4 comments/ 5017 views/ 4 favorites Lesser Gods Ch. 10-13 By: CatBrown I hope you are enjoying my story. This installment continues to build plot, with some mildly erotic elements, but nothing hard-core. The next section will begin to see that kind of development. ******* Ten There were two additional people at dinner that night: a very young man by the name of Jason, and a woman of indeterminate age named Giselle. "Jason is Giselle's son," Grey continued his introductions, "and since he was born the offspring of two higher beings, he has shown some level of powers since puberty. Giselle is one of the matriarchs of our family. I thought they might both present interesting challenges to the practice of your gift, Zoe." "It's very nice to meet you both," Zoe said, shaking hands with both of them. Jason leered at her, while Giselle smiled coolly. They both made Zoe nervous. Worse yet, Enrique wasn't present at dinner, needing to leave briefly to take care of something back at his home. "I don't know why I didn't think to ask before, Grey, but how does everyone get here and leave? I never see any vehicles," Zoe asked curiously. "Most of them I transport, using my ability to go anywhere just by wishing it," he answered, "Some you will meet, like Giselle here, have that same ability." "You just wish to be somewhere, and you're there!" Zoe exclaimed, "You're going to have to show me that!" "I'd be delighted," he said, "but let's have dinner first, shall we?" They all sat and were served by the Haskins. Jason continued to look at Zoe like she was on the menu, while his mother ignored her and spoke only to Grey through the entire meal. They spoke of people she didn't know, and events she was not a part of, so she ate in silence. When the dishes were cleared and a plate of petite fours was placed before them, Grey turned to Zoe and said, "How about trying to read Jason, now?" Zoe was startled at suddenly being addressed, and answered, "Ummm, sure." She focused on Jason, who literal licked his lips like a hungry wolf. She began to get images that were indecent, if indistinct. Suddenly the image was crystal clear. Zoe jumped to her feet and shouted, "That is NOT going to happen!" Grey touched her hand and she felt a calming wave. "It's ok, Zoe. Jason is able to plant images in people's minds," he said, motioning for her to sit down. "I want you to try to see past what he is transmitting and get to the real vision." She didn't want to even look at the little pervert, but she knew it was part of her training, so she looked back at Jason. The images came fast, and she had to make quite an effort not to let them get to her. She tried to see past what he was sending into her mind, but every time she thought she was getting through, he'd send another one, each seeming to be raunchier than the last. Finally she was able to see an image of Jason leaning on a sports car, smoking a cigarette, and a pair of young men walking up to him and saying something she couldn't quite hear. Jason jumped in the car...and the image disintegrated into another of his fantasies. Zoe shook her head, then asked, "Do you drive a red Mustang?" "Yeah," was all he said but he looked furious. "Good," said Grey, "you got through! That's wonderful! Now try Giselle." Zoe turned to look at Giselle. Was it her imagination, or did a fleeting look of fear cross the older woman's face? She dismissed it and tried to see into Giselle's future. Whereas looking at Jason had unleashed a barrage of images, looking at Giselle was like looking into a black hole. Zoe felt as if she was being pulled into a nothingness that was completely overwhelming. She found herself panting for breath. "That's all right, Zoe," said Grey, "I didn't think you would be able to see anything. Giselle is...higher ranking, I suppose is the best description, so it is unlikely you will ever be able to read her without her permission, but it is important to try these things. Some of the most gifted seers of the past could read anyone, regardless of rank, but only after years of practice. It would be amazing beyond words if you were able to do it already." Zoe felt like she'd been played. These two were a set-up for failure. Why did Grey do that to her? Giselle stood and said, "It's been a pleasure Greyson, but we need to get back now. Enjoy your new toy and I will speak to you soon." With that she reached over for her son's hand and they disappeared. Zoe jumped, and then laughed at herself. "I hope you don't feel I've been unfair," Grey started, "but I have good reasons for the things I do, I assure you." She had forgotten he could tell what she was feeling. Damn him. "But you aren't going to tell me what those reasons are, are you?" Zoe retorted. "No, at this time I'm not going to tell you, but someday I will," he answered "You know it isn't fair that you can read my emotions, get impressions of what I'm thinking, but I can't read anything about you," Zoe said, feeling put-out. "Would you like to read me again? I will allow it, if that is what you really want." Suddenly Zoe was unsure. Did she want to know what Grey's future held, now that Enrique had entered the picture? Did Grey know that she had asked Enrique to back off a little? Did Enrique know anything about the visions of her and Grey? "I haven't said anything to Enrique, if that is what you are worried about," said Grey, "and he mentioned that you were feeling a little overwhelmed, so he was giving you space." Damn if this man couldn't hit the nail on the head every time! "I thought you said you weren't going to read my mind anymore?" Zoe asked accusingly. "I don't need to read your mind. Your thoughts show clearly on your face. That is something you will have to work on if you want to be a good reader," he said gently. "So do you want to read me now?" "No, I don't think so. I'm feeling overwhelmed, and reading you would only make that worse," Zoe answered honestly. Grey stood and put his hand out to her. She accepted his hand and stood as well. He looked deeply into her eyes. She started to feel faint and realized she wasn't breathing. She took a ragged breath, breaking the spell. