Chapter 52- Arabella
“They had left a note for us.” Uncle Leo said as everyone settled down in the living room. “It said one generation down. Two more to go. See you soon. Soran.”
“Is Soran the demon lord we are fighting against?” Aunt Riley asked.
“Think so. It can’t be anyone else.” Uncle Leo said sighing. “We will have to be ready for the attack. They are attacking sooner than we thought.”
I opened the window a crack that I stood beside.
"How about we start with moving the kids and women? Aria had a really great idea about where to hide them. It's a perfect place.” Cassidy interjected.
“Sounds good to me.” Mom said. “Where do you think we should hide everyone?”
“I was thinking Dad's old coven. It's in Europe right? They won't be able to imagine us being there. I don't think they know about it. I mean it was destroyed a long time ago.” I said
"Hmm. Why didn't I think of that?” Dad said. “We will have to hurry though. I can arrange a private flight for tomorrow. Austin will take care of the legal things. You guys will be safe in Scotland.”
“We won't need any sort of protection there so everyone who is able to can join us here. Austin can take care of them there. Once everything is sorted, they can come back.” Cassidy said excitedly. "What are we supposed to do?” Uncle Alec said irritably motioning towards Uncle Aaron and himself. “You said females and children.”
He does not look happy.
“You will be going with them off course. We don’t want you getting hurt.” Uncle Carter replied. Uncle Alec huffed and looked away crossing his arms. I don't think he liked the terms used for the non-fighting group.
"Alec we meant the non-fighting group.” Mom said giggling.
Uncle Alec glared at her openly.
“Did you find anyone?” Aunt Stella asked.
“No. The place was burned to dust. I don't think anyone survived.” He said dolefully. “We don’t have time to mourn the losses at the moment. We should focus on protecting what we have left.”
There were collective nods in the room and then it was plunged into silence. Everyone played along really well, the once who knew the truth and the once that didn't, both. I think we made it believable enough.
“I will start with the arrangement.” Dad said after a little while and walked away to the general direction of his office.
“Where are the other children?” Mom asked.
“Sleeping in my room.” I told her.
“Thanks Aria. At least they can sleep peacefully.” She said sighing. “Lock everything up and you kids go to bed as well. We will wake you up when it's time to leave. We will pack your things for you.”
I nodded and made my way to the stairs leaving the adults behind. Where am I going to sleep now? “We can take mine and Ben's room for now. Others will need a place to sleep.” Ethan suggested. Everyone agreed.
“You guys go ahead. I will lock everything up.” I said and turned back around.
I started walking to the kitchen but heard footsteps behind me.
"Why are you following me?” I asked Zeno.
This guy is making me annoyed now. He doesn’t have to follow me everywhere I go. He didn't answer and just kept walking behind me. Not creepy at all. Note the sarcasm.
I checked the kitchen windows and door and then proceeded to lock everything else on the floor. Everything was already locked. Only the window in the living room was open. I locked it and made my way upstairs to check every room. After I was done, I quickly checked my room to make sure everyone was alright and then entered Ben and Ethan's room. All this while Zeno was silently following me but I completely ignored him.
I looked around the room to find a place to sleep. Ben and Vivian were curled up on one side of the bed with a pillow line dividing the bed in two parts. Ethan and Fabian were sleeping on the couch. Lucas, Francis, Archer and Hudson were sprawled on the blankets on the floor. I groaned realizing the only space to sleep was on the bed and Zeno will be sleeping beside me.
Well I cant complain now with all the problems going on.
I opened the wardrobe of the twins and pulled a t-shirt and sweat pant. I think it's Ethan's as it is a little smaller in size than what Ben usually wears. I went in the bathroom and changed into them. I opened the bathroom door and almost screamed as I collided with a hard chest.
"What the hell are you doing?” I snapped.
"Staying with you.” Zeno said in a matter of fact tone.
I don't even have any energy left in me to reason with him. I side stepped him and power walked towards the bed. I quickly got under the covers and closed my eyes leaving more than enough space for Zeno behind me so he can sleep without getting too close.
I felt the covers getting lifted and Zeno crawled in
"Are you mad at me?” He mumbled behind me.
"No."
“Then why are you trying to get away from me?”
Do I have to tell him why?
“It's not like we are a couple for me to stay near you.”
He wrenched me around to face him.
“But we are. You are my mate. We are together.” He said in a matter of fact tone.
I sighed.
"Zeno this is not the right place nor time to talk about this. Please just sleep. Okay?”
“No you will be gone tomorrow. I want to make this clear now.” He said with his voice rising slightly. "Do you want to wake everyone up? Keep your voice down, will you?”
“Then tell me why you are running away from me? Did I do something wrong? Is it something I said? We were fine before.”
He looked anxious.
“Nothing happened. Just let me sleep please. We have a long day ahead tomorrow.” I said irritated. “Don’t you care if something happened to me in the fight?” He asked looking hurt.
"When did I say that? Stop it Zeno. Stop with this guilt tripping. Just because we kissed a few times doesn't mean we are together and that does not mean that I want you to get hurt. Let's sleep for now. This is not the time to talk about things like these. We will talk about us after everything is over. Just come back in one piece.” I said in a calm voice.
He grinned at me.
“You care about me."
Is that all he got from what I said?
"Just sleep will you?” I said exhausted and turned my back to him, leaving as much distance between us as I can.
"Okay."
He pulled me towards him, spooning me from behind and buried his face in my neck. I sighed accepting defeat and closed my eyes. I would really like to know what really goes on in that head of his.