. “Did you undress me?”

  He smiled. “I figured you’d rather it be me instead of Matt.”

  That she did. She wrinkled her nose at the look in his eyes. “No. We have to get up. Solve some really big problems, remember?”

  “Oh, I think we have time.” He reached out and pulled her down beside him. “Actually, I’m sure we have time.”

  And he kissed her.

  She sank into his kiss, loving the moment. Joy slid over her skin and she pulled back her head just enough for her laugh to escape.

  He grinned.

  “I’m ahead of you.” Her busy fingers went to work on his shirt buttons.

  “Nice.” He reached up to cup her breast, gently caressing the soft skin. Her breath caught in the back of her throat as she managed to get his shirt undone; she spread the shirt wide, leaving his heavily muscled chest open and available. She sighed as she stroked both hands up over his smooth ribs before sliding her fingers through the soft chest hair to rub over both nipples. “So beautiful,” she murmured.

  It was his turn to laugh. “So not.”

  She reached up a finger to place it against his lips then leaned over to trail baby kisses up one side of his chest then back down the other. She reached his navel and dropped a kiss into the center. She slid one hand up his thigh to stroke him through his jeans.

  He shuddered under her ministrations. When she went for his top button and slowly undid the zipper, he moaned.

  “I might need your help getting you out of these clothes.”

  “No problem.” He bounded out of bed so fast, tearing off his shirt in the process, that she had to laugh. His shirt went to the left, his jeans dropped to the floor, and his boxers were kicked to the right. That was when she noticed he hadn’t been wearing socks. For some reason, that made her smile.

  He flipped the bedding back on his side and came down beside her.

  “My turn,” he growled.

  “Happy to share,” she murmured. Then she couldn’t think. He stroked and teased, tasted and devoured until she twisted and arched as heat burned through her.

  She pulled him over her, sliding her hands up to either side of his face and tugging him down for a kiss.

  When he finally slipped inside, she cried out. He held her close as pleasure swamped her, made her ache with joy.

  Then he started to move, gently at first, sliding a hand over her hip, repositioning her higher, and plunged deeper. Gentle yet strong. He filled her until she felt she couldn’t take any more, and still he kept up the steady pace.

  “Please,” she cried out as her blood heated and her body twisted once again looking for release.

  “You’re mine,” he murmured against her neck. “Now and forever.”

  She couldn’t say anything as wave upon wave crashed through her.

  “Say it.”

  She opened glazed eyes.

  He plunged then pulled back, waiting.

  “Say it,” he urged.

  She smiled, her gaze locked on his. “You’re mine. Now and forever.”

  And he plunged, crashing them through the waves to the glorious safety on the other side.

  A few minutes later, Genesis opened her eyes to the same room, the same bed. Even Connor was the same. But she was different. Inside. Warmer, lighter…happier.

  “Are you okay?” Connor murmured, cuddling her close.

  She’d have answered if she had the energy. The thoughts swirling through her were taking it all. It felt momentous. Like a promise. A commitment.

  “Heavy thoughts?” He stared at her a little worriedly.

  “Maybe. Did you mean it?”

  He frowned and shifted so he could stare down at her. “I always did. Before and even more so now.”

  And the worry that she hadn’t even recognized inside eased.

  Then she heard that same worry in his voice. “Did you?”

  She reached up to stroke his cheek. “I always did. Before and even more so now.”

  He closed his eyes and dropped his forehead to rest on hers. “God, I missed you.”

  *

  Connor sat on the edge of the bed. He hadn’t felt this good in years. He had Genesis back. He had his abilities back, at least most of them, and, for the first time, he felt complete.

  “Connor, time to get up.” Matt’s amused voice came through the door. “Sorry buddy, but we’ve got a meeting in an hour. Breakfast is ready.”

  “We’ll be there in ten.” He heard Matt’s footsteps fade away. Genesis came into the room, her wet hair hanging down her back, an incredibly tiny towel wrapped around her body – a towel that was still too damn big from his point of view.

  “Did I hear voices?”

  Connor stood and reached for his clothes, regrettably telling his body to behave. “That was Matt. We have a meeting in an hour.” He dressed efficiently with his back to her. When he reached for his shirt, warm hands slid around his back and she hugged him from behind.

  He shuddered. “If you don’t want to end up back in that bed, I’d suggest you get some clothes on.”

  “And If I do want to go back to bed…?” she asked, sliding her hands down to the opening of his jeans and slipping one hand inside. “Since when do you not have time for a quickie?”

  He groaned, spun around, picked her up, and flattened her on the mattress. He was inside her in seconds. The shock on her face said she’d not been expecting it quite so abruptly. But she locked her legs around his hips and arched as he slammed into her. Once, twice…and they both shuddered with joy.

