Nobledark Academy 3: Chosen Hearts

by Laney Powell

  After dinner, we all went out to the veranda to have coffee. And then before I was ready, they were all leaving. Matty, Caspian, and Jake all gave me a hug. Olivia kissed me, not caring that all our family was milling around us.

  “Thank you for coming,” Mom shook hands with everyone. “While this might have been awkward, it was good of you to come, and to take our questions. We appreciate it.” She even hugged Olivia.

  Olivia looked as surprised as I felt.

  Then they were gone.

  “That went well,” Dad said, sitting back down and pouring himself more coffee. Mom sat down on his lap, taking his cup and drinking a sip. “Morag, stop it. It’s just us. You can turn her off now.”

  Mom sighed, and leaned back against Dad. I knew what he meant—sometimes, when the alphas, of which Mom was one, got going, it was hard to turn off the alpha. Which meant that sometimes, my parents could be jackasses.

  “I liked them,” Mom said. “You’ve chosen not only a strong mate, but a strong pack, Silas. All of them are strong. And in different ways, which is good for your pack.”

  “I’m not sure they were able to get that from your performance, Mom,” I said, rolling my eyes.

  “Then you can tell them. My job is to make sure that you’re going to be as protected as you can. I’ve done that. It sounds like Olivia’s family has too. So get your knickers out of a twist.”

  “It was kind of embarrassing,” I said.

  “And yet, you live,” Dad said.

  “Jefferson, I’m going in,” Mom said. “Don’t stay up too late.” She kissed him, and then when she kissed the top of my head. “I love you, Silas.”

  “Love you, too,” I said.

  Once the door closed behind her, Dad said, “I like Olivia. She’s strong, and determined. Anyone can see that. And she’s managed to build a pack as a female, which is not the norm. That’s impressive, and I like her for you. So does your mom. She’s a good choice, even with the siren aspect. Are you okay with all that will be expected of you? Do you understand what is required?”

  If he only knew how much I’d already had to do. “Yes,” I said. “I do.”

  “Well, if you’re happy, I am happy for you. A good mate, one that you love, one who loves you, that makes all the difference in the world, in life.” He nodded, almost to himself, and then went silent.

  We hadn’t said it yet—I love you. Neither of us had said it. I felt it, though. I knew that I loved her. With my dad’s words, I just needed to find the right time to tell her.

  Chapter Five

  Olivia

  After the interesting dinner at Silas’, I wondered if they were all going to be like that. My parents weren’t as bothered as I was.

  “She is a good mother, protecting her son,” Iliana said.

  “Perhaps the delivery is a bit harsh,” Mom said.

  “Shifters don’t have as many concerns with being blunt as many in the supernatural world do,” Dad said. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I think they liked all of you just fine.”

  “You think?” I said. “I felt very much like I was being inspected, and I can’t tell if I was found wanting.”

  “No, I think you’re fine,” Mom said. “And you held your own. You can tell that Morag is an alpha.”

  I’d watched both Morag and Jefferson. He was more of a red and orange, not swirling or angry, and he was stable throughout the meal.

  Morag, on the other hand, was yellow, then blue, then green—she was all over the place. Her emotions and intentions were strong, but I didn’t get the same vibes that I’d gotten off my bully, Wendi Tennyson, or her mother. They both had muddy, ugly colors around them. Morag might be a hard ass, but she wasn’t a bad person. At least I knew that much.

  “No kidding,” I said. “I’m tired, so I’m off to bed.” I hugged and kissed everyone, and then got ready for bed. Once I was actually in bed, however, I couldn’t sleep. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Was every single dinner going to be like this? Discomfort, worry about saying the wrong thing, missing being physical with all of the guys?

  This sucked.

  The door cracked open, and Iliana came in. “Olivia? Are you awake?” she whispered.

  Had I been asleep, she was so quiet that she wouldn’t have woken me. “I am,” I said.