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her palm. Chills ran down her spine and she felt a stirring deep in her abdomen. She blinked and realized they were standing outside the door to her room. "How...?" she stammered. "I told you I would show you how I transport," he answered. "I also promised myself I wouldn't come between you and Enrique, but I'm not sure I can keep that one," he hesitated and she thought he might lean forward and kiss her. Instead he squeezed her hand and disappeared as suddenly as Giselle and Jason had. She was left standing in front of her door feeling more confused than ever.   Eleven Journal of a lesser god I am ashamed of my behavior, yet I want nothing so much as to repeat it... and more! She is such an exceptional woman. Her powers grow at an amazing rate, yet she is dissatisfied with her development. She takes no credit for any of her gifts, including her beauty, which she is entirely oblivious to. I could feel her jealousy of Genevieve, thinking her striking, and completely unaware that her own beauty is far deeper, and far more charming than G's! She actually fought her way through Jason's mind games to see a legitimate vision of his future. I'm sure that ticked him off! She could not read Giselle, but I expect her to be able to before the year is out. I offered to let her read me again, but she declined. I wish she had. I am sure of what she would see, but she is not ready. At least she has backed off from Enrique. Perhaps she is more interested than I perceive, or maybe she is just not ready for anyone yet. I will endeavor to remain patient. ***** Zoe paced her room. Grey's actions, and her response to them, had her anxious and unable to sleep. She jumped when there came a light rapping at her door. She opened it expecting to find Grey, but Enrique was standing there looking sheepish. "I hope I didn't wake you. I just wanted to ask how dinner went and to say goodnight," he said quietly, as if someone was sleeping nearby. Zoe responded, "Dinner went ok. I'm just glad I don't have to dine with them all the time." "They are something, aren't they? Giselle hates the half-humans, and her son is just creepy," Enrique said with a shiver. "Agreed. Why does Giselle hate half-humans?" "Superiority complex," he answered easily, "she's a third or fourth generation god like Grey, but she thinks that makes her special, whereas Grey just thinks it makes him responsible. You know the type." "Yeah, I suppose. I'm glad you're back. Did you take care of whatever it was back home?" "It wasn't that big a deal, but Grey wanted it done tonight, so it's done. I'm sorry I couldn't be there at dinner for the moral support," he said, sounding genuinely sorry. "No problem," she answered, "I'm still in one piece, so no harm done. I am tired though, so I'm going to bed. I'll see you in the morning." As she started to close her door she noticed the disappointment on his face. She almost relented, but then decided it wasn't her responsibility how these men felt. He said "goodnight" as the door clicked shut, and she leaned against it wishing she could just go back to her old, dull life. ***** The nightmare woke her again. Heart racing, she reached for the light. Apparently she was still on course to meet this stranger, even though she was learning how to use her gift. He felt even closer this time, like she was barely staying ahead of him, running as hard as she could. A faint knock came at her door and she hesitated, thinking if she stayed quiet, whoever it was would go away, but the knock repeated, so she pulled her covers up over her nightgown and said, "Come in," just over a whisper. Grey entered slowly, closing the door behind him. He took a few steps toward her and stopped. He spoke quietly, "I sensed your sudden alarm and came to check on you. Was it another nightmare?" "The same one," she answered, scooting back so she was leaning against the headboard. "You could sense that from clear across the house?" "I seem to be particularly attuned to you," he said, almost shyly, "not to mention your fear was as strong as a scream." Embarrassed yet again, Zoe replied, "I'm sorry. I hope I didn't disturb you." Then she noticed he was still dressed in his suit he'd worn to dinner. "Don't you ever sleep?" "Not often, and not for very long," he answered with a shrug. "It's been a few hundred years since I last slept a full night." "Really? Why don't you sleep?" Zoe asked, distracted from her nightmare by this strange behavior. "None of the old gods sleep much. We don't know why, but it does allow us to keep working," Grey answered, coming closer, "may I sit?" he asked, motioning toward the foot of her bed. Zoe nodded, still puzzling over the no sleep thing. Grey sat down half facing her. With her bedside lamp illuminating his face, his eyes again held her mesmerized. He didn't break the contact, but simply stared at her. It should have felt