Twenty-Seven
Kallie
Tangled in bedsheets, I’m enveloped in the smell of him. Deeply inhaling, the scent washes calmness over me, and for a brief moment, I forget where I am, what my life has become.
The sun shines through the glass doors of the balcony, illuminating the room with light. It took me a while to muster the courage to come to bed last night, but luckily, Callum was in the shower, and I was able to sneak into bed and drift off before he came back.
I’m also highly grateful he isn’t here now. Maybe he slept on the couch, after all.
Throwing the blankets off, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, and I’m pleasantly surprised when my toes meet a warmed floor.
Admittedly, that was the best night’s sleep I’ve gotten in a while. My arms reach above me, and I feel the stretch from my fingertips all the way down to my toes. Still rubbing the sleep from my eyes, my feet slap against the laminate floor going to the bathroom. I try to mentally prepare myself to look in the mirror. I’m sure there are different variations of blacks and blues covering my face, probably a blood stain or two that I missed. Closing my eyes, I raise my head, mustering up enough courage to face myself.
“What the fuck!” I screech, forcefully rubbing my eyes like they’re playing tricks, like I’m looking in a fucking carnival mirror warping my reflection. I rub and rub, blink so many times my eyes could dry out, begging my vision to focus.
Some are subtle differences, others more defined and prominent. My fingertips slide over my face, afraid to apply too much pressure in case everything deflates before my eyes. Callum rushes through the door in that moment, a fearful look on his face.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“What’s wrong? Are you kidding me?! Look at me!” I yell, and he rushes over, examining me from head to toe.
“Are you hurt? Bleeding?” he asks, picking my arms up and looking over me.
I swat his hands away. “No, you idiot! My face, my ears! What happened to me?”
“Gods, Kallie, I thought you were hurt. Don’t fucking do that,” he hisses.
“Sorry if I was scared the person in the mirror is not me!”
“Stop being so dramatic. The glamor that was put on you…the one that shielded your powers? It also hid your fae features. Couldn’t have you walking amongst the humans looking like that. Might as well have had a big neon arrow above your head,” he scolded.
My cheekbones are higher and sharper than before, my skin free of blemishes and wrinkles. I tuck a piece of hair to confirm what I already know. My ears, where they had been rounded before, now come to a distinct point at the top. I stare at myself, at the person who is me…but not. Shifting my eyes to Callum, I expect him to be looking at the monster I’ve become, at the very least have our eyes meet in the reflection. Only, our eyes don’t meet. Instead, his are full of understanding while they roam over my flesh and bone.
“I didn’t realize you hadn’t looked at yourself until now,” he says, breaking the silence. I don’t say anything, just walk past him and sit myself on the edge of the bed.
“This is just a lot to take in,” I finally say. He nods, leaning against the doorframe.
“Yeah, well, buckle up. We’re in for a long day. My mother left some clothes for you to wear until we can get you some of your own. We leave in ten minutes.” And with that, he exits the bedroom, shutting the door behind him and leaving me to think about what I’ve gotten myself into.
I come out fifteen minutes later, as a big fuck you to him. Not paying any mind to the fuming Callum in the kitchen, I take my time and sip the delectable coffee that was so graciously waiting for me. Back pressed to the fridge, my eyes shut while the mixture of vanilla creamer and coffee dance along my tongue.
“You’re late,” he barks, pulling me out of the moment of solitude. I shoot daggers his way but take a minute to allow my gaze to roam freely over him. He’s still as breathtaking as the first day I saw him in the gym. Dressed in a leather set that matches mine, that same mysterious tattoo etched onto his flesh, he crosses his arms over his chest, out of annoyance or impatience I’m not sure, but it makes the corded veins on his forearm pop, and it’s almost impossible to look away. The permanent scowl he wears is set in stone, but his blackened eyes devour me, the sliver of green almost sparkling.
“Take a picture. It’ll last longer,” I quip, pushing off the fridge.
“I could say the same for you too, Princess.” His voice is low and husky as it reaches my ears. I scoff, dumping the remaining liquid down the drain. Mimicking Callum’s pose, I say, “My hair took forever. My arms were killing me after the first braid and about went back to bed when I was doing the second.” It’s not a complete lie. My arms were on fire, but beauty is pain and all that.
“We do need to get going. I’m surprised she hasn’t barreled down my door by now.” His hands begin those distinct movements to create a portal. Shadows form in front of him, and before I think better of it, I reach out and grab his arm. Instantly, his motions halt, the blackness fades, and he whips his head in my direction. My hand tingles where it makes contact, running up my arm, causing a shudder to course through me.
“I want to walk,” I tell him.
“We’re already late. We can walk back,” he suggests but remains unmoving.
