“How’s your wrist?” Andrew asked as he closed the door behind us.
“Fine.” The throbbing was barely noticeable so long as I didn’t move or bump it.
He threw a vaguely rueful look as he approached his bed. It was a beautiful room, wrought in dark wood paneling and cream accents. The wide loveseat was a pale white, and the armoire against the left wall had intricate patterns engraved all over it.
His bed was wide and higher than my waist, the glossy coverlet giving me little hope I could climb on it without slipping.
I followed him. “Do you hate them? Werewolves?”
A look of revulsion crossed his features, only growing before he answered. “Filthy stupid creatures, the lot of them. They’re mangy, sleep in piles like dogs, and I’ve always believed…” he looked at me.
“That they killed me,” I finished. “Do you, you know, still believe all that now that one part isn’t true?”
The disgust softened his mouth minutely. “I am glad you are alive. However, it is hard to not believe they’re vicious and stupid when there is mentions of werewolves, or half-wolf monsters, peppered throughout history. Clearly they have not been circumspect in who they hurt or kill.”
I had heard of them before as well, but only in fiction, so I couldn’t refute any legitimate historical sightings existed. “Just because a few are bad doesn’t mean all are.”
“Just because the ones you know are nice to you doesn’t mean they’re nice to others.”
“But have you met any?”
He snorted, but waved a hand. “No, I suppose I haven’t. They’ve kept you in the dark though, lied to you, right?”
I looked around this big room with its grandiosity and barren wealth. I might be hasty to judge, but it looked as fancy and sterile as the rest of the house. “True. But I think it could have been worse.”
He looked around as well blankly. “Is wealth bad?”
“No,” I said slowly, “but you don’t have any pictures in here. Has he allowed you to have any friends? A computer, or a mobile? A job?”
“I don’t need a job, and a mobile would be useless when I’m usually here.”
I must have looked dubious, because his shoulders tensed as he turned away, one hand on the bed. “I’ve read many books. I know how to fence and dance, play the piano and can speak two languages.”
“What’s the point of learning two languages if you never go anywhere?”
He balled the thick satin of the bedcover in one hand as we stood there.
I hadn’t meant to anger or hurt him. I only wanted him to see that he was not treated right. I approached him from behind slowly, reaching one hand out to touch his shoulder.
He turned to look at me before I could offer any comfort. “I can make a werewolf change outside of the full moon, or make them change back into a human during one.”
Thrown off by the non-sequitur, I dropped my hand. I wasn’t sure what to say to that.
He continued. “I can start going on Pursuits when he feels I’m ready. We neutralize werewolves that have harmed or killed people. There are more than you think.”
I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. What if there were less than what he thought? He would never know if they were lying to him or not.
“Come on.” He easily sat on his bed, and held out a hand to me.
I gave him my hand and let him pull me up. Indeed, my knees slipped on it and I got a face full of the softest material I’d ever felt in my life.
Once I was situated, I peered at him seriously. “I’ve had to come to terms with a lot of changes lately. I went from thinking I was just a girl with parents who didn’t prefer to go out often to seeing that there’s a lot more to life than I knew. I know it’s hard to question what you’ve been brought up to know.”
Both of his eyes were brown as they stared into mine. “I know I have a sister now.”
I felt like crying. Instead I leaned my head against his shoulder, and he didn't move for a long time.
Neither did I.
I must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew he was gently shaking on my shoulder. “Gemma, it's nearly time for dinner.”
Once I could feel my body, I knew my neck hurt, and I was still sitting up. I groaned, rubbing my eyes. “What time is it?”
“Almost six. I barely have enough time to get changed. I didn't want to wake you.” He spoke quietly, using one hand to keep me propped up as he moved off the bed.
I yawned as he slid gracefully off the bed to search through that huge armoire. I wanted to do nothing more than snuggle in the blankets and see how it would feel to be wrapped in all the softness.
Instead I slid awkwardly off the bed, landing on my feet with a thump. There wasn’t much to look at in here, so I walked behind him and peeked over his shoulder. I didn't know many name brands, but it all looked expensive and durable.
“I hope they don't expect me to change.” I plucked at one of his soft button-down shirts.
Andrew glanced over my plain black shirt and jeans. “I could lend you an outfit. Women can look good in men's clothing.”
“Even if I did, which I doubt, you're at least four inches taller than me.” I might be able to otherwise. He was slender and muscled and I was no dainty flower, but there was a definite disparity in height between us.
“It was a thought. I don't care what you wear myself.” He pulled off his shirt in one easy motion. He was tightly muscled, his skin quite tan as if he went outside often. That was a new facet to who I thought he was.
I looked away, to give him a semblance of privacy. The curtains were so heavy they blocked out any natural light from drifting in. I stepped closer to one, twitching aside the material to peer out into the dimly lit gardens.
Between the low hedges and house I saw a tall shape ducking from one place to another.
I shut the curtain.
“All done?” I asked cheerily, though he clearly was. I’d forgotten he was changing. He looked posh in his pressed trousers and fitted black jacket. He’d done something with his hair that I greatly envied, where the curls were defined and smooth.