creepy or embarrassing to gaze so long at someone, but it didn't. It felt calming, and exciting at the same time. Her heart started beating an irregular pattern, and the tingling started along her spine. She whispered, "Are you doing that?" But he didn't answer. Instead he moved up the bed and lifted a hand, hesitated, then stroked down her cheek with the backs of his fingers. Everywhere his skin made contact started to tingle, too. Without conscious thought she moved into his hand, which cupped her cheek, then moved around her head, into her hair, and exerted gentle pressure moving her face in closer as he leaned forward and just barely touched his lips to hers. Her mind exploded in images, so fast, so brief she could hardly make out any of them. It was only a split second and they were gone, and she was left with a yearning to know this man, to understand him, to be close to him. She leaned into him, kissing him firmly, and he responded in kind. Her mind was a whirl of emotions and thoughts. Then a clear image of Enrique presented itself and Zoe pulled away. What was she doing? "No, I can't be doing this. I don't know what's happening to me," she started, confused, "I...I think I need to leave. Yes," she said firmly, "Yes, I need to leave here. You mess with my head and I can't think straight. I don't know who I am, what I want, anymore." Hands at his side, he moved back slightly, "I'm sorry, Zoe. I didn't mean for that to happen, truly. I came here to offer to calm your mind, give you enough peace to fall back asleep. That's all. I never should have touched you. I am sorry. Please don't leave." He sounded sincere, pleading, "I fear for your safety if you leave." "I fear for my sanity if I stay. No," she went on, "I can't stay here. I'm going to go back home and try to sort out this mess." "Will you allow me to send some protection with you," Grey asked, "Enrique...or someone else, it's up to you. I just don't want you to be alone, not with your powers developing so fast. You will be an easy target for the enemy." He sounded concerned, even scared, which scared Zoe. "Yeah, ok, you can send someone. Not Enrique. I need to get clear of you both," Zoe responded. "Good. Now will you stay the remainder of the night and get some sleep? The offer to calm you still stands," Grey asked, standing. "Umm, I don't know. I suppose..." she answered, laying back . Grey reached out and Zoe pulled back a little. He hesitated and his eyes said, "Trust me." She relaxed and his hand rested lightly on her forehead. She felt peace and calm sweep through her, then a need to sleep took her over. She thought she heard Grey say, "Sleep, my love." But she couldn't be sure it wasn't a dream.   Twelve Journal of a lesser god Stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid! I have driven her away by moving too fast, without thought, without attention to her feelings. She is leaving, going back to her old home. Now she will be in grave danger, and all I can do is send someone with her to watch over her. I will spend all of my time worrying about her, and my duties will suffer, all because I couldn't wait. Foolish, stupid man! ***** She awoke late, as she always did after Grey helped her sleep. She showered and dressed slowly, feeling a distinct dread of seeing anyone in this house this morning. After packing her bags again, she headed out the door and down the stairs. Enrique saw her from the dining room and rushed out, looking concerned. "You're not leaving, are you? We only just got started! You'll get better. Don't give up!" his words tumbled out as he reached her side, holding both her arms and looking into her face. "I'm sorry, Enrique, but I'm going home. It's not the readings, it's...it's a lot of things, and I need to go get my head together," Zoe said, irrationally irritated at Grey for not telling Enrique she was leaving. "Then I'll come with you. Grey will let me, and you need protection. I'll get my things," he said and started for the stairs. Zoe reached out and took his arm, stopping him. "No, Enrique. Grey is going to assign someone else to babysit me. I don't even understand why you are both so sure I need protection. I'm just a girl. So I can see a little bit of the future? Who cares?" She was getting more irritable by the moment. "You're the most powerful seer to come along in centuries! All you need is time and practice!" Enrique almost yelled it in his excitement. "I would have to agree with the man," came a strange voice from behind her. Swinging around, Zoe faced a man who appeared to be about thirty, just under six feet tall, thin, and wearing the most expensive suit she had ever been in the same room with. His shoes cost more than her last car, granted it was a piece of crap, but still. She automatically did a quick read on him, seeing him talking to Grey in a room she had never seen. They both looked far too serious. "My apologies. I am Lloyd," he continued, "I was called to have you practice your reading on me, but it seems you have other plans." "Yes. I'm going home. I'm sorry you wasted your time to come here," Zoe explained, and hoped that would be the end of it. Vain hope! "If that is truly your intention, I hope you will reconsider," Lloyd spoke as he walked toward her and held out his hand. "It would be terribly dangerous for you to live as a human right now. The enemy will feel your power and seek to control you." He held on to her hand with both of his, not releasing it in the normal time. She felt a dizziness, and her vision faded. She