“Lorcan Louvre,” I introduced myself. “You are in this month’s upcoming spread, right?” I had seen her photos hanging near some of the design boards.
She nodded, and I reached into my purse, remembering the lipstick I had from earlier. I was given a lot of makeup that I rarely wore, but this red happened to match that dress exactly. “I’ve got to go, but this will match that dress. It was good meeting you, Maya.”
I was out the door then, wishing for once that I could have a normal friendship with someone. Even if they were affected by my powers slightly. At least a friendship with her would be more real than most.
I finally spoke, pulling myself from the sad memory. “Oh yeah, shit, I think I met her at Vogue back in September.”
“Oh cool!” Nova nodded. “What I’m hearing is that we need to hang out all together?”
“Sure,” I offered softly, knowing that there would be questions to answer if I ever met Maya again. I also knew that would mean Nova, my new friend, finding out the full extent of my past. I knew I shouldn’t feel shameful over it, but it didn’t stop the feeling from occurring completely.
Nova hugged me before she darted off, and I watched as she left, hoping like hell that she wouldn’t get hurt down there. I shook my head as the door closed and walked down the steps. All of us stayed quiet for a moment, Desmond having left with them.
“I need a fucking nap after that,” Dean admitted, making me laugh.
“They are really intense,” Rhett commented, “and that’s coming from us.”
“I think we are pretty chill,” Cash deadpanned as I broke out into a smile.
“For sure,” Draven mumbled. I flashed him a smile at his amusement. I loved when he was happy.
Adriel picked me up over his shoulder. “Alright, let’s get back to the house. I’m hungry and this place sucks.”
“Agreed,” I laughed softly and then froze.
“Wait!” I had all of them turning to me. “Can we get donuts?”
What? That sounded fucking awesome right now.
18
Lorcan
“And I don't think I can stop the jealousy
When it comes, it comes like waves and I can't breathe
And I don't think I can stop the jealousy
When it runs, it runs like lightning through my teeth.”
-Jealous Sea by Meg Myers
“Cupcakes are way more my thing,” I announced as I licked the frosting off the red velvet one, Desmond narrowing his eyes at my mouth.
“You won’t be just licking a goddamn cupcake if you aren’t careful,” he muttered.
“We need to talk about this,” Adriel said, looking frustrated. I scowled at him and flushed.
“I just didn’t expect that we would have to do this so soon,” I muttered, feeling shaky as the setting sun radiated over us. Dean was currently on his laptop, his eyes moving to me with a heated, possessive gaze as Cash made the call to make sure Maggie was good to go while we were gone. I winced, wondering how she was going to handle staying with the Nadar brothers. I would ask her, but I was thinking she was already over there. Draven had disappeared a few minutes ago… and well, Zander still wasn’t home.
I refused to dwell on that.
“My parents will love you,” Desmond confirmed.
Yeah. Apparently, we were going to the Demonic realm as well. Luckily, after a near mini PTSD moment at hearing mention of the ‘Demonic’ realm, I was told we were going to Draven’s realm, and the reasoning was actually rather solid.
Not only would it allow us distance from Earth realm and my potential stalker, but Black wouldn’t expect the move. Additionally, it would give me a larger space, and a safe one, to practice everything I needed to… if Zander planned on coming with.
I knew my brother would be staying with his guardians, so maybe the other siren would really stay and make this work out? Who the hell knew! Also, Desmond wanted to test the soil they gave him so that he could tell them where it originated from. I couldn’t deny I wanted to help them… plus, I was a bit curious about seeing Desmond’s kingdom, and maybe Draven’s.
“I know,” I mumbled, feeling nervous as fuck. I didn’t know if his parents really would like me, for the record. Also, what if they had horrible fucking desires?! Ugh! This could be so goddamn awkward.
The door opened, and I froze when I realized it was Zander. My heart clenched nervously at the sight of him. I got up, and despite knowing we were going anyway, I sighed, “Alright, fine. We can go. I deem this acceptable.”
Adriel snorted as I slipped out of the room and up the stairs, avoiding Zander since he had walked the other way into the kitchen. I swallowed nervously, feeling awkward as fuck. What was I even awkward about?
Well, the concept that he had been gone all day with a woman in her hotel. That was making me feel weird. Even though I LITERALLY had no right to feel that way. On top of that, what if he didn’t plan on coming with us to the Demonic realm? I was sure they were telling him now, and it was possible our work relationship was going to end way before it even started.
Yeah, ‘work’ relationship. My goddamn siren wasn’t looking nearly as confused as before, and as I pulled out a small weekend bag, I paused at hearing someone in the door. Like when he had watched me getting fucked… moving on. My siren offered his magic a small hesitant smile.
What the hell?! When did we become this sweet? This was gross. We needed to change this.
“Lorcan,” his soft soothing voice sounded from the door.
I turned and offered him a surprised look. “Oh hey! What’s up?”
He narrowed his eyes slightly. “Everything okay?”
“Absolutely,” I nodded and started to pack. “How was your meeting?”
Did that sound harsh? Yeah, it did. I sounded like a jealous bitch.
Zander moved into the room while he watched me with a curious expression. “It was fine. She is meeting Cormac tomorrow.”
“Cool,” I nodded as I went to go put something into the bag. I made a soft sound as he gently grasped my hand and tugged me over to where he stood. I tried to not inhale his scent as I stared at our hands.
“What’s wrong?” he asked again.
“Are you coming with us to the Demonic realm?” I disengaged my hand and put both on my hips, feeling my ears heat.
His gold eyes darkened. “I planned on it, unless you didn’t want me to or something…”
Now we were both awkward.
I swallowed and blurted out, “No, you should. Really.”
His lips formed a smile. “Yeah?”
I nodded, nibbling my lip. “I mean, I have a lot to learn.”
“There is a learning curve, no doubt,” he nodded softly, his eyes searching my face. “I hope you are ready for that.” Why did I feel like we weren’t talking about work?
“Well then,” I awkwardly put out my hand, “you're hired.”
You're hired?! Seriously, Lorcan. My siren offered me a bewildered expression.
Zander chuckled, his ears heating as he took my hand and brushed his lips over the top. "Your brother is in good hands with my cousin.”