Wild Men of Alaska Collection - By Helmer, Tiffinie Page 0,75

do I have to do this?” Gemma asked.

“You know why,” Siri said. “You’re closest to the Dreamweaver.”

“Wouldn’t that be Tern?” They’d been lovers and friends. Gemma hadn’t even met the physical Lucky.

Tern prodded Gemma. “He sought you out, and I’m not the one having astr—”

“Okay, fine,” Gemma said quickly. She swallowed, gathered her courage, and picked the first card, right from the middle.

The Six of Wands.

“Balance and harmony is the Sixes.” Siri indicated Lucky’s picture. “An illustrious career as an adventurer, but he needs to let go of the past in order to achieve spiritual victory. He has been adored by many, but needs to beware of staying too long.”

“Staying too long? What does that mean?” Gemma asked.

Siri flicked a glance at Gemma from under her lashes. “I don’t know, but I’d wager the longer he stays on this plane, the more chances he’s taking of being stuck there and unable to move on. Pick another card, and we shall find out more.”

“Fine.” She picked the next card, trying to tap down the trepidation she’d felt since last night.

The Hanging Man.

Both Tern and Rosie gasped, even Gemma knew this card was a biggie.

Siri drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. “This card represents his conflict. He dangles between the mundane world and the spiritual one. He is caught between them, and time is running out. Something must happen soon or the time for action will be lost.” Siri sat back in her chair. “Sacrifices he has made in the physical world give him freedom and power in the spiritual world. He’s been blessed and sees things with new eyes.”

“Seriously?” Are you freaking kidding me? Goose bumps shivered over Gemma’s skin.

“You know how this works,” Siri said. “You are guided to draw the cards. I merely explain what they mean. There is no cloak and mirrors here, Gemini.”

Gemma strengthened her resolve, and studied the cards, picking from the left this time.

“The Two of Swords.” Siri paused taking the card from Gemma and lay it down for everyone to see.

There was a striking image of a woman blindfolded with her arms crossed and holding a sword in each hand.

“There are two sides fighting. He is faced with a decision, and if he waits too long it will be made for him,” Siri said. “Or he is fighting with himself because of something he didn’t finish while on earth.” She looked to Tern. “Could this be why he is hanging onto the physical plane?”

“No, I don’t believe so. Lucky was always one to jump in with both feet, come what may. As far as I know, there isn’t much he regretted. He lived a good life. Not always the best decision maker, but he didn’t shirk the consequences either. He lost his life too soon. So maybe that is why he can’t or won’t move on?”

Rosie had been sitting quietly sipping her tea until now. “Don’t they always say, ‘Heaven is where your heart is’? Maybe his heart is with her.”

“Rosie, that isn’t helping.” Siri jerked her head toward Gemma.

Like she wasn’t going to pick up on that.

“A fair reading, Siri,” Rosie said. “Just because you’re scared for Gemma, doesn’t make it right.”

“Mom?”

“I’m doing my best to stay neutral.” Siri’s mouth tightened. “But I don’t like this. Another card.”

Gemma pulled the Hermit from the pile.

“He’s restless and walks from dusk until...damn.”

“Holy shit, this is getting freaky,” Tern said.

No kidding. Gemma had never seen a reading so...in tune.

Siri fidgeted, picking at the embroidery threads on her skirt. “He peers at whatever takes his fancy, seeing things that he’s missed out on during his lifetime. His answers will not be found in the physical world. He will only get them inside his own spirit. There are powerful choices to be made, requiring much change and commitment. He must stay in the spirit world.” This last bit sounded different than the rest Siri had revealed. She suddenly grabbed Gemma’s hand, her nails sinking in. “Gemini, you must promise me. You can not let go of the physical plane. No matter how enticing he is. You must stay grounded here.”

“Don’t worry,” Gemma reassured Siri, not liking the crazed look that had returned to her mother’s eyes. This was the mother Gemma feared. The one who’d stripped naked and danced at her high school graduation. “I wouldn’t even know how to do that.”

“Never learn.”

Gemma shared a look with Tern, expecting to see her just as confused. But Tern was serious as the grave. Maybe not the