Chapter 15 #2
He blushes, his skin sparkling even more than usual, and shakes her hand quickly before stepping behind Xane without saying a word.
She sighs and looks at Aura. “Adorable.”
They grin. “I know, right?”
“So how did you come to be here?” Magenta tucks her arm into Aura’s, and they take the lead. “Where are we going?” she calls back to me, not waiting for Aura to answer.
“The spare suite on our level that was supposed to be mine,” I call back, and she stops, dropping Aura’s arm and whirling around.
“Are you okay with that?” she asks. I see concern in her eyes, and I love this girl just a little more. I can’t wait for her and Susie to meet. We are going to be like the three musketeers.
I wave my hand, gesturing for them to continue. “Yeah, it’s fine, whatever. I’m using Mom and Dad’s, and it’s not like they are ever coming back.” A lump develops in my throat for my parents, even if my actual memories are fuzzy at best.
She stares at me a little longer before turning, and we continue on our way.
It’s quite a walk to the last suite on the far side of the ship.
I absently listen to Aura and gang explain how they came to be here, but I’m a little lost in my own thoughts, and a hand on my shoulder has me stumbling slightly.
“God, sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” Xane apologizes, helping me steady myself.
It’s so weird looking at this warlock. He looks so similar to Xavier, but he doesn’t put off quite the same amount of power.
Even when he’s powered down, Xavier crackles, but Xane’s power feels like a pleasant buzz.
“That’s okay, I was lost in my own thoughts.”
He smiles gently at me, somehow knowing I had been thinking about my parents. I hope he wasn’t using his damn warlock powers on me.
Before I can scold him, he continues. “I never met them, you know. We didn’t arrive to run the Pleasure Inn until a couple years after their death, but of course I know the story.
I think any alien who resides on Earth does.
Not to mention the Adams’ search for their missing grandchild.
We were all put on alert to keep an ear and eye out for a child exhibiting strange powers.
Year after year when no rumors surfaced, we figured you died as well, though your grandpas never gave up their search. ”
I nod my head, unable to talk now that my throat has closed off with my emotions.
“I just wanted to say welcome to the family. I couldn’t be happier for my cousin, and I hope you forgive our first interaction.
I’m afraid your friends had me a little off balance.
” He has the decency to look embarrassed, and I decide to throw him a bone, especially after he made an effort to be kind.
“I would say they have you a little more than off balance.” I wink at him lasciviously, and he chuckles.
“Yes, they were an unexpected but delightful surprise. I’m not sorry in the least that they have to come with us. I’m pretty sure they were going to try to look into Mark’s family, but now we have an excuse to stay with them.”
Thankfully, my overwhelming emotions have disappeared with this new topic, and I can’t deny feeling thrilled for my friends.
This seems to be a little more than a booty call for all involved, and it means I’ll have my Susie right where I want her with no lies between any of us—besides the one about the orb of power, which no one knows.
I am going to have to tell Cas and Saxon about it eventually.
I just kind of want to enjoy the honeymoon period before I tell them about the huge responsibility we are going to undertake.
Hmm, maybe I should tell them before so they have a get out of jail free card.
Up ahead, Magenta stops in front of a door, and I stop feeling a little ill. All these reminders that my parents aren’t around are throwing me off. I got so used to not thinking about it, but here, I can’t help but be reminded that my parents are no longer with me.
“Lila!” Magenta is staring at me with a frown, so I guess she may have been talking to me for a while.
“Ah, yeah, sorry. I’m a little tired. My blood rose bonding with Saxon must have taken more out of me than I thought.” Suddenly, Crimson is in front of me. She’s taller than I am, and I have to lift my head to look up at her.
She leans in and sniffs me. “I thought I was wrong, but I’m not, am I? You are a blood rose, and you say you’re General Saxon’s. Wow, I’m sure that didn’t go over well with his clan.” Crimson looks positively gleeful at the thought.
“Radella and Estrella had a conniption. They tried to put a stop to it, but Xenos and Hale wouldn’t let them.”
“Xenos is here too?” Crimson’s eyebrows almost jump off her face. “The queen doesn’t like it when both her nephews are away from her.”
“He came when Saxon had to be sedated,” Magenta explains.
“Why was he sedated?” Crimson looks back at me, and I shrug.
“I’m new to all of this, and it gave me a little time.” I wait for her to explode much like the girls did, but she nods calmly.
“That was smart. I see the general has landed himself an intelligent blood rose. This is good. Well, are we going to stand around all day, or are we going in?” Everyone looks at me expectantly, but I just can’t. My parents’ memories are going to have to wait for another day.
“You guys go. Magenta will help you with anything you need. I just can’t, I’m sorry,” I apologize and use my speed to escape back to my own room. I need my own alcoholic beverage now.
Please, Lord, let me still be able to get drunk.