Gemini: Gemini Legacy, #1

By Dylan Quinn

His love was worth dying for

 

Northwestern University senior Zoe Adams has spent her fifth incarnation on the run. Abused and abandoned by those she once trusted Zoe turns her back on a duty her soul accepted lifetimes ago to focus on a music career in this one. Until her Gemini's untimely arrival forces Zoe to choose between a love she can't remember and a life she's always dreamed of.

 

Cade Adams has waited twenty-one years to reclaim his beloved soul mate, but his elation is short lived. As Zoe struggles to let go of her human life, demons from their past threaten the Gemini, and they find themselves living on borrowed time.

 

The Tree of Souls is empty, and only an eternal sacrifice can refill it. Is forgotten love worth dying for, or is five incarnations more than one soul can take? With more than just the fate of their reunion at stake, love becomes a sacrifice Zoe and Cade may not escape.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Æthereal Studio
• Release date: Jun 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201781514

Dylan Quinn

Saving the world, one love story at a time Since sneak reading her first romance as a teen, Dylan’s been addicted to Happily Ever Afters. Though playing pretend with book boyfriends often keeps her sleep deprived, she never complains about dreaming in dialogue. When not living in the worlds of her imagination, Dylan plays stage mom to four daydreaming firstborns and enjoys a beautifully chaotic life with her co-writing soulmate and partner in crime, Daniel. Dylan writes Urban Fantasy Romance and Paranormal Women’s Fiction, and coming soon, publishing sexy contemporary romance as Gwen Dylan. For updates, sneak peeks and lots of goodies, sign up for Dylan (and Gwen’s) newsletter and follow us online! www.gwendylanquinn.com Sign up for my newsletter! http://eepurl.com/diLK35

Book preview

Chapter One

CADE

Zoe's song whispered through the air.

Her haunting voice lingered while I stood in the foyer of a Chicago lounge, gazing at my Gemini’s photo through a glass display.

Are you ready? Raz's urging interrupted my scattered thoughts.

Hands in my pockets, I exhaled. As ready as I can be.

Raz braced my shoulder, and my tension eased.

Turning to face my oldest friend, I found him offering a slight smile with his usual air of confidence.

He certainly had more than me today.

Cade, my friend. His words exuded calm authority. "As they say these days, you've got this."

Raz always knew how to settle my nerves. It couldn't have anything to do with his gifts of manipulating emotion. With a clap on my shoulder, he ushered me down the dim narrow hallway toward the entrance of the lounge where my soulmate was performing for her 21 st century fans.

Zoe's melody grew louder the further inside I went, sending a rush of emotion surging within me. A familiar feeling—a warmth I'd missed for decades—raced through my veins. Even after all this time, my heart still leapt at the sound.

A prodigious musical talent followed Zoe without fail, and each incarnation, she returned to me just as she had left.

Breathtakingly beautiful.

I stood just feet from the entryway and took a final moment to right my thoughts before seeing her.

Only twenty-one years had passed since we last said goodbye, but even in the scope of thousands, twenty-one was too many.

Cade. Raz's voice broke my focus. He nodded his head toward the entrance, encouraging me on. As my faithful companion each of Zoe’s incarnation, only Raz understood the stakes.

Inhaling deeply, I nodded, offering an illusion of certainty, which was the best I could hope for today considering the circumstances.

Although she and I had spent lifetimes together, Zoe would not remember me. She would know I was coming had her guardian prepared her properly, but she wouldn’t recognize me as the man she’d spent thousands of years loving.

I would be a stranger.

And from what I understood about this new millennia in the human realm, that may not bode well for her and I moving forward. I could only hope her Eternal promise to return to me would stand true.

Inhaling a breath, I moved past Raz into the hazy room.

In that moment, everything disappeared save for an illuminating light directed toward the stage. Nothing was visible but the vision of my Gemini propped up on a wooden barstool with an acoustic guitar in her hands.

Zoe was just as I remembered. Flowing dark hair hung low down her back, and loose curls swept across her shoulder. Small nose and high cheekbones glowed. She sang into a microphone while strumming the strings of a guitar.

Like it had for thousands of years, a luminous aura surrounded her. Glimmering hues of violet with iridescent hints of every other color imaginable lit up the room surrounding her like a halo.

