Six Branches

by Jeanne Allen

“Okay. So that’s why Kira was so freaked that you’re here alone. You haven’t Matured yet.”

  Jackson nods.

  I raise my eyebrows at the group, silently questioning.

  They all shake their heads, and Sebastian calmly replies, “We haven’t lied to you. Our ages are the same as we’ve said; only Jin has Matured among us.”

  He still showcases his usual serene, wise-guy expression, but his eyes are more expressive than usual. They’re… wary, like he expects me to freak-out. A quick glance around shows the same or similar expressions.

  They’re waiting for me to blow.

  Rolling my eyes, I shrug at them, not sure how to ease their worries.

  Jin is the only one who doesn’t look ready for my inevitable hysterics. What I find in his eyes makes me want to tell everyone to get out of the room so we can get to know each other in a more biblical sense.

  Too bad you have zero experience in that area.

  Until Jackson walked into Bio Hall 101, I hadn’t even considered kissing anyone, let alone doing the no-pants dance, which is what we’ll be doing if I allow Jin to consume me like it seems he wants to. The expression in his eyes turns downright predatory the longer we stay locked in our silent battle. My reaction is a little bit of fear followed by a lot more melty puddle of Do Me.

  The end of whatever Jackson was telling me snaps me out of my sexy daydreams. “Everything is set. You need to quit your job, and we can leave tomorrow.”

  “What?” I turn, my cheeks heating when Forrest smirks at Jin. I shake off the embarrassment in favor of more pressing issues. “What about school?”

  “I’ve applied for your transfer to the University of Toronto, which is about an hour from Phóspolis. The Dean of Admissions is one of us, so it shouldn’t be a problem, and they have an excellent Anthropology program.”

  “Oh…” I honestly have nothing to say.

  Woodrow’s program is great, but I transferred because they offered me a full-ride scholarship. Toronto’s program is better, but the University there is more expensive.

  “I won’t be able to pay you back for a while,” I mutter, not liking basically being like some kind of gold digger.

  I hope I find a good job in Phóspolis.

  I focus on the artwork that hangs on the wall behind Jackson. It’s a beautiful painting of some kind of seascape. What kind of place is Phópolis? Do Phósopoi even have bars or cafés? I’m not sure I’m qualified for a job anywhere else with my work experience.

  “Beautiful, you are ours.” Jin interrupts my thoughts. “It’s our duty to take care of you as long as we’re blessed to live. We will treat you like the queen you are. You will never want for anything.”

  His words are flowery and his eyes sincere, but I raised myself in the system. I don’t like expecting someone to take care of me. Mary never objected when I got a job to help with our bills.

  At the time, I believed it was because she needed the help, but when she died and left everything to me, I realized she was far wealthier than she let on. She had been adding the paychecks I gave her to a trust she set up for my college tuition. Mary loved me, but she knew me enough to know I needed to contribute.

  Taking handouts isn’t in my nature, not even from my Kladí.

  “I don’t need anyone to take care of me. I can take care of myself,” I bite out.

  Jin recoils, taken aback by my response.

  Sebastian cuts in before he can make it worse. “Think of it as an investment, Rose. We’re a family. We share resources. Jin, Jackson, and the twins are all independently wealthy. They want to help you achieve your dream because they believe in you. Later, when you’re a famous anthropologist and Jackson’s mother cuts him out of the Royal Treasury, you can help us.”

  I smile despite the caged-dog feeling spreading through my chest. “They paid for you?”

  “Yes,” he answers immediately, no flinch or embarrassment. Clear, calm facts. Typical Sebastian, but it helps me to calm down.

  A family. Family is something I have little experience with. Mary and I were more like friends than mother and daughter, even with the age difference. Six men and one woman isn’t necessarily a normal family. But what do I know about normal?

  More than anything, I want to believe Sebastian’s words, clinging to the word family like a lifeline. Normality is something I may never achieve, but I have a chance at family.

  A chance I’m willing to take.

  Chapter 8

  “Where are we going?”

