by L. S. Darsic
“Like what?”
“I, ah, well I can block my essence so I could go undetected by other nephilim. I also have some basic healing abilities” he says quietly. He has like four extra abilities? Holy shit.
“Is that normal for someone to have so many?” I ask carefully
“Not really, I guess you can call me special” he says offhanded as if he doesn't find it odd.
“So since you are a master of war, essentially, can you teach me to fight? I've never even held a real sword!” I ask with hope. Maybe he can teach me everything he knows so I can take down Cam if I have to. I'm so troubled by everything I have learned tonight and planning my training with Finn, that I don't even notice right away that there is a man standing just a short distance away waiting for Finn to acknowledge him.
“Um, Finn, there is a guy over there who looks like he needs to speak with you” I say as I look at Finn who is staring intently at me.
“I know. But before I speak with him I want to make sure you are alright. You went into your head there for a moment. Are you alright?” Finn asks seriously.
“I'm just overwhelmed, but I'm alright, I suppose. I just feel so left in the dark and alone” I reply wistfully. I wish I had a clan like Finn has that I could count on. I can't even remember seeing my parents in the same room, let alone them come to me to see if I am alright. I remember a time when I was around 10 years old, I was climbing a tree with Jace and Xander and I fell. I ran to the main house crying and bleeding all over. No one really even bothered with me, I was just sent to the bathroom to bandage myself up. Jace and Xander were there to baby me while I hobbled around but none of the adults bothered to check on me.
“I understand Alex. Things will get better, I promise.” Finn states and then waves his hand to signal the man over.
“Sir, your father has requested you return to the castle right away” The man says quickly. Sir? Why is he calling Finn, sir? I wonder what is going on that we need to go back right away? Finn promptly stands up and holds his hand out to me to lead me out while I notice the man paying the bill with the pixie.
“Who was that Finn? Why did he call you “sir”? What is going on that we need to go back to the castle?” I question in rapid fire.
“That was one of the castle guards, his name is Aramis. As to why he called me “sir”, well I am considered in charge of the security and forces of the clan, so my men call me "sir" and I don't know what is going on back at the castle but we need to hurry” Finn responds back just as quickly as he opens the door and helps me in.
Chapter 13
We arrive back to the castle as I am still pondering the fact that Finn is basically the general of an army, its pretty hot. I am expecting to see chaos but nothing looks out of the ordinary. Finn takes my hand a leads me through a series of halls to what looks to be a large office. Looking around the office I see oil paintings of Finn and his family hanging over the fireplace. Finn's father is sitting behind a large mahogany desk and motions for us to sit on the leather couch off to the side.
“I am sorry to interrupt your night out” Brennus says with an apologetic smile “Natalia and I must leave right away for Switzerland to deal with a matter and I couldn't reach you on your phone”
“My fault, I left it in the car. Is everything alright?” Finn asks quietly
“Donna concern yourself, everything is fine” Brennus replies with a tight smile
“I planned to take Alex to the city this weekend so we willna be around when you return” Finn says as he stands up and walks to his father who embraces him in a tight hug. All I can do is stare. I can't even recall a time where any adult in my family hugged me. Uncle Reed is the closest to me but he never has hugged me. I wonder what it would be like to have a father who openly cares for me, a mother who puts bandages on my cuts and babies me. I watch Finn and his father separate, mumble a few words to each other and then Brennus walks over to me and enfolds me in his arms for a hug that feels so natural like he has always been in my life and has always loved me.
“Donna fash yerself Alex, you are loved by me and me family” Brennus says lightly in my ear as if he just read my mind “now make sure you have a good time this weekend in the city. Call me if you need anything”
Natalia gives Finn and I a quick kiss on the foreheads and leaves after Brennus without a word.
I can't even manage a reply, I am so stunned so I simply nod as my eyes fill with tears. I'm not sure why I want to cry, maybe because I feel so lost or maybe because I have been so alone till now. I feel like I have just been getting by in life with nothing to look forward to, nothing exciting. I guess I never really knew how unhappy and lonely I was until I came to Scotland. I feel like I am waking up finally.
Finn walks to me and puts his arm around my shoulders and leads me out of the room and back to my room. Walking in the sitting room I call out to Egypt but instead of her finding me, I find her sprawled out on my large bed like she owns the thing.
“Making yourself comfortable your highness?” I quirk an eyebrow at her as her eyes snap open “Don't bother getting up for little old me, wouldn't want to wake you from your slumber” I ask sarcastically. Egypt's response is to snort and roll on her back as if she expects me to scratch her belly. “I don't think so little girl, you are already spoiled enough” I reply as I walk to the closet to find something to sleep in. Finn doesn't have any issue with spoiling Egypt because he walks right over to her and scratches her belly just like she wants “suck up” I mutter as I walk into the bathroom with my clothes
Once I am changed and washed up I head back out to find Finn laying on the bed with Egypt's head next to his. Alright so its kind of cute that he is being so sweet to her. Zack was always terrible to her and made her stay in the other room while he was around, it always felt so wrong to do that to her when I knew that she loved me and Zack never did.