As her Gemini, only I could see her color. It was a treasure I’d missed desperately.

My breath caught finally, seeing her again. Appreciating her light, I reveled in her radiance after so many years apart. Her aura revealed the purity of her soul—a human innocence that concealed lifetimes of memories temporarily hidden from her consciousness.

Leaning against the doorframe, I pushed my hands into my pockets and waited for her to open her eyes. To finally see me after all this time.

She may not immediately recognize me, but she would see my light, that unbeknownst to her, was the same color as her own. I tried to have faith that my presence would provoke a sense of familiarity. That somewhere inside her, hushed memories would break free from their slumber, evoking the imprint that she professed I had left upon her soul.

Zoe stopped playing then, and silence fell across the room. In that moment, her eyes drifted open.

The audience cheered, and her smile that I’d missed so desperately brightened up the lounge. A moment later, her gaze crossed the room and then locked onto mine. Her eyes grew wide with curiosity as she skimmed her lower lip with her teeth.

My pulse raced as thousands of years of memories filled my mind. Thankfully, the uncomfortable thudding of my heart passed. Though only slightly, it was enough to segue into exhilarated anticipation, bearing witness as my Gemini fell in love with me again, as she had done so many times before.

While gazing at Zoe from across the crowded room, I returned her curious smile with an expression I could only hope conveyed all the love I held in my heart. And even though she could not hear my words in her mind, as our souls had not yet converged, I was beside myself and could not help but whisper the words I’d longed to say from the day we’d said goodbye.

I adore you, Chayah. I bowed. I have missed you desperately.

Chapter Two

ZOE

D amn.

Did I say that out loud?

A dark, handsome stranger stood inside the doorway, stealing my focus—and my breath—the second his gaze captured mine. Well over six feet, his muscular silhouette stirred butterflies in my belly.

Nearly blinded, I raised a hand to my forehead, hoping for a better view of his iridescent aura, illuminating in a way only I could see.

Genesis blood coursed through his veins. And he had a Gemini. Or rather, a soulmate, as humans liked to call them.

As the matchmaker for our bloodline, I paired soulmates by the color of their auras. My guardian, Sophie, said because I was the original Gemini and the first Twin Soul, only I could see their colors. Making me the Eternal Cosmic Cupid.

All that rando Genesis trivia disappeared as our eyes locked, and his gaze pierced my soul. A second later, my wrist started tingling, and my feet slipped from their perch, nearly causing me to drop my favorite acoustic.

Zoe? My bestie and bandmate, Phoebe Kinkaid, appeared beside me. Leaning down, her honey-blonde hair spilled over her shoulder as she peeled the Fender from my Kung-Fu grip.

Chewing on my lip, I analyzed the stranger’s aura until my attention was diverted to the Genesis birthmark on my left wrist that had weirdly flared to life. I glanced down to see if the mark was actually on fire but noticed my ring now playing some weird parlor trick. It was literally glowing.

I’m losing it.

The Ring of Chayah, as Sophie called it, apparently belonged to my mother, who died when I was born. Sophie had given me the ring on my eighteenth birthday. She said it would lead me to my Gemini, although she never said how.

Thankfully, nobody else in the room seemed to notice the crazy light beaming from my hand. Disaster averted. Good. I had enough on my mind tonight.

Somewhere in the crowded bar, a talent scout from Infinity Records was listening. Waiting to see me.

My advisor at Northwestern had set up a meet-and-greet with the record label tonight, and now my nerves were shot, wondering if this would be when my life changed forever—when this tainted day would lose the stigma it’d carried the past three years.

Today was my birthday. My twenty-first, in fact. Any normal girl would be bouncing off the walls, flirting with the college boys who frequented the club on Navy Pier. Though none of that mattered because I wasn’t normal.

Not even close.

Sure, this particular birthday made me a little happy. Finally legal, I wouldn't have to make up some lame excuse when a hot guy offered to buy me a drink. Unfortunately, this day was also a yearly reminder of everyone who’d deserted me.

Especially Eli, the boy I thought was my Gemini.

Zoe? Phoebe rescued me from my private pity party. You okay?

