Soul Whisperer by Jenna Kernan Read Free Book Online Page B

reflections, distorted in the shining, gold metallic finish of the elevator doors. The car behind them opened a moment later, empty of the Skinwalker. Bess moved toward the compartment and he followed. Damn, he’d follow her anywhere.
    She stepped into the car and turned, lounging back against the rail. He pressed the button for the lobby and then he turned to face her, breathing in her scent. He crowded her space until his legs straddled hers. She looked up at him, raising an eyebrow in a silent question, but couldn’t quite keep the ghost of a smile from lifting one corner of her mouth. She knew what he wanted, damn her. They both did.
    The doors whisked shut and as he closed in she smiled up at him as if she didn’t know what was coming next. She’d made a mistake, trapping herself in the carwith him. He placed his hands on either side of her head and leaned in, keeping their bodies separate, wanting that first electric zing of awareness to come from her lush mouth. He took his time, angling his head to align with hers. Just before he kissed her she spoke.
    â€œHow will you explain to the front desk when they capture me on their security cameras changing into a raven?”
    He straightened his arms to get a better look at her. She couldn’t be serious.
    â€œYou can’t. You’re not allowed to show your transition to humans.”
    Her voice dropped, yet she managed to make it sound like a threat. “I can if I’m in danger and I will if you don’t back up.”
    He did and the door dinged open, admitting a wiry man whose sunburned face showed beneath his Giants baseball cap. His running shoes, navy sweatpants and a gray crew-neck sweatshirt broadcast his intention to exercise. He turned to face front, inserting white earbuds into his ears and then fiddled with the controls of his MP3 player.
    Cesar growled and threw himself back against the wall with a bang that rocked the car. Bess gave a musical laugh and then looked up at him. The other occupant glanced around and then sank back into his oblivion.
    â€œSo where are you taking me?” she asked.
    â€œDominicos,” he said without thinking. It was where he took all his dates—first dates, only dates. He didn’t do second dates.
    She scrunched up her delectable mouth as if thinking and then gave a barely perceptible shake of her glossy head. “No. Somewhere different.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with Dominicos? They’ve got the best Italian on the bay.”
    â€œBecause it was your first choice. Take me somewhere you’ve never been.”
    How did she know he was trying to make this no different than the others? Make her no different. But she was and they both knew it.
    He frowned. “I’ve been everywhere. I’ve lived here for…”
    He hesitated, looking at their silent companion who now drew an arm across his chest, pulling it as if he were a relief pitcher being called from the bullpen instead of a weekend warrior about to go pull a hammy. The music throbbed from the earbuds.
    Cesar leaned in and whispered. “Lived here for fifty years.”
    â€œYes, but Niyanoka are creatures of habit. You visit maybe ten places.”
    It was true, damn it. “What kind of food do you like?”
    She gave him an impatient look and pressed a delicate hand to her chest. “Raven-ravenous. We’ll eat anything.”
    The elevator bumped to a stop and the doors opened. They followed the jogger out and headed for the street.
    â€œEvening Mr. Garza,” said the night man as he swept open the gilded-and-glass door to allow them exit.
    â€œCall my driver, Anthony.”
    â€œSure thing, Mr. Garza.” Anthony pulled out his phone and began pressing buttons.
    â€œWe’ll walk,” said Bess.
    Cesar ignored her and signaled for Anthony to continue his call behind her back. An hour ago he’d fearedshe’d bleed to death in his bathroom, now she wanted to go