  It’s late afternoon, and we’re on our way back from saying goodbye to Leeli, who cried the whole time until Forrest came in to tell me it was time to go.

  Then she wiped her tears, giggled, winked at me, and told me to invite her to the wedding.

  The sudden move still shocks me. Leeli accepted my resignation and Jackson is wrapping things up with school. Even Daisy already said her goodbyes earlier at lunchtime. She doesn’t have a travel pass like the guys, so she can’t come with us, but she promised to visit when she could, and we’ll be coming back to visit Leeli.

  At least, I hope so. Leeli won’t let me disappear forever, especially after meeting three of the guys.

  In the passenger seat of Forrest’s Dodge Ram, an image crosses my mind of Leeli showing up at my wedding and finding not one groom, but six. Chills run up my spine. While Leeli would probably be delighted, what would the rest of the world think of such a thing? The idea makes me clam up. How do the other Omás do it? From what I gathered, more than a few thousand Phósopoi live in the world, so they must have some way of appearing normal.

  I’m drawn out of my thoughts when Forrest pulls into the parking lot of Gold Meadow Park. “What are we doing here?”

  Forrest turns and gives me another panty-dropping grin. “We’re going on a date.”

  As he reaches to lift out a basket tucked in the back seat, I laugh at his self-assurance. “Aren’t you supposed to ask the girl before going on a date?”

  I mean, yeah, we’re soulmates, but manners still matter. Forrest has the decency to look properly chastised. He hurries out of his seat and races around to my side, opening the door.

  “Rose, would you do me the utmost pleasure of accompanying me on a picnic this eve?” He gives a formal little bow as he holds out his free hand.

  I laugh again and allow him to grab my elbow, helping me from the truck. After he closes the door, he offers me his arm, my cheeks hurt with the grin that stretches out at the sight.

  I affect what I hope is a lofty British accent. “Why, thank you, my good man.”

  Forrest grins and leads me over to a picnic table set amongst the more densely wooded part of the park. We make short work of the sandwiches Forrest, or more likely Lyle, packed. I’m starving since I haven’t eaten since pancakes this morning. Daisy and I were too busy talking and making plans at lunch.

  Luckily, Forrest doesn’t mind my preoccupation with the food. He entertains us both by sharing stories of him and the guys. It seems they all started living together when Sebastian Awakened and pinpointed where I’d be, something the last Kladί seems to always be capable of doing. Before that, they kept in contact to bond as an Omás as each one Awakened and were brought into the group.

  I notice a distinct lack of Jin in his stories but don’t comment.

  “Why the park?” I pat my full stomach and glance around at the scenery.

  Critters and humans surround us, playing and soaking up the waning sun. Huh, I realize with a start, first time I referred to them as humans. It fully settles in I’m not, in fact, as human as those around me.

  “Two reasons for the park, actually.” Forrest leans back, his Henley riding up to show a bit of his toned stomach. I try not to drool. “First is because it’s unfair for us to sweep in and expect you to jump into a relationship. It would be expected from a Phósopoi girl, but you were raised human. The guys and I talked, and we’re going to try to woo you into accepting us. I was lucky enough to get the first date.
”

  I don’t know what to say, so I try what I hope is a warm smile, though it feels a bit warbled.

  Forrest leans closer to me, reaching his hands out over the picnic table. “Would… Would you do me the honor of pre-Bonding, Rose?”

  The gray of his eyes flickers between hard steel and molten silver. Words escape me, as they often do. In answer, I reach across the distance, palms up in invitation. Forrest, thankfully, doesn’t seem to need any more encouragement.

  The pre-Bonding is quick and relatively painless, unlike the first few with Jackson and the twins. When I pre-Bonded with Jin, I thought it was easier because I opened myself up to the Bonds, but now I realize the Bonds with the others strengthen me.

  If this is what I feel with a pre-Bond, what will the full Bonding do?

  Forrest pulls his hand away, his expression a study in contradictions. The hard lines of his face give way to a tender, gentle smile, like I’m something precious. At one time or another, I’ve received similar looks from all of my Kladí, but I still find it disconcerting.