Yeah, I think so. I dragged myself up from the barstool and inspected my ring which was still glowing and now warming my finger.

At Sophie’s strict instruction, I'd put on the heavy platinum band three years ago, but it had never done this before. For reasons I couldn’t explain, the princess-cut, black diamond was shimmering with an iridescent light of its own.

Okay, girl. Phoebe tugged at my elbow. Let’s go.

As she led me offstage, the sexy stranger’s illuminating aura recaptured my gaze.

He stood unwavering in the doorway with an adorable grin still plastered across his face.

Ooh, dimple.

I have to get out of here, I mumbled beneath my breath. With an awkward wave to the crowd, I pushed past Phoebe and hauled ass off stage. Lost in my train of thought, my heels betrayed me when I crossed the threshold, and I tripped down the two steps that led to the dressing room backstage.

Phoebe reached out to catch my fall, but missed, landing on the wooden floor beside me.

We looked at each other and both started laughing.

I seriously think I broke my ass. I rolled around and lifted my back up off the floor. What the hell is wrong with me?

The heat in my cheeks returned as I glanced back toward the door, thinking of the enigmatic aura that eluded me. And let’s not forget that dimple.

Phoebe gracefully rose to her feet. Once steady, she reached down to grab my hands but stopped short, drawing back like I’d shocked her. What's with your ring?

I don't know. I spun the band around my left ring finger. It's never done this before. It just lit up after that guy–wait. My gaze darted to her wide, amber eyes. You see that?

See what? She narrowed her eyes. In less than a second, they grew wider than mine as her mouth popped open before announcing her life-altering epiphany. Holy hell. In a whirlwind of motion, Phoebe pulled me to my feet and dragged me to the door. Where is he? Her excitement was unmistakable. After a minute, she pointed at a table near the stage. Him.

My heart pounded as I gripped the wooden door frame and peeked around the corner. Not far from our shameless stares, he sat beside a reserved table.

Mine.

Did I mention he was beautiful beyond words?

Dark chocolate hair swept just above his eyebrows. I couldn't see his eyes from this angle, but he had a strong jaw with stubble in all the right places. Something about him called to me. Like gravity. I wanted—no, I needed—to get closer.

Absentmindedly, my feet shuffled toward him.

Is he? Phoebe's voice was barely a whisper, like she was about to say a bad word. The one? She nudged my shoulder. Is he your…

No way.

I jolted from the trance I was in and leaned against the door frame, crossing my arms over my chest.

Could he really be my Gemini? My ring was glowing and really warm. Was this how the ring led me to him? I–wait. His aura was the same color as my ring’s weird glow. Gemini shared the same color. Of course, I couldn’t see my own…

Shit.

Like his ears were burning, he turned around. That precious dimple sank deep into his tanned cheek, and his eyes…gods, they're intense. And so pretty, they practically lit up as he tipped his head to the side and uncrossed his arms, revealing a broad, muscular chest.

Star-struck for a minute, I held my breath and stared.

Seemingly unfazed, he just nodded and mouthed my name. Zoe.

If I didn’t know better, I almost thought I could hear his voice in my head.

Could this night get any weirder?

What a snack. Phoebe nudged me. That man is all kinds of hot. She moved closer and whispered, Happy Birthday.

Sophie said this would happen, but tonight? Seriously? The universe sure had an evil sense of humor.

There was a talent scout out there right now, and the last thing I needed was a bout of supernatural déjà vu—even if it did come with a side of eye candy I couldn’t stop drooling over.

No.

It had taken me three years to emotionally recover from Eli, and I wasn’t about to go back there. Sophie and Eli’s rejection cured me of wanting anything more to do with my Genesis blood or the duties I’d supposedly inherited, although Sophie refused to even tell me what those were. In due time, was all she ever said.

Turning eighteen sucked, and so far, 21 wasn’t faring much better.

The only mother I’d ever known bailed, and my heart was broken by my…well, by a guy I thought was my Gemini, despite Sophie’s insistence that he wasn’t.

But all the signs were there, like his aura and birthmark. The timing of his arrival. Our instant connection. Hell, even Eli thought we were Gemini, until out of the blue, he and Sophie disappeared.

After being abandoned, I’d lost all sense of trust—mostly, in myself.

