by A. M. Hodges
Instead, he just continues to sit there silently. I move across the room to sit next to him and begin nervously wringing my hands again. He doesn’t flinch or move away when I sit down so that could be a good sign.
"Are you afraid of me?" I whisper, trying to fight back tears.
He inhales deeply, "No. No Reyna, I am not afraid of you." With my next words, the tears win the fight.
"Do you think I'm an abomination?"
His head snaps to me, a look of shock appearing on his face. He puts his hand on my knee and slowly begins shaking his head.
"Oh honey, no. I don't think you are an abomination. This is all just a lot to take in and I'm trying to process it. I raised you. I fed you and changed you. I held you while you cried and rocked you to sleep at night. I love you with all my heart. Nothing you can do will ever make me love you less.”
He pulls me into a hug, “You will always be my little girl, and nothing in this world or theirs will ever change that. In a way, I always knew you were a little different. I just didn't know how different. This does not make you an abomination sweetheart,” he pulls back to hold my face in his hands, “It makes you
extraordinary."
"That's what I said!" Lucah exclaims causing Jeb to shoot him a glare. He shrugs sheepishly and goes back to being quiet after the silent reprimand.
"This is just a little more than my human brain can handle right now," he continues, "It will take time, but I will get there. I promise."
He pulls me into another bear hug and plants a kiss on the top of my head. We sit like this for a few more minutes, just holding each other like the world could rip us away at any moment.
Finally, he releases me and looks directly at Jeb.
"So," a grin plays at the corners of his mouth, "Aren't you a little big to be a Pixie?"
Lucah is practically howling with laughter as Jeb lets out a defeated chuckle. At least he is being a good sport about it this time. I know it is to make this easier on me.
"Your realm adapted that interpretation. I guess giant warrior Pixies were either too terrifying or too unbelievable for humans. But I am in fact a Pixie. I am the general of the Malatian armies and I serve Reyna's brother," he explains.
Another gasp of shock sounds from the old man, "Reyna has a brother? And what do you mean you serve him?"
The three of us exchange glances and Lucah shrugs his shoulders, deciding to take up this part of the explanation.
"Yes, she has a brother. A twin brother to be exact. Both Jeb and I serve him because," he falters and looks to me for confirmation. I nod my head and he continues, "We serve him because he is our King. Reyna is a Queen is our realm Mr. Mathers."
Utter bewilderment passes over his face before it quickly turns into sheer amusement. It starts as a light chuckle, but soon his entire body his shaking with uncontrolled laughter.
"I raised a Queen! You have got to be kidding me. Oh, I would pay money to see Reyna in one of them fancy dresses and a crown. I need pictures! And videos. Please, please promise me someone will videotape Reyna attempting to dance."
I slap his shoulder and let out a relieved chuckle. After many jokes at my expense, everyone starts to calm down. I glance at the clock and realize how late it is. In response, a wave of exhaustion washes over me.
Jeb takes that as his cue and stands up, "I know this was a lot of information. You should take some time to process it. We are here to tell you more when you are ready. It is already decided that Reyna will graduate high school, but then we really need to return her to Malatia. Her brother is waiting. We will do everything in our power to keep you in contact, and we will protect her with our lives. You have my word."
Jackson rises from his seat to shake Jeb's outstretched hand, thanking him.
"I booked us an afternoon flight, so we can get some breakfast and then hit the slopes for a little bit in the morning if you're up for it," Jeb says to Jackson.
"I think that sounds great, but for now, this old man needs some shut eye," he pulls me off the couch and in for a hug, "I love you sweetheart, I'll see you in the morning."
After that, everyone goes to their rooms to turn in for the night.
I lay in my bed staring at the ceiling for what feels like hours, my kiss with Jeb consuming all my thoughts. We haven't gotten the chance to talk about it. I don't even know if he wants to talk about it. He took my breath away, and it was like a thousand tiny fireworks exploded in my head when our lips met. It was hands down the best thing I have ever experienced in my entire life. Shit.
What if he hated it?
I'm not stupid, I know he has probably been with his share of women. He is nine hundred years old for gods' sake. There is no way I can compare to them, not even a little bit. They are all probably drop-dead gorgeous warrior goddesses. I'm just some stupid eighteen-year-old girl who can barely manage to hold up her wings.
What if I shoved all my baggage at him and it was a pity kiss? What if he only did it because of our bond?
My mind centers on the thought. I haven't asked much about our situation. Jeb doesn't seem bothered by it, like it is as natural as breathing to him. I guess if I were raised in their realm, it would be natural to me too. I just don't want to fall for him and then have my heart broken because he only does these things because we are soul bonded. I don't think my heart can handle loving him and not being loved in return. Then again, I'm not sure my heart can handle loving him at all.
I toss and turn for a while longer before finally falling into a restless sleep.
Jeb is waiting for me. We seem to be in field full of lavender, my favorite. The sun is shining, and he is sitting on the ground, legs out in front of him resting on his elbows behind his back. His face is turned up to the sky.
I stand there, taking in this rare image of him and I smile as I walk up and sit down next to him. He turns his head slightly and peaks out of one eye at me.
"Fancy meeting you here," I joke.