thought she was going to pass out, and she became aware of someone trying to manipulate her mind. She internally yelled "Stop!" and her vision cleared. "That's not cool! I don't appreciate people entering my mind without permission!" She snarled, yanking her hand away. "Impressive! Grey told me you were developing at an incredible rate, but I had to see for myself," Lloyd, seeming to taking no offense at her behavior, was smiling at her. "Well, isn't that nice for you?" Zoe said sarcastically. "Stay out of my head in the future." "Of course. I can't do anything there anyway," he said, looking at her like she was an oddity, "you are able to resist, which is no small feat." "Grey can't alter my memories, either," Zoe said defensively. "Ah, but my dear, I'm ten times, nay a hundred times stronger than Grey at mind manipulation. If you can resist me, you can resist anyone!" "You're really full of yourself aren't you," Zoe said, disgusted. "It's nice to know I can't be mind-warped by the best." She turned and started up the stairs, then changed her mind and headed back down and into the dining room. If she didn't get some coffee in her soon someone was going to die, and it would be a messy death. Enrique followed her. "Please reconsider staying, Zoe. I don't want you to get hurt, or worse. It's safe here." He waited for a response, but she continued with her intention to feed her caffeine addiction. He grabbed her arm, "Please, Zoe!" "I'm leaving. I'm sorry you will worry, but I can't think here. I just want to go back to my old life," she said as evenly as she could. "It's me, isn't it? I overstepped the boundaries and you need to get away from me," he continued to plead, "I'll leave. I won't come back unless you call for me. Please, Zoe, stay here!" She was beginning to feel guilty for putting him through this, but only felt it would hurt him more if she told him the truth. "It's not you, Enrique. I just can't cope with all of the changes. I need to take a step back and make some decisions, away from all the confusion I feel here." She almost said 'when Grey is around', but stopped herself. Enrique didn't need to know she was attracted to another man, a man he loved and respected. "Then let me come. I'll give you your space, I promise. I'd just feel better knowing you were safe." "No. You can call me, text me, but you can't come with me," she said with as much determination as she could muster. "Now I'm going to find Grey and go home." She strode out of the dining room and up the stairs. Enrique stood where he was, looking after her sadly. Lloyd was nowhere to be seen. When she got to the top of the stairs, she turned right and headed down the hallway that had been locked the last time she was looking for Grey. She had no idea which room was which, so she just knocked on the first door she came to. It opened and Lloyd said, "And here she is, looking even less hospitable. Enjoy, Grey. I'll be on my way." And he disappeared. Trying not to let the disappearing man bother her, she said, "I'm ready to go. Please take me home, now." "Zoe," he started. Lesser Gods Ch. 10-13 She interrupted him, "I've heard it all. You're sorry. Please stay. I'm in danger. You and Enrique are broken records. Just take me home." "If that is what you want." He walked over, reaching for her hand. She pulled it away. "I have to be touching you to transport you," he explained. She put her hand out. An instant later they were in the foyer. Grey picked up her larger bag, and nodded to the other one. She bent to lift it and before she could straighten up, they were in her dingy apartment on Broad Street. "It sure is faster than the airlines," she said quietly. "Here are your wages, as laid out in the contract you signed," Grey said formally, handing her an envelope. "You shouldn't pay me! I didn't do anything. It was all a fake. Take your money!" she pushed the envelope back in his chest. "You deserve the pay you expected for taking the contract. I will be sending Travis to protect you. He will arrive in approximately thirty minutes." And with that Grey disappeared. The envelope fell to the floor where he had been standing. Zoe picked it up and wondered if she would see him again, then shook her head and told herself, "You wanted to get away from him. Don't regret that decision already." She turned around, looking at the apartment she had left only two weeks ago. It looked even shabbier than she remembered. She picked up her bags and carried them into the tiny bedroom. Tossing the suitcases on the bed, she started pulling open drawers and throwing her clothes in. Then she shoved the smaller case inside the larger one and pushed them both under the bed. Finally she opened the envelope and looked at the cash inside. It was all hundreds! There must be $10,000 here! She sat on the bed, still looking at the money in the envelope. Finally she pulled out four of the bills and put the money in her underwear drawer. The rest she put back into the suitcase under her bed, intending to give it back to Grey when she saw him next...if she saw him again. Checking her wallet, she saw she had enough to go to the store for some basic items, but thought she better take one of the hundreds so she could get enough to keep her and - what was his name...Trevor...no Travis - fed for a week or so. She headed out the door. She had only gotten to the corner when a woman walking the other way while searching her purse bumped into her. In her mind's eye Zoe saw a little boy crossing in front of a school bus, and a