Sophie told me trusting my instincts was crucial, but I was so wrong about Eli.

After a year or so, I settled into college at Northwestern. Met Dr. Lucci, my adviser, and then my Genesis friends slash family slash bandmates. Not long afterwards, the manager here at the lounge took a chance on me, and my pathetic existence turned into something amazing.

I fell in love with music. With performing. I’d found myself again.

Releasing a breath, I stalked backstage then sat on the wooden bench in front of the practice piano. Without thinking, my fingers pressed the keys, and I started playing some haunting melody that’d been lingering in my head all day.

I know what you’re thinking, Phoebe said as she sat beside me. But it’s been three years. You have to let him go. Look at what’s in front of you. Or rather, who’s waiting out there for you.

Despite Phoebe’s blind faith in Sophie’s fairytales, I couldn’t fault my BFF. She meant everything to me. We grew up together in a foster home, and when our foster demon, I mean dad, went crazy and lit his house on fire, Sophie kept Phoebe close so I wouldn’t lose my best friend.

When we were kids, we’d both sit for hours, enthralled by Sophie’s stories. I even daydreamed of my happily ever after…until Eli left. After that, I shoved it all into my Never Going to Happen file and moved on with my life.

But not Phoebe. She always held hope. Conviction was her fatal flaw, but I wouldn’t let it be mine.

Despite Phoebe not being of Genesis blood like the rest of our small circle of friends, she meant more to me than anyone. She was human in every way, but still, the most amazing person I knew. And an Empath, according to Sophie. Probably why she could still calm my nerves with her angelic smile.

Ugh. I rubbed at my temples that started thumping the moment the melody faded from my memory.

All the unintentional reminiscing was giving me a migraine. Literally. I pushed back on the bench, covered my forehead with my arms, and leaned onto the keys of the piano, causing a terrible sound escaping from the archaic instrument.

It’s all going to be okay. I’m sure of it. Phoebe rubbed my neck. Her cool hands felt fabulous on my flushed skin. And while she didn’t really understand my reluctance to accept my so-called destiny, her voice soothed my nerves, nonetheless.

Phoebe was my rock. I never could have survived my childhood or the foster demon’s wrath without her.

Sitting up, my gaze locked onto my arms, and I stared at the scars my childhood left behind. They seemed more visible today. It wasn’t like I hadn’t tried to forget my shitty childhood, but the scars were constant reminders of the ghosts still haunting me. And on this night, every damned year, it all seemed more vividly painful.

Sophie’s abandonment still stung, and Eli’s words still beat against my brain like a wrecking ball… "I’m not the one for you," he said, despite his assurance that we’d be together for Eternity. That is, until he met me on my birthday, spoke those six ruinous words, and then left me alone in Central Park.

Shattered.

Something inside me died that day, and a wall thick as steel grew around my heart.

Eli promised he’d always be there for me.

He lied.

Chapter Three

ZOE

H appy Birthday. Remie and Rainah Samuels chimed in unison as I stumbled backstage.

You okay? Remie reached for my shoulders to steady me.

I nodded.

You’re a hot mess tonight, Zo. Remie’s twin sister, Rainah, seemed amused.

Yeah, thanks for that. I didn’t even try hiding my eyeroll that she knew I meant with the deepest sincerity.

We just finished our last set, and I couldn’t be more relieved to escape the sexy stranger’s unwavering gaze. As Rainah pointed out, he was, in fact, turning me into a hot mess.

Finally legal. Our drummer, Micah Peters, strutted in holding out a shot. He pushed the drink in my direction, wiggling his fingers around the glass.

What is it? I wrinkled my nose.

Micah arched a single eyebrow. Cocking his head to the side, he flipped his sandy brown hair out of his eyes. Don’t trust me?

No. Phoebe giggled as she grabbed my arm before dragging me out of the dressing room.

Micah just shrugged, toasting his glass to me before tossing back the shot.

Phoebe led me into the crowded room and past his table, then we found two empty stools at the bar—far from his gravitational pull.

There's my birthday girl. Brennan Tucker, one of our summer bartenders, greeted me from behind the bar. As he glanced over my shoulder, his slate eyes flickered red, so quickly, I almost missed it.