“Yes. I have an extra comb here.” He offered a tiny black comb.
Even though I had just been thinking it, I still pulled a face as I tried to work it through my hair.
“Here.” He took a bottle and dabbed some oil in his fingers. Waiting a moment, he combed his fingers through my hair. Lightly at first, then firmly.
“Thanks.” I had a much easier time, and the normal frizz was almost nonexistent. I peeked in the mirror by his armoire, and noted how shiny it made my hair. The perks of being wealthy, I supposed.
We left the quiet sanctuary of his room quietly, and head down the large staircase that led to the outside of the dining hall.
The first person I saw was Septimus, who had chosen a pale suit to offset his dark hair and blue eyes. It worked well; the man was striking figure. “It warms my heart to see both of my children walking down together.” He used such a congenial tone it was hard not to believe he was sincere.
I didn’t believe it, but I could see how effortlessly he used his charm.
Rose was lounging on a settee, her long red dress matching her hair near perfectly. She smiled and stood up, sashaying closer to us. “I’ll be your escort inside.” She cooed to Andrew, a hint of bared teeth as she stared at him.
Yes, a real love match.
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you, Gemma.” Septimus said with a wide smile. He held out an arm again as if he were a girl on a prize show.
Ry stepped out from the doorway, looking exceptionally handsome in a deep blue suit.
I wondered if his power was to produce young men from the wings.
“I heard you two were already acquainted and, dare I say, taken a liking to each other?” He clapped a hand on Ry’s shoulder, shooting him a narrow look. “He must come over for dinner often.”
All the warmth from earlier drained out of me, leaving a curiou
sly cold numbness.
Ry looked at me in much the same blank way as he walked toward me and offered his arm.
Andrew watched him just as coolly after his father said that.
“May I escort you?” Ry asked politely as he reached my side, gray eyes giving nothing away.
“Of course.” I couldn’t even muster up the energy to sound black. I took his arm and caught Rose’s vindictive green gaze as I turned my head away.
It was about as cheery as a funeral procession behind Septimus as he threw open the doors and led us into the room now filled with the mouth-watering scent of food.
My traitorous stomach rumbled, even though the last thing my brain wanted to do was eat.
Septimus sat at the head of the table with me on his right and Andrew on his left, our respective partners on the other side. Tiberius sat on the side of Ry, and Marius next to Rose.
Oh, this was going to be a wonderful meal.
“How's the search for a little lost lamb coming?” Septimus asked as a large platter of steamed and succulent seafood was placed on the table.
“Delayed, sir, but progressing.” Marius said promptly.
Rose handed her plate to Andrew. “We suspect she's had help.” She glanced across the table at me. “She's not nearly so cunning to stay hidden this long on her own.”
“I trust you’ll enact punitive measures necessary for your family.” Septimus nodded.
“Of course, sir. A lesson learned is a lesson earned.”
“That's gratifying to hear, especially since your parents are gone. Why, keeping your family in line is your responsibility, isn't it?” His smile was superficially jovial.
The smile she directed back at him was absolute poison. “Of course, sir.”
“Of course,” he said expansively, “soon we won’t ever have that problem.”
“Yes sir. Thank you sir,” she said blankly.
I found it a strange ominous statement to make as well.
Ry took my plate and partially filled it with shrimp, mussels, and smoked salmon. He handed it to me without a word and began to fill his own plate.
Even though I didn’t feel like talking either, I resented his avoidance of speaking or looking my way.
“I know I don’t often have you at my table, Marius, but I thought this could be a family affair.”
Marius smiled faintly at Septimus, nodding. “Thank you, sir. It’s not often I have a chance to dine with my brother. I’m often so busy that frivolous pursuits aren’t a priority,” he said it smooth as silk, it could have been mistaken as nice if one ignored the words.
Did everyone at this table hate each other?
I nibbled on some salmon, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. Considering my placement at the table, I didn’t hold out much hope.
“Gemma, forgive us for being rude. How are you enjoying the house?” Septimus couldn’t have been more considerate if he was talking to the Queen.
I stopped pushing shrimp around my plate and smiled immediately. “It’s beautiful. So much...history, I could explore it for weeks and not find everything, I’m sure.”
“I’m sure,” he agreed warmly. “A young woman’s curiosity is never-ending, I fear.” A warning glance at Ry, before he returned his attention to me. “Andrew would be the best guide then, he’s always wandering--my dear, what happened to your wrist?”
Nearly everybody looked, and I covered the angry red and deep purple marks with my other hand. “I fell again. In the garden.”
“Ah. It’s best to stay on the path.” Septimus smiled again, but it didn’t meet his eyes this time.
I wanted to say ‘yes, sir’, but mostly I wanted to not be here. I did manage to get down most of my shrimp. The conversation died down as we ate, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t communication going on.
Tiberius kept looking at Rose, who only graced him with a lofty glance once. Andrew most definitely seemed suspicious of Ry, wearing the same expression as Heath when he asked if I was seeing anyone.
My perusal ventured too far down the table and I caught Marius’ eye.
He slowly picked up a mussel, watching me, and raised it to his mouth and slid his tongue inside.