  “Oh, good,” I felt her sit at the foot of the bed. “I wanted to ask you if you wanted to come home with me for a few days.”

  “We talked about this,” I said. “I said I would. I want to.”

  “You have more of these family meet and greets,” I could hear the humor in her voice, “But they’re not until early next week, right?”

  “Yes,” I said. “Why?”

  “Let’s go tomorrow. We can stay for a few days, and then be back in time for the dining fun.”

  I had to laugh. “Are you being sarcastic, Mána?”

  “I understand why Morag Tomberle was the way she was tonight, but it wasn’t fun,” Iliana said dryly. “My mother is formal, but she will be less harsh than that.”

  “And Silas said his parents would be glad he was part of a pack,” I said. “That was supposed to be the easy bunch.”

  “Oh, we definitely need to go to the beach,” Iliana said with another laugh. “Because next week is going to be stressful.”

  “Well, I need to check with Mom and Dad,” I said. “But I’d like to come with you.”

  She got up and then I felt her kiss the top of my head. “I am really excited to have you with me. Not just for my parents, but… but for me,” she said. Then I felt the brush of her hand and she was gone. The door opened and closed as she left the room.

  I got out my phone, since I wasn’t sleeping anyway, and texted the guys in our group chat.

  Going to Greece for a couple of days with Iliana. Be back in time for the next inspection.

  I waited to see if anyone was still up, but after five minutes with no answer, figured that I was it. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep.

  The next morning, I woke early, and padded out into the kitchen. Dad was up, making tea. “You want some?” he asked without turning around.

  “Sure,” I said. “Can I go to Greece with Iliana?”

  “When?” Dad turned around now.

  “I think she was wanting to go today. We’d be back in time for our next family dinner date.”

  Dad laughed. “For the record, I think you’re doing the right thing, meeting their families and putting it out in the open. Also for the record, I don’t envy you. When I was dating your mom, I just had her family to worry about.”

  “Well, they’re worth it,” I said, smiling. “Even with all of this drama.”

  “I think you may find that having extended family is a good thing. What made Iliana want to go back home?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know, although she’s mentioned it before. I know she wants me to meet her—I mean, my grandparents.”

  “They’re actually nice people,” Dad said.

  “You know them?” I was stunned.

  “Sure. Even though we didn’t tell you about the adoption, we kept them updated. We even offered to let them see you, but they felt that Iliana’s putting you with us was for a reason, and they didn’t want to endanger you, or go against her wishes.”

  “Wow,” I said. “That’s actually really…”

  “Nice,” Dad said. “I know they loved her, and by extension, you, very much. Your grandmother is going to be over the moon. As long as you don’t leave us to handle meeting your boyfriends’ parents, I don’t see why you can’t go today.”

  In reality, I could have left last night. But I wanted to feel like there was still a semblance of normalcy in my life. Like, I had to ask my parents if I could jet off somewhere. Although we’d probably be portaling, but same sort of thing. I wanted to still feel like a person in their first year in college, with one foot in the world of adults, and the other one hovering over leaving childhood.

  Not that I’d admit that to anyone else i
n a million years.

  Mom came out then, tying the sash on her robe. Dad and I filled her in, and she hugged me. “They’re going to be so happy to see you again.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said. I hugged her hard. “I really appreciate it.”

  “For what, hon?” she asked, as she started coffee for herself. “They’re family. Of course you can go see them.”

  “No, for being a great family,” I said. “I’m lucky to have you.”

  The three of us hugged, which was how Iliana found us when she came out, fully dressed. I didn’t know if she’d even slept last night, since I hadn’t seen her come in and go to bed, and she wasn’t there when I got up this morning.

  “This is a nice sight,” she said.

  I reached out to include her. She kissed my temple.

  “So, we’re going to see your parents today?” I asked.

  She smiled so broadly, I thought her face might split. “I guess we are.”

  “What do I need to bring?”

