Origin: Gemini Legacy, #2

By Dylan Quinn

Her Sacrifice saved humanity, but her secrets could destroy them all.

One sacrifice can save humanity.

So can one heartbeat. One kiss. One touch. I didn't save my Gemini's soul the night I rescued him from the dark realm. Cade Adams saved mine.

One kill can change everything.

Since I eradicated the world's most dangerous demon, the Fallen factions are out for blood, and their target is my family: Genesis—the Origin of humanity. The only way to protect my legacy against an ancient prophecy threatening to take me out is to resume my reign as Chayah, Eternal Mother. But I can't remember her. My own secrets are buried so deep, even I can't reach them.

One secret could destroy us all.

Thousands of years loving Cade and five lifetimes leading Genesis are lost to me. While I've been off fighting to remember my own life, my family's been fighting each other. Our own demons may destroy humanity's only defense against the darkness before the Eternal war has even begun.

Sometimes the most dangerous battle is the war within ourselves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Æthereal Studio
• Release date: Jun 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201849467

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

ZOE

Ikilled her.

Plunged my Eternal dagger into her chest. Felt the bite of the obsidian blade as it pierced her heart and bled her aura dry.

Just like that, her light turned to dust, faded to pure white and dissipated into the frigid air in hell.

Lilith was dead.

I didn’t mean to kill her. Disarm, maybe. Not kill. Tonight was supposed to be about Cade and me. Our Convergence. The night we merged our bodies and souls, but now it was tainted. Shadowed in darkness.

I didn’t know how to shake this feeling—whatever this was.

Zoe? Cade’s icy blue eyes narrowed. Wrinkles creased his forehead. Are you all right, love?

After all the hell my Gemini just went through the past few months, literally locked away in the dark realm, Cade deserved my undivided attention.

He slid his arm off my shoulder and down to my hand, lacing his fingers with mine.

It was dark in Aravot. Not a drop of light shone in the indigo sky, but I could see like the light of day lit our path—the same path I took the day I gave my intentions to uphold my Eternal duty to the Archangel, Gabrielle.

I glanced back over my shoulder.

The Firstborn Eternals and Elder Council all followed close behind.

Where are we going, exactly? I asked Cade as we walked along the darkened path.

The Angel’s Arch.

I tried to recall my virtual trip to Aravot, but all I could think of was Lilith.

The scent of sea and peonies whispered through the air. The vivid colors of the Garden remained hidden behind the cloak of the Winter Solstice—the day of death—Cade’s and mine.

We reached the Arch and took our places before our Genesis family. The auras of the Eternals lit up the Garden surrounding us as if someone had turned on stadium lights.

This was it, our Convergence Ceremony. The equivalent of a human wedding, I suppose. This was the moment the Eternals had been rambling on about incessantly for the past six months.

I’d spent the past few days wrapped up in Cade’s rescue, so I hadn’t considered how this would work. Or what would follow.

Butterflies bounced in my belly at the thought. The good kind.

Cade held my left hand and wrapped his fingers around my wrist. As my gaze crept up, Cade’s aura grew brighter. Blinding almost.

Beautiful.

Gabrielle took a white silk ribbon and tied it around our wrists, pressing our Gemini Seals together. She had told me earlier that once our Twin Souls officially Converged, the indigo tattoos on our wrists would change and no longer signify our Genesis bloodline, but rather the Gemini’s Eternal seal to each other.

My wrist warmed, and our marks fused together. Cade’s synced heartbeat now pulsed within my wrist.

Gabrielle held out an engraved silver chalice. Genesis—Ab Aeterno, Ad Infinitum—from the beginning and without end. She nodded, chalice in hand. "Adam and Eve. Origin of Genesis. Firstborn souls of the Eternal Family. You have chosen this journey, agreed to the Eternal Sacrifice for the love and protection of your children. Each human soul is of your Origin. Your essence. Your love for one another has transcended time and Eternity for the continuation of the human spirit. You have chosen to bind to one another as Gemini. As lovers. As protectors of the Trees of Aravot, the World Trees that ensure purity and light of love continue to reign within your realms.

Adam Cadence, patriarch of Genesis. You have given of your body and soul, your very Origin. You’ve chosen Eve as your Gemini. To protect and to love for all Eternity. Cade Adams, do you accept Eve as Zoe Adams—Chayah, the Eternal Mother—to be your Gemini for this time and all Eternity?

Cade gazed heavily, and I swear, the mountains moved beneath my feet. My body trembled as he held my hand and took his right, folding it over my fist.

