by Kim Iverson
“You can never be normal. Last I checked, I have to use a thicker needle to check your blood. How many needles have we broken trying to pierce your skin?”
Lana shrugged. “It doesn’t feel right.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. People know each other for less time and jump into bed. Sure, it’s not always right. But you went with what you felt. That’s not wrong. Maybe it feels wrong because you’ve never talked to him for long. And you’re ancient.” She laughed. “Why don’t you and him have a date?” Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose.
“Because that would end well. We’d either kill each other or. . . .” she trailed off, thinking of how warm and nice his hands felt, drifting over her skin.
Elizabeth waved her stylus pen at Lana and smiled. “You’re doing it again,” she sang. “You ever think that what you and he feel comes about once in a lifetime?”
Lana shook her head. “I’ve known him five seconds.”
“You’ve known him a long time. You and he just never met face-to-face. Could be a soul connection. You know what you feel. So does he. Trust it.”
Lana sighed and turned back to the window, ignoring the comment.
Elizabeth stared at her back for a long time. She placed her digital tablet on the counter and walked over to stand next to Lana. She rubbed her back. “You like him. Let yourself. He likes you, too. How many men think about a woman kissing them one time, for months? You’re in his head.”
Lana remained quiet, lost in her thoughts. A man like that who was used to having a million women in his bed, and having them throw themselves at him? How could he be attracted to her?
Elizabeth smacked her on the back, but to Lana it felt like a soft tap. “Nice to know that even though you are how old? You’re as afraid of love as I am. Gives a girl such hope.”
After a long time, Lana turned around. She didn’t want to let Elizabeth down. The girl had grown on her, and she meant a lot to Lana. They understood each other in ways nobody else did. Lana nodded. “I suppose he and I should have ourselves a date. If we don’t kill each other? It’s a good sign.”
Chapter Five
Lana fidgeted like a school girl. She was annoyed at herself for her nervousness. Instead of meeting Mason in a restaurant, she chose dinner on the beach. That way if they tried to kill each other, nobody else would get hurt. She chose early evening, before the sun set, to meet for their . . . date.
She had come earlier than the planned time. Not just for the reason that she enjoyed being early. She wanted a few minutes alone to enjoy the surf and because she could watch the sun set over the beach.
The few stragglers that remained prepared to leave. The curfew was in effect. Most didn’t bother to stay out once night fell. The curfew wasn’t mandatory, but a safety suggestion. A lot of the more unique animals and experiments came out at night. The humans learned they were safer inside. Some remained, but along the beach? No.
Lana took a deep breath.
“I see I wasn’t the only one with the early thoughts.”
Mason’s voice behind her caused her to jump. She dropped her head backward to look at him, upside down. She gave him a lopsided smile. “I enjoy this time of night along the shore.”
Mason nodded and she raised her head when he moved around her. “I see everyone is heading home.”
“Yeah. I’m surprised there aren’t any teenagers trying to stick around. Rather glad.”
Mason watched her while she spoke. “Why’s that?”
Lana didn’t want to look in his eyes. She would get lost if she did. She braced herself. There it was. The moment she looked into his eyes, he held her captivated and for a second she couldn’t remember what he asked. She almost didn’t want to admit the truth, but Liz’s words echoed in her mind, gives me such hope for love.
Lana cleared her throat and grabbed what little courage she possessed around Mason and those damn eyes. “I don’t want to get interrupted.”
Mason smiled and his eyes crinkled at the corners. Her entire world flipped on its axis. Every ounce of resistance she held drifted off into never never land. He didn’t smile at her like a man appeasing a girl. He smiled because she brought him real joy. He felt the same way she felt.
“I’m happy to hear it.”
All nervousness Lana felt dissolved. She had come home. A smile built on her lips that didn’t plan on going anywhere as long as this man stayed in her life. A distant thought registered about the newly growing biscuit within her stomach. All of a sudden she didn’t want to tell him. Not because she wouldn’t, but because she wanted to know this man. Before he found out about her being pregnant. With his child.
Lana didn’t know what would happen with the baby. Would the child grow at an advanced rate? Slower? Would the child possess their abilities? Would the child look like the man across from her? She hoped so. He wasn’t perfect by any sort of standards, but he was the most incredible man she had ever lain eyes upon. And if this child was a boy, she prayed he looked like his father.
For once, Lana looked forward to the future. Of the surprises that would come. She nodded. Pulling her gaze off his, she studied the area. Nobody remained on the beach but the two of them. Everyone had gone home. The sun was half-set along the horizon.
Lana laughed and hopped to her feet. She kicked her shoes off and wandered to the water’s edge. Mason followed and watched her wade into the cool water. Lana checked once more to make sure nobody remained. “You want to see something beautiful?”
Mason nodded. “Love to.”
Lana placed her hands on top of the water. The ocean filled with blue, green, purple, and pink hues. Swirling and blending, undulating in the surf, they spread outward. The colors shone in the water as though lit from within. Off in the distance, an orca leapt into the air. The water surrounding the whale’s body slid downward and sparkled like gold glitter. A plume of fire erupted from it’s blowhole, then the giant whale splashed back into the water.
