18. Maya
Maya
“This is a plane?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at the metal craft that was supposed to fly us down the coast.
“One of them.” Sai tossed me a grin.
I raised a brow. “Why would you need more than one? This is huge.”
Ledger kissed my head, saying, “This isn’t even a big one—this only fits ten people. We have an overseas one that can fit an entire press worth of people.”
I shook my head and tucked my hands into my jacket. I had to admit, for having died this morning, I felt pretty great. No, really—my skin was flushed, and my hair seemed extra silky. Even my eyes seemed brighter, and to top it off, I had even picked out a cute outfit.
I had on soft pink Hunter boots that kept my wool-socked feet warm and out of the rain.
My leggings were tight and lined, and an oversized Irish knit sweater covered my butt and kept me cozy along with my jacket and scarf.
Atlas had put a hat on my head even though I didn’t feel like I needed it, but I was thankful for it now in the sprinkling rain.
This morning felt unreal in some ways, as if there was no way it had happened.
Everyone was acting odd though, very intense.
They were protective as always, hugging me and acting like they normally did; there was just an underlying change to the atmosphere.
Henry seemed quieter than usual, his expression tense, but his arms wrapped around me made me feel a lot better.
I had never understood the mating bond before, but holy crap did I now.
I felt so…content? I wasn’t positive that was the correct word. Before, I’d felt comfortable and wanted, but this was like an anchor, and I could feel my body relaxing as they almost adjusted to what they felt like I needed. I would bet I was doing the same in some instances.
Marco was talking to the pilot, and my cheeks pinkened slightly as I thought about last night, trying to tamper it. I didn’t feel nearly as worked up as I had then, but I could feel it simmering under the surface along with whatever had brought me back to life.
I knew now that Henry was right. I wasn’t human.
They said I was a phoenix, and that didn’t sound wrong, but it was overwhelming.
All of this was. I had learned about the human world my entire life, but never had the opportunity to experience it.
Then I got to experience it, and I’m told this world doesn’t even apply to me!
It was a lot for one woman to handle in less than a week.
At least it seemed like I’d have an opportunity to get some space and time to think about it—we were going somewhere, and I couldn’t wait to get some time alone with my mates.
Marco was dressed similar to Henry, both in casual button-downs and dress pants with fitted jackets.
They almost looked like the businessmen in the magazines, and I wasn’t positive why they were so dressed up.
Then you had Ledger, who was wearing a hoodie, and Anani with his soft, multi-colored shirt that I kept rubbing between my fingers.
Atlas had on a tan leather jacket and boots, while Sai wore a dark sweater and jeans, his hair still wet and styled back.
I was fighting the urge to touch them as it was, and then they had to go and look so freakin’ handsome.
Henry spoke quietly in my ear. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”
I looked up at him and smiled. “Thankful.”
You would’ve thought I’d feel sad, angry, or guilty about my mother and Jed, but I was just glad they were dead.
That sounded cruel, but it was true. Sure, the ordeal had left an impact on me—I’d woken up in a cold sweat when I’d somehow rolled onto my stomach in my sleep, a position that no doubt would be an issue for me for a bit—but besides that, I felt strong. I wasn’t as scared anymore.
I still didn’t think I was good enough for them, but if they wanted me around, I’d stay.
I wasn’t sure I could leave anyway with this crazy connection running through me.
I had no idea where this was headed, but I woke up and determined that since I hadn’t died, I was going to make the best of what I had.
Make the best of all the time I had with these amazing men.
“Come on, kitten.” Sai nodded toward the jet, and I strode forward with an excited gait. I smiled at the captain as I boarded, and he smiled back…until Anani growled at him. A little thrill ran through my chest. I was starting to notice things about the boys I hadn’t before.
Like how they growled a lot.
They also weren’t very friendly outside of our group. I paused and looked at Marco, his eyebrow hitching.
“I’m going to miss work,” I worried.
His eyes softened. “Already called her. She said you can start on Monday.”
Thank goodness.
The jet was stunning. The long cabin was filled with cream-colored seats that led to a bar at the back, TV screens positioned throughout. I chose a seat and took off my boots, tucking my feet under me, Atlas sitting next to me and pulling me into his side.
“What are you doing?” I asked, noticing the news station on his laptop that was on the small table in front of us.
His eyes warmed on my face. “I’m ensuring security is up to par at our L.A. property.”
“What’s Los Angeles like?”
“Harder to fly in. Less cloud cover, and more polluted,” Ledger muttered.
“Shut it,” Henry called.
“He’s just upset, peanut,” Anani explained. “We have a bit of a reputation in L.A., so we have to make an active effort to avoid the media.”
I frowned and nodded. “Is this because of your business?”
“Among other things.” Sai chuckled. I felt like I was missing something here.
“Did anyone consider that?” Atlas asked. “The media is going to get wind of her, and when they try to find public record…”
“It’ll be blank.” Marco shrugged. “We just need to stay out of the limelight while we’re there.”
“I wanted her to see us sing,” Anani muttered in frustration.
“Sing?” I tilted my head.
Ledger grinned, tossing up this little squishy ball and catching it. “We have a band.”
“You can’t say you’re in a band when you only do shows when you’re in town and they perform without you the rest of the time,” Sai noted, rolling his eyes.
“I want to see you sing,” I said, looking excitedly at both twins.
“Maya…”
“Please, Marco.” I looked at him earnestly.
He examined my face and muttered, “Fine. Private show at the house, minimum invites. We can use it as an introduction for the Dragon Council.”
“What’s the Dragon Council?”
“Our realm is a bit…archaic, so many of our kind moved here and have been living quietly,” Henry explained. “You can consider it a political ruling class of sorts. There are five council members, and Marco is one of them.”
My eyes went back to Marco’s. “So…you’re like, super important.”
Atlas chuckled. “Don’t stroke his ego, angel.”
Marco snorted, but then the plane started to move, getting in position on the runway.
I turned on my butt and looked out the window, my eyes taking in the cloudy atmosphere.
Atlas snapped a seatbelt around my waist, but I barely paid attention, the low buzz of the engine the only thing to prepare me before the plane really started moving.
Fast.
Faster.
I grinned as suddenly the earth dropped out from under us and we angled up. An excited hum came from my mouth as I pressed my cheek to the window, trying to see more. I felt my ears pop as we moved up and up, something settling deep in my chest.
“Firefly?” Ledger asked, but I just kept watching, smiling as we broke above the clouds.
“Holy shit. I mean crap,” I muttered the ending, frustrated I’d sworn.
“You’ve flown on my dragon before, kitten,” Sai muttered, scowling.
I giggled. “This is different. You make sense. This big metal thing in the air doesn’t.”
My body sank back as Atlas ran his hand through my hair, though I kept my eyes on the sky until they forcibly fluttered shut, heavy with exhaustion, and I fell into sleep.