Wild Men of Alaska Collection - By Helmer, Tiffinie Page 0,76

best analogy she could have thought up. They needed to get this over with.

She picked another card.

Seven of Cups.

“This is his present,” Siri said, seeming to have shaken off her ‘spell’. She was back to business, taking the card from Gemma and placing it in line with the others. “He’s been given a strange and wonderful gift, but beware, there is hidden danger. Don’t get lost in daydreams.”

“Danger?” Gemma swallowed.

“The Seven of Cups also represents temptation, addiction, jealousy and emotion.” Siri looked directly at her. “To lie with him, Gemini, will create consequences that will be life lasting. Don’t get lost in your cups. The snake is on the card for a reason.”

Why did she have to mention snakes? She hated snakes.

“Siri, don’t put your own prejudices into the reading,” Rosie said. “Tell her what that really means.”

Siri’s sorrow-filled eyes fell on Gemma. “I don’t want you hurt. He could steal you away into a place we can’t reach you. Dreamweavers are tempting seducers, and it’s easy to get caught up in their passion.” This sounded less instructional and more like she spoke of personal experience.

“That is not going to happen. There is power in belief, right Mom? Haven’t you always told me that?”

“Yes, and you don’t believe, do you Gemini?” Siri smiled as though expecting the same answer Gemma had always given.

“This is a crap shoot, Mom.” But she was beginning to consider that there might be something to all this, and it scared the holy hell out of her.

The next two cards reinforced what was said before. The Ace of Wands and the Chariot spoke of decisions to be made, with not a lot of time allowed in which to make them, stressing the need to embrace the chaos and focus emotions.

Then Gemma pulled the Tower.

The only sound in the room was the clicking of the second hand of the clock hanging on the wall. Rosie sat back in her chair while Tern covered her lips.

“What does this mean?” Gemma asked.

“He is a creative and disruptive force. The Tower is grounded in the earth but reaches into the Heavens.” Siri pointed back to the picture of Lucky. “Hasn’t he always reached for Heaven, driven in life to climb all those impossible peaks? But he will land on the jagged rocks of reality and be shattered by a truth he didn’t recognize.”

“Wait,” Gemma said. “I don’t get it.”

Siri went to explain again but stopped and turned to Rosie. “Tell her in words she’ll understand.”

Sure, dumb down the New Age speak for the non—somewhat—believer.

“In Star Trek, when the space-time continuum is disrupted, reality as we know it changes,” Rosie said. “When you called earlier, you said Tern had planned to introduce you to this man and that he’d seen your future had he not died.” Rosie waited for Tern’s nod before continuing, “He died, therefore, both of your futures have been changed.”

Well, what do you know, Gemma understood that perfectly. And it made her suddenly sad. She wanted this over with and pulled another card.

Nine of Cups.

“This is a wish card. He wishes to be satisfied on all levels. But an overabundance of physical pleasure can lead to intoxication and illness. Balance transferred to a spiritual level enters peace and harmony. This man has had many relationships, Gemini, and has played free with the life he’d been given.”

“Last card,” Tern said, as though the weight of the reading weighed heavy on her.

Gemma went for one card and then felt the need for another. She closed her eyes, and slowly pulled the last card from the many.

“The Fool,” Rosie and Tern whispered together.

“Interesting,” Siri said. “The Fool is busy playing sightseer, imagining the possibilities. But if he isn’t careful, he won’t see the edge of the cliff he’s about to tumble over.”

“There is another side to that, Siri,” Rosie said. “Give her the rest.”

Siri narrowed her eyes at Rosie. “I was getting to it.” She huffed and adjusted her skirts before speaking again. “There also must be a leap of faith or ultimate gamble that is required for a new beginning.” She sat back as though the reading had taken a toll.

“We need to think on this,” Tern said.

“I can’t think anymore.” Gemma rubbed at the headache that had become a constant throb behind her eyes. “I’m so tired.” So extremely tired.

“What you need is a good night’s sleep,” Siri said. “I believe I can help you with that.” She pulled a sandwich bag out of her pocket with a half