  Seconds later, he dropped his head on hers and said. “I will always find time for you.”

  And he shifted away from her, leaving her sprawled on the bed, the towel under her and a lazy look of satisfaction on her face.

  He grinned. “Now, if you don’t want us to be late and for Matt to know the reason why, I suggest you get up.” He buttoned up his shirt. “And if you need a little more attention, I’m sure we can excuse ourselves for a nap this afternoon.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Ha.” She hopped off the bed and walked to her stack of clothing. “How come you’re so energized?” she muttered. “I feel…” She stopped.

  Uh oh. He stepped up behind her. “Are you okay?”

  She turned. He opened his arms and hugged her close. He closed his eyes, knowing they were out of time, but she needed him. “Are you upset about Matt knowing about us?”

  She shook her head. “No. It’s just…everything has changed so fast. I’m still adjusting.”

  “You aren’t alone anymore.” He tilted her chin up. “And won’t be ever again.”

  “Promise?” she asked, the l
ook in her eyes breaking his heart. He had much to make up for. A lot of hurts to kiss better, a lot of trust to re-establish. But he could start. Here and now.

  “I promise.”

  Chapter 18

  The Paranormal Center was a huge complex, as it needed to accommodate all members whenever there was a large gathering. Thankfully, breakfast was in a small dining room that was a perfect size for the three of them. Matt was already there and waiting.

  Connor pulled out a chair for her then sat down at her side.

  Matt motioned to someone behind them. Immediately, coffee was served.

  “How are you feeling, Genesis?”

  The concern in his voice reminded her that she’d blacked out yesterday and had to be carried out of the caverns. “I feel good. A little tired, but other than that, my energy has recharged.” She poured cream into her coffee. “How did I get here, by the way? I don’t remember much of what happened.”

  “You collapsed just after you picked up the rock.”

  Her eyes lit up at the memory. Right; that damned rock. The waves coming off it had been so incredibly powerful. “Do you know what was wrong with it? Why it was so damaging?”

  “Our scientists are looking at it.” He stopped, his lips quirking. “We might need your help. You wrapped it up so tight that they can’t undo your energy knots to study it in-depth.”

  “I barely remember, but I think Remi helped,” she murmured. “It sent out horrific waves of need…” She shrugged. “It sounds stupid, but it’s like it was evil. Diseased, maybe.”

  “It was certainly putting out a lot of negative energy.” Matt picked up his coffee and took a sip. “However, a tech went down there this morning and the pools appear to be healing nicely.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful.” If the pools healed, then the waves of healing energy would carry upward to heal the forest. “That will help turn the cycle back the way we need it to go.” She paused. “Especially if we can get the construction stopped.”

  “That’s major if someone has gone ahead without permission.” Matt stared down at his plate. “Ownership of that area has always been an issue.”

  Connor’s fork stopped in mid-air. He stared at Genesis.

  She could hardly breathe. Thankfully, Connor asked the question forming in her mind that she hadn’t been able to get out.

  “What kind of issue?”

  Matt looked from one to another. “It was deeded centuries ago to one of the caretakers. But with that person’s death, the ownership was supposed to be handed down to the strongest energy worker in the line willing to devote time and effort to keeping the forest whole.”

  “So where’s the problem with that?” she asked mildly.

  “We don’t know who has ownership now. No one has come forward with proof, although many insist it is theirs.” He sighed. “I have to be honest; there have been grumblings that the pools need to be made more accessible for everyone, not just those that can make their way there.”

  An uncomfortable silence settled over their table.

  Genesis caught Connor’s questioning look. What did he know? How could he know anything? She didn’t know if she should say anything or not. She had Granny’s proof. But was it good enough? She dropped her gaze to her plate and forked up more scrambled eggs while she chewed on the problem.

  “Am I missing something here?” Matt asked, his gaze going from one to the other. “Do you know something I don’t?”

  Connor put his fork down. “I think you should trust him.”

  Genesis gasped then frowned at him. “And why is that?”

  “Because we need his help.”

  She motioned toward Matt, who was sitting and watching them with interest. “It’s rude to talk about a person as if he isn’t here.”

  “True.” Matt grinned as both Genesis and Connor glared at him. “So, fill me in. What’s going on?”

  Genesis opened her mouth, then immediately snapped it shut. She’d been alone a long time. It wasn’t easy to open up to a stranger.

  “Genesis?” Connor’s voice gentled. “You can see that he’s trustworthy.”

  “And I won’t break a confidence if that’s the only way you’ll tell me whatever is bothering you.”

  Did she want to? She studied his energy. Calm. Decisive. Steady. She took a deep breath and blurted out, “The forest and pools are ours. The three of us inherited it from Granny.”

  *

  Connor watched as surprise, wonderment, then a bit of regret washed over his friend’s face.

