We all ate our fill of the delicious food, then made our way into the den, everyone spreading out on the oversized sectional and large recliners scattered throughout. It was amazing how quickly we all felt at home here. Now I understood why Chloe had put me at ease so fast. Some people just had that talent. I was fortunate enough to stumble into an entire family of them.
“The boys told me that you shot down their idea of a bonding ceremony.” Meredith frowned at Dad.
“He was right to do so, Meredith. After what took place in Oklahoma, it’s too dangerous.” Mark commented.
“We all agreed it was a bad idea,” Grumpy said, not wanting Dad to take all the heat.
She sighed, “I know you’re right, but I’ll admit to being disappointed.”
“I’m upset about it too, but maybe after everything is resolved, we can plan one.” Mom smiled slightly.
Dad nodded solemnly, “I didn’t think it was wise to expose Reverie like that, especially after her attempted kidnapping.”
“Say what now?”
“The hell you say?!”
Mark and Michael spoke up simultaneously.
“Kidnapping?! The children didn’t mention anything about a kidnapping attempt.” Meredith frowned at the “children” in question.
“We wanted to tell you in person.” Zeke wrapped an arm around me, drawing me closer.
“Jet and Nathan made sure he wouldn’t be kidnapping anyone in the future.” Zane ran a finger across his throat.
“Do you know who it was and why?” Mark asked.
“It was one of Selene’s Faction.” Dad grimaced.
“Selene? The Selene that we battled against in the Dark War?” Michael looked more worried than before.
“The very one.” Dad nodded.
“Why? Why did they want her?” Mark questioned.
“To get to us.” Mom shook her head.
“It was because of me. I was assigned to her Faction before I escaped and reunited with my beloved Adelaide.” Dad pulled Mom onto his lap, apparently needing her even closer.
“We all heard of your return. It was all anyone talked about for several weeks.” Meredith said, solemnly.
“How bad is it in Aurathia?” Mark asked.
“Bad. The Brummond is running unchecked with the power of Trent Storm behind him. True Factions have been broken up.
Terrible people who wouldn’t have been Nexus in the proper order of things have been made Nexus by the serum.” He shuddered.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think about how my question would dredge up horrible memories.” Mark apologized.
“No apology necessary. It’s difficult for me, but I’m one of the lucky ones. I made it out.” Dad said grimly.
“I don’t know what Aurathia was before, but now people are pitted against each other and placed in Factions. What’s even worse is the younger Aurathions born into that world know nothing different.” Nathan looked at Dad, “You’ll have my thanks for eternity, helping me get out of there. I can’t imagine having to go through what you did and being forced to break my bond with Reverie. I think I’d die.” Nathan got up from his chair and leaned back against the couch, pulling my legs over his shoulders.
“We need to have a meeting between the leaders of all the Aurathion settlements. The Council should’ve already called us together.” Michael got up and started pacing.
Jet stood and leaned against the fireplace. “I’m meeting with a friend of mine tonight to assist me in convincing the human government to help us.”
“I’m sure there’s an explanation as to why you have connections with the government,” Meredith spoke up.