So I swear. Cade’s gaze never left mine. Eve—Zoe Adams. Chayah. You are my Twin Soul. Of my body and Origin. Will you take me as your lover and Gemini for this time and all Eternity?

I held my breath. Each limb in my trembling body went weak. Each nerve from my fingers to my toes rushed with electricity like a gale force. And like I’d said the words a gazillion times, they came to me, a vision in my head.

Cade, you are my Twin Soul. Cade Adams, as part of your body and Origin, I take you for both this time and all Eternity as my lover and Gemini.

Gabrielle held up the cup. Cade and Zoe Adams. Genesis. Eternal Father and Mother of the human spirit. I give thee this cup. Drink of the Fountain of Life.

As I gazed into Cade’s cerulean eyes, an iridescent indigo wisp swirled through them, changing color for just a second.

Gabrielle handed Cade the cup as he whispered into my mind, words only I could hear.

Chayah, he said. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Thank you. For saving my life and trusting me with your heart. You’ve imprinted on my soul, and I will always find you. For this time and all Eternity.

He took a drink and handed me the chalice.

I stared at the iridescent wisps swirling in his eyes, freezing me in a temporary trance.

Cade, I whispered back. I don’t remember all our lives together yet, but my soul remembers you. When I said you’d imprinted on it, I meant it. And I will always return to you. I held the cup to my lips. I love you, Adam. My Cade. For this time and all Eternity.

I drank from the cup, scrunching my nose at the bitterness.

Cade laughed beneath his breath.

Gabrielle took the cup and handed it to Michael.

Chayah. Gabrielle began. By accepting your Gemini, you consent to return to Aravot on the Summer Solstice to resume your sovereignty as Eternal Mother until such time as the Journey Phoenix fades and the Gemini Doctrine initiates once more. This is the sacrifice you have agreed to make to ensure the continuation of your human legacy. Do you accept the Eternal Sacrifice as yours, alone?

I sucked in a breath and glanced at Cade.

He squeezed my hand for encouragement, understanding what this meant for me.

I do. I swallowed. I accept the Eternal Sacrifice as my own, and I agree to return to Aravot, accepting my reign as Eternal Mother.

Gabrielle bowed, her aura expanding beyond herself. A gust of windrushedacross the meadow surrounding us. Our two Trees stood proud in the distance, lights emanating from them both.

My Gemini mark sparked to life. Tremors raced from my wrist, up through my arms and into my chest, then back out to my fingertips.

Cade steadied my shaky body as I closed my eyes, embracing his soul filling every empty space within me.

Our auras and our souls were now fused.

My gaze drifted up as the lights above our heads merged into a singular iridescent glow, twinkling like stars. A meteor shower lit up the dark sky, burning brighter then I’d ever seen.

Our color. His iridescent indigo aura was identical to mine.

I’d matched myself.

My gaze was quickly captured by the circle of Genesis standing ten feet away—their collective colors were the also like ours. Iridescent indigo.

Blinding and beautiful. We really were family.

Adam and Eve. Cade and Zoe Adams. Your Twin Souls are now sealed, bound together for this time. And following your body’s Convergence, for all Eternity. Gabrielle unwrapped the ribbon. Welcome home, Chayah. Cade.

Cade held my cheeks in his hands and pressed a kiss to my lips.

My wrist burned. Goosebumps rose along my arms. Sliding my hands behind his neck, I tangled my fingers through his hair.

Life had returned to Cade.

My Gemini had returned to me.

He draped his arms around me and held me tight as I nestled my nose into his chest, feeling his heart beating beneath my cheek, like our first dance back in Chicago.

Like the day I was born.

Chayah. Cade tilted my chin gently, forcing me to stare into his soulful blue eyes. I held you the day you were born, and I’ll hold you the day that you die. I’ve loved you all your lives. And all of mine. Your soul may have ascended from me, but you truly are the greater part of us.

He ran his nose up along my neck, sending shivers racing to my heart.

Now, he whispered into my ear. I’m taking you home.

Lacing his fingers with mine, he promptly pulled me away, down another path.

I glanced back over my shoulder and watched the Firstborns fall to their knees, and the Elders bow their heads, eyes cast towards the grass below their feet.

This was going to be weird.

My aura grew brightly, and I felt different. Changed. Cade led me away from the meadow, away from the Angel’s Arch and the Firstborns. From our wedding.

A little anticlimactic, to be honest.

