To the Rossi Mansion #2
“Because she gave her voice as the price to make sure everyone came back safely from the Gods’ Realm. She is a true warrior.” She smiles at me, and I return it with one of appreciation.
“Oh, sorry for asking, it’s no biggie, you’re awesome without a voice, too.” He shrugs, but even as he smiles, I see the glint of sadness in his eyes.
He’s a good kid, although now at thirteen, he doesn’t look like a kid anymore; he’s taller than me, which is crazy.
Thanks, I write as he picks up Nash.
“Well, let’s all go inside. There’s a lot happening tonight,” Aunty Delsanra says with a smile.
“Be prepared to party all night,” Ahren adds. “When they say there’s a lot going on, it means A LOT.”
“Well, there’s a lot to celebrate,” Skyla says, slapping his back before glancing over at Tatum. “Right, Tatum?”
I look at Tatum, who raises an eyebrow, but aside from that says nothing more.
“Show everyone to their rooms, please,” Aunty Delsanra says to a few of the staff members with a smile. “And your clothes for tonight are already in your rooms. There are a few options; choose whatever you like,” she adds in our direction.
“I chose them,” Mama says with a small smirk.
“Of course you did,” Aunty Kiara smiles. “You always were the best at this.”
“Of course,” Mama says.
Will Jaddati at least be coming? I ask her.
“She will, but later, when the event starts. Ahren will bring her.”
I nod as I find Sienna in the crowd, and then glance at Allie.
Meaning we will only have the time we get ready to catch up with one another. Sienna tilts her head subtly towards the door, and we both get the message.
I slide past Uncle, who cups my cheek as I pass, offering me a gentle smile before smiling at Allie, who is right behind me.
As we step inside, I feel someone’s eyes on me, and I know exactly who they belong to, but I’m not about to give him any attention. Not after he stood me up.
Asshole.
We remain quiet as we follow Sienna towards one of the winding staircases. We’re three steps up when Sienna stops, letting us both fall in step beside her before she puts her arms around our waists.
“We have so much to catch up on!” she whispers excitedly. “I need to know everything.”
“Yeah, I second that,” Allie says, her face emotionless, but I swear I saw a hint of a smile.
Me three, I write. Sienna looks at me, guilt in her eyes, and I shake my head. Don’t give me that look.
She closes her eyes and nods. “I’ll try,” she whispers.
Oh boy, time to tell them about Endora… No secrets, which has to be something we all have to work on.
“Wait, wait, guys, there’s something I’ve got to show you,” Sienna whispers, as she turns down the hall and heads towards Tatum’s room instead.
“Really, Sienna, couldn’t wait?” Tatum’s voice comes from behind us.
I raise an eyebrow as Allie looks at him suspiciously. “I knew there was something off with him.”
“There’s nothing off about me,” he says pointedly before he bizarrely knocks lightly on his bedroom door, then opens it. Instantly, I’m hit with a strong feminine perfume, one Tatum would never wear.
“Girls, I want you to meet my mate, Scheherazade,” Tatum says as we step into the lounge area of his room.
My eyes widen as I look around, only to see a woman step through the archway that leads from the bedroom.
She’s tall, maybe around Skyla’s height, slim, with thick, black hair that reaches her waist. Large grey eyes, plump lips and a delicate nose. She looks Middle Eastern, but I’m not sure.
“Whoa…” Allie says as she looks at Tatum and then at Scheherazade.
“Hi, I’m Scheherazade. You can call me Sher, or Sherri.
Tatum here has been keeping me a secret.
He wanted to surprise you later,” she says with a small smile.
She has an accent, she’s definitely not British, maybe Canadian.
I’m not sure. “It’s a pleasure to finally get to meet you both.
I’ve heard a lot about all three of you. ”
Tatum smiles slightly as he looks at his mate, and I simply blink, still trying to digest the news.
Nice to meet you. I’m Aldona or Heaven, depending on what you prefer, I write, trying to act indifferent.
“Which do you prefer?” she asks me.
Aldona.
“Aldona, it is then,” she says as she offers me her hand. I take it, and she leans in, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
I nod before she lets go and turns to Allie.
“Nice to meet you,” Allie says with a nod.
Scheherazade smiles, but doesn’t offer her hand to Allie. I guess Tatum has filled her in. “Likewise. Any title you prefer?”
“Allie’s fine, since you’re family now,” Allie answers.
“Perfect,” Scheherazade answers, placing a hand on Tatum’s arm, and I see her neck is bare.
You’re not marked yet? I ask, then wonder if I was too straightforward.
She smiles, looking at Tatum. “Your brother wanted you home before he marked me. And I’m glad,” she says softly as their eyes lock.
Tatum brushes his fingers down her waist, and I suddenly feel so awkward.
I have never seen Tatum act like this with anyone. Is this what Allie means by gross and cringe when she sees her sisters get lovey-dovey? Because I feel that now.
It’s not gross, but it’s creeping me out. I know Tatum is handsome, but to think someone could have the hots for him is so strange! Like, he’s Tatum. This is so weird. How can anyone like Tatum? He’s my brother; all I can see him as is a brother. This is so odd.
“Well, we’ll see you tonight,” Sienna says sweetly before she places a hand on both of our backs and guides us out the door. Once the door shuts, Sienna leans in. “Oh, and by the way, she’s four years older than him, isn’t that cute?” she giggles.
I don’t respond, still trying to process the revelation.
Wow! Tatum, my brother, found his mate.
Oh my gosh. Now that is...
“Did anyone else get weirded out thinking about Tatum with someone?” Allie whispers.
I giggle silently as Sienna stifles a giggle of her own. “Well, I can’t really say anything when I’m in love, but… yeah, kinda. I mean, that’s like Ahren getting a girl, or Dante.”
“Eww,” we say simultaneously, although mine is silent.
“Well, eww to us or not, she loves him, and that’s the most important part,” Sienna says.
I nod in agreement. Agreed, even if it is weird, I’m happy for him. And the fact that he wanted to wait for us to get back before marking her… That was really sweet, Tatum.
Well, tonight really is going to be eventful, but I look forward to it.
Time to get dolled up, so even an idiot will notice that I’m not just a girl, but a young woman.
Urgh, he’s so annoying.
The moment we enter Sienna’s room, I lock the door behind us and activate a spell.
I have something to share, I write, not wanting to delay it, or I’ll never get the chance.
It’s now or never.
Sienna turns to me, surprised at the abruptness, as Allie cocks a brow.
“Now that’s… sudden. What’s wrong?” she asks.
Nothing is wrong, but in return for the Tongue of Dawn, Hecate wanted to restore the link to my ancestors, and she did. So that means the link to-
“Endora,” they both say in unison, staring at me, shocked.
I nod grimly. Yes, Endora.