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.
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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?"
