by Kali Argent
“What?” he demanded, frustration making his words clipped. “It’s fine.”
“It looks like slime.”
The mixture did have a bit of a gelatin-like texture. “I’m sure it’ll be okay once I cook it.”
“Why is it green?”
Luke stared down into the bowl and scratched behind his ear. It wasn’t neon green, but it did have a bit of a jade hue to it. “I’m not really sure, to be honest. I followed most of the directions.”
“Most?” Little snorts escaped her, which turned into giggles, and before long, she was falling against him, laughing right from her belly. “This is priceless. My genius brother can’t even make pancakes.”
“You’re a fucking riot,” he grumbled, nudging her out of the way with his shoulder. “Stop laughing and tell me how to fix it.”
“There’s no fixing that.” She looked far too happy about it. “Maybe you should take her out for breakfast.”
That would be the smart, easy thing to do, but he’d wanted to prepare her a meal himself, not buy her food from a restaurant. Then again, poisoning her with green pancake batter would definitely be worse.
“Okay, fine.” Before that could happen, he needed a shower and a change of clothes that actually fit. “I’m going to take a shower. If she wakes up before I’m finished—”
“I’ll entertain her,” Cami offered.
“Oh, she wants to meet Daisy and Olive.” He glanced around the kitchen, only then realizing it was unusually quiet for that time of morning. “Where are they anyway?”
“In the garden.” At his arched brow, she shrugged. “I gave up on the flowers. Besides, it keeps them out of trouble, at least for a little while. I figure it’s a win-win.”
She was still smiling fondly over the little demons when Daisy’s frantic bark rent the air, and a high-pitched squeal that could only be Olive joined with it.
After a brief glance at each other, he and Cami both bolted for the kitchen doors that led out onto the back patio. Crossing the threshold first, he jogged out into the morning sun, searching for the source of the commotion. It didn’t take him long to find it.
At the bottom the patio steps, Xi was curled up on his side in the grass, laughing like a child as the pig and the pup used him like a jungle gym.
After another moment of inspection, Olive leapt to the ground and spun around and around, her twin tails wagging like crazy as she squealed with excitement. Not to be outdone, Daisy gave a final lick to the male’s cheek, then raced around him in a wide circle, barking and yapping like someone was trying to kill her.
Coming to stand by Luke’s side near the railing, Cami covered her mouth and giggled. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
Whether Xi had heard her or merely sensed their presence, his laughter cut off immediately, and he sent a scathing glare at Luke before simply vanishing.
“Oh,” Cami breathed around her smile. “He really doesn’t like you.”
Luke stared at the spot where the male had disappeared with narrowed eyes. It wasn’t like he expected them to be friends or anything, but a little less outward hostility would be nice.
“Yeah, well, the feeling is mutual.” Jogging down the steps, he scooped Daisy into his arms and scratched her round belly. “Some guard dog you are, mutt.”
In response, she opened her mouth and let her tongue loll out to the side, the perfect picture of contentment and self-pride. Luke sighed. They were going to have a long talk later about not licking strangers.
Especially strangers who wanted to plant him six feet in the ground.
CHAPTER FIVE
Coming awake to a bright, golden light that filled the room, Jael rubbed her eyes and squinted. Disoriented by the blinding glare, it took her several long seconds to remember where she was and how she’d come to be there.
When the previous evening came rushing back with intense clarity, she turned her face into the pillow and grinned. She’d found her soulmate. All she’d wanted to do was come to Earth and help the humans with their medical advancements, and she’d freaking found her soulmate!
Their initial introduction might have been a little bumpy, but once Luke had calmed down, he’d been quite articulate. When he’d said he wanted to know everything about her, he hadn’t been lying. Stars, she didn’t think she’d talked so much at one time in centuries.
He’d been so sweet, constantly fussing over her. He wanted to know if she was warm enough, if she was comfortable. At least three times during the night he’d asked if she needed food or water. The way he had constantly needed to touch her had made her feel wanted…cherished.