No white dress. No bachelorette party. No celebration. And no best friend. Because the ceremony took place in Aravot, Phoebe couldn’t even be there. That in itself made me sad.

I needed to remember I wasn’t human anymore. That Zoe was gone.

I wanted to embrace what was ahead of me, starting now.

Because what I did have—Cade Adams—a man who loved me and would die for me, was the best consolation prize to humanity any immortal girl could ever want.

Chapter Two

ZOE

W e live here? My jaw literally dropped. Wow.

Cade laughed as we strolled up the worn path leading to our Eternal home in Aravot.

No, seriously. What could two people do with all this space?

The grounds encompassing the ginormous mansion went on forever.

Despite the darkness shrouding the estate, I could see for miles with my now super-human vision. The intimidating stone structure stood majestic, surrounded by a lake, a meadow, and a bit further, was the Garden. The scent of flowers in bloom breezed through the warm air.

It is vast, but you prefer your space. It’s how you designed it.

I did this? That surprised me a little.

Yes. He tugged me closer. In time, you’ll recall why.

If you say so.

I was no architectural guru, but the mansion was something like an English fortress. But modern.

Cade opened the double doors and led me inside. He took my hand, and we strolled through a barren foyer and down a hall leading into an even larger foyer. The walls were white and lifeless.

The ceilings went on forever. Vaulted. Cold. Nothing sparked any memory about this place. We reached a spiral staircase, and lights flipped on by themselves throughout the room.

Motion sensors? I startled at the echo of my voice bouncing between the walls.

Modern conveniences.

So, what’s down here? Nothing? It doesn’t feel familiar.

The lower level is for meetings. The Elder Hall is there. Cade pointed to a set of white doors. We hold Council meetings there. Occasionally entertain. Our living quarters are up these steps. He ushered me ahead of him.

That would explain my lack of memory and why arriving felt like I was visiting an empty banquet hall.

Dragging my sore legs up the stairs, I reached the top after the hundredth step.

Lights danced across the ceiling, bringing a warmer space to life. This was familiar. The ceilings were lower but still vaulted. Although we just went upstairs, we were downstairs.

I think.

Warm colors glazed the walls, and inviting décor filled the apartment. It was kind of outdated for my taste, going back twenty years or so. Needed a makeover for sure, but still something I could work with. I wondered what lifetime each decorative item belonged to.

As I wandered my new to me home, my breath caught at the sight of the piano calling me from across the room. My piano, from Cade’s apartment in Chicago.

I blew out a breath.

I’d miss music.

Cade stepped up behind me, lightly dragging his fingertips down my arms and covering my hands with his. He bent down and kissed along my neck, whispering into my ear.

I’ve missed you, love. He laced his fingers with mine. Come. It’s time I put you to bed.

Butterflies flooded my belly at the subtext of his loaded words.

Cade wasted no time leading me to another room—our bedroom. Soft. Feminine. My previous incarnation, Zoe 1.0, must’ve designed this, too.

The bed was ginormous. I didn’t know they made them bigger than a king. Fluffy pastel bedding covered the mattress, neatly and quaint. Peaceful.

French doors stood open across the room, and a light breeze brushed across my cheeks.

I let go of Cade’s hand and wandered out to a balcony? No, a terrace. We were on a lower level, overlooking what I assumed to be the Chayah Fountain, though I wasn’t sure. I inhaled the scent of my peonies drifting over from the Garden.

Even shrouded in darkness, Aravot was breathtaking.

Cade stepped behind me, kissing my neck while he wrapped his arms around my waist.

I leaned back into his chest, his heartbeat racing, forcing mine to catch up. This synched hearts thing—another perk of being Cade’s Gemini—was going to be hard to get used to.

I don’t know about you, love. But I would very much like a bath. I’ve been lying on a dungeon floor for many months.

Although Raz had given Cade a change of clothes and some time to get cleaned up before we completed our Convergence Ceremony, Cade was right.

He kind of needed a shower.

Cade nuzzled his nose into my hair. And I’m sure you would not mind getting out of these binding clothes.

I stared down blankly at my shirt, at the specks of Lilith’s blood that had splattered across my chest. Memories of killing her flooded my head. A knot tightened in my chest, and my breaths staggered.

Stop.

Cade didn’t deserve this.

I closed my eyes and leaned back onto his broad chest. Freeing my mind, I slowed my breathing to release the residual tension left behind from my rescue mission to hell.

Cade had waited twenty-one years to get me back, and I wasn’t about to let anything ruin what was supposed to be the best night of our life.

Of mine.

