Devi (7 page)

Maybe you should tell Rhodes there will be another guest.

At the thought of him, she smiled.

He wanted her to meet his friend. His asking had thrown her, but when she had realised what it meant she had accepted. Her time spent with Rhodes was like they had already been together for an eternity. He seemed to sense things about her that no one else had. That in itself was an aphrodisiac.

The black Tundra followed her. It was with her as she ran all her errands. At the grocery store, she spotted Parker trying to look small. Unable to resist, she waited at the head of the aisle.

When he pushed his cart out, she turned, making an ‘O’ with her mouth. “I didn’t see you there.” Devi struggled to keep a straight face.

Parker flushed and rushed away without a word. She watched as he grabbed Allie’s arm and pulled her away down another aisle. Chuckling, Devi finished her shopping.

Later, as she unpacked her car, she could feel their eyes on her. With a shake of her head, she entered her apartment. A few trips to the car, and she had all her packages inside. She returned to the kitchen with the last set of bags, then stilled, watching the person before her. After she had caught her bearings, she placed the bags on the island and braced her hands on the top.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, more curious than anything else.

“Visiting a friend,” a velvety soft voice replied.

Amaunet raised the bottle of water to her full lips and took a drink, then returned it to the counter. Devi wasn’t sure what to make of her statement. Amaunet stood, gesturing for her to take a seat. Baffled, Devi sat. Amaunet moved around her kitchen, putting away the groceries, acting like she owned the place. Once she was done, Amaunet placed a bottle of water before Devi, then retook her seat. Devi opened it, drinking, watching the goddess.

“Have you come to terms with Rhodes?” It wasn’t an enquiry, but more of a demand for information.

Devi bristled, not saying a word.

“This is my lame way of making friends. Which I would enjoy, Renpet. I mean, Devi. You can call me Ashia. It is the name I choose while I am here in this world. I can see why so many of you have decided to make a residence here among the humans. They are fascinating—at least some of them.” Amaunet pursed her full lips.

“I still don’t get why you are here,” Devi said.

“Speaking with you the other day, I realised I was bored. Wanted a change of scenery, so I came here,” Amaunet said.

There was a loneliness in her voice. Devi studied the goddess. Although she wore a T-shirt that matched her green eyes and black jeans, she still radiated a regal air. Her long, dark brown hair with blonde highlights was pulled back into a ponytail that left her captivating, polished obsidian face prominently displayed. Once again, Devi was very aware of her beauty and femininity. Amaunet was only a little taller than her, yet she seemed to tower over her. She raised a heavily adorned hand and patted her confined hair.

“These garments are not what I am used to, but I like them. It will take some getting used to, though.” Amaunet smiled ruefully.

“What do you mean by ‘came here’?” Devi prodded.

“To this world. Colorado. Decided to settle here. Have set up a little ranch. Can’t do the apartment living thing. Need my space. Going to be a vet.”

“A vet.” Devi tried to process all that Amaunet had said.

“You really should start thinking of me as Ashia. Don’t want you to slip up and call me by the wrong name, Devi,” Amaunet said.

Devi rubbed her fingers along the bridge of her nose, hating that Ashia could read her mind just like that. Others being privy to her thoughts wasn’t a concern living amongst the humans and would take some more getting used to if—when—Ashia moved here. She blew out a breath.

“So you’re going to be living in Colorado on a ranch and be a vet.”

“Yes. I love animals. And so many of you have done it—so can I.” Ashia sounded stubborn.

Devi stared at her green gaze and saw her determination. Thoughts of her own transition to the human world flashed through her mind.

“I’ll help you with getting settled and explain some of the human customs, Ama… Ashia,” Devi offered.

“I’d appreciate it,” she said.

“Okay. Have you eaten?” Devi asked.

“No. But let me cook for you.” Ashia stood.

“You can cook?” Devi was surprised.

“Of course. You learn a few things over the ages.” Ashia started putting together the food.

Devi joined her and they chatted as they worked. Then, as they ate the scrumptious meal they had prepared, Devi was surprised that Ashia was so funny and easy to talk to. Before long she found herself confiding in the goddess about Rhodes.

“He wants me to meet his friend. And damned if I’m not nervous. Silly, right?”

