The Amulet

Chapter 1 With a yell of triumph, Shaw slammed on his brakes as he screeched to a stop in the parking space. He jumped out, and tried to lock it, however, his triumph threatened to be short-lived. The central locking refused to activate, and, muttering a string of obscenities, Shaw ran back to the vehicle to lock it manually. Across the other side of the station, the train for Wellington sailed gracefully in and Shaw groaned out loud. “Ah, for f**k’s sake. Let there be lots of people wanting to get into the city.” Setting off at a mad race, Shaw ran down the stairs, though the subway, and sprinted up the other side, taking the steps in twos and threes, but just as he emerged at the top, the train was already pulling out. His breath coming in heaving gasps, Shaw leaned forward, hands on thighs, then pushed his glasses up his nose. Slowly, he stood up straight, ignoring the amused glances from other commuters on the opposite side of the tracks. There was nothing else for it. Shaw trudged to the café. The trains ran frequently enough, although he’d wanted to get into work a little earlier. Keitha warned me I’d miss my connection if I didn’t hurry. I hate it when my know-it-all sister’s right. Not that she’ll know she was right. Inside the café, Shaw opted for a chai latte and inhaled its spicy aroma as he picked it up. With his drink in his hand, Shaw selected a table away from the window. He knew the time of the next train, he just had to wait. Pulling out his cellphone, Shaw checked out the news as he sipped at his drink. Looking up from the news item he’d been reading, Shaw looked around, certain that the prickling sensation at the nape of his neck was due to being stared at. Trying to look surreptitiously around the café resulted in nothing. Everyone he could see was engrossed in their cellphone, except for one man. Instead of the ubiquitous cellphone, he had a book in his hands, the position of which stopped Shaw from being able to see his face. Seeing someone actually reading was quite a novelty, but Shaw didn’t want to be seen staring so rudely. With a final glance around, Shaw settled back to finish the news article. He’d barely started reading when a shadow flitted in front of him. “Excuse me, may I join you?” The deep, well-modulated voice had a hint of exotic accent, and Shaw looked up to meet pale blue eyes. Shaw had read about twinkling eyes, but never expected to see them himself. But he was willing to swear the newcomer’s eyes did exactly that. Or are they glinting? Either way, he was already nodding. “Yes. Please. Um, I mean, please do.” Shaw indicated the seat opposite and the stranger slid sinuously into place. For such a big guy, he’s very lithe. Glancing around, Shaw noticed more than one empty table and wondered why the man would single his table out when there were other places free. Then he realized that man who’d been reading a book was gone and he looked back at the man opposite him who was wearing the same dark coat the reader had worn. It must be the same guy. f**k, I hope he didn’t think I was purposely staring. “Can I help you?” The words tumbled out before Shaw could censure them, and the newcomer smiled to display perfect, white teeth. “Oh, I’m sure you can. My name’s Drake.” He held out his hand. “Shaw.” Grasping the man’s hand, Shaw felt heat suffuse his body, then it all pooled in his groin making him shuffle in his seat. “Shaw. I think I’m going to like this.” The way Drake licked his lips as he repeated Shaw’s name made it seem as if he was tasting the word. And finding it very much to his liking. Shrugging off his long, dark coat, Drake shoved it unceremoniously under the table. Seemingly of its own volition, Shaw’s gaze dropped from Drake’s eyes to the expanse of smooth golden chest revealed by a maroon silk shirt slashed in a deep ‘v’ almost to Drake’s navel. A pendant, that sat between toned pecs, reminded Shaw of an elliptical eye and seemed to gaze unblinkingly back at him. Time slowed for Shaw as Drake reached across the table, framing his face in warm, strong hands, and urged him forward. Almost before Shaw could register what he was doing, his lips were crushed against Drake’s. The rest of the world slipped away as Shaw lost himself in the kiss. The scent of a warm summer’s day and wood smoke filled Shaw’s nostrils and he inhaled deeply. Possession ebbed and flowed between them as if they were long-time lovers. Shaw opened to allow a hot, slick invader, letting Drake slide his tongue around Shaw’s mouth before he chased after it with his own. 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 you can touch it, no one else. If all goes well for me, I’ll come back for it. And for 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 f*****g 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 f**k’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 f**k! Shaw gazed out at the station as the train pulled out, reaching to touch the amulet through his shirt. I hope I do see you again.