Chapter 14 #2
Turning, I find Dylan in half-form, staring at us, with a thin trail of smoke coming from each flared nostril. “What are you doing?”
Smiling at my friend, I wave him over. “Hey, Dylan. Xavier here was just showing me how to set up the holo-emitters outside.” He walks over, the frown on his face and quick steps telegraphing some kind of discomfort.
“Hey, Dylan,” Xavier adds, and it sounds friendly, but Dylan just returns his greeting with a short nod. Shit, I hope he’s not jealous. Maybe Xavier is the guy he’s got a thing with. I step back, putting some room between me and the shadow-shrouded warlock.
“Xavier showed you how to do that?” He sounds skeptical, and his brow ridges rise in surprise.
“Yes, Lila’s grandpas entrusted me with the pleasure of showing her how to do it.” If I didn’t know better, I would say Xavier sounds slightly smug about it. There was almost a little emphasis on the word ‘me’ like he was trying to make a point. What point, I have no idea.
“Apparently everyone else was busy with the show. Isn't that where you’re supposed to be?” I ask him, curious at why he’s questioning things.
Dylan shakes his head. “No, I’m done for the night.”
“Tut, tut, tut, Dylan, skipping out on the final parade through the arena. How rebellious,” Xavier mocks with a slight edge to it. Hmm, maybe they’re not as friendly as I first thought.
“I won’t be missed for one night,” he argues.
“And I was worried when I noticed Lila had disappeared from the audience.” Well, considering he hasn't been to visit me for a few days, I’m surprised at his reaction.
“I was worried because all the animals are still in the dome for the final parade. I didn't want her to wander into the wrong area, especially because I think this is the first time I’ve seen her out and about during the show.”
“Like her grandfathers are going to let her wander off without them,” Xavier argues back. “And why is it your business? Who went and made you her guardian?”
“Well, thanks for your help, but I’ve got her for now,” he assures Xavier, ignoring his questions, almost brushing him off like he’s unimportant. Once again, I watch as his misty outline shrugs, not rising to the edge of hostility that Dylan’s pushing at him.
“Okay. It’s been a pleasure, Lila. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” And with those parting words, Xavier disappears.
A hissing sound escapes Dylan's mouth followed by a little puff of flame which has me yelping and scooting backward.
“What were you doing so close to him? Do you know what he is?” Holy shit, what the fuck?
His voice has devolved, transforming his words into what could only be considered a growl, and his tight grip on my arm is definitely not what I would have expected from him.
I snatch my arm out of his grasp. “Dude, chill. You heard what he said; my grandpas asked him to help me. And yes, I know what he is. What is your damn problem?”
Another growl escapes his mouth, and I watch as his teeth lengthen and sharpen before he shakes his head and they shrink back to normal. “He’s a warlock and not just any warlock. He’s the crown prince.”
“Yeah, and?”
“Warlocks are psychic feeders. They feed off of strong emotion. It’s how they power themselves up.
Warlocks as strong as Xavier have harems of feeders who they siphon emotions off of, usually through sex.
I was worried he was doing that to you.” So he’s a magical emotion-eating vampire?
Also something to probably keep in my head.
They should just let me define what all these species are.
It’d be so much less complicated. Maybe that’s why William was upset when he thought Xavier was doing something to me.
Okay, Lila, stop talking to yourself and listen to what he’s saying.
“Feeders can become addicted to the feel of it. It can feel fucking amazing, but they can also inspire terror in their feeders too. Different emotions taste differently, and you don’t know what his favorite flavor is.
” He’s looking away by the time he explains that part, not meeting my eyes.
Right, so it was jealousy. He’s obviously fed Xavier in the past and didn't want me replacing him.
I wonder if Xavier has a harem? He must if he’s as powerful as they say he is.
Does he keep them on board the ship here or back up at the mothership?
So many questions I want to ask, but I’m thinking Dylan might not be the best person for that right now.
Maybe I’ll ask Eric later. He seems like he would be pretty cool with any questions I have.
“Well, okay. No, I’m pretty sure that's not what was happening. He didn't show any interest in me other than curiosity in the fact that I seem to be more human than Skarrian.”
“Make sure you stay away from him. You don’t need to form any more ridiculous attachments,” he snaps at me before turning to walk away.
“Excuse me, what the fuck do you mean by that?” It’s my turn to grab him and demand an answer, though I don't have the intimidating eyebrows or smoke to go with how grumpy I’m now feeling.