"I've been waiting for you," he sits up to face me, "took you long enough."
"What are we doing here? You're supposed to be sleeping."
"Technically, we are sleeping," he waves a hand at our surroundings, "this is basically a dream for us. We will both wake up tomorrow feeling fully rested even if we stay here all night."
"Awe are you saying I'm the woman of your dreams?" I bat my eyelashes at him and pretend to swoon, dramatically placing my hand over my heart. He throws his head back laughing before pulling me into the crook of his arm and laying down. I could live inside of his laugh.
We stay that way for a while, just watching the clouds in a comfortable silence. It's so peaceful here, being surrounded by lavender and its delicious smells and beauty. I think it might be my new favorite place.
"I figured you could use some peace after tonight. I know how hard that must have been for you."
I sigh and nestle closer to him. This place is perfect. I don't know how he knew that lavender is my favorite, or that watching the clouds always brings me peace. It's just another one of his many mysteries. My heart squeezes at the thoughtfulness of it all.
"Should we talk about earlier?" I whisper.
He looks at me with laughter in his eyes, "What? Do you mean when you jumped my bones in the middle of the snow for everyone else to see?"
"I most definitely did not!" I shout defensively, "That was all you buddy."
He laughs again at my expense, "I don't think we need to talk about it, but I can understand why you want to. Let me make things clear, our bond has nothing to do with why I kissed you. I kissed you, because it’s all I've been able to think about doing since the first time you walked into the mansion."
My mouth drops slightly as a small gasp escapes. All I can do is stare at him. He grins and gently clasps my chin between his fingers, pulling me towards him. When our lips meet, those fireworks take over my brain again and I am consumed by him. In that moment I know.
I am falling, I just hope he will be there to catch
me.
Chapter 12
We decided to skip on going to the resort and hitting the slopes when we woke up, choosing a nice breakfast at the cabin instead. Jeb and Lucah had gone and got groceries before I even finished showering and getting ready. I walk out to a buffet of breakfast foods. They weren't lying when they said they could cook.
There are pancakes, waffles, three different kinds of eggs including omelets, hash browns, grits, French toast, fruits, sausage, and bacon. I have no idea who they thought they were feeding, assuming we could feed an army with all this food, but my mouth is watering so I'm not complaining. I, of course, get one of everything.
Especially the chocolate covered strawberries. I get five of those.
After eating ourselves nearly into comas, we have a morning full of pleasant conversation and relaxation before it’s time to clean up the cabin and drive to the airport. Jeb returns the rental car while we check our luggage and wait for him by security. Once he returns, we hop in line to go through the metal detectors and head to wait by the terminal.
We are at least an hour early because Jeb insisted that we needed time to get through security which, in this tiny airport, took a grand total of ten minutes. I find myself a corner by the window that overlooks the ramp and curl up on the floor before putting in my ear buds and closing my eyes. Jeb was right, I did wake up feeling rested even though we said our good-byes only minutes before I woke. Still, I might as well nap while we wait.
After a few songs, I feel a tap on my knee and peak to see
Jeb squatting in front of me. I pull out one of my ear buds.
"Can I join you?"
I nod my head and scoot forward as he moves into the corner behind me. He rests against the wall, spreading his long legs out on either side of me as I lean against his chest. Leaning forward, he plucks one of the ear buds from my ears and pops it into his before asking for my phone. I squirm to try and see what he is doing but he shoots me a "don't even try it" look and pulls the
phone closer to his chest. When he gives it back, I see that he has created a new playlist titled "For Jeb".
"What's this?" I smile up at him.
"You said you wanted to show me your world, and I've noticed your love for music. So, every time you hear a song that makes you think of me or that you want me to hear I want you to put it on this playlist, so I can listen to it. Here, look," he pulls out his phone, "I made one for you too. We can follow each other and track the playlists every time they are updated. At least, that’s what Lucah said. He asked one of the humans at your school for me."
You will not cry. You will not cry. Suck it up you big mushy baby.
That may be the sweetest thing I have ever experienced in my entire life. No one has ever given me a chance or tried to get to know me. Jeb pays attention to everything, picking up on all the things that I love and all the things I hate. He comforts me as well as challenges me. This can't just be the bond, it can't. He genuinely cares about me.
"Thank you, Jeb. That’s really sweet.”
He smiles in response before kissing the top of my head and wrapping his arms around me. For the next thirty minutes, every time a song came on that he liked, he added it to my playlist for him. We don't move from our spot until they start calling for everyone to board the plane. Jeb takes his seat next to Lucah and gives me a knowing grin and a wink before putting in his own ear buds and turning to look out the window. Lucah rolls his eyes at the exchange and pulls out a magazine from the seat pocket in front of him.
Jackson chuckles next to me, staring at Jeb.
"You really like him, don't you?" he nods his head to the row across from us.
I sigh, turning to follow his gaze, "Yeah, only like, a lot."
He laughs again and puts his arm around my shoulders, pulling me in to his side and kissing my forehead.