Although, she suspected he hadn’t even realized he’d been doing it, and that just made it all the more special.
“Good morning,” a bright, airy voice called from the other end of the sofa. “Did you sleep well?”
Bolting upright, Jael spun toward the voice, her muscles tense, and her pulse racing. “Cami.” She breathed out slowly as she combed her hair back from her face with her fingers. “You startled me.”
“Sorry.” Her smile said otherwise, and there was a knowing glint in her eyes. “So, you like my brother, huh?”
Like sounded too tame, too ordinary. What she felt for Luke after only one night was something she couldn’t accurately put into words. She couldn’t say all of that to the female, though.
“Good,” Cami said before Jael had a chance to answer. “I’m glad he has you.”
“I…you…what?”
“Long story short, I’m a telepath.” The female flicked her fingers as if this information was of little importance. “I’m getting better at blocking it, but you were thinking very loudly just now.”
“Oh.” Not remotely eloquent, but she didn’t know what else to say. Did she apologize? She’d offer to keep her thoughts quieter, but she didn’t know how to do that.
Cami laughed. “No need to apologize. I feel like I’m probably the one being rude, but sometimes, like now, I just can’t help it. I hear things whether I want to or not.”
Telepathy was a rare gift among the Xenon, but not unheard of, either. While she’d never personally met anyone with such a talent—until now—she imagined it to be quite overwhelming.
“I am sorry,” she apologized anyway. “Trying to block out everyone’s thoughts must be exhausting.”
“Some situations are harder than others,” Cami allowed with a shrug. “I figure I have this ability for a reason, though. Besides, there are worse things in the universe.”
Jael admired that, despite the difficulties, the female didn’t feel sorry for herself or lament the gift she’d been given. Many Xenon—she and her siblings included—were born with a heightened awareness, with something extra beyond their innate magic. Too many of her people viewed those ancestor-given talents as a curse, however, as something to be feared and avoided.
“You have a gift?” Leaning forward on the cushion, Cami rested her elbows on her knees and clasped her hands together. “Can I ask what it is?”
“My siblings and I can sense magic.” It wasn’t an overly impressive ability, but it was still a gift.
“I don’t understand. Can’t all Xenon sense magic?”
Jael thought about it for a moment, then nodded once. “Yes and no. All magic leaves a trace. The Xenon can sense when magic is being used, but not necessarily who used it.” By the ancestors, she wasn’t explaining this well at all. “I can feel what kind of magic inhabits another being. For instance, some of my people possess influential magic. I can feel that when I’m close to them.”
“Oh, okay, I think I get it. You said most Xenon can’t tell who used magic. Can you and Xi do that?”
Jael wrinkled her brow and scrunched her nose. “Again…yes and no. We could tell you what kind of magic was used, which might narrow it down to anyone with that particular power. The more uncommon the gift, the easier it is to read.”
“Can you tell the difference between Xenon magic and other magic?”
“Until recently, I had only ever been with my own people. Yesterday, while we were in the Capital, however, I was surrounded by many races.” It still felt like a dream that she was really there and witnessing so many incredible things. “So, I think yes. I can tell the difference between Xenon magic and other magic.”
“Wait.” Cami jerked back as if she’d been slapped. “Who else has magic?” Her eyes grew big, and she leaned more heavily on her elbows. “Did you meet a Dragon Warrior?”
“Stars, no!”
She laughed with the sheer joy of the possibility. Despite being told her entire life that the warrior race was to be feared and avoided, she just couldn’t believe it. If they were as bloodthirsty as the Court of Elders had described, they’d have wiped out half the universe, including Xenthian, eons ago. By correlation, her very presence disproved those rumors.
“Then who?”
“Well…” She paused, wondering how to phrase it without offending the female. Unfortunately, there really was only one way to say it. “Everyone except humans.”
