Chapter 10
Maya
“Idon’t know, Bella,” I stated on a sigh, “I feel like there is something still missing.”
It was early afternoon and I had spent most of the day in my room, painting and reading.
I’d found this amazing art history book at the school library the other day and may have taken it home…
but it was so interesting! I found myself wanting to copy and try each style of painting until I came up with something that was so original and unique that I would maybe be featured in it.
You know, obviously when I was way, way older and had practiced for years.
Although, some of the artists in here seemed young so who knew.
Bella padded around the bed chasing after a rubber band from my hair, not really caring what I said. I honestly didn’t blame her, I’d been complaining about the missing element of this painting for some time. No, this was not the phoenix painting either. I’d put that to the side for now.
This canvas was much larger and more rectangular than the other, and needed two easels to support it.
I had decided to paint the edge of the forest right outside of our house from the view point of where I’d been standing this morning waiting for Atlas.
I wasn’t exactly positive how all of this worked, but I knew without a doubt when he was coming back this morning.
It was like a deep resonating pulse inside of me that seemed to echo his name.
I always had a fairly good grasp on where my mates were, one that was innate and natural.
For example, I knew all of them were downstairs helping with the party set up.
Honestly, I was glad I wasn’t down there because I could hear the chaos.
It wasn’t that I didn’t like people…but I didn’t like that many people at once.
Even the backyard was being set up differently, partly blocking my view of the misty scenery as they set up a massive white tent.
I couldn’t see what was underneath it but chairs and tables were being brought underneath.
I thought I also saw a few flashes of pink and gold but it was possible I was imagining that.
“Hey, Ledger?” I called as I heard him coming up the stairs. I could tell their footsteps apart, was that weird? Probably.
“What’s up, firefly?” He curiously asked, unsurprised I knew it was him. My eyes flashed over to where he stood in dark jeans and a comfortable hoodie, his slightly damp hair darkening the tips to almost crimson.
“What is this missing?” I arched a brow as he came to stand behind me, his large hands wrapping around my hips.
“Holy shit,” he mumbled, “I don’t think it’s missing anything.”
“It is,” I groaned, leaning my head back as I thought about this painting as well as my original one. “Neither of them seem perfect enough.”
“Oh,” he realized something, turning me around and looking down at me with a smile, “they are never going to seem perfect enough to you, Maya.”
“What?” I asked, alarmed, “Why not?”
“Same reason any songs I write or play aren’t perfect enough, we are our own biggest critics.” He kissed my nose. “Just trust me, you're doing amazing. Are you proud of your work?”
I looked over both of them and nodded. “Yeah, I love them.”
“Then trust that you would have added something if it was meant to be there.” He tugged me closer so I turned facing him again.
“Alright,” I twisted my lips but then looked at him, leaning forward to kiss him.
I had a moment of nervousness but honestly, the more time I spent with them the less I worried.
I knew Ledger wanted to kiss me. I mean I could feel how hard he was against my stomach right now, but it was more than that.
It was the way he always looked at my lips and how close he held me, always holding my hand or hugging me.
After a light playful kiss, his bonfire scent surrounding me, he pulled back and offered me a grin, “Nope, you are going to distract me and I came up here to tell you something very important.”
“What’s that?” I arched a brow.
“That I am here!” Jordan’s voice broke through the space, I peeked over him and felt a smile break through on my face.
“You invited her over?” I asked Ledger, feeling almost hyper.
“Invited?” Jordan grinned, “No way, I had to practically man-handle my way in, although I’ll give your men this, the security around here is hot.”
Ledger shook his head and coughed. “I will leave you ladies to it.”
“Is this Bella?” Jordan asked, kneeling down. Bella turned and hissed tumbling backwards.
“Bella!” I chided, “Don’t be rude.”
“It’s because I’m a wolf.” Jordan explained, looking nonplussed. “You should see what happens when I get around cat shifters. Honestly, even dragons are iffy for me.”
“Interesting,” I chimed, “so I’m glad you're here, but why are you here?”
“One,” she grinned, “I was worried because you missed school. Two, I was worried because you missed work. Three, you are all over the media. Finally, the most important thing, I wanted to get ready for your party tonight.”
