Chapter 2

Yet even as enmeshed in the kiss as he was, in a tiny corner of Shaw’s mind, he was aware of a sudden darkness. As though a shadow has passed in front of the sun. He reached to grasp Drake’s shoulders. Somehow, he was certain that while they kissed, they were safe from the threat which the darkness brought with it.

When the kiss ended, Shaw sat down with a thump, panting in the aftermath. Drake seemed to have no trouble breathing, but his gaze was filled with an unfathomable emotion.

“Now that,I didn’t expect.”

“What?” Shaw asked, trying to jumpstart his brain back into action. “The kiss? Me either.”

“No time. Danger’s too close, and you’re too important.” A scowl darkened Drake’s face

“What? Me? A lowly café barista, important? I don’t think so.” Shaw couldn’t help but snicker.

“That’s what you do. It’s not who or what you are. Big difference.”

Reaching for the chain around his neck, Drake removed the amulet, chanting too softly for Shaw to hear the words. As Drake’s head cleared, Shaw saw words or symbols engraved on the gold around the gemstone. For a moment, he was certain they glowed, as if newly branded there.

“I give this to you and charge you with its protection just as it shall keep you safe.” Drake looked directly at Shaw, then his gaze shifted to the amulet itself. “I give you to one who is pure in heart. None but he may touch or remove you without knowing the flames.”

Shaw blinked as Drake’s hands moved so fast as to be a blur, and then he realized the amulet was now around his neck.

“Hey, no. I can’t take this.” Shaw stood up, but Drake was already gathering his coat from under the table.

“It’s already done. Remember what I said. Only youcan touch it, no one else. If all goes well for me, I’ll come back for it. Andfor you.” Drake smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Shaw saw a world of sadness there. “If I…can’t, then someone else will. Don’t try and remove it, and by all the deities, don’t let anyone you care for try to touch it. Those who would steal it will pay with blood and fire.”

“What? Hey, wait.” Shaw reached out for Drake, but he was already at the café door.

Grabbing his backpack, Shaw raced after Drake, but when he got out onto the platform, there was no sign of him, and no time to waste looking as Shaw’s train pulled in to the station. With a huff of frustration, Shaw boarded the train, settling into one of the few empty seats.

“He sure moved fucking fast.” Shaw muttered softly as he fingered the amulet. “Well, I’ll have to tuck you out of sight. Not sure my boss will like me turning up at the restaurant looking like some New Age hippie.” Dropping it inside his shirt, Shaw patted the stone before turning his attention to his cellphone.

It was only then that Shaw remembered he and Drake hadn’t exchanged cellphone numbers. Aww, for fuck’s sake. Now there’s no way for him to ever call me or me call him. I guess he might show up at the station, but I work shifts. Fuckety fuck!

Shaw gazed out at the station as the train pulled out, reaching to touch the amulet through his shirt. I hope I dosee you again.

* * * *

The Wellington train terminal was close to Shaw’s workplace, a gastropub just a few hundred meters down the road. Shaw hurried inside. Since they were so close to the station, the bar attracted a lot of early morning customers for breakfasts, and for coffees.

“I thought you were coming in early today.” Jess glanced up as Shaw dashed through to get changed.

“Missed my connection. No harm done.” Shaw called out. “Just put me back a little.”

Although Shaw’s main job was barista and server, he liked helping in the kitchen, too. When he was a little early for his shift, he took the opportunity to prepare some of the food for the breakfast customers.

With his leather apron in place, Shaw went to see what he could do to help. Between their regular customers and visitors to the capital popping in for drinks, breakfast, lunches and brunches, Shaw was kept busy until his shift was finished.

Instead of going straight home, Shaw went into the city to do some shopping. It was only as he was trudging back up the hill toward the station that Shaw remembered his early morning encounter. Reaching into his shirt, he touched the amulet, wondering if he’d see Drake when he reached his home station.