His gentle touch grazed across my arms, lips brushed against my earlobe, puffs of warm air blew along my shoulder.

Chayah.

My official Genesis title resonated through his bare chest, his voice like silk. Low. Sensual. He’d removed his shirt and shoes, and now stood barefoot behind me, nothing but a pair of tight jeans showing off every asset.

I’ve missed you, he whispered. My body has missed you.

He left light kisses along my neck, sending goosebumps rising across my sensitive skin.

My pulse sped up, and my body shook. This was really happening.

Come. Cade took my hand and led me back inside, past our bedroom, to an adjoining bathroom. It was the size of Cade’s front room in Chicago. A huge tub stood in the corner.

Cade went to set up the bath, while I leaned against the doorframe, trying to keep my knees from giving out. Are you feeling all right? He returned to me, skimming his hand across my cheek. Your skin is pale.

I couldn’t get out any words.

Chayah. He brushed my hair over my shoulders and cupped my cheeks. Don’t be afraid. I promise not to rush you. We have Eternity, love. When you’re ready . . .

Oh, I’m ready, I mumbled a little louder than I meant to. My eyes grew wide, and I pressed my lips together trying not to smile.

Cade narrowed his eyes, showing off that sexy crooked smile. There you are.

So, there’s like— My eyes darted through the room. No time limit for us to, um. I swallowed. You know.

Not at all. The Ceremony has begun the Convergence, and it cannot be broken. We must merge physically, but we have as long as you need. He tilted my chin, running his thumb along my bottom lip. You’ve spent the past three months worrying about me. Tonight is about you, love. Let me care for you.

The knot in my chest loosened. A little. Nervous energy pushed through each limb of this new body I’d recently inherited.

For the first time in my life, I trusted someone completely. I trusted Cade with my heart and my soul. And tonight, with my body.

I was ready to give myself to him, in every way a girl could.

This may sound weird, since the night hasn’t really started, but— I bit my lip. I don’t want it to end.

Cade’s breathing became heavy as the aura surrounding him fired to life. The corners of his lips curved up, and his gaze burned into me.

For now, my love, it is the still of night. And night it shall remain for as long as you wish.

He tilted my chin, leaving a soft, sensual kiss to my lips.

Tonight is ours. He leaned closer, running his thumb across my bottom lip. And for this night, time stands still.

Chapter Three

ZOE

M ay I? Cade tilted his head towards his fingers that firmly gripped the hem of my tank top, waiting for my consent.

I couldn’t manage a single word, just nodded, my tongue nearly hanging out of my mouth.

Somehow, I squeaked out a yes, and Cade promptly tiptoed his fingertips up to my waist, letting them drag slowly, torturously against my skin while he peeled my shirt up and off my grimy body.

Damn.

I sucked in a breath, the whisper of Cade’s touch forcing goosebumps dashing across my skin.

I’d waited for this night for months. Years, even.

Two days ago, however, I wasn’t sure this moment was even going to happen, and yet here we were. Twin Souls preparing to Converge.

Even the sound of the words spinning inside my brain set butterflies fluttering in my belly. I wasn’t quite sure what converging souls meant, but at that moment, as Cade undressed me with his eyes, I couldn’t wait to find out.

Cade gazed hungrily, never wavering focus as he tossed my nasty shirt in the trash. He set my hands on his bare waist, no doubt, inspiring them to explore.

Cade was sweaty and definitely needed a bath.

Didn’t matter, though. No amount of grime could keep my hands steady. It had been a rare occasion that I’d seen my Gemini bare-chested, and with unlimited access now, I wasn’t about to waste the opportunity.

I chewed on my bottom lip, my gaze wandering down his broad chest to his abs. Despite the fact he’d been captive in a rotting cell for the past two months, his body told a different story. Firm, traceable lines made my fingertips greedy, inspiring them to follow the unexplored path across his tan stomach.

I hummed beneath my breath, and Cade let out a quiet laugh, lifting my chin to regain my attention.

He hovered over me at six-foot five, give or take an inch. I held my own, now being a dash shy of six feet, but I liked being smaller than him. It was comforting when he held me.

I felt protected. Safe. Loved.

Sit. He gestured to the ledge of the tub, and I sat on the ledge.

Cade kneeled in front of me, picking up each foot, one at a time, unlacing each boot and tossing it aside.

Butterflies swarmed. Knots tightened. Sweat pooled on my forehead, nervous energy building inside me.

Cade rose to his feet, a naughty crooked smile splashed across his face. He unbuttoned his jeans, pushing them down and kicking them off slowly, never taking his gaze from mine.