“Not at all. You are hoping this means it is more to him and want to make a good impression,” Ashia said.

“Pshaw. I don’t care what this friend thinks.”

“But you do care about what Rhodes thinks,” Ashia pointed out.

Devi leant back on the patio chair. She gazed out at her backyard. A flash of something made her glance towards the gates that led to the street.

Parker’s head disappeared from view, and she heard him rushing away.

“Is it normal human behaviour to spy on people?” Ashia queried.

“Not usually. They are here because Rhodes took my cartouche to them. He was curious about it. The man is Parker—he’s a mythologist. The woman is Allie.”

“Why haven’t you done something to get rid of them?” Ashia questioned.

“It’s been entertaining watching them.” Devi chuckled.

Devi filled Ashia in on what Parker and Allie had been doing.

“You should invite them in and talk with them. You could always wipe their minds later,” Ashia said.

“True.”

“Oh—I have a gift for you.” Ashia hurried back into the house.

Devi wondered what it could be.

A sound made her look towards the gate. Parker shuffled back. She heard a crash. Devi started to laugh.

“He’s not very good at stalking, is he?” Ashia said as she returned to join her.

“Nope. But he sure is trying.” She turned her attention to Ashia.

Her eyes widened at the squirming bundle Ashia held. She put it in Devi’s lap. It licked her, then barked, wiggling in her lap. Its silky brown coat was clean. She petted the puppy.

“It’s an Irish Setter,” Ashia said.

“I know what it is. Why are you giving me a puppy?” Devi said, petting it.

“For the business.” Ashia winked and took a seat. “And now you can come visit me at the ranch. She’ll be lonely for her siblings.”

Rambunctious barking came from inside the house. Two Irish Setter puppies ran outside. They were followed by two other puppies, a Golden Retriever and a Drentsche Patrijshond.

“Wow, you plan on being your own best client,” Devi said. She understood why she’d not seen any dogs in her house before, of course. Ashia had brought them here with her power, keeping it a total secret.

“The ranch needs some pets.” Ashia shrugged.

Devi put the puppy down, and it ran to join the others romping around the yard.

Devi returned her attention to Ashia. She was watching the gate. Parker was staring at Ashia as if enthralled. He flicked his gaze to Devi, then he disappeared from view.

“He’s taken, even if he doesn’t know it yet,” Devi said.

“He
is
adorable,” Ashia said.

Devi rolled her eyes, then sighed. “I’ll be back.”

She dematerialised, then reappeared seconds later in front of Parker. He stumbled backwards. Devi stalked towards him.

“Did you just… Wait…” Parker’s blue eyes were wide.

“She popped in.” Allie sounded frightened.

“No need to be so afraid—you’re the ones who have been stalking me,” Devi said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“We have
not
been stalking you. We’ve…” Parker flushed.

“You want to know about my cartouche. Come on, then.” Devi gestured with her hand.

She walked back to the gate. Opening it, she looked back at Parker and Allie. They stood, looking unsure.

“Are you coming or not? Or do you plan to lurk and peek at us?”

“No need to be rude.” Allie raised her head, narrowing her green eyes.

“You’re the one who was spying on and following me,” Devi said.

Allie and Parker exchanged glances, then looked at her.

“Yeah, I spotted you on Friday night at the hospital, and all weekend. You can keep following me or come in. It’s up to you.” She walked through the gate and went back to her seat.

“You could have asked more nicely than that,” Ashia said.

“I’m still debating whether it was a good idea to invite them in.” Devi took a sip of her tea.

Parker and Allie walked into the yard. Devi flicked her finger, closing the gate behind them. The dogs that had been heading for it turned, sniffing at Allie and Parker, who looked back at the gate, then at Devi. She leant back, raising her glass to her lips.

No need to scare them,
Ashia’s voice said in her mind.

Now what fun would that be?
Devi replied.

Ashia’s warm laughter filled her mind.

Parker and Allie came to them slowly. Devi flicked her hand, pushing out two chairs around the patio table. They jumped, then gaped.

“Stop it.” Ashia’s amusement was plain.

“Have a seat or run away,” Devi said to her stalkers.

“You’re very rude,” Allie said, sitting.

“Says the stalker,” Devi mocked.