“So what did Anja and Alec do while we were gone?” I ask
“Ah, I think he was taking her to his house to stay the rest of the week and weekend” Finn says quickly
“Huh? Why didn't she tell me?” I ask angrily as Finn seems to pick imaginary lint off from his sleeve.
“Well.....I think she was a bit upset about what happened with her brother and she wanted to get away from Carter” Finn says guiltily
“What do you mean she was upset about what happened with Zack...are you saying she is upset with ME?”
Finn sighs “Alex, I think she was confused and worried. Think about it, if someone you have known all your life suddenly changed and attempted to, ah, do something terrible to someone else, you are going to be in denial at first” Finn tries to explain
“Yeah but Anja and I are friends! I have know her just as long as her brother! ” I can feel my anxiety climbing. Just when things are going out of control I don't even have my close friend to be there when I need her. “What about Xander and Jace?”
“Well, as you saw at breakfast, they are perfectly happy with the twins. From what I heard they are staying with the twins at their house in the village”
“Well looks like I'm left all alone, again” I say dejectedly with a sigh. Suddenly I am being lifted and carried over to the bed and sat in Finn's lap.
“Alex, you are not alone. You have me, my family and most importantly you have Egypt” Finn says sweetly as he stokes Egypt's large ego even more. Great, she is going to act even more like a queen now.
“I know Finn. I just feel like everything is spinning out of control and everyone has found a way to get off the ride but me” I say sullenly as I lay my head on Finn's chest
“Rides are the most fun when you can sit back and enjoy them. You need to begin enjoying your life and what you were given” Finn smiles as he smooths my hair away from my face
“Alright, so when are we leaving to go to the city?” I try to get myself excited and looking forward to seeing the city as I pick my head up to look at Finn's gorgeous face. Maybe I just need a break from the day to day life
I have been leading?
“How about we leave first thing in the morning?” Finn replies as he tucks my hair behind my ears. He seems so comfortable and relaxed. I need to be more like Finn instead of falling all over myself and speaking like I am a 2 year old.
“You look tired Alex. How about we go to sleep so you can forget this day and start a new one?”
“Sounds like a good idea to me, good night Finn” I say during a jaw cracking yawn. Guess I am tired. I pull the covers back and try to squeeze in next to the cover hog Egypt as I look up and see Finn standing on the side of the bed with a smile.
“How am I supposed to fit with Egypt on here?” Finn says quirking his eyebrow
“Oh, ummm, I guess I didn't think you would want to sleep in here” I mumble, my eyes grow wide as I watch him strip off his shirt and shorts, leaving him only in his black boxers. Wow, those abs are so defined, he has the body of a God.
“Its just sleeping Alex. Plus I don't think you would be able to sleep properly without me” Finn says with a sly smile and a wink as he motions for me to slide over which causes Egypt to glare at me.
“Egypt, you are too big, and you have your own bed fit for a princess. Move your big butt over there” I say to her as I continue to push her off the bed and try to wiggle away from Finn but I don't get far before warm steel arms wrap around me and pull me to him.
“Don't think you are getting away that easy, Alex” Finn whispers evilly as he starts to trail kisses down my neck
“I-I thought you said we were sleeping?” I stammer. I feel so out of my league here, its almost like I am a virgin all over again. I'm so nervous. What do I do with my hands? Do I kiss him back? I feel like I am starting to sweat! Great, I am going to probably sweat so bad that I stink.
“Relax Alex. We aren't doing anything past first base...... tonight” Finn says seductively as he continues to kiss my neck, collar bone and shoulders. “You wore these hot pajamas, I am going to have a hard time keeping my hands to myself tonight, but I will endeavor to try” I can hear the smile on his face as he continues to trail kisses down my shoulder
“Hot pajamas? Its a tank top and boy shorts, Finn. Its not see through lingerie” I sputter out as he kisses right below my ear which sends goosebumps shooting all over my body.
“Everything you wear is hot Alex, but this amount of skin you are showing makes me feel like I need to kiss every exposed inch”
“Guess I will have to wear a full track suit next time I go to bed” I mummer distractedly as he continues his assault on my body that is putting me in a daze. Suddenly I am startled out of my daze by a phone ringing somewhere near the floor.
“Ah, Finn? I think your phone is ringing” I push on Finn as he continues kissing my neck. Sighing, he stops and rolls over to grab his shorts off the floor and pulls the phone out
“This better be important” Finn grumbles. I can't hear the other person on the ends reply but Finn says quickly. “Yeah, I will be there. I'm bringing someone by the way and no, you don't know her but you will” Finn says while wiggling his eyebrows at me. “Alright, see ya soon. Bye” Finn hangs up the phone and attempts to resume where he left off.
