Order of the Omni: A Supernatural Romantic Suspense Novel (The Immortalies Book 1) by Penny Knight (good english books to read txt) 📗

“Yes?” I say, eyes glued to the screen in front. Replaying the surveillance video of her. Broderick opens the door and nods, showing respect. He closes it and sits on the leathered couch across me. “Is it done?”

“Sure is,” he says. “We’ve put her in holding before sending her off for interrogation.” As always, completing his assignment.

“Good. She must know something.” I take a satisfying breath, knowing the old woman from outside will give us more information. I notice no response from my general. When I lift my gaze, his eyes are fixed on me.

“Is it true?” he sits forward. “Has the prophecy started?” He’s a well-trained officer and wise enough to conceal the emotion in his voice. He wants the facts.

“I cannot be certain, but the signs so far have been positive. Yeah, could be it.”

He rises.

“Then tell me what I can do. How can I help?” he says, ready to plunge into action.

“I know things have been escalating on the streets. I promise, we will find victory soon.”

“It’s getting out of hand. We need an heir to shut The Uprising up. Belief is low, obviously.”

Another reminder that I’ve waited two thousand years to find my mate. It’s been my privilege to birth the new heir, but also my curse.

“Once we find her name. I need all her information as soon as possible.” I stand.

There’s another knock at my door, this one quieter.

“Come in,” I say. Mustering up my hotel boss persona. Knowing it most likely will be a human employee.

The door opens just enough for Amanda to peek in, the head of our reception department.

“Afternoon, Mr. Devarai,” she says warmly.

“Did you find the room I need?” I motion for her to come in further.

“Yes, sir, I did. I just need the visitor to complete the registration.”

“Great, well done. I will get it and meet you at reception shortly.” I dismiss her. She takes her cue, smiling as she leaves my office.

I collect my jacket from the chair and throw it back on. Fixing the lapels, I cannot help but catch the anticipation building within me, knowing I will be in contact with her again.

What just happened to me? With sweaty fingers, I snatch the napkin on the table and wipe the perspiration that’s formed on my hairline. I was on fire, but with no flames. As if someone was holding a curling iron on the back of my neck, pressing harder and harder. Getting through that encounter with him was excruciating. Add having Topher in my ear and I just wanted the earth to swallow me up.

Now, back at the table, the pain is gone. Nothing. No fire, no headache. I am nowhere near one hundred percent. My muscles are achy and weak. The Cosmo is going down easily, and I could probably sleep for three days straight. But the pain is gone, that’s all that matters right now. I might just save this shit-show of a day and finish this job after all.

The box in my head is getting full. I’m struggling to keep the lid closed. I’m trying to add what just happened to it, but it won’t fit. The longer that man was in front of me, the more the fire from inside me burned. And not that good fire feeling. The dreams? The woman outside? Now this guy. What the hell is going on? If I could rewind today, I wouldn’t get out of bed.

Worse of all was the way he was staring. I wanted to scream. It was too much, too intense. Like he was trying to read my whole life story. My performance was pitiful. I cringe at the things I said, the way I acted. It was not how I’ve been trained. I’m better than that.

The chair screeches on the marble as Topher drops in front of me, reaching straight for the drink that is nearly finished and downing the rest in one gulp.

“Ah, that’s it.” He slumps in his chair. “Dude, I don’t know what’s hotter? That fucken van or that walking delight of an Adonis.”

I shake my head. Please, like he can talk about being hot. I just walked through hell.

“He watched you, you know?” he says, cocking his eyebrow.

“Huh, who?”

“Adonis,” he winks at me, giving me a mischievous smile. I guess we found our nickname for him.

“No, nope. Don’t even go there. So not in the mood today.” The last thing I need is Topher on my case about my dating life, or lack thereof.

“E, are you kidding me right now? Did you not see him?” he screeches.

“Shh, relax,” I blow out a breath. “I was working, not worried about how hot that guy was.” Clearing my throat, I sit straight in my chair. “I am a professional.”

He sits staring at me, then bursts out laughing.

“No, darlin’. You are a prude.” He continues to laugh.

My mouth drops open until I purse my lips in protest. “No, I’m not!” I cross my arms and he laughs louder.

Dropping my head in my hands, I close my eyes. I could sleep right now. Topher gently touches my arm.

“Hey, you ok?” His tone is warmer. “You still got that headache?” I look up. The concern in his eyes obvious.

“Nah, actually it’s gone. I feel ok, just tired.”

I notice him grinding his teeth. A clear tell he wants to say something he knows I don’t want to hear. He sighs, long and dramatic.

“I know what you’re thinking?” I say.

“Do you?” he shoots back.

“Yes, I do.” I gather his hand in mine. “I will go to the doctors, ok? As soon as we’re done here. I’ll make another appointment.”

He squeezes my hand. “Promise?”

“Promise.” I give him a small wink. His body loosens, and he knows I’m always true to my word.

We have gone through way too much. There is nothing I would lie to him about and vice versa. Back when he first lived with me, I know I was hard on him. I didn’t know any better. That’s