BirthStone by Sydney Addae Read Free Book Online Page B

and sat. Crossing her legs, she smoothed down her
peach-colored dress, and rested her left hand on her leg.
“Something tells me that you have more to say. Get it off your
chest, big guy. I’m listening,” she said, meeting Rose’s startled
eyes.
    “I have been asking for a sign and hearing
your voice today, of all days, tells me I am on the right path. You
are beauty and grace personified, a worthy choice to lead.”
    “What?” She sprung forward wondering where
he was going with all of this.
    “Then once again the glow returns; again the
phantom city burns. And down the red-hot valley, lo! The phantom
armies marching go.”
    Since Robert Louis Stevenson was one of her
favorite poets, she finished the poem. “The phantom armies marching
go! Blinking embers, tell me true. Where are those armies marching
to? And what the burning city is that crumbles in your furnaces!”
She paused, rehearsing the words over in her mind. That poem dealt
with death, just what was Merriweather up to? She opened her link
to Silas, he needed to hear this.
    “Ah, smart and beautiful, a jewel in the
crown to be sure. I thank you for taking time to speak with one
such as I. Farewell my lady.”
    “What? Wait,” she called out, but he had
already disconnected. Jasmine gazed at Rose, who returned her
stare. “Merriweather is crazy. Just so you know, he is never to
come inside the gate. Never.” She slammed the receiver back into
the cradle.
    Rose jerked as though hit.
    “Sorry.” Feeling bad that she had caused the
younger woman discomfort, but still ticked over Merriweather,
Jasmine walked around the desk and placed the back of her hand on
Rose’s forehead. Sensing Silas’ anger, she sent him a message to
remain calm before she spoke to her daughter-in-law. “At least you
don’t have a fever. You need to lie down. Is there someone else who
can cover for you?”
    “Not right now. I can leave in an hour or
so.” Rose pushed away from the desk and stood slowly. Color leached
from her skin. The milky whiteness of her cheeks surrounded by her
wavy jet black hair, and smudged red lipstick created a vampire
look . Stifling a grin over the thought of vampires and Rose in the
same sentence, she offered her arm for assistance.
    “No, I can do this. What happened with
Merriweather?” she asked, moving toward the sofa.
    Jasmine scoffed. “He flipped. One minute he
was threatening Silas, the next he started paying me compliments,
quoting poetry and talking like this was the 1800s or something.
I’m telling you the man ain’t right in the head. Seriously, put him
on the 'hell no he can’t enter the gate' list.”
    Rose chuckled and then held her
forehead.
    Jasmine slowly walked behind her, prepared
to assist.
    “ What the hell happened?" Silas asked
through their link.
    “ I’ll tell you later, I’m trying to get
Rose settled ." After mating with Silas, his gruffness no longer
offended her. It had taken some time and lots of conversations, and
she knew that while he might get angry, he would never hurt
her.
    “ What’s wrong with her?" His tone
softened.
    “T yrone took the shot and it’s impacting
her." She knew he was aware of her son’s decision because Silas
had to give his approval before the shot was administered.
    “ Damn. I need to check on him, he should
be coming out of it by now. How bad is she?"
    “ Weak, nauseous, head and body pain. She
looks shaky to me, but she won’t leave the office until her
replacement gets here."
    “ Tell her to take the rest of the day
off. I’ll have Hank cover the phones until the replacement comes
in. Shut down the office and lock the door behind you. Can she
walk, do I need to send someone to help her to their wing?"
    Jasmine stooped until she could see Rose’s
eyes and watch the steady movement of her chest. She informed Rose
of Silas’ orders. “Can you walk or do I need to get some help?”
    “I think I can make it.” Rose remained still
on the sofa with her eyes closed.