“Mother fudger!” Throwing herself back on the sofa, Cami rubbed her eyes and grumbled under her breath. “Even the Reema?”
Jael brightened. She’d completely forgotten about the lizard people. “Actually, no.”
Instead of being cheered by the news, Cami groaned. “Great. We’re freaking Reema.” She rolled her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. “Tariq has magic?”
“Not so much as other Helios, but yes.”
“That makes sense. His dad was human.” The creases across her forehead deepened. “Don’t tell him. I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Jael nodded, but most of her attention had been drawn to the most absurd sight she’d ever seen. “By the ancestors.” Shoving up from the sofa, she hurried over to the window and pressed her face right up against the glass. “How extraordinary.”
The Southern Isle was home to all manner of creatures, but until that moment, she’d seen only fat, colorless birds, and rodents with tails as long as their bodies on Earth. She never imagined she would see an ocelas. She certainly hadn’t expected to see one so small running along the banks of the lake.
“Why is that ocelas so small?” She studied the animal and shook her head. “Is it because he’s mutated?” The wild wolves on Xenthian stood as tall as a male, but this Earth version was only slightly bigger than the bekshin. “Where are his other legs? Why does he only have four?”
“It’s a puppy,” Cami answered, laughter in her voice. “That’s Daisy. She’s still just a baby.” Rising gracefully from her seat, she came over to join her at the window. “Luke said you wanted to meet her.”
“That’s a puppy?” It made sense that it was a baby, but she wasn’t so sure she wanted to meet the thing any longer.
“I think they’re descended from Earth wolves,” Cami added. “Humans keep them as pets.”
The beast was horribly misshapen, and its ears were far too big for its head. It probably smelled, too. It looked like it smelled, and when it opened its mouth, the most awful sound erupted from its snout.
“Why?” she insisted. She really couldn’t see the appeal.
“Companionship?”
Jael snorted and shook her head. “They should make a friend instead.”
Cami laughed. “You make a valid point, but what can I say? Humans are weird.”
Yes, humans were quite odd, but she was rather fond of them already. She especially liked the “weird” human currently splashing through the water at the shoreline.
“Luke likes this…puppy?”
“He says he doesn’t, but just look at them.” Her smile softened, gentled, and moisture gathered in her eyes. “I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time.”
Jael dipped her head with resolution. If Luke cared for this creature, she would do her best to accept it as well.
“That’s sweet,” Cami said as she backed away from the windows. “I realize you two barely know each other, but I think you’re also a big reason for that smile on his face.” She started across the room, motioning for Jael to follow. “I’m guessing you probably want a hot shower after the last twenty-four hours.”
“Yes, please.”
“Then, follow me. I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping.” Halfway across the den, she stopped and snapped her fingers. “Oh, I forgot to tell you that your bags were delivered last night. You were a little preoccupied, so I had Tariq put them in your room.”
“Thank you.” She’d completely forgotten about her luggage, but she was glad to know that she had something clean to change into after bathing. “Damn. My satchel.” She couldn’t believe she’d been so careless. “I think I left it in the transport.”
“Green bag with gold buckles?”
Jael nodded.
“No worries. Vada brought it in before she left last night. We put it in your room with the rest of your things.”
“That was very thoughtful.” She bowed her head in gratitude. “Thank you.”
“Hey, none of that.” Without warning, Cami dragged her into a tight embrace. “We’re basically family now, right?” Releasing her, she took a step back and grinned. “Family watches out for each other.” If possible, the smile on her face shined even brighter. “I’ve always wanted a sister.”
“Trust me,” Luke said as he sauntered into the room, “sisters aren’t that great. They’re loud and nosey, and they drive you crazy.” He carried the tiny wolf with him, cradling her as if she was the most precious thing in the galaxies. “Jael, this is Daisy. Daisy, meet Jael.”
Then, he dropped the damn beast right into her arms, giving her no choice but to hug it tightly to her chest.