Once again, I put in my ear buds and press play on my music. Throughout the flight, I keep adding songs that I want Jeb to hear to his playlist. As I’m scrolling through my library, a song pops up on my playlist from Jeb. I immediately click on it and the intro to 'Ready for it' by Fame on Fire plays through my ears. When the chorus hits the first time, the lyrics I hear have me grinning from ear to ear.
He adds a few more songs before we land, and I am glad to see that he shares my taste in music. I would say that is a deal breaker, but that would be a lie. He could listen to bluegrass religiously and I would still be infatuated with him. I would just have to invest in some noise canceling headphones. Thankfully, there is nothing for me to worry about.
After collecting our bags, we gather out front to say our good-byes and head home. This trip was a roller coaster of emotions, but I'm still glad we did it. It’s freeing not having to lie to Jackson anymore. There won't be any elaborate hoax needed after graduation. No more holding it in after overwhelming news when all I really want is for him to hug me and tell me that it is going to be okay. I'm not alone learning about this strange new world anymore.
"So," Jackson reaches out his hand to the guys, "we will still be seeing the two of you tomorrow for Thanksgiving I assume?" Lucah grasps his hand first and shakes it, followed by Jeb.
"Of course, we will be there around noon to start cooking. Reyna," Jeb turns to look at me, "remember our deal. Get a run in before we get there in the morning and thirty minutes holding up your wings tonight. Now that Jackson is aware of our situation, I fully expect him to tattle on you."
The old man chuckles, and I stick my tongue out at Jeb before Lucah pulls me into a hug. Once Lucah releases me, Jeb pulls me into his arms and gives me a quick kiss, resulting in an eyebrow raise from Jackson, before turning and heading towards the mansion. Well I guess were doing that in public now then.
Jackson heads to the truck and I decide I might as well get my cardio in now, since I’m already in a track suit, and run back to the house. I arrive as Jackson is inserting the key into the lock on our door. I see the stunned look on his face when he turns around after hearing me coming up behind him. Whatever he is thinking, he doesn't say it out loud and we head inside together.
After we unpack our bags and shower, we cover the coffee table with snacks and have a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon. I love nights like this, and there is something comforting about our movie night after all that was revealed yesterday. I thought he would want to talk about everything now that the guys are gone, but he doesn't say a word. I guess he senses my need for some normalcy. He doesn't even try to work, not once. I can't wipe the smile off my face as he kicks back in the recliner with a giant bowl of popcorn resting on his lap.
We make it through the first three movies before we head up to bed, leaving the turkey for tomorrow thawing on the counter. I walk in my room and shut the door before turning on the light. When I look up from the light switch, I jump and have to suppress a startled squeal. Jeb is laying on my bed, arms crossed casually behind his head, with an amused smirk plastered on his face.
"What the hell Jeb! You scared the shit out of me! How the hell did you get up here?" I scold him in a hushed tone.
"Um? I can fly?" he deadpans. His eyes twinkle with more amusement as I roll my eyes and he pats the bed next to him. After the shock wears off, I realize what I am wearing and immediately want to disappear from the embarrassment. My face heats immediately.
"Nice slippers," he winks.
I am, in fact, wearing my fuzzy monster slippers. If that isn't bad enough, I am also wearing purple leggings with unicorns and rainbows all over them and a yellow shirt that says, "I am my favorite Disney princess". I flip him off and crawl into the bed next to him. I lay there, curled up on my side, watching him for a few minutes as he studies everything around my room.
"I came to make sure you weren't skimping out on our deal."
I let out and exasperated sigh and use my feet to shove him off the bed. He hits the floor with a thud and lays there laughing hysterically. It takes a full five minutes for him to contain himself. Laying in the floor with his arms
stretched out to his sides, he finally looks over at me.
"Get to it Krasivaya, let me see those wings."
There’s that word again. I wonder what it means.
I call him some not so nice names under my breath, before getting up and going to stand in the most open space in my room. After stretching my shoulders, I release my wings. Jeb pulls his phone out from his pocket and sets the timer, nodding at me to start holding them up. It really is getting easier.
I can complete the first twenty minutes without any pain and without breaking a sweat. Halfway through, Jeb stands and begins to circle me, staring intently. Suddenly, he stops behind me and lightly runs his hand down the center of my wings. The barest tease of a touch. My entire body shivers, and I almost let them drop. He huffs out a laugh before continuing his circles.
A few minutes later, he comes to a stop in front of me and tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear. Then, while maintaining eye contact with me, he reaches out and slowly trails his finger through the feathers of my right wing. I have to suppress a groan and my entire body convulses. His eyes watch me hungrily with a satisfied smirk on his lips. I am now fully aware of what I did to him that first day when I naively reached out to stroke his wing.
The timer on his phone beeps and I instantly let my wings drop to the ground. Gazing into his eyes, I try to read the emotions in them, and retract my wings.
His eyes drop to my mouth a split second before his lips crash into mine and he backs me up against my dresser. Our kiss is deep, passionate, and urgent, my body on high alert after his teasing touches. I am in pure bliss, those tell-tale fireworks just exploding away. As my hands run down his chest and inch closer to the bottom of his shirt, suddenly, he releases me. I immediately miss the warmth of his lips on mine. He studies my face for a moment before gently running his hand down my cheek.