  Embarrassed, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. “And the second reason? The second reason you, uh, chose the park?”

  To my surprise, sexy, confident Forrest lowers his gaze to the ground and picks at the ends of his leather jacket. “Uh, I chose the park for totally selfish reasons, sorry.”

  He glances up at me, like he expects me to yell at him for his choice of venue. I don’t understand the sudden loss of confidence, but I smile at him encouragingly, hoping he’ll continue.

  To my relief, he relaxes, his shoulders settling as he speaks. “Showing you will be easier than trying to explain.”

  He turns his attention to the squirrels running around the tree next to us. The cool gray of his eyes melts into a harder steel, and before I can blink and say Zootopia, we’re having a squirrel tea party. They come over, calm as can be and snuggle up with my Kladí, running up to his broad shoulders to perch there like trained birds.

  Never thought I would be jealous of squirrels but such is the life of a mutant. As Forrest’s eyes connect with theirs, I swear to Cheese Nips, he communicates with them. My mouth hangs open as they travel over to sit on my side of the table expectantly.

  “W-what am I supposed to do?” I whisper, panicked.

  Forrest chuckles and digs in his pocket for a packet of nuts. He obviously planned this. Though if I had this kind of Gift, I’d pull it out on a date, too; it’s certainly impressive.

  He hands me some nuts. “Give them some. I told them you had food. They promise not to bite you.”

  He directs the last part at the squirrels sternly, like warning a child to behave. I tentatively offer the nuts to the weirdly complacent creatures. To my astonishment and delight, the squirrels line-up single-file and take their prize carefully from my hand.

  Dear all that’s good and jelly-filled, did they just bow their thanks? The rascals in question scamper back to their trees with their morsels.

  After they leave, I turn to Forrest, who smiles proudly at them, like his kids won the soccer game or something. “So that’s your Gift? Talking to squirrels? Are you, like, the King of Squirrels?”

  I come off more hysterical than teasing, but Forrest laughs anyway with a deep rumble that does nothing to help calm my over-worked heart. “Not quite. Squirrels don’t have a king.”

  “Oh, of course.” Of course, the squirrels don’t have a king, of all the idiotic—

  “Eagles do though. I’ve met him once, a bit brutal but honorable enough for an eagle.” His eyes light up as he watches my reaction.

  I’m one hundred percent sure he’s making fun of me, but at this point, I’m too frazzled to care.

  “For an eagle,” I repeat, since I currently miss the mental processors to come up with something cleverer.

  Luckily Forrest takes pity on me. “My Gift is communication with animals. All animals, not just squirrels, but they’re some of the more human-friendly.”

  Holy Kebabs, if squirrels are the friendly ones, I don’t want to know who’s unfriendly.

  Then his words hit me, and I grin like a kid at Christmas. “That. Is. So. Cool!”

  I enunciate every word so he knows how freaking cool his Gift is. Not that it’s necessary. The smug look on Forrest’s face is pretty transparent. I would be arrogant, too, if I had his Gift. I shake my head. The Gifts of my other Kladí are cool and useful, but I really love animals.

  “I honestly did not expect this as your Gift,” I admit after calming down enough for coherent speech.

  “What did you expect?” Curiosity fills his tone, so I take a moment to come up with what Gift would fit Forrest.

  “Um… the Gift of Sexy Badassery?” I attempt, remembering what I called him on our first meeting.

  Dark eyebrows rise in response.

  Quickly, I add, “But this is so much better. I love animals and always wanted to communicate with them. You are definitely my new BFF.”

  Sorry Leeli, homeboy talks to squirrels and eagles. King eagles. Forrest rewards me with his trademark sexy slow smile and more raised eyebrows.

  “I hope we’re more than friends by now, Rose.” Meaning laces his words and it’s impossible to stop the blush heating up my entire face.

  This man is going to be the death of me. And I have five more to deal with at home. My poor face will be a permanent shade of chartreuse if I don’t get used to this flirting thing soon.