“So, ah, who was that?” I try to ask without sounding nosy
“Just a friend. You might meet some of my friends when we go to the city tomorrow. Is that alright?” Finn says looking worried that I might say no
“Yeah, that Is fine I guess. I'm tired so I'm going to go to sleep” I yawn for effect
“Good night Mo Chridhe'” Finn mummers and places a kiss on my temple as his arms snake around me like a boa constrictor pulling me close
“Finn, what does “Mo Chridhe” or however you say it, mean?” I ask as I slaughter his words
“Mmmm, nothing you need to know right now, my pet” Finn replies sleepily with a last kiss to my neck
The next morning I wake up exactly how I fell asleep, with Finn lazily planting kisses all over me. I could get used to this! Then I hear Egypt snoring loudly which makes it sound like there is a wild animal in my room and causes me to giggle.
“What is so funny” Finn says in between kisses that are causing me to squirm and my body to heat up
“Egypt, she snores so bad that it sounds like a wild animal is in the room” I laugh “Crikey! Look at that wild animal in its natural habitat” I say in my best Australian accent like I am filming an episode of national geographic, which causes Finn to laugh loudly and scare Egypt awake.
“Aye, I agree. She is quite loud but not as loud as you. I felt like the two of you were having a competition all night over who would be the loudest. I concluded that you won” Finn replies laughing
“I do not snore Finn!” I reply. As if! I am a lady damn it, and ladies do not snore! I try to continue to show my offense as I try to scramble from Finn's arms and out of bed but I don't get far before I am pulled back into the vice grip of his arms.
“Don't be mad, I think its adorable” Finn says as he buries his face in my neck to hide his smile. Well that is the last time he will be sleeping with me, I think stubbornly as I lay there stiff as a board. “Come on Alex, you know I am kidding. A delicate flower such as yourself could never do something so atrocious” Finn says while giving me his brightest smile which causes me to roll my eyes and forgive him.
“So when are we leaving? I would like to restart my visit here with nothing bad happening to me!” I start squirming again to get free but this time he lets me up so I can jump off the bed and grab some clothes.
“Well, I just remembered I planned to have you meet Edwin to see what your powers are, so I will need to see where he is and when he can do that” Finn says as he picks his clothes off the ground while I just stand there and stare at him. “If you keep doing that we are staying here, in this bed” Finn growls
“A-Ah, we can go whenever” I mumble while I act like I find the floor very interesting. God, could I be anymore immature? I am also to pervert level of leering at him. Soon I will creepily be watching him through windows and collecting his hair if I keep this up. Mentally slapping myself, I get some clothes from the closet and start towards the bathroom.
“Alright, I will go shower and change and then we will go see him” Finn smirks at me. He must know how much of a creep I am cause the thought of him showering the next room over is sending my body into overdrive. I'm rendered stupid so I manage a nod and turn on heel and march into the bathroom to get ready.
Once I take a shower and calm my hormones down, I fishtail braid my hair to the side, pull on my favorite jeans that have holes all over which shows they are worn often. I pair them with a flowing sea green shirt and my favorite Keno sandals that I got the last time I went to Key West. To say I like to dress simple is an understatement. I hate spending a half hour just blow drying my hair, having to rifle through clothes is not what I want to spend my time on. I've always had an affinity to the boho-hippy look I suppose, except I've never really tried for a specific look, I just like to be comfortable. Those girls who spend hundreds of dollars on shoes and purses make no sense to me. I've never been rich nor poor so I guess I can't understand either side. My family has money, this I know but we were never spoiled with cars, clothes and all the other crap rich kids get. Once I went to college I was told I would get a monthly stipend for food, clothes and anything else I might need but it wasn't exactly a lot of money. I had to live in the dorms that were paid for by my scholarship, I had to walk or take public transportation. Once I graduated I was told my monthly stipend would stop and I would be required to get a job within the family and support myself. I make good money I suppose, good enough to support myself but I never had a lot so I lived simply. I guess I can thank my family for that, I am glad I wasn't spoiled and can appreciate a good deal on a pair of shoes rather than finding the most expensive pair. Sometimes I make myself believe that I am a well rounded adult, but then times, like now I realize I can only lie to myself for so long.
Chapter 14
Finn
knocks lightly on my door before walking in and looking me over head to toe which causes me to blush and worry nervously on my bottom lip. Does he think I look like a bum? My mother always told me I looked like a bum in the clothes I wore but I never cared until now. Next to Finn I probably do look like a bum. He is wearing a black Foo Fighters shirt, khaki cargo shorts, flip flops, aviators and a backwards black hat. Good lord he is hot and exactly the type of guy I would go for which is exactly the opposite of Zack. While Zack looks like the All American good buy quarterback, Finn looks like the bad boy rocker who could care less. I always thought I didn't match well with how Zack looked next to me. He was always so put together with his polo shirts and pressed pants, stiff and formal. When Zack ever saw my family he would always be so formal with them even though he has grown up with them around, Finn looks like he would just provide everyone with the “What's Up” nod. He is the epitome of the perfect man for me all wrapped up into a nice package of a man-whore. My luck just sucks.