“Of course he has feelings for her, Lilith. He’s not a Wraith. You need feelings to offer up comfort or condolences. I know that’s a foreign concept for you, but stop giving him a hard time for doing what we asked of him. He got her started for school and explained what happens. Simple. Done,” my dad explains it away, having my back.Again.
She stands up suddenly, pacing the room, and deja vu hits me as she takes the same pattern Nerezza did earlier. Wrapping one of her arms around her waist, she taps her lips with her other gloved hand.
“No, Mattie. This is more than simply being there for her,” she says, and dad bristles at the nickname. “She’s an anomaly we need to watch. We already have her staying with the pixies, and the boys will be watching her and noting her powers, but we need more,” she turns and looks at my father. “Yes, we need an insider.” She then turns to me and grins with a raised brow.
I inwardly panic, and I know my fear hits dad even though I still wear a stoic look.
“Lilith. That is uncalled for,” dad says, jumping out of his seat. “She is not a prisoner. We originally decided to let her attend school, but it was your idea to have the boys watch her. Of course, I was outvoted, but I will not allow you to have my son join in espionage just for your games,” he says, fuming.
Thanks, dad. I send out a pulse of grateful emotions that I know he feels when his shoulders relax.
“Oh, hush Mattie. I would never askOURson to do such a thing,” she waves off his frustration, walking closer to dad and giving him a pleading look.
“You know how I feel about that,” he growls. His voice reaching a dangerous low. Dad is a lot of things, usually really passive, but touch on the topic of ‘whose child I really belong to,’ and we’re practically asking for war.
“Yes, and that’s an issue for another day.” She saunters past him and walks to my desk. Standing, I try to diffuse the situation.
“What did you have in mind?” I ask curiously. Clearing my throat, I continue on. “I know I’ve been trying to keep emotions out of things, so I’m not sure what you expect from me.” Feeling confident in my words, I wait to see what she wants me to do next.
“Simple darling,” she says, patting my cheek like a damn dog. “I just want you to get to know her. Get back into the social scene around the school. Go to class, any functions she goes to, like parties, clubs, or shopping, and be sure to eat with her and her friends. Become her friend. That’s all. Then, when we have our weekly meetings, report what you’ve learned.” I quirk an eyebrow and Lilith gives me a tight smile. “She’s an unknown factor and there have been reports of unusual activity from the Withering Sulks since she’s arrived in Purgatory. We have no idea if they’re connected, so it’s safest to keep an eye on her.”
She turns and sends a condescending smile back at dad. “Is that really too much to ask, Mattie?”
Wasn’t I just thinking about how much I wanted to be there for Nerezza? That I wanted to be her friend? It’s like Lilith gave me the green light to try for something I was initially wanting. Before I can think of the consequences of accepting this assignment or what my father might have to say, I jump in with two feet.
“I would love to,” I say, and Lilith beams at me.
“That’s my good boy,” she says, patting my cheek again and smiling. Her praise is welcomed and has my cheeks warming.Maybe I finally was good enough for her in her eyes.Turning, she walks towards the door. “And make sure you clean up that ring on your desk. It’s unbecoming of you. I didn’t raise a slob,” she states while walking out.
I was wrong. She didn’t wait to bring up the drink at another time, and apparently, I still wasn’t good enough.
“Levi? Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Dad questions, worry evident in his eyes.
“I’ll be fine.” Feeling embarrassed, but trusting dad, I tell him everything. I explain the confusing emotions Nerezza raised in me. About how I didn’t know how to handle her, but I wanted to—no, needed, to be there. It was like a pull to water after you’ve gone without for days. While spilling all of my pent-up emotions and trying to figure out what was wrong with me, I couldn’t tear my eyes off of the floor. After I finish and he doesn’t immediately say anything, I glance up to find him smiling at me like a big buffoon. “What?” I ask in confusion.
He chuckles at me and places a hand on my shoulder. “Son, this will probably be the best thing for you,” he tells me. With a squeeze to my shoulder, he heads out the door laughing. He laughs so hard, he has to try twice to get the door open, and when it closes, I’m left slack-jawed in my office.
What did I just sign up for?
Chapter Four
My Pimp
Rez
After setting up a time for brunch tomorrow and handing me a booklet and a school bank card (don’t ask), he sent me off to find Moni at the park.
“How the hell am I supposed to find this ‘Moni’ around here?” I mumble underneath my breath.
Of course, since Lynx was acting as a scarf around my neck, he heard me.
‘Well, that’s simple; you just start screaming at the top of your lungs like a lunatic, waving your arms about.’Hechuckles. ‘That will get people looking at you along with this Moni person.’Ever the observant, helpful friend I got here.
Levi didn’t give me a description of her or point me in the direction of the park, and stupid me; I was too distracted by the fact I had been in his lap to even ask. What can I say? It’s been a while since I’ve been intimate with someone, so shoot me if a slight touch jump starts my libido.What am I saying? That wasn’t a simple touch.I was practically in the position to fuck him. Heat creeps up my neck, and I shake my head, trying to displace the thought of how Levi held me.
Once I step outside, I swear I’m back home on my college campus in the fall. The trees are full of autumn colors, acting like spotlights as the sun filters down through the leaves. The only difference is the supernatural creatures playing games on the quad in the late morning sun. I watch as a young guy throws a bright pink frisbee for his dog. Well, until the dog catches it and lands with two human legs, showing off his naked body and what God gave him. Yep, again, this is going to take some time getting used to things around here. Were all supernaturals gifted in that area?
I have no idea where to go, so I walk over to the small fountain in the middle of the park that depicts a woman wearing a flowing gown. Excited, Lynx climbs down my arm and jumps into the cold water.