car speeding around a corner hitting him. She gasped, causing the woman to turn and start to apologize for bumping into her. Zoe interrupted to ask, "Do you have a little boy who rides the bus?" The woman looked at her suspiciously and nodded. "Watch him today, after school. Watch him cross the street. A car..." The woman looked worried and hurried away. Zoe didn't feel like shopping anymore and turned to go home. As she went up the steps outside her building, her landlord stopped her. "Hey girl, I didn't think you'd be back for months yet." "The job didn't work out," Zoe said, trying to get past him. "You're still gonna have the rent, though? I'm not running no shelter." He said, not releasing her arm. "Yeah, Isaiah, you'll have your rent on the first. Promise." She said, yanking her arm away. He was just reaching to grab her again when a towering black man clamped a hand on his shoulder and spun him around like a toy. The stranger had his fist raised when Zoe yelled, "Stop, Travis! This is my landlord." Travis dropped his hands immediately, and in a voice so deep it was just a rumble, said, "Sorry, man. Just watching out for the lady." Isaiah backed away, hand behind him looking for the door knob, "Yeah, sure man. No problem." He ducked into the building and turned to rush down the hall into his own apartment. "I took a wild guess that you were the Travis I was expecting," Zoe explained, putting out her hand in greeting, "Nice to meet you, but could you avoid beating up humans just because they touch me?" He rumbled a reply, "Nice to meet you, Zoe. I thought he looked like he was trying to grab you, and that's what I'm here to prevent. I'll take your lead from here on." "Come on in. You look pretty conspicuous standing out here," Zoe continued, turning to the door. Travis laughed, a sound like distant thunder, "One of my gifts is to be unnoticed. I can stand in the middle of a Bris and no one would pay me a bit of attention." Zoe stared at him, "Have you looked at you? You're about ten feet tall and just as wide! How could anyone not notice you?" "Did you see me when you walked up here?" he asked, lifting one eyebrow. "No," she answered, "you just came out of nowhere...Oh, I get it. You were here, but I didn't notice you until you grabbed Isaiah. That's pretty cool! If I had that power, I wouldn't need someone like you around, I could just go unnoticed." "The folks who are after you wouldn't be fooled by something that simple. They can smell your power," Travis explained, "They would spot you in a coliseum of people. They might not see me though, if they aren't expecting me." Zoe nervously looked around, then pulled open the door, "I think I'd feel better inside. Come on in." Travis followed her to the first door past the mailboxes, where she inserted her key and opened the door. Once he entered the room, it felt even smaller, and she looked at her sagging sofa, wondering if it would collapse under his weight. He judiciously chose to sit in the wing chair instead. "I went out for groceries, but I bumped into someone, and...well, I didn't get to the store. I don't have anything here," Zoe explained. Pulling a huge backpack off, Travis answered, "don't worry about it. Mrs. Haskins sent lunch, which means she sent enough for three meals. We'll be fine for the rest of today." He proceeded to pull out two thermoses, a loaf of bread, a half gallon of milk, and a variety of sandwiches, fried chicken, and roast beef, as well as some butter, jelly, and sweet rolls. "I'll just put that in the fridge," Zoe said, starting to pick up the items he'd set on the coffee table. "Leave the chicken," Travis cautioned, "It's definitely best right away." He opened the container and breathed in the aroma. "Mmmm, have you tasted that woman's fried chicken? It's heavenly." "It smells great, but I'm not hungry. I need to get on the internet and find a job. Can't live in this kind of luxury without an income, ya know," she said, sweeping an arm dramatically to indicate their surroundings. Travis just nodded and pulled out a drumstick, which he devoured in three bites, moaning softly as he ate. Zoe went to her room and grabbed her phone. Her only extravagance in a long time was buying this phone, and it didn't even work at Grey's mansion. She pulled up the websites for jobs and got a few possibilities, but nothing exciting. She called the temp agencies she had worked for to see if they had anything, and to let them know she was back in the market for work, but no one had anything right now. She thought about all that money under her bed. She wouldn't have to find work for 6 months, longer if she was careful, if she used that, and Grey wanted her to have it. But she shook her head and told herself "no," it wasn't right, she hadn't earned it, and it was bad enough she was going to use a few hundred of it just to tide her over until she got work. She propped herself up in the bed and dragged her journal out of her bedside table. She didn't write in it much, but she needed to put down some things about her life these days, just to help her think. After documenting what she had learned about herself, her father, and her powers so far, she wrote down the "rules" as she understood them: Don't hurt people, and don't let them know you aren't human like them. Then she wrote the ways she could use her power to earn money. Obviously she could put out a sign as a reader and tell fortunes. She could help people that way, but would that be too much like letting them know her power? She wasn't