  “Nothing. I have everything you might need. Personal items, if you must,” she said. “Let me go and get my things.” She hurried back to my room before I could say anything else.

  “We’re leaving now?” I called out. It wasn’t even nine in the morning.

  “If we leave now, we’ll be there in time for dinner,” she called back.

  “Well, there it is,” Dad said.

  “You’re going to have a great time,” Mom said. “Go swimming with her, and eat everything you want.”

  I laughed. When I checked my phone as I was getting dressed, all four of the guys had responded.

  Get a tan. An all over tan from Silas.

  Without me? From Matty.

  I’d leave Matt, too texted Jake

  I’ll miss you was from Caspian.

  It’s only for a few days. She wants me to meet her parents. I’ll miss you all. But text me! I sent back.

  Within twenty minutes, Iliana and I were in the greenhouse. She opened the portal, and I saw a bright light on the other side. She stepped through, and I followed.

  The sun was different from New York. That was the first thing I noticed. Then I saw over the railing—we were on a patio, or something—water so deep blue, it was like something from a postcard.

  “Where are we?” I asked.

  “We’re in Greece. Like I told you.”

  “But the Blue Grotto, where Mom met you. Our birthplace,” I began.

  “We visit there. We have a small place on Capri. All sirens should swim in the grotto once in their lives. This, however, is home. We’re on the island of Kythira, in the south of Greece. Smell it, smell the beauty of the sea and the sun,” Iliana stretched out her arms, her head thrown back. I’d never seen her like this—so relaxed.

  The house was out on a peninsula and the sea all around it. There was a yard surrounding the house, and other than that, it was natural, all rocks, and just the ocean.

  The ocean was everywhere when you were in the house. It made me feel small, and exposed. At the same time, I felt a comfort here, one that I hadn’t felt anywhere else, outside of when I was with my guys.

  “Iliana?” I heard a woman’s voice from inside the house. An older woman, about the same height as Iliana, with silver hair and striking blue eyes, came out onto the patio.

  “Geia sou mama,” Iliana said, holding out her arms to the woman.

  They fell into one another’s arms, speaking in Greek, and I could tell that the older woman was crying.

  The older woman stepped back, and looked around Iliana at me. “Olivia?” she asked.

  Even I, who’d never met this woman before, heard the hope in her voice.

  “Nai, mamá, aftí eínai i engoní sou, Olívia,” Iliana was so happy as she spoke. “I’m telling her that you’re her granddaughter,” she said to me.

  The woman started crying again. “Miláei Elliniká?”

  Iliana shook her head. “No, only English.”

  The woman looked at me. “Hello, Olivia,” she said in beautifully accented English, her accent thicker than her daughter’s. “I’m your grandmother, Althaia. But you can call me Giagiá.” And she enveloped me in a hug that smelled of herbs, and baking.

  “Yahyah?” I said, sounding it out.

  “It means ‘Granny’,” Althaia said. “I never thought I’d see you again, mikros,” she added. And she hugged me harder.

  Behind her, I could see Iliana, her arms wrapped around her middle, smiling. She was happy, not only for herself, but her mom. I could see it.

  Giagiá turned, one arm still around me, and reached for Iliana. Walking toward the cool darkness of the house, she yelled—well, actually, she bellowed, “Jeno!”

  “Wow,” I said. She’d do awesome in New York. She could drown out an entire intersection.

  After a moment, a tall man, with a head of messy, curly hair, black shot with streaks of silver, came out of the house. He had brown eyes, and my impression of him immediately was of kindness.

  He looked at Giagiá, and then Iliana. His mouth dropped open even as he moved toward my Mána. He grabbed her, and like Giagiá, he was talking in Greek, and crying. Then he saw me, and burst into tears all over again.

  “This is Jeno, your Pappoús,” Althaia said. “And we are so glad to meet you, Olivia.”

  Pappoús stood back, his hands on my cheek, and then kissed me on each cheek. “It is a miracle to be able to see you, child. We never thought we’d see either of you. We have the pictures, that your mama and papa have sent, but it’s not the same.”