Iridescent wisps swirled in his eyes while he stood before me, absolutely naked.

And so. Freaking. Beautiful.

My breath caught. Gazing over his perfect body, I bit my bottom lip.

Couldn’t help it.

I’d never seen a man naked before.

Wow.

Cade grinned, reaching for my hands, and pulled me to my feet. You okay, love? You’re very quiet.

I nodded, letting out the breath I was holding.

Here goes nothing.

I blinked slowly. Inhaling, my gaze was fixed to his as I unbuttoned my fatigues and nervously pushed them down past my thighs.

Cade set his hands on my hips, skating them behind my back. Leaning down, he kissed my neck, his breath breezing over my skin.

Relax love, he whispered, unhooking my bra. He moved his hands up to my shoulders and pushed the straps off, leaving me nearly naked and nervous as hell.

I think I was in shock, standing there in nothing but my panties.

Not only had I never seen a naked man, but I’d never been naked in front of one. Yeah, my nerves were a butterfly’s paradise.

I would’ve worn something sexier had I planned ahead—not that it would’ve mattered, I didn’t seem to be spending much time in these undergarments anyway.

I’d hardly thought about stuff like sex or romance since Eli left. Until Cade showed up, then my body came to life, waking to his touch. Some primal need pulled from deep inside, drawing me to him like gravity.

The whole Twin Soul thing started to make sense. My body craved Cade, to be close to him. To share his space.

Cade reached for my hair and pulled it out of its tie, letting the curls spill down across my shoulder. He pushed the mass of ebony hair back and kissed my neck.

My pulse grew erratic.

So beautiful. I’ve missed you desperately.

My body shook as he grasped my panties and pushed them past my hips.

A night of firsts for sure.

Cade took my hands and led me to the tub. He stepped up and got in, guiding me in after him. He settled back against the far wall, hands still holding mine.

You’re all right, love.

I went to sit beside him, but he reached for my hips and set me in his lap, taking my arm and wrapping it behind his shoulder. I took my cue and let the water and his embrace envelop me.

Better? Cade pushed my hair off my shoulder.

Mm-hmm. I hummed. I set my cheek against his chest and listened to his heart beating beneath me, instantly soothing my scattered nerves.

What was it about his heart that made me feel so at peace?

The heat of the water and the fizzing bubbles only intensified everything.

Cade reached for a bath sponge and soaped it up, running it across my arms and shoulders, my back. Down to my stomach.

My eyes squeezed shut as he cleaned me up, erasing traces of Lilith from my pounding chest.

After cleaning himself off, he tossed the sponge across the room, landing in the sink. Hands on my neck, Cade loosened my muscles with his firm, yet gentle grip.

It’s been an arduous incarnation, Cade said. You should not have had to endure such grief on my behalf.

I tilted my head to the side and stared into his amazing eyes. I’d do it again.

And it wasn’t a lie.

I never wanted to be away from Cade again. My life was empty before him.

He dropped a kiss to my forehead. As would I.

So what now? I asked. What happens after tonight?

We take a well-deserved holiday. No work, only play. Relaxation. We celebrate our reunion. Then on the Vernal Equinox, March, we return to Aravot and prepare for the Summer Solstice.

Prepare for what? Aren’t we done?

Not quite. We have one further task before the Tree is officially sealed and replenished.

What kind of task?

Our Sealing Ceremony.

Another ceremony? I scoffed. Who made this stuff up?

One more, then it’s over. Usually by then, you’ve matched all the Firstborns with their Gemini, and they also have a ceremony. Only once, in your last incarnation, had a Firstborn gone unmatched. I assume Julian is first in line.

Oh, he’s already spoken for. No worries there.

Ah. So, it was Julian you matched. Is it Rainah?

Yep.

Curious. That’s not happened before.

You doubting my Cosmic Cupid powers? I shot him an accusatory grin. I think I’ve more than proved myself with Phoebe.

I trust in your gift, but I don’t care to discuss that now. Tonight is not about Phoebe. Or the Eternals, or any other Genesis save for you. He kissed my neck, his velvet lips grazing over my shoulders. And me.

Cade roamed his hands down my arms, holding my hips, tracing infinity circles on them. Have your memories begun to return?

Nothing new or telling. Just random visions, like I’m watching someone else’s life on a movie screen.

They’ll continue as such, I expect. Once you’re ready to accept them, all the pieces of the puzzle will assemble. Until then, celebrate the newness of our love. He tilted my chin up, gazing intensely. Revel in our new beginnings. Every first. Especially our Convergence.