“Oh, I don’t…I think…if you could just…” She stammered a few more unintelligible words, then gasped when the thing lapped its tongue right across her cheek. “It’s tasting me.”
“Nah, she’s just saying hello.” Luke chuckled as he reached out to scratch behind the pup’s ear. “It means she likes you.”
For dessert, apparently.
Still, she’d promised to try to accept the creature. “Hello, Daisy.” Up close, it was actually kind of cute. “Oh, her fur is quite soft, isn’t it?”
It was like holding a cloud—a really heavy cloud—and her lips twitched as she stroked its ear. Big, brown eyes stared up at her, filled with trust and curiosity, and Jael found her reservations slowly melting away.
Surprisingly, the animal sort of smelled nice, too, like sunshine and something else she couldn’t place. “What is that scent?”
“Blueberry oatmeal shampoo,” Cami answered. “Luke gave her a bath this morning while you were sleeping.”
Jael lowered her head and inhaled deeply, then released the breath with a giggle when the puppy pressed its cold nose to her cheek and sniffed her right back. It seemed silly now that she’d been afraid of something so sweet and loveable. Daisy was an absolute darling.
“Okay, runt, my turn.” Taking the pup from her arms, Luke set it on the floor, then straightened only partially so that they were roughly the same height. “Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?”
“I slept well, thank you.” Stars above, he was so handsome, and when he looked at her like that, she forgot how to breathe properly. “Did you sleep at all?”
“No, but I slept enough yesterday.” He leaned closer and brushed a brief, chaste kiss across her cheek. “I thought we might have breakfast together if you’re feeling up to it.”
It took every ounce of self-restraint she possessed not to reach up and touch her cheek as she nodded. “I’d like that.”
“I was just about to show her to the guest room so she can shower and change.”
Straightening to his full, impressive height, Luke looked at his sister and bobbed his head. “Good idea. I need to find clothes that actually fit.”
“I could help with that.” It wouldn’t put a huge strain on her to magically alter his clothing. “If you show me your wardrobe
, I could adjust the size of your clothing for you.”
“Really?” He tilted his head and blinked at her. “You would do that?”
Clearly, it hadn’t even crossed his mind to make such a request. She liked that. “Of course. Once we find the proper fitting, it’s not so much work.”
“In that case,” Cami said as she rubbed her hands together, “I’ll just leave you guys to it. Have fun today.”
“Thanks, chipmunk.” He cuffed his sister’s ear lightly. “I’ll bring you back something from Cyrin’s.”
“You’re the best.”
“Thank you, Cami!” Jael called, and she received a short wave as the female picked up the puppy and sauntered away with it. “Why do you call her that?”
“Chipmunk?” Placing his hand on her shoulder, he gave her a gentle push, ushering her from the room as well. “No reason, really. It’s just something I called her as a kid, and it kind of stuck, I guess.”
Jael kept a neutral expression as she followed him down the corridor, but inside, jealousy consumed her. Not because Luke and his sister had a close relationship, but because she wanted that with her own siblings.
None of them had ever treated her as an equal. They’d never acknowledged, let alone praised, her accomplishments. They didn’t have cute nicknames for each other. In fact, they barely spoke at all unless it was for one of them to tell her all the ways she was messing up her life.
She knew they loved her, and there wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for her. They would destroy anyone who tried to hurt her, and she appreciated that, but she wanted more. She wanted a real family, with all the ups and downs that came with it, not just a trio of bodyguards.
“Then, screw ’em.” Luke shrugged when she jerked her head up to stare at him. “If they can’t see how perfect you are, that’s their loss.”
“You’re a telepath as well?” Heat infused her cheeks when she considered all the things he might have heard in her head since they’d met. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“What? No.” Coming to a stop at the bottom of a massive, curving staircase, he laughed as he turned to face her. “Sorry, nothing like that. You’ve been thinking out loud for a couple of minutes now.”