You okay, Bren? I narrowed my eyes.

Never better. Grinning, he handed me a wine glass. Happy birthday.

I took the wine and nodded before downing the drink. Mmm. Moscato. Phoebe knew me so well.

Thanks. I set the glass in front of Brennan. Another, please.

I’m running to the ladies’ room. Phoebe stood. Be back in a minute. She squeezed my shoulder then left me alone at the bar.

I sipped my wine and waited for someone I actually wanted to find me while avoiding that inundating stare scorching me from across the room.

Zoe Adams?

Inhaling a breath, I spun around in my stool.

Yaaaassss.

A very tall and well-built man, I’d say early thirties, stood in front of me, holding out his hand. Blond. Tan. He wore jeans and a dark T-shirt, both hugging his fit body.

Yes? I tried playing coy, though pulling off a poker face was never my strong suit.

Sam Gaits, Infinity Records.

My heart beat heavy against my chest. As I offered him my hand, I caught a glance at his wrist, spotting a familiar pattern of purple freckles. I leaned closer to confirm what I was seeing wasn’t just my imagination running mad, but Sam grabbed my hand too quickly.

Whoa. First a Gemini aura, then flickering red eyes, and now a maybe Genesis seal on some random dude’s wrist? Yeah, losing it for sure.

He handed me a card then, reminding me why he was here. I enjoyed your set. You have one hell of a voice, your music has a good sound, and you’ve developed a solid fan base here in Chicago. He ran his hand through his tousled hair. I’d like more time to see if you’d fit with our label. You play here five nights a week?

I do. And thank you, that means a lot. Is Dr. Lucci here with you? I glanced around the bar, searching for my adviser, but she was nowhere to be found.

Uh, no? I’m not sure who that is. He narrowed his eyes. My boss called a couple of hours ago, said the scout who was supposed to be here cancelled. I was already in Chicago for another gig, but that band cancelled, so here I am. Must be…fate.

Fate? Please.

Anyway. You have my card, but I have to go. He took a tentative step backwards. But I’m interested. He pointed at me. We’ll be in touch.

The label exec turned to leave, and I stared blankly, watching as he became just another guy in the crowd.

Holy shit. I squeezed my eyes shut and did a happy dance, bouncing and spinning around on my barstool.

This was the moment I’d worked my ass off for the last three years.

This thing could really happen.

Excited much? Phoebe stopped my barstool pirouette. See? I knew if you gave it a minute to sink in, you’d be thrilled about finding your Gemini.

Uh, no. That’s not what… I nearly said too much but stopped myself.

Nobody knew about the scout coming tonight. I didn’t even know until yesterday, so I wasn’t ready to say anything to the band yet.

What if the scout didn’t like them? What if my friends didn’t share my vision of the future?

Could I do this without them? Did I want to?

Despite how close we all were, the five of us didn’t talk much about the Genesis thing. Since meeting at Northwestern three years ago and realizing that, minus Phoebe, the rest of us had the same birthmarks in common, we had one conversation comparing childhood war stories, and then never spoke of them again.

Our shared lineage became an elephant in the room that nobody discussed. If they did, they didn’t talk about it with me. In fact, I was pretty sure they kept all sorts of things from me, so at that moment, I felt no pressing need to share my intel. At least, not until I knew what the deal was with Infinity.

Man, is he into you. Phoebe teased. He can't stop staring.

Spinning back around to check him out, my stomach actually twisted at the thought. Timing was everything, and in that moment, Mr. Sexy Pants had shit timing. Fate be damned.

Lips pursed, I shook it off and tried focusing on something else. I even tried finding some other eye candy to drool over since there seemed to be a hoard of hotties roaming the Lighthouse for a weeknight.

Unfortunately, my body had other plans.

What the actual fuck was my deal?

Without so much as a warning, I glanced back toward the table I was supposed to be sitting at and watched Rainah reach over and smack Micah upside the head.

My impetuous avoidance lasted all of five seconds until the aura beside them grew brighter, recapturing my attention. That light was so…familiar? What the hell does that even mean? In obvious denial, I scanned the room, hunting for a matching aura, but surrendered in defeat.

Nothing.

Maybe Phoebe was right. I mean, it’s not like I wasn’t expecting this.

