“You’ve already met them.” Adelaide teased.
“Unfortunately, I have. That smarmy bastard is involved with the Dark Factions, and I think the Council has been helping him keep it covered up.” His expression grew thunderous.
“I have no doubt that’s true.” I nodded my head in agreement.
“Do you trust Storm with your Nexus?” Before I could answer, he fired off another question, “How can you be sure he’s not spying for his father?”
I ran a hand through my hair, thinking of the best way to word my answer.
“I didn’t believe that anyone could love my Nexus as much as I do. I would do anything to ensure her survival. Anything! Now that we’ve been marked, I would swear on penalty of death that each one of them feels the same. I can feel it here,” I held myhand over my heart. “Storm loves her so much that it feels like worship. So, to answer your question, I do trust him, and I know he hates his father almost as much as you seem to. Maybe even more.”
Sly nodded his head but didn’t say anything, hopefully digesting what I said. He kissed Adelaide and then left to get clothes for Jet.
“He’s going to be overprotective for a long time.” Adelaide took the vegetables I’d chopped and put them in the hot pan to sauté. “Sly’s told me some of the things he went through, but not everything. I’m not sure I want to know everything.” She whispered the last part.
I didn’t comment. I knew she was talking to herself more than me at that moment.
“Reverie has always been a special child.” Adelaide didn’t look at me. She just kept stirring the vegetables.
“She’s very special to each of us.” I agreed with her.
“No,” Adelaide spoke sharply. “I mean special in ways that even she doesn’t know.” She stopped stirring and just stared at the pan.
“I don’t understand?” This felt important.
Adelaide looked at me in a way that made the hair rise on the back of my neck.
“There are things that need to be discussed between her fathers and me before I can say anything else. Just know there is more at play than any of you know.” Her gaze grew more intense. “You said before that you would do anything for her. Did you mean it?”
I didn’t hesitate, “Yes, right down to my soul.”
Adelaide gazed into my eyes as if trying to see into my very heart. She nodded slightly, “Grab the pie out of that box.”
I handed her the pie, which looked and smelled amazing. I was confused when she pulled a pie pan out of the cabinet and placed the pie inside.
“I trust you’ll never mention what you just saw?” Adelaide narrowed her eyes at me.
“Yes, ma’am.” I had no idea what was happening, but my momma didn’t raise no fool.
“Now get rid of the box,” she said, turning to the oven and pulling the chicken out.
We finished cooking the food together in companionable silence.
Adelaide didn’t elaborate on what she’d said about Reverie, and I didn’t ask. I knew she’d explain when she was ready. At least I had my Faction to lean on. I trusted that together, we could handle anything that was thrown at us.
Chapter 27
Reverie
Icleaned up and changed into some black leggings and an old football jersey of Nathan’s. I tossed my hair up in a messy bun and hurried back to the living room, anxious to reassure my parents that I was fine. I hated to see them stressed over me when I knew they were still dealing with everything that had happened to Sly.
As soon as I entered the room, I could smell the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. That was one thing I missed deeply. My parents had always believed it was important for us to gather around the table for supper and talk about our day. It wasn’t always possible, especially as I grew older, but we all made the effort.
The condo offered ample space and a unique charm despite its older style and lack of an open floor plan like newer models. The master bedroom was situated on one side, with three additional bedrooms located in a hallway on the opposite side of the living and dining areas. A large swinging door separated the kitchen from the dining and living room.
I was ever so grateful that the master was located far away from my room. I was happy that my parents were still deeply in love after all of these years, but I definitely didn’t want to hear it.
Grumpy had wanted to remodel a few years back, but Mom loved it just the way it was. He chuckled when she mentioned how she enjoyed having some time to herself while cooking. We all knew she wanted to serve the dessert she’d picked up from House of Pies in her own dish so that she could claim she’d made it from scratch. She did it every time we visited the city; it had become a running joke in our family.
