Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,9

her favorite foods and TV shows. She talked about teaching, and he told her about his travels, leaving out why he visited so many different places. There would be a time for explanations once they were mated.

When he noticed how late it had gotten, Zeke insisted she get some sleep, promising to resume their chat later that day. After Stella wished him a good night, Zeke stared at the ceiling. His beast was antsy, and Zeke needed to expend some energy, so he changed out of his jeans and pulled on a pair of sweats and running shoes. He started off jogging on the street, but when he was out of sight of any businesses or homes, he turned toward the mountains. With it being so late, he didn’t think anyone would see him. Zeke had found this particular trail the last time he visited. It appeared to be a deer trail by the prints, but Zeke hadn’t encountered any wildlife the last time. If any animals were in the vicinity, they probably sensed the beast within him and gave him a wide berth.

Zeke jogged until he came to an open area, and then he let his shifter loose a bit. Running full speed was risky, but not as risky as flying. Zeke did some rock climbing, using his claws to pull himself up. He didn’t ascend to the top of the mountain. Instead, he stopped about halfway up and admired the view. It was so different than California. Zeke wondered how attached Stella was to her job and home. When Jonas hired Zeke and Sam to watch over the family, he paid them well to do so. His father had more money than the gods, and he was generous in what he gave them. Since Cyrus was the last sibling to watch over, Zeke would no longer need to travel in secrecy.

Once he and Stella completed their bond, would she be willing to give up her teaching job and see the world with him? Zeke had no plans to abandon those siblings he’d met just because they now knew the truth. With Sam and Monica reconnecting with Xenia, Sam would more than likely want to spend time with his daughter getting to know her. Not that Zeke saw his brother all that often. Sam and Monica lived in New York. Zeke’s family was scattered around the world, and he had enjoyed his job. A job that, after talking to Cyrus, would no longer be needed.

Zeke scaled down the rocks, then headed back to the hotel. While he ran, he imagined Stella jogging alongside him. He didn’t let himself think about getting to know her intimately, because running with an erection was no fun. By the time he got back in the room and showered, it was going on five a.m. He planned to drive to Cyrus’s house early, before his brother had time to head to his parents’. Instead of lying down for a short nap, Zeke got dressed and headed out.

Chapter Three

Cyrus’s truck was in the driveway when Zeke arrived. Just as he reached for the handle, a couple dogs bounded around the house barking, Zeke didn’t need to worry about Cyrus knowing someone was there. His brother strode onto the porch, casually pointing a rifle Zeke’s direction.

“Hera, Leto, quiet!” Cyrus commanded the dogs. They stopped barking, but neither dog moved away from the car.

Zeke cracked his window. “Hello, Cyrus. My name is Ezekiel Seymour, and I need to talk to you about your family.” He was vague, allowing Cyrus to think he was referring to John and Gwen Gillespie, the couple who adopted Cyrus.

Cyrus raised the gun a little higher. “I just spoke to Mom not five minutes ago. They both were fine.”

“No, not your parents. Your birth family.” As with all others, the Gillespies signed an agreement stating they wouldn’t reveal who Cyrus’s birth parents were. In all his years as a watcher, that agreement had never been broken. “It’s important, Cyrus. Life or death important.”

“Get out of the car slowly.” Cyrus didn’t loosen his grip on the gun.

Zeke pushed open the car door, and the dogs alternated between growling and whimpering. At least the horses weren’t close by. Zeke brought his shifter to the surface, emanating his dominance over the dogs. Getting bitten would hurt, but he would heal quickly. The animals whimpered, then took off running around the back of the house. With them out of the way, Zeke walked toward his brother. When