He wasn’t completely wrong, they definitely could just be lost, but I was almost entirely sure he was lying about the supernaturals part. I was putting all the pieces together now, everything I had ever overheard from Sara and Michael: the strange things in this town; Cara’s information; the odd happenings since I was discovered by these Darkens – that ball of light that had spat out a girl. How were they going to explain that away? Even if they could, I had made up my mind. Supernaturals were very much real, and I was in their house. Since it seemed Lexen wanted to pretend this was all a big misunderstanding, I would play along.
“No doubt you’re right.” I stared at my nails, acting nonchalant. “I’ve always thought they were a little on the crazy side, but I still love them.” Lifting my gaze, I met his unflinchingly. “Do you know for sure they’re lost? Do you have any information on them?”
He just shook his head at me, before his attention was captured by something behind me. I turned to find Jero sauntering along, his dark gray suit fitting in perfectly with the beautiful surroundings of their home. “No problems?” Lexen asked.
His brother shook his head. “Nope. It’s all quiet out there.”
“Sit.”
I realized that command from Lexen was aimed at me, but since I wasn’t a dog I chose to cross my arms over my chilled body and stare him down.
Screw you, asshole.
His jaw was rigid; I could see a small tic in one corner. “Someone dry her off, and don’t let her out of your sight. I will be back once I contact the council.”
“And Father,” Star piped up.
He nodded at his sister, before turning and striding off.
Jero, who had been heading for the couch with his sister, quickly changed paths. “I volunteer to dry you off,” he said, flashing me a wide grin.
I snorted, so elegant as always. “Wipe that smirk off your face, Romeo. This girl is not interested.”
It almost looked like he was pouting, even though he flashed a wink at me. “I’m devastated.”
Star, who must have moved without me seeing, since she was standing right behind him, let out a little chuckle. “He’s never been told no before. You really have devastated him.”
She held out a hand to me, not like you would to shake, but sort of like she wanted me to kiss it. I just stared down at it, and she hastily pulled it back. “Oh, sorry,” she murmured, sounding a little breathless. “I’m Star. It’s really nice to meet you.”
I just gave her a nod. “I’m Emma.”
Star didn’t seem taken aback by my unfriendliness. If anything she got even more animated. “You can borrow some of my clothes. We’re almost the same size.”
Well, sure, if you discounted me being shorter and fatter than her. Even with my recent weight loss I couldn’t compare to her slender figure. I was naturally curvy.
Star turned to Jero and he shook his head. “Lexen won’t like it.”
She started to plead with him in a low voice. I caught bits and pieces before Jero finally threw his hands up. “Okay, fine. I’m sure Emma won’t try anything.” He faced me. “We’re very protective of our sister. Keep that in mind.”
I wrinkled my nose at him. “I’m not going to attack an innocent girl. You three, on the other hand, I don’t care so much for.”
One side of his lips quirked up. “I like you,” he stated, before turning to Star. “Straight to your room and back, no detours. You better be in this living area before Lexen returns.”
She nodded, not commenting on his asshatty way of speaking to her. Maybe I was lucky never having any siblings. I wasn’t big on being bossed around. Star linked her arm through mine and began to drag me away, chatting like we were the best of friends.
“This is my first time visiting this house, but it seems to be set out similarly to back home, so I shouldn’t have a problem finding my room.”
My brain could only handle so many revelations that upset the very fabric of my world, so for now “back home” was a small supernatural community somewhere in the middle of Alaska – still on Earth. It made perfect sense, really. They’d no doubt want to live away from the general population. The Sahara would work too, if they preferred heat.
On Earth. Heat on Earth because they were definitely from Earth. Just like … evolved humans. God, I hoped they weren’t vampires.
Star led me to a staircase off the side of the entrance. It was tucked away, only visible when you got close. I tripped once going up the stairs, my lack of grace and nerves getting to me, but somehow managed to make it to the top unscathed. The first floor had a hallway with a lot of closed doors, so I couldn’t see inside, but something told me there were mostly bedrooms on this level.
“This one!” Star declared, halting in front of a white door, identical to a dozen or more white doors we had already passed. I was pretty darn cold, so hopefully she knew what she was talking about. The door swung open without a sound and we were inside in a heartbeat. Thick white carpet squished under my shoes and I ground to a halt.
“Wait, I need to take my shoes off. They’re going to make your carpet dirty.” I’d never seen carpet so pure, so untouched. It was the sort of flooring that should not be walked on.
Star just waved my concerns off. “Don’t stress about it. It’s just the floor.”