  Then Matt spoke in a gentle voice. “Are you sure, Genesis?” He reached across the table and picked up her hand in his. “Your granny wasn’t the most…” He shrugged as if at a loss for words. “She wasn’t the most stable personality.”

  Genesis smiled at him, the expression somewhat wry. “No, she wasn’t in many people’s eyes, but she was to me.”

  Matt studied her carefully for a long moment, then patted her hand and settled back.

  Connor breathed easier. He didn’t know what he’d been expecting, but he was happy to see this.

  “Tell me about the proof.”

  In a quiet voice, Genesis explained.

  Connor listened in, keeping a respectful silence. He finished his breakfast while the discussion whirled on around him. Just as he lifted his coffee cup again, his phone rang. He took a quick look at the display. He had no wish to speak with the old man, but at the same time he couldn’t avoid him forever.

  “Connor, do you need to leave?” Genesis asked him gently.

  “No. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Her expression was knowing. “But you will have to face him one day.”

  “And that day is not today.”

  “We are going to see the construction, and then on to Genesis’s cottage,” Matt said. “I need to verify the documentation she has. It would be wonderful if she has what she believes she does. It would also solve many problems.”

  “And put a stop to anyone trying to take over the forest,” Connor added, a little grimly. Lord knew that whenever there was something worth acquiring, there were people desperate to acquire it. By whatever means necessary.

  “What about the stone? Do we know who put it in the pools? Was it Bernie?”

  “Maybe, but we haven’t been able to question either of them yet. We’re working on it.” Matt pushed away from the table. “Right. First on the agenda is that rock. We’ll go to the lab, hopefully you can unwrap the stone enough for the scientists to do their thing, and then we’ll go to the caves and the cottage.” Matt stood up. “With the new transport, we’ll be there and back in time for lunch.”

  “I’m surprised Grandfather doesn’t have one of those hovercrafts,” Genesis mused.

  “Oh, he’s trying to get one,” Matt said with a frown. “Then again, it’s low on his priority list with all the other things he’s trying to acquire.”

  Connor stopped and turned. “What else is he trying to acquire?” When Matt didn’t immediately respond, he added, his tone harsher than he intended, “Matt?”

  Matt sighed. “He’s trying to acquire – take over, in a legal sense – the Paranormal Center. And my job, specifically.”

  “Ugh,” said Genesis. “That can’t be good. He owns almost everything else; why would he want that, too?”

  “Because the Center has a lot of power. And the director has control. He wants to control all things paranormal.”

  Connor snorted. “Like that’s going to happen.”

  Matt smiled. “I was hoping with you at my side, we could shut him out.”

  “So to the lab first?” Genesis asked.

  Matt stood. “Yes.”

  He walked toward the door. Connor waited for Genesis to follow, then watched, with a flash of amusement, as she took a last look at the table, spied the plate of muffins off to one side, and snatched up a couple to take along.

  “Hungry?” he murmured.

  She laughed and batted her eyelashes at him in fu
n, easing the tension inside of him. “I did work up an appetite this morning. Besides, these trips never go as planned. And I don’t want to end up trying to feed three of us on the meager offerings in my cottage.”

  “Oh, good point.” Remembering yesterday’s breakfast, he walked over to one of the staff who was clearing the table and asked him to bag the plate of muffins. When the man returned a few minutes later with a larger bag than expected, the waiter explained he’d added some sandwiches to round out the snack to a full meal.

  The look on Genesis’s eyes when he walked up to her with his big bag was priceless.

  She repeated his earlier question, “Hungry?”

  He couldn’t help his answer. “I’m planning to work up an appetite later.”

  As pink rolled across her cheeks, he laughed, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and tugged her forward. He’d worry about Grandfather later.

  Damn, but life was good.

  Chapter 19

  Genesis had been in the center once a long time ago, but she’d never been privileged enough to see the floors below the main one. The labs were down there. The archives were even lower. And she really wanted to see the rooms below that, where the private museum was housed. Life on Glory had been an interesting ride for the humans so far, and one of the main ways to survive was to identify and study anything not normal. Which was the purpose of the center itself. There were things happening on Glory that no one understood, and that meant when something unusual was found, it was brought here to be studied.

  And the really weird and wonderful were kept in the museum.

  Like that damn rock.

  But to add more pieces to the puzzle, the inhabitants of Glory themselves were changing. Every generation adapted to life on the planet more than the one before. And considering that energy workers had been on Earth since time began, albeit often living secret lives, they were here, too, and they were changing along with everyone else.

  It was an exciting time to be alive.

  And as she’d found out, it was also incredibly dangerous.

  Matt led them through a series of locked doors until they came to a large, storage-vault-type of room. The vault was on the left but several men, all dressed in white, stood around a white table, studying the rock.