  Forrest must decide he’s done torturing me for the day because he says nothing more, opting instead to help me pack everything up and lead me back to the car. He opens my door and buckles me into the seat. Another new aspect of Forrest that I might love as much as his Gift. Under those tattoos and tough-guy leather jacket, he’s a bona fide gentleman, and perhaps more than a little shy.

  It’s dark outside by the time we get home.

  I walk into the house in the midst of organized chaos.

  “We’re leaving tomorrow morning, early,” Jackson quietly reminds me. “All of your stuff from the dorm is in your room,” he continues, eyeing Jin who comes out to the hallway to welcome us back.

  Jin smiles gently and adds, “Just pack what you can’t live without, Rose. We’ll have things for you in the city and can buy anything else you need.” His words are soft, but his eyes are serious enough I know I won’t win if I argue.

  At this point, I’m too tired to protest. Nodding my assent, I head up and pack a small bag with my llama sleep shorts, Woodrow hoodie, and a shawl of Mary’s which is the only thing I have from her other than the shoes, along with an album I made her of pictures and memories of us.

  The last thing placed carefully in the bag is Fox, my stuffed llama. I think some caseworker gave him to me when I was really young. I honestly can’t remember, but Fox is the one thing that’s made it through all the different foster and group homes. He’s old and ratty and one of my most important possessions.

  After we pack and throw our bags next to the front door, we all pile onto the couches to watch a movie. The guys let me choose, but Lucas and Sebastian watch me like hawks, probably worried I’ll pick something awful. I almost giggle when they visibly relax at my choice of Nacho Libre. I debated choosing a romcom out of spite, but I love Jack Black and can’t pass up sharing my favorite with my Kladí.

  I must fall asleep during the movie because the next time I wake, someone carries me in their arms.

  Silky hair flows over my arms, framing me like a curtain. “Jin?”

  “Shhh, pretty girl, sleep. We’ll wake you when it’s time to go.” He places me on my bed with a soft kiss on my forehead, followed by a few caresses from the guys and several whispered goodnights.

  Then blackness.

  When I wake up to Sebastian’s gentle shake, I offer him my sunniest smile, though it comes out a bit groggy.

  He smiles back, relief evident in those soft baby-blues. “You are far easier to wake up than my sisters.”

  I groan, stretching my
arms, and blink away the morning fuzz from my eyes. “Give me a few months of nightmare-free sleep and see what happens,” I warn in between yawns.

  The soft glow of dawn comes through my window. We must be leaving pretty early.

  I mumble a curse at the prospect of leaving my cocoon of fuzzy blankets.

  Sebastian says nothing. Instead, he gives me a knowing smirk before gesturing toward the bathroom and leaving.

  I rush to get ready. Nerves buzz through my blood, making my movements jerky. I feel like I used to when moving to a new foster home, except this time, six family members move with me, and they aren’t leaving me anytime soon.

  “Why don’t we drive there?” I ask Lucas.

  He and I sit in the back of Lyle’s SUV with Sebastian and Lyle up front, driving to the airport. Sebastian’s been silent the entire way, pouting about leaving his precious bike, but I don’t dare ask. I’ve yet to experience a truly angry Sebastian, and I don’t care to.

  “It will take too long,” Lucas responds. “Besides, Phóspolis has its own airport, so flying is the easiest way in.”

  Phóspolis has its own airport? Just how big is this place? In my head, it was more a quaint little town a-la-Beauty and the Beast. The more I learn about the Phósopoi, the more I discover there is to learn.

  When we reach the airport, I realize there’s also more to learn about my Kladí, apparently.

  Not only does Phóspolis have its own airport, but Jackson owns his own plane. Or, his mother does. He put his prince mask on when the pilot greeted us at the private hanger.

  Now he keeps sneaking glances at me, his neck coloring more each time the pilot or flight attendant grovels or uses his title.

  “Is Jackson always so awkward about being a prince?” I whisper to Sebastian as we buckle ourselves in for takeoff. I’m too curious about the answer to even register the opulence of the Royal Region Two plane.

  Sebastian offers me his usual serene smile, but the corners of his eyes turn up a little wickedly, and an unfamiliar twinkle enters. “No. Only around certain people.”