“Oh!” I nodded enthusiastically, “I’m down for that.”
I had to admit, I loved my boys but there was something awesome about hanging out with Jordan. She never thought it was weird that I didn’t know everything and she always made sure we were talking about something, so I didn’t feel anxious. Plus, she had a fantastic taste in music.
We had some rock bands playing as she painted her nails and I tried to copy a makeup design I’d seen from vogue.
The woman at the store had included a bunch of makeup, but until yesterday, I hadn’t tried them out.
Now that I had, I was finding I could get really into it considering it was so much like painting.
Jordan had curled my hair and while I had no idea what I was going to wear tonight, I was feeling really good about myself.
“What should I wear?” I asked curiously.
“Wear something you have been wanting to, but never get a chance to.” She explained as I tilted my head and made my way over to the closet. I selected a really cute light pink dress that had a tulle skirt, but was a heart shaped sleeveless top.
“I love that but you are going to need a cropped jacket or something,” she called.
“Why?” I frowned, I mean I may get cold but that wasn’t a huge problem usually.
“You have mating bites all over you,” Jordan explained with a devious grin, “the humans won’t understand.”
“Oh,” I blushed, stepping into my closet and easily changing out of my relaxed clothes from this morning to the dress. Looking in the mirror I sighed because she was totally right. I frowned and searched for a jacket, finding the perfect one before leaving the closet.
“You look fantastic,” she nodded, “freakin’ adorable.”
I scowled, loving her words but also hating them, “I don’t want to look adorable.”
“Honey,” she grinned, “you are wearing pink tulle.”
“Well help me then!” I growled, and she hopped up as if she’d been waiting for that.
“Are you sure?” She arched a brow, “Because I can make you look sexy but numbers 1-7 down there might throw a fit.”
I twisted my lips and then realized that would mean they would probably get growly… and this was a fantastic idea. “Yes. I love this idea.”
It was like I made Jordan’s day and only thirty minutes later I was looking like one of those girls from the magazines I always read.
My dark jeans were high waisted and I had a pink silk tank top tucked into it, showing off a bit of cleavage.
Finally, I was wearing matching pink heeled boots, lipstick, and a black leather jacket.
I twirled, finding myself elated at how I looked.
“This is amazing,” I exclaimed, “Jordan you are freakin’ magical.”
“Thank you!” She chimed, petting Bella who had calmed down and now was loving her. Jordan was wearing this really cool black and green off the shoulder dress and a large dark hat with her heels. Honestly, she had such a good sense of fashion.
“Can I bring Bella down do you think?” I turned my head curiously.
Her head tilted, “Probably, better decide though because people have been arriving for the past fifteen minutes.” I was a bit nervous about the heels I was wearing but they had a wide heel and were this soft velvet material so I felt like I would be fine.
“I’m nervous to meet everyone,” I stated softly.
Jordan’s green eyes went wide, “Shit, that’s right, you know nothing about shifter culture.” I had never told her that so it must have been painfully obvious.
“Don’t sound so panicked,” I squeaked.
“It’s fine!” She sat up further and motioned for me to sit down as Bella snuggled between us. Jordan breathed in and the minute she started talking I did my best to absorb everything.
“Remember, first and foremost, do not act submissive towards any of these assholes. Marco and your flight are dragons, AKA top of the food chain. Because you’re their mate that is where you rank also.
By the way, do we know what you are yet? You know, it doesn’t matter. The point is don’t let anyone intimidate you. There are a ton of different communities of shifters but the main ones are going to be my father’s pack of wolves and then unfortunately Lorn’s family, who are bear shifters.”
“Lorn is going to be here?!” I exclaimed.
“Probably his father,” she continued, “everyone is under Marco’s thumb here though, and rightfully so because he has essentially kept this area free of human law enforcement and influence. It’s essentially a sanctuary. No one wants to fuck with him.”
“Okay so don’t let anyone be jerks?” I clarified.
“Yes.” She looked at Bella and then put her head up, “Remember how you acted when Lorn came to the table the other day? Try to do something similar to that. I mean don’t be a jerk unless they force you to be, but be confident like that.”