I jerked my head to the side, angry at myself for blushing and at him for being so...crass. I pushed my untouched mussels to the edge of the plate.
The platter was taken away in short order, and small round bowls brought to each person. I assumed it was vegetable soup, but the flavor was much more raw and complex than any I had before. It wasn’t unpleasant, per se.
“What are your intentions toward my sister?”
I nearly spit out my first spoonful of soup, which was cold for some reason, but swallowed hastily. “Andrew,” I started.
“Let him be a big brother, Gemma.” Septimus looked far too pleased.
“I think we all want to know the answer,” Rose added, unhelpfully.
Ry put his spoon down, a ghost of his former charismatic smile appearing. “Nothing but the wish to get to know her better.”
“If she so chooses.” Andrew looked as if he thought that simply couldn’t be true.
I hated the way Septimus led the conversation, the way everyone took their cue from him. I lifted my chin and directed my next comment to Andrew. “You’d really like Uni. They have a lot of classes that fit your interests.”
Septimus chuckled. “Andrew has an excellent education already. I’m not sure what they could offer him.”
I kept my eyes on Andrew’s. “The history of the buildings are fascinating. The library is unparalleled, and they have dormitories to rent so you’re minutes away from class.”
Andrew blinked, the silver sheen disappearing as he tilted his head.
“They also have online classes.” Septimus said thoughtfully. “In fact, Gemma, I’ll make a few phone calls and switch your classes to those so you can safely continue your own studies.”
That immediately turned my attention toward him. “What?”
His smile didn’t touch his eyes again. “I simply couldn’t bear to lose you again.”
Any reason for leaving was turned over in my head. Clothes? He could buy them, he could have a tailor here tomorrow I was sure. Former family? Too dangerous to visit in case they take me away again.
A sort of cold horror swept over me, quite matching the soup I began to eat again quietly. He proved his point, didn’t he?
The next course looked delicious, a braised duck in a thin mushroom sauce, and I didn’t taste a bite. It was all I could do to keep from gagging on it.
Eventually Marius and Septimus struck up a light conversation about Hunting - I pretended they were talking about quail or deer - and then onto foreign vehicles.
Something nudged me under the table, and I tilted my head to see Ry gently nudging the back of his fingers against my knee.
I pushed his hand away, and then regretted it. I couldn’t bring myself to apologize in action or word, so we just ate.
It was without a doubt the best meal I ever had, at least in terms of quality. It could have been marmite covered toast and weak tea for all the enjoyment I derived. I was choking down a bite of the most succulent sticky toffee pudding ever when the conversation shifted back to me.
“Gemma, normally we might separate groups with mixed company for after-dinner refreshments, but why don’t you spend the rest of the evening with your brother? Your rooms won’t be ready until tomorrow,” Septimus offered magnanimously, a hint of apology at the end.
At first I was confused, didn’t he think I was a bad influence? Then I realized that Andrew was the only one here I gave the appearance of caring about. Or that cared about me.
Despite my initial reaction to Ry being here, I was more worried about his well-being than him tricking me. It seemed like a good thing I hadn’t shown him any more attention than Andrew did Rose.
“I’d like that, thank you.”
After the last dishes were whisked away, I was faced with my other dinner
partner as I stood up.
“It was nice seeing you again.” Ry said solemnly, sticking one hand out.
“You as well.” I shook his hand and faced the other way without giving him any sign of emotion. I had a feeling there were several pairs of keen eyes on us. “Shall we?” I smiled at Andrew.
“I suppose I can relinquish him for the night.” Rose laughed, a knowing tone as she left us as well.
Andrew took my hand and led me out after her, without sparing anyone a glance. If that dinner was awful for me, how must it be for him to endure once or more every single day?
“You seem to know a surprising number of us.” He had slightly longer legs than me, and I hurried up the stairs after him.
“My search for my cousin has brought me into a lot of new places.” I squeezed his hand. “It brought me to you.”
“Lucky you,” he said dryly.
I frowned. That didn’t sound like an insult toward me.
Once we were back inside of his huge, impersonal room, he started searching through his armoire. “I have an old pair of pajamas in here.” Pulling out a set of immaculate top and bottoms, he held them out in one hand. “Four-ply silk, grosgrain trim.”
It was heavy and smooth and I resisted the urge to rub it against my cheek. “Thanks.”
“I do like nice clothes. One’s choice of wardrobe can say a lot about a person.”
I smiled and went to the conjoining bathroom to get changed, stripping down to nothing but my knickers when I noticed all the mirrors.
It wasn’t sinister, but it did catch me off guard. Full-length starkers me wasn’t a sight I was usually treated to. I pulled on the top, which hit my knees, and the bottoms that were just a touch too long. It would work for the night though. I buttoned the top up and folded my clothes before leaving the voyeuristic bathroom.
Andrew was standing by the bed, staring at the curtain as he waited. “I apologize for dinner. Everyone seemed to be in rare form.”
“I understand.” I didn’t mean to lie, but there it was. My hands were buzzing.
Wait, no, that was my mobile. I moved my clothes to one hand and searched for it.
Chosen: Shifters of London Page 8