Mason laughed. “That’s impressive.”
Lana laughed. A genuine laugh that caused an odd expression to cross Mason’s face. “What?” she asked.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t mean to stare. I’ve never heard you laugh that way. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone laugh like that. I think that laugh alone was far more beautiful than what you did with the water, and worth it.”
Lana was taken back. She thought about it for a moment. “I’ve never let my guard down with anyone.” For a long time she watched him. “I am with you.”
Mason’s eyes twinkled in the fading light. “Would you like to see something I can do?”
Lana shrugged and went to leave the water. He gave her a gentle tug. “No, come here.”
Mason pulled her close to him. The water warmed around her shins. She sucked in a breath. Everything looked the same. The temperature of the water was all that changed.
“The fish?” she asked, worried he would go too far.
“Are fine. I wouldn’t hurt them to impress you.”
Lana’s attention drifted up and her forehead scrunched. “You think you have to impress me?”
Mason smirked and glanced around. “I don’t honestly know how to act around you. I feel like the pimpled out young band member, trying to get the cheerleader’s attention.”
Lana couldn’t help herself. She burst out laughing and couldn’t stop.
“You really take such joy in my pain?” Mason asked, looking hurt.
“No, it’s just . . .” She cleared her throat. “I thought I was the nervous one! I don’t know what the hell to say around you.” She giggled, and splashed the warm water around with her feet as she moved away. A mischievous idea occurred to her and she spun around with a twinkle in her eye.
“Don’t you dare,” Mason growled. She enjoyed the sound. His threat spurred her on.
A huge smile broke out on Lana’s face and she pressed her palms forward from her waist to push the water without touching it, right toward Mason. Too f
ast for him to stop her. A huge wave splashed over him and drenched him to the core. The water dripped off his face. The fierce look he gave her only caused her to laugh more.
Before she could move, Mason stood beside her and the water rolled away in his wake.
“Mason, don’t!” He wrapped his arms around her waist and dunked her.
Lana tried to stand and couldn’t regain her balance. She grabbed Mason’s arm and they tumbled downward together.
Mason having first found his footing, reached a hand out. “Truce?”
Lana laughed and took his offered hand. He tugged her up and she smirked. “Almost.”
Standing on her tiptoes, she wrapped her hands around his face and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed her up against his body, deepening the kiss.
After she pulled back, she lay her palms against his chest and inch by inch, his clothes dried, then his face, his hair, his entire body. Lana remained soaked to the bone.
Mason looked her over. “And yourself?”
“Can’t do it to myself.”
“Can’t you change your clothes or look, into something drier?”
She grinned. “That’s a great idea to imagine, but the follow through isn’t the same. I’ll remain soaked. Remember the alleyway?”
Mason nodded. He remembered the way she remained covered in that mutant rat’s slime. “I remember. Too bad. Although if I have to be honest, I rather enjoy you soaked. You’re adorable. And you look so much less—”
“Bitchy?” she cut in, which caused Mason’s chuckle to rumble out of him.
“Not what I planned to say. Put together. Perfect. You always seem to have everything figured out.”
Lana tilted her head. “You feel lost?”
“Always.”
Lana’s heart fell and she wanted to protect him from all the pain in the world. “Well I got news for you, Mason. You’re not alone. We do the best we can and hope it’s for the good. I’m not as perfectly put together as you think. The world hates me.”
“They—”
“Yes, they do. You know it. You know what they picture when they think of me?” Lana proceeded to change into the woman covered in spider webs and flames in her eyes. Next, she changed into a woman clad in black leather and dark red hair, with black eyes as solid as the night.
After that, she showed him the most hideous wart-covered face, tall rail of a woman who possessed long clawed fingers, and pointed teeth who they adored most. Her eyes shone such a bright red that one almost couldn’t stand to look at them.
The image faded back into her normal golden brown waves—now soaked—that fell to her waist with light red and blonde highlights. Green brilliant eyes and porcelain freckle-faced skin, who people confused for a young girl.
And still wet.
“I can reflect what they want to see. I am doing it with you right now. You see who I am, Mason. You want to see it. Nobody knows who I am. What’s the point in explaining it to them? They will believe what they want to at the end of the day. Nobody has cared to know the real me. Ever. I remain hidden behind a mask of lies.”
Mason stared at her for a long time before he spoke. He stepped forward and cupped a warm hand over her cheek. “I do. I like this woman I see in front of me. I like her quite a lot.”
“I hope you plan to stick around.”
Chapter Six
“What is your name?” Lana asked.
“Finnegan. People call me Finn. Why?”
“So explain why you’re standing here and not Mason, Finnegan?”
The blonde blue-eyed playboy actually flinched, she mused. “I get that you’re pissed, but seriously, don’t use my full name . . . witch.” No doubt he would have preferred another similar term instead.
Lana smirked. “Aw, such a sweet talker. And then you threaten me? You’re already on my bad side being the messenger. Mason didn’t possess the balls to come tell me himself he’d be gone for a while?”
“It was last minute. I told him not to waste his breath. He doesn’t owe you anything.”
“So you risk coming here to this building, while I’m on patrol, to tell me? Interesting. What makes you think I won’t throw you off this building? I bet if I chuck you a good block, you won’t survive. Human.”