sure that was the best idea. Then she thought about predicting the lottery, or which horse would win at the races. Problem there was she wasn't much good at focusing in on particular information yet, and she couldn't see her own future, so she'd have to find the right people to read, and get a lot better at finding the data she wanted. She thought about some of the crap jobs she'd had in the past, and tried to figure out how she could use her gift to make them better. One not-too-bad job she'd had was as a personal assistant to a mid-level manager. She was just filling in while his regular assistant had surgery, but she had hoped he might recommend her to some other execs, which he either didn't do, or they didn't need anyone right then either. Her gift could make her a killer personal assistant. She could warn her boss away from dangers, anticipate his every need, prepare for every likely contingency. If she could get back into a position like that, she would be set up for life. Unfortunately, with the economy what it was, fewer personal assistants were needed, so the ones looking for jobs had better credentials than she did. She hated working fast food. It was always her fall-back job, because those jobs were always available, because everyone hated them. She could go up to the corner and see four different chains she could work for. If she didn't have something by Thanksgiving, she'd do that, but for now, she was going to keep looking. She was just putting the journal away when she heard the sirens. It sounded like a lot of sirens. She peeked out her window and could see the flashing red and blue lights reflecting off buildings down the street. Grabbing a jacket, she headed out to the living room. "I want to see what all the commotion is about down the block. You comin'?" She asked Travis as she headed for the door. "I'm stuck to you like glue," he said, coming to his feet and following her out. The police and ambulances were stopped just around the corner from her place. A school bus was stopped there, too. Zoe tried to see what was going on, but there were already too many people gathered around. Travis winked at her and made his way past the crowd as if a force field moved ahead of him, parting the crowd. He returned with a solemn expression. "A mom and her kid got hit by a drunk. Doesn't look good for either of them," he said with his back to the crowd. Zoe remembered the mother she had bumped into that morning. Could this be the same woman? She started pushing her way through the crowd, ignoring the irritation of the people she shoved past, and refusing to see any of the images she could feel pressing against her consciousness. When she got to the front of the crowd she saw a woman being loaded on a stretcher. It was the same woman she had spoken to! The paramedic pulled the sheet over the woman's head. Zoe started to cry, which quickly gave way to a wail as she realized this was her fault. She told the woman to watch out for her son getting off the bus, but she hadn't told her not to cross the street with him, and now the mother was dead, and the boy might be, too! Strong arms guided her out of the crowd and back down the street to her apartment. Once inside, she felt a cup pushed into her hands and she drank automatically. She had settled back down to a quiet cry when Travis asked, "A friend of yours?" Zoe hiccupped, then answered, "No. I saw her for the first time this morning, but I warned her to watch out when her son got off the bus today. I caused her to be in the street when the drunk driver hit her son, and now she's dead. I did this." Travis squeezed her shoulder. "You didn't do this, the drunk did. You tried to save a little kid. You can't be responsible for what people do with the information you give them." "Grey warned me not to tell everything I see, and Enrique warned me how interfering in the affairs of men could have negative consequences. I didn't listen, and I got her killed," Zoe said in a dead-pan voice. "You didn't get her killed. These things happen, Zoe. I'm gonna call Grey, he can explain a lot better than I can..." "No! I haven't even been gone a full day. You aren't calling Grey. I left because Grey...because I just can't think straight there. I don't want you to call him for every little mishap I have. In fact, I don't want you to call him for anything," Zoe said, starting to cry again. "Okay, girl. Okay. I get it. Grey has that effect on women. He doesn't mean to. You're not the first," Travis said soothingly, patting her on the back gently. "Great! That makes me feel so much better! Not only did he tell you about it, he does this with all the girls! That dirty swine! I never should have trusted him. What a fool I am. Those stupid visions..." she trailed off, feeling a little hysterical. "I don't know what visions you're talking about," Travis continued soothingly, "but he really does care about you, even if he doesn't show it. He's just so busy with running all of North America that he doesn't have time to notice a pretty lady. Don't feel offended." "What?" Zoe asked, looking at him confused. "He cares. He isn't very good at showing it, till you get to know him and see how he cares about everyone. He never shows special interest in the women, or the men for that matter. He loves everyone like family," Travis explained. "He didn't tell you about the visions?" Zoe asked in a little voice. "He told me you're a seer. That he was having you practice on different people, but that you felt overwhelmed and needed some