Free Men of the Cave (Symbol of Hope Series) by Marisette Burgess Page A

Caesar? Wasn’t that before your time?”
    She impressed me by her knowledge of history. “We met once a descendant of Caesar who hid the dagger amongst their belongings. This person discovered our truth and since we could live forever they sold it to us for a hefty price, so that we could preserve it.”
    “This is incredible. I would love to see the artifacts you have.”
    “Perhaps one day we will go and see all of my twenty-seven houses,” I flirted. She blushed and turned from me.
    “Come on let us go see Max.”
    She stepped out the door. As I turned off the lights, I heard her gasped from the hallway. Immediately, I stepped out to her. She stood like an ancient Greek statue.
    “Dion!” She screeched in a whispered voice.
    Layna, Antony’s black panther strutted down the hallway.
    “Oh, that is Layna. She is Antony’s friend. She has made herself at home with us.”
    Layna stopped in front of us and looked at Kasey.
    “Layna this is Kasey, she is a friend of mine.”
    Kasey looked at me as if I were mad. Layna shook her head.
    Antony came around the corner. “She says your mad Dion if you think the human is going to pet her like a pussy cat.”
    Kasey looked at Antony astounded.
    “Really. She is capable of that type of higher level thinking?”
    Layna let out a puff of air, and then walked down the stairs. Antony snickered.
    “What did she say?” Kasey asked.
    “Oh, brother,” Antony replied with a smile.
    “Kasey, Layna is not a pet. She is literally a friend. Animals are similar to humans,” I said.
    “Layna is one of the most gifted feline minds I have ever met. She and I got along instantly. I met her in South America, and she was utterly bored with her mundane jungle life. I offered her to come with us and she has been a friend of the family ever since. We could not get rid of her even if we tried.” Antony explained then followed Layna downstairs.
    “That’s unbelievable.” Kasey shook her head.
    “You will find that most things in the immortal world are.” I showed her the way to Max’s room. He was at his desk. As a good mannered gentlemen would, he put down his medical book and stood to greet us.
    “How are you feeling Kasey?” Max asked.
    “I’m all right thank you.”
    “Would you mind if I see for myself?” He asked and took a step closer to Kasey.
    She stiffened and glared at me as if I had betrayed her.
    “I’m fine, really.”
    “All I will do is wave my hand in front of you, to make sure. I do not need to touch you I promise.” He showed her his hand palm out.
    She nodded but her shoulders lifted and her hands made fists. Max’s hand glowed as he waved it over her body like a scanner. Kasey’s jaw dropped, her eyes fixed on his hand.
    “Your vitals are back to normal. You should not run on an empty stomach. It is not a good idea. If you are careless again you could faint once more,” he said and stopped his exam.
    “Yeah… cause that’s what made me faint.” She replied with sarcasm.
    Max did not like her response he folded his arms across his chest. There was an apparent awkwardness between them.
    “This should have never happened,” he said.
    “You don’t have to worry. It’s not like I’m going to tell anyone,” Kasey retorted.
    “I know you will not. People would think you are mad. No one would believe you,” Max said monotone.
    “Well…um…” Kasey looked at me for help.
    “Kasey needs to get back. Thank you again Max. I will stay with her until dinner. What time would you like to meet up tonight?” I asked.
    He narrowed his eyes. “Do you think it is wise? I thought we could go to Palma tonight to eat.” He always tried to keep me from her.
    Kasey gave me a strange look. “Um, you chaps can go. I think I am going to stick around town. Valete .”
    We walked out of the room.
    “What’s valete ?” Kasey asked.
    “Latin for good bye.”
    “Is Max angry that I know your secret?” she asked.
    “Yes. It is an unspeakable law that