Finn’s blue eyes sparkled and he smiled. “I’d love you to try. I’m not one hundred percent human. I’m not as defenseless as you wish me to be, sweetie.”
Lana clenched her jaw. “Don’t. Call. Me. Sweetie.”
“Oh. Don’t like the term?” He laughed. “Good. Every time you call me Finnegan, I’m calling you sweetie.” He opened his arms wide and leaned back to look into the blue sky. “Try me, princess. Throw me off this building.” He dropped his gaze and pinned her to the spot. His voice lowered menacingly. “If you dare.”
Lana narrowed her eyes. She ignored the way his eyes turned into a deeper sapphire blue. “You realize what I am, correct?”
The side of his mouth quirked up. “Do you?”
Her irritation peaked and she screamed. The sound raised until it became the sound of a hawk call. Finnegan flew off the building. She sent him hurtling end over end into the clouds.
Bastard.
Finn disappeared into the sky. Mason dared to send this child to deliver his news?
After the night they shared at the ocean, they went on a few more dates, if you could call them that. Two of those dates ended up having him save someone, then turning his attention to her. That third date was incredible.
They planned a date for week after, and Lana thought she would tell Mason about her pregnancy during the date. Then his friend showed up on this building to tell her Mason was on the other side of the world for the next few weeks?
The point wasn’t that he offered help to a village in the middle of nowhere. The point was that this was the way it worked with Mason. It took them more than six months to have those few dates. He kept disappearing for long periods of time without a word.
Lana grew tired of saving the world. The child who grew inside of her was beginning to show. She wore dresses that were loose on the bottom to hide that she was pregnant. With each day that passed, she grew more uninterested in helping anyone else, or in hiding the secret.
She grew tired of trying to save everyone when this little boy needed her. Elizabeth told her the baby would be a boy the prior week. She all but burst over the news. She wanted to tell Mason.
She sighed and slid her hand over her stomach. Finnegan was difficult to deal with. They both tried their damndest to avoid the other. Every time they bumped into each other, they got into battles. This was the final straw. Shoving such arrogance in her face?
She shook her head and a shadow fell around her. With a gasp, she whipped around. To come face-to-face with that damnable smirk and a body pressed too close to her for her comfort. She stumbled back a step.
“What the—”
Finn laughed. “Nothing like flying to get the heart pumping, eh sweetie.”
Lana’s cheeks brightened. “You sonofa—”
Finn’s hand came up and wrapped around the back of her head. He kissed the retort away. Rough at first, it turned gentler in the end. Without realizing it, Lana kissed him back. When he pulled back, she almost went with him.
“At least it shut you up,” he said with an incredulous look.
Lana bashed her palms into his chest and caused him to stumble backward. “Why did you do that?” She swiped his kiss away and glared at him, threatening to send him over the edge again.
“Not a clue.” He laughed. “At first I wanted to hurt you, then I thought I’d do it to screw with your head. Then it screwed with mine.”
Without wanting to, Lana laughed. “You’re an idiot. Are you always such an asshole?”
“Generally.”
“So you can fly?”
Finn shook his head. Behind her, he whispered in her ear, “I manipulate air.”
Lana sucked in a breath and flipped aro
und to face him. Seeing how close he stood again, she stumbled back a step. “How is that not flying?”
“It’s energy. I’ve been trying to learn how to manipulate my body to change. Mason seems to believe I can make wings. Doubt that. Not so sexy saying, hey lady, check out the wings.” He winked as though trying to flirt and Lana grinned.
“I’ll give you that. Though I don’t quite know. Could be attractive. To someone. Somewhere. Eventually. Maybe in hell. They’d have to be black. Heads up.”
Finn laughed. The same laugh he did when she first met him with Mason. She enjoyed hearing it. “Black wings. Check. I think he hopes I can save people better if I learn it. Truth be told? Not my thing. It’s fun, but I’m too narcissistic to care about saving people.”
“Why? I’m sure you’d be good at it. They need someone if Mason isn’t around.”
Finn stared at her for a long time. Wasn’t she that person? She shook her head and turned away. “You don’t want to save the world?” he asked, not suppressing his shock.
Without facing him, she said, “I like helping people. It just grows exhausting. They take so much and give nothing in return. I am hated every second and seen as a monster.” Lana glanced at her stomach. “And you soon realize how lonely that becomes when you have nobody there. Sooner or later . . . that gets old.”
“Makes sense,” he said from immediately behind her. I hope he didn’t notice me rub my stomach. “I’d imagine Mason doesn’t make it easier trying to save everyone, everywhere. Leaving you alone even more.”
“That almost seemed sympathetic. Quite astounding coming from a man who moments ago told me I meant nothing to Mason.”
“I don’t like you. You don’t like me. Of course I’ll do anything to keep you away. But I see a different look in your eye when you speak of him. Then when you talk about being tired, I know that feeling well.”
Lana twisted around. “You do?”
Finnegan’s gaze moved over her. “Yes. Have I mentioned I happen to have a great sense of smell, too?”
“Your point?”
“I smell Mason within you.”