  And then he hugged all three of us.

  How long we stood there, I didn’t know.

  “Well, now that we are all here, what has brought you here, daughter?” Althaia asked.

  “I wanted Olivia to meet you. We’re going to Capri tomorrow. She needs to swim in the grotto,” Iliana said.

  “You’ve never been to Grotto Azzura?” Althaia turned to me.

  “I didn’t even know I was a siren until a couple of months ago.”

  “And the papa?” Jeno asked, spitting as he did so.

  Iliana rolled her eyes. “He’s been harassing her. Although it’s a good thing. She wouldn’t have found the stone had he not been after her.”

  Althaia muttered in Greek. Whatever it was, it wasn’t complimentary. I could tell that.

  “Come in, then, and tell us all about it.”

  The house was old, like it had been there for centuries. There were a few houses on the land, back from the beach. This house sat on its own, like a house from another time.

  “This place is amazing,” I said, as Jeno and Althaia led us through the white, cool rooms. I’d been right. You could see and hear the ocean from everywhere. I couldn’t wait to sleep here.

  “This has been the Karidias home for many years,” Jeno said. “For years, it was shrouded, and then maybe,” he looked at Althaia, “one hundred years ago? The Karidias women decided that enough was enough, and they didn’t want to hide anymore. Not that there was much here. As you can see,” he gestured to a window, “we are fairly isolated.”

  “Which is for the best. The closest village is over the hill back behind the beach.” Iliana joined in. “It allows us to have privacy, while being close enough to civilization to interact as we need.”

  I could see where Iliana got her formal manner of speaking from. All three of them spoke with a similar cadence and accent.

  “First, we must eat,” Althaia said. “And tonight, we will swim. We must swim here, before you go to the grotto.”

  “Okay,” I said. I felt like I was supposed to know what she meant, but I didn’t.

  Althaia and Jeno had been baking bread when we showed up. As we entered the kitchen, I could see we’d caught them right in the middle of it. Some was in the oven, and smelled heavenly. There were two balls of dough on the wooden table, and there were four loaves cooling on a rack on a small table in the corner of the kitchen.

  “I didn’t think I’d be h
ungry, but I am,” I said.

  “Sit, and let us eat, and talk,” Jeno said, pointing at another table that sat in an open doorway leading out to a small terrace.

  He and Althaia bustled around and when they came back to the table, they had bread, cheese, a plate of vegetables, and jam.

  “We weren’t planning for a big meal, so I hope this will suffice,” Althaia said.

  I buttered my bread, and then slathered the jam on. The bread was crispy on the outside, and soft inside. A berry flavor practically exploded in my mouth when I took my first bite.

  Oh, my goddess.

  No one spoke, and while I was dying for information, I understood. The bread was too good. Finally, Althaia began. “What brings you here? I can smell the worry on you, daughter.”

  Iliana began to talk, telling them everything that had happened. I added in where I thought there was more to be said, but mostly, I let her talk, watching her and my grandparents.

  Then Iliana’s gaze slid toward me, and her smile was nearly sly. “Olivia has taken to the old ways, Mama.”

  “Meaning?” Althaia was cool.

  “Meaning that when she brings her mates, there will be four. At least, I think there will. I do not sense any hesitation in any of them.”

  I watched to see what my grandparents would think. Their colors were mild, almost hidden. I wondered if they kept a shield between themselves and the world, as I did. Although lately, I hadn’t been practicing as much. One week off school, and I was slacking. That was one thing I couldn’t afford to slack off on.

  “It has been a long time,” Jeno said slowly. “It will be nice to have more men than just me. I’ve been at odds here for years,” he said, winking at me.

  And everyone laughed.

  After we’d eaten what felt like tons of food, Iliana said, “You should go and lie down. Tonight is going to be…” she hesitated.

  “What’s tonight?” I asked.