Free Linc by Aliyah Burke Page A

Linc pushed the door open before she could close it behind them.
    “We need to talk.” he said.
    Chaya narrowed her eyes and followed Danny to the kitchen.
    “Auntie Iona!” Danny’s ecstatic cry caught her attention.
    Chaya glanced up at Iona standing in her kitchen. Since Iona didn’t have a key and she hadn’t been there when they’d left, she wondered how she’d got into her house.
    ‘Doors are minor annoyances to us.’ Iona said in her mind.
    Chaya’s mouth dropped open. Not just one, but both of them could talk to her in her thoughts.
    “I’ll take Danny to the back to play some game while you talk,” Iona said.
    “I’m going to beat your top score,” Danny taunted.
    He seemed oblivious to the tension. Chaya pulled him against her and kissed his forehead.
    “Mom. What’s with you today?” Danny pushed away, shaking his head.
    Chaya put her hand over her mouth. Iona patted her hand and led him out.
    Chaya turned and gripped the edge of the island. Trembling, she held on to it. The image of Danny almost being hit by the car filled her. Then she saw Linc popping in and out, saving him. A kaleidoscope of images flashed through her mind as she replayed all the weird moments since she’d first seen him. The sensations of being watched, phantom touches and conversations with Linc Voice. Shaking, Chaya pulled out the high-backed chair from the island. Sitting heavily, she ran her fingers through her hair.
    She stiffened. Although there had been no sound or anything to tip her off, she knew he was in the room.
    “First, I’m going to say thanks for saving my son’s life,” Chaya said softly.
    “You don’t need to thank me, Chaya.” Linc’s voice echoed her own, coming from right beside her.
    Chaya took a breath, not looking at him. “All the times I thought I was imagining it. Thought I was crazy. It was you. It was all real wasn’t it?”
    “Yes.” Linc had the same arrogant tone as always.
    “Are you even sorry for making me believe I was crazy?” Chaya asked in the same soft tone.
    “I did say numerous times that you weren’t imagining it.”
    She recalled the other times when strange things had happened and he'd ignored her questions about them. “Are you really trying to defend what you did?” she asked in disbelief.
    “I have nothing I regret.”
    “You really are an arrogant ass.” Chaya shook her head.
    “Are you going to insult me some more or are you ready to listen to what I have to say?” Linc sounded snotty.
    “This had better be a hell of an explanation. Go ahead.”
    “I am Nun, the god of primordial water. One of the eight Egyptian deities of the Ogdoad. I am used to getting what I want and not being questioned. Used to being in control. At least, until I saw this captivating woman in my travels and felt a primal reaction—that I had to have her no matter what.” Linc lowered his voice. “That woman is you, Chaya.”
    “So let me get this straight. You’re some Egyptian god and want me—a mere mortal. Is that about the sum of it?”
    “Yes.”
    “That is the lamest-ass explanation I have ever heard.” Chaya turned to face him, pushed him, stood and walked away.
    Linc caught her arm. Chaya glanced at his hand, then up at him. Linc’s face was cool. He released her, crossing his arms over his chest. Chaya turned away from him and stepped forwards.
    She stumbled to a stop. Her mouth gaped as she looked out on a balcony with a view of a lush oasis of sands and flowers. A familiar scent reached her, like her lotion. A majestic bird flew across the window. Its orange and burgundy feathers were like nothing she had ever seen. The bird looked at her and winked. Chaya gasped, stepping back. She glanced around the opulent bedchamber. The massive bed caught her eye. It was covered in a white sheet with the same design that was on her cartouche and the back of Linc’s neck. Chaya touched the pendant. She faced Linc, putting her fists on her hips.
    “Okay, Nun, or