When the stranger’s head tilted up and our eyes met, I immediately sucked in a breath. A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he ran his fingers through his hair.

Goosebumps shot across my bare arms as I reluctantly turned back to stare at my drink. My cheeks were engulfed in flames, giving away my secrets again.

Damn it.

Brennan glared over my shoulder then. Someone isn’t unhappy.

Ugh. I rolled my eyes. Fine. I hopped off the barstool and stood straight, adjusting my black corset top, surprisingly trying to lessen the cleavage that on any other night, I couldn’t care less about. Okay, let's get this over with.

With a tug on Phoebe’s elbow, she got all giddy and popped up to her toes before fangirling. We expertly maneuvered our way through the crowd, and when we reached our table, three sets of eyes shot me judgey glares.

Nice of you to finally join your own party. Rainah scoffed, tucking her dark auburn hair behind her ears.

Phoebe and I settled into the two empty chairs. My back was to him; thankfully, I wouldn't have to face him. My hands shook a little while I wrapped my fingers around a wine glass, barely keeping my nerves in check.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Finally. Remie wrapped his arm around Phoebe, and she nuzzled in under his chin.

Phoebe and Remie were Gemini, though I wasn’t sure how. Genesis, from what Sophie told me, couldn’t be with regular humans.

Phoebe had an aura, but no birthmark like the rest of us. I tried telling myself this— and Phoebe—for like, ever. Even after their Gemini colors merged right in front of me, but in time, none of that mattered. Genesis or not, she belonged with Remie.

They were soulmates.

My attention was suddenly stolen when everyone sitting across from me diverted their gazes above my head. Gaping stares gave away who was standing there, as did some hella enticing scent. Musk maybe? I couldn’t tell.

I put down my glass and stared at my mother's ring. The stone, once again, was playing its tricks.

A light tap to my shoulder forced an electric jolt through me, nearly knocking me out of my chair. Eyes closed, I inhaled a sharp breath before twisting around to face the intruder up close. Intense eyes, tall and muscular. Protective.

And not gonna lie…perfect.

Breathe.

He wore a pair of black dress pants and a midnight blue, button-down shirt. His sleeves were rolled up, showing inches of hidden power in his arms and a sprinkling of dark hair hidden beneath his shirt.

Miss Adams?

Holy goddess, his voice. It was smooth as silk and music to my ears as the butterflies I’d fought so hard to tame were set free.

My gaze locked onto his and something almost primal tugged from deep inside me.

I'm Cade. Crystal blue eyes sparkled from the reflection of light shining down above us. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Your performance was perfect, and your voice. Truly breathtaking.

Flattery will get you everywhere.

Thank you. My voice shook, and I struggled to catch my breath.

Reaching for his outstretched hand, the instant we touched, a tingling burst of energy rushed from my fingertips to my wrist, through my arms and into my chest. I gasped and instinctively pulled back, but he held my hand, refusing to let go.

He extended his other hand, and I relented, allowing him to help me to my feet. And so tall, even in my favorite three-inch stilettos, he still had a few inches on me.

As the distance between us narrowed, our eyes met up close for the first time, so I studied his. Tiny flecks of green scattered about with a cerulean circle encasing his iris, but the rest was like cool, blue water. The contrast with his bronzed skin and dark hair had me licking my lips.

Hello, Blue Eyes.

Feeling almost dizzy, I chewed on my lip, and he let out a laugh in response. Some ancient need pulled me to him instantly, like I knew him somehow. Have we met?

No way, I would never have forgotten this guy.

The lights overhead dimmed, and an acoustic version of my favorite song began playing from the speakers, almost on cue.

Cliché much?

Seriously, I couldn’t make this shit up.

Could I persuade you to dance?

Holy hell.

That deep, sexy voice had my knees wobbling. My body froze with my mouth gaping like an idiot.

Never in a million years would I have let some guy affect me this way before. Never. Only, in this moment, something told me there was little I could do to fight it. His gravity was too damn strong to fight off.

Zoe. His soft tone spilled with devotion while tilting his head toward the dance floor.

When I glanced back at my friends, each of them nodded their approval with gaping stares similar to mine. I swear, Phoebe was bouncing in her chair.

Cade held