time to come to terms with your abilities," Travis answered, looking at her with concern. "Oh," was all she said. "You gonna tell me what you're talking about?" he asked her. "No," she said, turning and going to her room. "I'm going to rest for a while." Her mind was in a whirl. Grey never gave special attention to the women, but apparently the women regularly gave him special attention. With eyes like those, not to mention that body, of course he attracted attention. And he didn't say anything to Travis, or to Enrique for that matter. But he would be disappointed in her for getting that woman killed. How could she know it would turn out like that? She should have stayed quiet, but she didn't want the little boy to get hurt. How was she going to deal with this power? It wasn't a gift, it was a curse! Zoe sat on her bed and wallowed in her sorrow until she heard voices from the living room. They were low, male voices, too low for her to make out through the door. She opened it to find Travis sitting in the wing chair, leaning forward, but no one else in the room. She cocked her head and asked, "Who were you talking to?" "Just reporting in," he answered, sitting back in the chair and flipping his phone closed. "I heard another voice. Who was here?" she persisted. "No one. Just me," Travis replied, trying a little too hard to look innocent. "You don't lie well, Travis. Who were you talking to?" she said, looking at him with her best impression of the TV mothers she'd seen catching their kids in lies. He started to answer when a voice behind her said, "Me. He was reporting in to me." She swung around to find Grey leaning on the counter of the kitchenette. He looked even more out of place in her crummy apartment than Travis did. He looked like he always did in his own home, but contrasted with the surroundings here, he looked especially handsome. It had only been about ten hours since he had left her here, but it felt like much longer. "I got the impression you didn't want to see me, so I was honoring your wishes," Grey explained, "but I expect regular reports...to be sure you're safe and don't need anything." "What I need is to be left alone! It's bad enough I have to have a babysitter," she waved her hand toward Travis, "but I have to have my whole life reviewed by you as well?" She wasn't sure why she was so upset, but knowing Grey was going to hear everything about her, while she wouldn't know what was going on with him, was totally unfair. "We aren't reviewing your life," Grey said, "we are discussing your security. I understand you were upset by today's events. It isn't your fault when someone reacts to your warning, placing themselves or others in danger." "And there's the proof! You were discussing my mistake. What does that have to do with security?" Zoe exclaimed. "The use of your powers has everything to do with security. Every time you get a vision, the enemy can sense your power. You could possibly remain in the human world unnoticed if you could turn off the visions, but that would take quite a bit of practice," Grey explained. "Hmph," Zoe replied, "I don't like being discussed. I want to be part of the report meeting, so I know what is being said about me." "As you wish," Grey answered, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "But I want them to be by phone," she continued, and his smile faded. "It isn't any trouble for me to come here," he said, but at her stormy look he relented, "As you wish- by phone then." He stood straighter, saying, "I guess that's all for today. Have a peaceful night," then seemed to remember, "Oh, Zoe, Enrique sends his love. He went back to his regular post this afternoon. He said he would call you soon." Zoe felt weird getting messages of love from Enrique via Grey. "Thanks," was all she could think to say. Grey looked at her as if there was something he wanted to say as well, but instead he disappeared so suddenly she jumped. Travis muttered, "Sorry, just following orders." "Yeah, that's what they always say," she came back with, heading to her bedroom again. "I'm going to read then go to bed. I don't have a place for you to sleep comfortably, but I have some extra blankets if you want them." "I'm fine," Travis answered. "I don't sleep much, and I never get cold. I'll keep the TV low. Goodnight."   Thirteen Journal of a lesser god She left. She doesn't want to see me, and only grudgingly is she even willing to speak to me. I don't know what I will do if she is captured by the enemy, which will be their intention the moment they sense her power. I have placed one of my best body guards with her, but he will only be able to do so much against the entire army of darkness. I will have others keep a watch from nearby, but if she catches them, she will accuse me of spying, and she may never trust me. She had a bad experience today. It was bound to happen. She tried to prevent an accident, but only caused a different person to die. We will take special care of the little boy she saved, now that he is motherless, but she will not soon forgive herself. If she would just come back, I could teach her to use her gift properly, and to take these things to God instead of trying to handle them alone. My worry for her is unending. ***** And so, the next week or so passed without issue. Zoe searched for work for a couple of hours every morning, then hung out with Travis in the afternoons and evenings. She had her best friend, Jenna, over one afternoon, and even though Travis sat right there in the living room with them