CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 34
MELISSA.
"Okay, what is wrong with you?" I demand.
Both Faye and Catherine startle from their spots on the steps before turning to look at me in question.
Glaring at Faye, I continue. "You have been sighing over and over again. Behaving like someone just stole your most prized possession. What is it?"
"I don't know what you are talking about," she responds.
Like hell, I don't.
"She is right," Catherine speaks up. "You have been sort of down lately. What happened?"
"Nothing. I swear. I guess I am just worried and annoyed about all these happenings. And maybe a little pissed at you."
"Me? What did I do?"
"You ran away. I thought we were getting to know each other. I thought we were friends and then I found out that during all of our discussions, you were planning on running away. It hurts."
Nice save. But a lie. That is not what is really upsetting her.
"I am sorry Faye. I know I hurt you. All of you," Catherine says as she includes me with her gaze. "Can you all forgive me?"
"Well, since you asked so nicely, fine, you are forgiven," Faye says.
Catherine looks up at me with a sad pout and puppy dog eyes.
"I forgave you the moment we found you," I tell her.
She beams at me, giving me a light squeeze
"Thank you."
"There are conditions though for this act of forgiveness," I say. Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
"Oh, is there now?" she asks with a humorous smirk like she knows something.
What is that about?
"Yes, just one. As your first and closest friends, I and Faye are both allowed to call you Cat."
She lets out a small giggle before it graduates to a chuckle and then a full-blown laugh.
"Did I say something funny?" I ask, turning to Faye.
She shrugs her shoulders as she continues to observe her.
"What did I say?" I ask her.
"It is not a big deal," she pants out. "it is just… you and your brother are so similar. If I didn't know better, I would think you were twins who shared a telepathic connection."
"Thank you?" I ask. I am not sure if that is a compliment or just an observation. "And no, we are not twins. So, do you agree with the condition?"
"Yeah," she says, nodding. "I agree."
"Excellent."
It was evening and I and Faye had pulled Cat out of her room to come watch the stars. We were sitting on the stairs leading into the mansion, just enjoying each other's company.
It is here that Damin finds us as he walks towards the mansion.
He looks exhausted, but pleased.
Well as pleased as he can be knowing of the existence of a lunatic who wants to kill his mate.
"I take it that the security implementations went well?" I ask
"They did. The Falcon might be a weird and eccentric bat, but she sure knows what she is doing."
"Hopefully, it is enough of a detriment to the Collector."
"Let's not call him that," Cat says. "It makes him sound ominous and powerful."
"What do you suggest we call him?" Damon asks.
"Hmm, let's see. Something ordinary and dull. How about Tim?"
"Tim?"
"Ooh, what about Willy?" Faye adds.
"Or Neville?" I pipe up.
We all chuckle at that before settling on Willy.
"I just don't see anyone being frightened of a Willy," Damon says.
"Great. Willy, it is then."
"It is getting late," Damon says as he stretches out his hand for Cat. "You promised me dinner," he says.
Catherine smiles as she places her hand in his.
"I did."
"We can join you for dinner," I say.
"No!" Damon snaps. "I mean, sorry but no. Dinner is an affair between me and Cathy. No others allowed."
"Cathy?"
"Since when?"
"It was part of the conditions I gave her for my forgiveness."
"Oooh, I see. Similarities. Very funny Cat," I throw at her.
She giggles in response to that as she walks in with him.
They look so good together. I just hope we can deal with this Collector crap and they can get to be happy for the rest of their lives.
I turn around to say as much to Faye only to see her staring at their retreating backs with a wanting and lost look.
"Faye?"
She snaps out of her daze before looking at me, giving me a bright, deceiving smile.
Like that will work.
"Okay, spill."
"What?"
"What has gotten into you lately?" I demand.
"Oh, come on. Not this again."
"Yes, this. Talk to me."
"I already told you, I was upset about Ca-"
"Cut the crap. It is me. Melissa. I have known you for years. We have trained and fought and grown together. I know when you are lying and you are lying now."
She falls silent at that. Good, she should think it through before she lies to me again.
I wait patiently for her to get her thoughts together.
"Do you ever wonder," she starts. "About your mate."
Ah, that makes sense. Mates. Damon has finally found his and so that is one down, three to go. Me, Faye, and Ryder in our little group.
It makes sense for her to be down about it.
"Sometimes," I answer. "Though I try to limit that. It doesn't help worrying over that."
"It doesn't. Didn't you want to find yours?"
"Faye, everyone dreams of funding their mate. But the world is large and we have to accept that it might never happen. And honestly, I am kind of okay with that."
"You are?"
"Yeah. Don't get me wrong, I think it's wonderful to have a destined partner. But it is also wonderful to not have to worry excessively over someone else. You know how it is."
"Yeah, I do."
"Is that what is bothering you?"
"No. Well yeah, but not in that sense."
"Well, what is it?"
"I found my mate."
"Oh my goddess! That is great. Why are you sad about that?"
"He is from the skylight pack."
"Oh shit."