“I’m sure Donni will understand,” I say, a pleading look in my eyes. I haven’t gotten used to the feeling of going through the portals. They make me feel queasy and out of place, like I’m leaving part of myself behind, and it takes a while for it to catch back up.
Seconds pass by, fleeting moments of us staring at each other. His eyes bounce between mine, tilting his head to the side like I’m a puzzle he can’t decipher. Then it’s gone, and something like understanding flashes in his features until his face is back to stone. Not realizing my hand still rests on his arm, I remove it quickly, like it got too close to the burning fire.
Callum nods then saunters over to the door, not waiting to see if I’m following. Running after him, I pass over the threshold, the cool morning air filling my lungs. Something settles deep in my bones, like I’ve been suffocating my entire life, and this is the first breath of air I’ve ever taken. Everything is brighter, clearer, as if I’ve been stuck underground and didn’t know it until now.
Birds chirp in the distance, and creatures scurry across the fallen leaves. A deep, unrecognizable growl sounds in the distance, but it doesn’t startle me. Although it’s unnerving, a strange part of me feels awakened.
Not having time to think about it right now, I catch up to Callum, my feet stumbling on the cobblestone pathway. Eventually, we fall into step together, and silence blankets us as I take in everything. The trees and plants are the most vibrant green I’ve ever seen. Wisps of yellow flash in front of my eyes, and I can’t help the look of awe on my face as my head whips side to side. Looking up, clouds cover the sun, lines of sun rays try to penetrate through to no avail.
“You better close your mouth before a whirlie flies in,” Callum suggests.
“A what?” I ask, not taking my eyes off the landscape.
“Those little yellow things. They’re completely harmless and might even tell you secrets if you listen closely. But they taste like shit and don’t particularly like being confined,” he explains. I notice he’s keeping his head on a swivel, never letting his sights land on one spot too long.
“Duly noted.” I don’t think I would like them flying in my mouth either. “I didn’t expect it to look like this,” I admit.
“Look like what?”
“It’s so odd. It looks the same but not. It’s better, brighter, more full of life than back home.” He grunts at my use of the word home . He acts like I’m trying to be difficult. But this isn’t home. And I’m not sure it ever will be.
There’s a break in the trees where the city comes into view. People are rushing down the street, going from shop to shop, talking amongst each other.
“Everything seems so normal,” I say, examining the scene in front of us.
“What were you expecting?”
“Not this. Not for it to seem so…comfortable,” I admit.
“We’re not that different from what you’re used to. Just better,” he says.
“I guess that depends on your definition of better.” My feet hit the sidewalk, and we turn left, which I can only assume is toward Benny’s Bakery.
“Hey, I know we’re late, but we can still go to Benny’s—”
“Don’t speak.” I gasp, surprised when Callum’s voice echoes in my head. Before I can ask any questions, a woman of average height—well, average for them—with icy-blonde hair and striking blue eyes approaches us.
“Callum, I didn’t know you were home,” she says, eyeing me up and down. “Who’s your friend?” Her question would sound innocent if it wasn’t for the accusation in her tone.
“Just someone I found on the way,” Callum replies, no stolen glances my way—a man of complete relaxation. Meanwhile, I’m still reeling from the whole mind-talking thing.
The icy tyrant turns to me. “And who are you exactly?”
“Don’t lie. But don’t tell the truth either.” It takes everything I have to keep my expression cool and not react to this bizarre new development.
“Someone who was lost,” I say truthfully.
“Your name?” Her question is followed by hues of blue and green soundwaves. They glide over my face, and I immediately feel my body relax, hypnotized by the sound of her voice.
“Fight it.” Callum’s command sounds miles away.
“I—”
“Fight. It!” he bellows, snapping me out of the trance I found myself trapped in.
“That is none of your concern,” I say without skipping a beat, and her features morph into confusion.
“If you will excuse us, Miranda, we have promised my parents a visit this morning,” he says, placing his hand on the small of my back, urging me to move forward.
In an instant, Miranda’s confused look changes into a flirtatious smile. “Very well, but I do wish for you to visit soon. I missed you while you were away. My bed has been cold without you here.” My body goes rigid, and I stop in my tracks. A wave of possessiveness I didn’t know I harbored washes over me.
“I’m sure it’s been kept plenty warm in my time away.” His jab isn’t lost on me, but I still can’t get my feet to move.
“Leave it alone.” But I don’t.
Miranda’s menacing laugh makes me snap. As fast as light, I whirl around and send my fist flying into her perfectly placed, turned-up nose. Her head snaps back with a sickening crunch, and blood rapidly spews from her face. Her hand rushes toward it, attempting to stop the blood flow, and Callum has a poor attempt at stifling a laugh.