Cade crushed his lips to mine, slyly skating his fingertips past my hips, down further still, uncovering secrets waiting to be discovered.

Butterflies were set free as he explored each inch of my begging body, chasing tingling bursts between my thighs.

Once sleeping places came alive, places I didn’t know existed before now.

I was ready to complete this mystical Convergence I’d heard so much about.

For any other girl, it was just sex. A V-card that meant very little, but for me, this night was about so much more.

I wasn’t just sharing my body. I was returning to my Gemini, a missing piece of his soul. One that’d been absent for over twenty-one years. Human years, of course, but for the first time in my life, I finally understood why nothing felt right before Cade.

He’d been alone, too. Detached from me—his literal other half—for way too long. I was ready to return to him, giving him back all he’d been missing.

I laced my fingers behind his neck and tangled them in his dark chocolate hair, kissing him passionately. His kiss took me from scared little girl to an almost confident woman, ready to give myself to him, body and soul.

Cade released my lips and set his forehead to mine. I’ve missed us, Chayah.

Cade, I whispered softly. Trembling, I kissed along his jaw to his mouth, gently tugging at his lip when I pulled back. I think I’m ready now.

His eyelids drifted open. Breaths labored. A faint flush crossed his now bearded cheekbones.

This new rugged look of his was kind of hot. I recognized the heat flashing in his eyes.

Cade wanted me. I wanted him.

He shifted me off his lap quickly and rose to his feet. Stepping out of the tub, he grabbed a fluffy towel and set it to the side, then reached down for me.

Come.

I took his hands and got to my feet.

He helped me out of the tub, wrapping the towel around me.

Catching me off guard, he picked me up and carried me to bed, never taking his gaze from mine as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

Cade set me down in front of the ginormous bed and dried me off, one inch of skin, one limb at a time. His hands grazed along my shoulders, releasing the towel from his grip.

Every nerve tingled in my needy yet scared as hell body. I wanted this so freaking bad.

Cade’s breathing became audible, as did mine. Heat from his tanned olive skin rose around him, his iridescent aura grew brighter.

Chayah. He held my cheeks. Kissed my lips. Skated his hands over my shoulders.

New sensations surged to my core, between my thighs. Feelings I’d never felt before overtook me—a juxtaposed mix of sweet and naughty mingled all at the same time.

My heartbeat soared. Warmth flushed across my cheeks. I could practically see my own aura rising around us.

Cade winked, then the lights turned off by themselves and candles I hadn’t noticed now burned throughout the room.

My gaze scanned the romantic setting, and I sucked in a breath.

He sat on the bed, reaching his arms up. He gestured his chin towards him, eyes blazing with something primal. Raw.

Come to me, love.

Releasing my breath, I climbed in beside him.

I want tonight to be all you dreamed it would be.

Cade’s gaze roamed over my bare body, from my chin to my shoulders. Beyond my breasts and down to my belly. Being like this with Cade, naked and so vulnerable, was disorienting and reaffirming all at the same time.

My head didn’t remember us, but my body did. I was ready. Ready to reclaim my Gemini.

Ready for Cade to claim me.

I nervously sat above his waist, my legs on either side of his hips, shaking enough that even he noticed.

Cade gripped my hips and slowly flipped us over, laying my back on the soft bed. Are you all right, love?

I nodded, chewing on my lip. I’m perfect.

He showed off his crooked smile as he leaned down, sinking his lips into mine. Slow at first, then passionate. Fierce. Urging into my mouth, exploring it with his tongue.

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him down above me. Gods, how I ached to feel his soft skin, to feel his strong frame pressed to mine.

Our bodies held together, and I reveled in this first, savoring the heat of his firm muscles. I instinctively wrapped my legs around his hips and kissed him hard, his lips trembling above mine.

Cade ran his hands down my hips and over my thighs.

Between them.

Every fiber of my soul began to wake, needing him to occupy me.

Beams of artificial moonlight streamed in through the open French doors, casting shadows along the walls. A warm breeze rushed through the room, sending chills over my perspired skin.

Darkness of the Winter Solstice kept our night at bay, holding it captive until we completed our Convergence. My mind went blank as my soul remembered Cade.

I’d waited twenty-one years to reunite with my Gemini, and neither my body nor my soul could wait any longer.

I want you, Cade.

Chayah, he whispered. I adore you. He peppered kisses along my neck. "I have loved you