the whole time, Jenna never mentioned him, or gave any indication she saw him. That seemed like a great power! Why hadn't Zoe gotten something like that instead of these stupid visions. She was getting better at not seeing visions when she first looked at people, and could even stop them quickly after physical contact most of the time. Unfortunately, when she hugged Jenna, she saw her meeting a man, eventually marrying him, having a little girl, and then confronting him about an affair. Zoe didn't want to know these kinds of things about others and hoped she would soon be able to turn them off completely. Lesser Gods Ch. 10-13 Grey called every evening on Travis' phone, which Travis would put on speaker and they would all report in. Grey was always polite and business-like, and never asked anything personal. Enrique had started texting "Good Morning, Beautiful" to her every morning around seven. He called every two or three days around noon and tried to keep it light, but it was obvious he worried about her and wanted very much to see her. She couldn't bring herself to invite him, as much as she enjoyed her time with him, and even her time on the phone with him, it was a different man she thought about before going to sleep each night. She tried to purge Grey from her thoughts, locking them away in that room she created for the visions, but new ones just kept popping up. No job prospects were coming her way, so she was having to dip deeper into the money she had put away with the intention of giving back to Grey. She hadn't thought of it the first night when he showed up, and he hadn't come back since, at least not that she knew about. She wasn't sure if it pleased her that he was staying away or not. One day she asked Travis about his life as an angel. He told her about his last assignment, watching over a couple of brothers from the projects, trying to keep them out of the gangs. He was very proud that the older brother made it out, went to college and was living a decent life. When she asked about the younger brother, he looked sad and said he was free to babysit her because the younger brother had gotten shot in a gang conflict. He explained how he thought he had convinced Sean to leave the gang and finish his education when this rival gang showed up, claiming turf issues and before he could get Sean out of there, the bullets were flying and Sean was dead. "So I know a little something about trying to do good and having it backfire. It's not my fault Sean died, but I still feel responsible," he finished. She didn't know what to say, so she just said she was sorry and left him to his thoughts. At other times they talked about TV, movies, current events, even shopping! Zoe came to truly like Travis, and respect his opinions as being well thought out and logical. He even had good taste in women's clothing, advising her what to wear when job hunting. If she had to have a babysitter, she was glad it was Travis. She was also grateful for his power to remain unnoticed, so she didn't have to explain this hulking man with her everywhere. Sometimes she got strange looks from people for appearing to talk to an invisible friend, though, but that wasn't so bad. She had nearly forgotten why Travis was living with her when she found him standing at the window, peering out the crack in the curtains, holding a pistol. 'What do you think you're doing with that thing in my apartment? Get rid of it!" She demanded. "Not a chance, little lady. I am here to protect you, and this weapon is part of that," he answered calmly. "There's evil in the vicinity, I can feel it." "We live in a bad part of town. I'm surprised you haven't felt the evil every night," Zoe responded, trying to lighten the mood in the room. "This isn't human evil," he answered simply. She was scared, but didn't want Travis to see it, so she went over to the kitchenette and started preparing dinner. Travis stayed glued to the window. They both jumped when the knock came at the door. Zoe turned to him, silently asking what to do. Travis motioned her to go to the door, but put his hand over hers when she started to open the chain lock. She left it in place and opened the door a crack. Zoe, honey," said the little widow-lady from the next-door apartment through the crack, "can you help me get the party trays and tins down from the high cabinets for me. I was going to start my holiday baking tomorrow, and I need to make a list of everything I need so my nephew can bring it over for me. I don't think I have enough tins for the cranberry orange bread I bake for all the neighbors. It won't take but a minute." Relieved, Zoe said, "Sure Mrs. Schuller. Just let me unhook the door and I'll be right out." She closed the door, slipping the chain off while she mouthed, "Just my neighbor," to Travis. She whispered, "I'll be right back," as she slipped out and closed the door behind her. "Do you have a gentleman caller, dear?" asked Mrs. Schuller. Thinking the woman had amazing hearing for her age, Zoe answered, "just a friend who's staying with me." They were at the lady's door when she responded, "I hope he won't worry about you when you disappear," before she collapsed to the floor. Zoe dropped to her knees beside the woman, thinking that was a strange thing for her to say, when a black cloth bag descended over her head and a strange, sweet smell accosted her senses. She had just enough time to wonder if they had hurt Mrs. Schuller when they used her, before passing out. ***** Please take a moment to vote and comment!