“We were just curious about the cartouche.” Parker mumbled as he, too, sat.

“You could have just asked. Here.” Devi took the bracelet off and handed it to him.

Parker was startled. He soon got over it, though, and studied the bracelet.

“Parker, don’t you think it is more important to know how the hell she did that appearing in front of us, closing the gate, and the chairs?” Allie smacked him on the arm.

Parker raised his head and blinked. “Oh, yeah. How’d you do it?”

He lowered his head and went back to studying the bracelet.

“I’m Renpet, goddess of time, immortality, and the cycle of life and death. Better known as Mistress of Eternity to those who worshipped me,” Devi said.

Parker looked up, then he started to laugh. “That’s a good one.”

He went back to his scrutiny of her jewellery. Devi watched the speculation on Allie’s face. She smiled. Allie narrowed her eyes, then she leant back in her chair. Devi waved her hand and poured them each a drink from the pitcher. Allie pursed her lips, watching the display. Once the drink was ready, she lifted it and took a sip.

“You’re going to wipe our knowledge of you from our minds.” It wasn’t a question.

“I’m still deciding.” Devi shrugged.

“This is really extraordinary. Where did you get it?” Parker said.

Devi noticed he hadn’t even looked at her as he’d asked. He held the bracelet almost lovingly.

“It’s hers. She’s Renpet.” Allie rolled her eyes.

Parker snorted. “Yeah, right.”

“He’s a little reluctant to believe what’s in front of his face, isn’t he? Very well, then.” With a wiggle of her fingers, Devi levitated Parker.

He didn’t even notice…all his attention was on the cartouche.

Allie took another sip of her tea, ignoring her floating colleague.

Devi stifled a laugh. “You seem to believe who I am easily, and are unfazed by it.”

“Hell, I figure I’m having a really good delusion, so I’m going with it,” Allie replied.

Devi laughed and Ashia joined her.

Allie glanced at them and her lips twitched. They drank their tea as Parker floated above them, muttering.

“What the hell?” Parker cried.

“I think he noticed,” Devi said conspiratorially.

“Maybe you should bring him back to his chair,” Allie said in the same tone.

“But I was having fun with him,” Devi teased.

“Don’t make me get rough with you,” Allie replied in the same lighthearted way.

“You should let him know how you feel.”

“Don’t know what you mean.” Allie’s face shuttered.

Ashia leant forward. “It’s obvious you love him.”

“Shut up before he hears you!” Allie hissed.

“Tell him and rock his world.” Ashia tapped on the table top with her fingernail.

“Who the hell are you?” Allie demanded.

Devi brought Parker back to his seat. His eyes were wide and he was gasping.

“Do you believe me now?” Devi said softly.

Parker nodded his head vigorously.

“Ask your questions about me.” she said.

Parker narrowed his eyes. “For how long will I get to ask?”

It was a shrewd question.

“Until I get bored.”

“You’d better get on with it. She’s going to wipe our minds of their existence,” Allie interjected.

“Do you have to? We won’t tell anyone.” Parker frowned.

“And I’m supposed to trust you on that, human?”

“No. Trust is built. Give us a chance.” Parker was earnest.

Devi exchanged a glance with Ashia. She shrugged. Returning her attention to Parker, she noted that he was staring at Ashia. Allie was frowning. Parker stood abruptly, skirting Allie, going to Ashia. He reached out with a shaking hand and touched the ear cuff on the upper curve of her left ear. He turned her head, then touched the other ear. Devi was shocked that Ashia had allowed him to touch her.

“These cartouches say Amaunet. Are you Amaunet?” he demanded.

“I am. Do you know of me?” Ashia covered his fingers where they rested on her cartouche ear cuff.

“Amaunet is the Egyptian mother goddess and called The Hidden One. By some, she’s viewed as the life-bringing northern wind. As part of the Ogdoad of Hermopolis, Amaunet played a prominent role in accession ceremonies for Egyptian pharaohs. Visually, she is identified with a snake or a snake-head that wears a crown of Lower Egypt.” Parker blinked as if coming out of a trance. 

“Oh, I like him. Can we keep him, Devi?” Ashia laughed with delight. 

“He’s not a pet. You can’t,” Devi said dryly.

“
Devi
?” Parker said.