“You wench!” she wails. “How dare you!” Miranda takes a swing at me. Swing is generous. It’s more of a lob. Pitiful, really. Fight-or-flight takes over, and my hand lashes out and grips her wrist until her body bends, like an untrained contortionist, wincing with pain. Just like that, I have her hauled over my shoulder. Her screams are pathetic. Callum really shacked up with this prissy bitch?
The ground shakes when I slam her on the ground, and that’s where she lies, gasping for air. Standing over her, I have one foot firmly planted on either side of her withering body, looking at the mess I’ve made of her. It’s quite beautiful. I think I prefer her this way.
Crouching down, I hover above her chest, tilting my head side to side, and watch her fight for her next breath. “You’re crazy,” she manages to push out. Adjusting so my knees dig into her sides, my eyes stay locked in on hers, and I don’t falter even for a second when my hand flashes out to grip the fist she swings my way.
“You haven’t seen crazy. But do that again, and you just might,” I whisper, my breath coasting over her face. My smile grows, watching her eyes go wide, and once I’m sure my point has made its mark, I stand and step over her like the discarded pile of trash she is. Callum’s gaze finds mine, and it is full of admiration and astonishment.
Then it vanishes. Like it was never there.
Ignoring him, I continue down the rest of the path, his footsteps not sounding for a few moments, but I refuse to look behind me. It’s not long until his quickened pace catches up to mine, and the pull to look at him grows too strong, and I concede, only to see him wearing a shit-eating grin.
“What?” I snap.
“I just didn’t know how possessive you were of me,” he notes, amusement lacing his tone.
“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m afraid if your head gets any bigger, you’ll float away,” I say, rolling my eyes. That stupid bitch. But I’m not sure if I’m talking about Miranda or myself. What the hell was that? What’s happening to me? I couldn’t care less who he sleeps with—or used to, which he made sure to clearly point out. He can bang the entire realm for all I care. Fuck, maybe he already has. It doesn’t concern me. Hell, I’ll find myself a nice suitor to keep my bed warm at night.
“Kallie,” Callum’s voice rings, interrupting my thoughts. I don’t give him the time of day, setting my sights on the cute sign that reads Benny’s Bakery. “Kallie,” he says again, grabbing my arm and tugging me into him.
“Now, let’s talk about it before we go in there,” he suggests.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” He gives me a knowing look.
“I don’t know what happened. Something in me just snapped. By all means, bed whomever you want. Just let me know beforehand so I can find other accommodations.” But as the words leave my mouth, they taste like acid on my tongue.
“My, my, do I sense jealousy, Princess?”
“Absolutely not,” I say all too quickly.
There’s a twinkle in his eye. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“Who said I was worried? Let’s just go. As you pointed out earlier, I have a long day ahead of me. And we’re already late.”
“Whatever you say.” And he drops it—the conversation and my arm—and we’re back on our merry way to go get me a sweet treat. Gods know I need it after this morning.
“What did she do to me back there? It was like, no matter what, I had to answer her.”
“Miranda is truth. She can detect lies and also persuade you to tell the truth. That’s what the soundwaves were. It’s like hypnosis. You get pulled under into a trance,” he explains, opening the door to Benny’s, and I tuck the information away for later. The mugs rattle on the wall, and I’m instantly taken back by the smell of sugar and goodies. The mismatched tables and chairs are full with customers looking lively, happy.
“Sweetheart!” Benny’s voice booms over the chatter. “I’m so glad you guys made it! Come in, come in. I have fresh forest buns coming out of the oven in just a few minutes!” His smile is contagious, making my lips mirror his. Benny’s overwhelming sense of joy is infectious, a complete contrast to his brooding son.
“I promised you, didn’t I?”
“Well, yes, but you have a lot going on. I wouldn’t blame you if it slipped your mind,” he confesses.
“Never. Now can you tell me what a forest bun is?” For all I know, I’m going to eat a rather unappetizing part of a forest creature. Callum snickers at the side of me, and it’s like Benny completely forgot he was here.
“If I did, it would ruin the surprise. How was your first night? Please tell me Callum was a perfect gentleman.” Benny raises an eyebrow.
“I don’t think he knows the definition of gentleman,” I joke, but the inquisitive look Benny gives him tells me the joke didn’t hit its mark.
“Pops, I can assure you she’s joking.” He side-eyes me. “I slept on the couch. I even made her dinner. Come on, you know you and Mom raised me right.” Kiss ass. But his admission on the sleeping arrangements has me confused. Did he really sleep on the couch?
“That’s my boy!”
“Fresh forest buns!” someone yells from the back.
“I’ll box those up. Why don’t you two head over to Mom’s place,” Benny suggests before heading toward the kitchen. Callum leads me out the door, and we don’t say anything on our way to Belladonna’s Bouquets.
The shop is as beautiful as the first time I saw it. Flowers full of vibrant colors and greenery take over my senses along with that signature scent of lavender, potting soil, and hints of musk and eucalyptus.