Seiji stands behind the woman, holding August close, who quietly observes the unfamiliar people in the room.
“Nevaeh, this is my maa, Yua Nakaya… the Queen of Famine.”
The woman holds out her hands, waiting for me to accept the gesture. When I do, she grips them firmly, mumbling something in her native tongue.
“Watashi no taisetsuna ko. Dean is going to sob like a baby when he sees you all grown up.”
Yua pulls me into a hug before I can step back. I stiffen at first, and Seiji throws me an apologetic look over her shoulder, but slowly I melt into her warm, motherly embrace. She reminds me of Harvey’s mum.
I can’t wait to see Stella again.
When Yua releases me, Seiji’s father steps forward to stand beside his mate. “And that’s my dad, Akihiko Nakaya, also the Horseman of Famine.”
The older man is wearing a deep brown suit with sheer sleeves, revealing the markings that trail along his arms and neck.
I’ve noticed Horsemen are always proud to show off their markings. I remember Papa used to roll up the sleeves of hisshirt, so his were visible.
“Oh, how long I’ve waited for this moment.” Seiji’s father’s voice falters near the end, but his heart-melting smile is so warm it forces me to let my guard down and offer him a small but honest smile in return.
Akihiko steps forward with his arms held wide open. “Can I get a hug too? I’ve been waiting to meetlittle Deathfor so long.”
That’s such a cute nickname!
“Chikusho!You’re not calling her that!”
“Hush, Yua, it’s my turn now. Are you really going to leave your favorite old man hanging, Nevaeh?”
I don’t know why Akihiko is calling himself old. People in their Divine late thirties are anything but old.
I take a deep breath and slowly step into Horseman Famine’s hug. The moment his arms enclose me in a gentle but protective hold, the tight grip I keep on my emotions nearly shatters.
Fuck I need to stop crying every time someone hugs me. It’s getting embarrassing.
Ever since I started meeting people from my past, even when I don’t remember them, my Divine never fails to recognize a familiar energy. The warmth spreading in my chest is its way of acknowledging someone it once felt safe with.
I felt a similar rush the first time Angel hugged me. It was overwhelming. But I’ve grown a little more used to physical contact since then.
“I don’t think you can call yourself my favorite old man when you’re literally the only old person I know.”
“Yeah… you’re Dean’s daughter, alright. I really hope you’re more mature than he is, or I’ll have to retire early.”
My shoulders shake as I laugh into his chest. I slowly step back before the tears can start. Papa Nakaya nods understandingly and doesn’t mind the space I’ve put between us again.
“How does it feel to be back home, little Death?”
“Stop calling her that!” Yua quickly smacks the back of hishead.
Ah, so this is where the smacking culture in our group came from.
“But it will be perfect when Dean’s back and these two start working together.DeathandLittle Death.”
Alright, it’s time to add new names to my new favorite people list.
1. Papa
2. My little Monkey
3. Pretty-pretty Angel
