Soaring In Flames (Reborn Book 2), page 3
I walked over to the bay of windows as I searched the thick, deep green forest surrounding us. I liked Los Angeles, but this was starting to feel a lot like home.
I’d never had a home before. At least not what I understood it now to be.
Looking over my painting easel, its bright orange and red colors making me feel a warmth in the center of my chest.
I was a shifter. Well, that was what my mates said. I was apparently some type of shapeshifter but honestly, I felt like I would have changed into a phoenix by now if that was the case. Right?
Then again, I had died and was reborn...so I didn’t really have a rationale worked out for that yet. I lifted a hand to the depiction of the fiery creature that I couldn’t imagine being part of me. Rubbed the center of my chest before I nodded to myself, knowing that after school today was a fantastic time to focus on figuring out how all of this worked.
I really didn’t want to disappoint Marco or the other boys...or for them to realize that I’m not as special as they thought. I’d already become so attached to them. I couldn’t imagine my life without them, honestly. Mostly because I didn’t have a life before them. I swallowed nervously. I wasn’t certain what love felt like, but what I felt for them was powerful.
It felt like my heart was filled wall to wall with love. The six of them, like orbiting planets filled with affection and safety, had lit a flame in me.
Then there was my wolf, right at the center of it with me. I had chosen Croy. I hadn’t realized it, but he was mine, just like I was his. I didn’t know how else to explain it besides feeling as though everything had collided at once inside of me, creating this stunning flame that I prayed never went out.
Turning away from my window, I walked towards the large closet and looked at my uniform. Last night I had thought of a very creative way to make it unique and I was excited to see what my boys thought.
AROUND FORTY-FIVE MINUTES later, I felt very refreshed. It was still difficult to adhere to a schedule after years of having no real concept of time besides day and night while in the basement. I was getting better though. Everyone seemed to try to do things very fast around here, humans more so than shifters, I’d noticed. I didn’t exactly know what everyone was in such a rush for.
I wandered back downstairs once ready. The entire house was very modern and masculine with glass, wood, and metal, accented by fresh flowers and some comfortable furniture. I liked the contrast and I loved all the windows around me.
I had felt trapped. Caged. For so damn long. This was invigorating. As I walked towards the kitchen, I found Ledger and Anani. Both twins looked very awake compared to an hour ago.
Anani was usually the opposite of happy in the morning. He offered me a smile though, as he wrapped me up in his electric scent, making me sigh happily.
“Peanut,” he tapped my nose, “you look adorable today.”
“Thanks,” I blushed, feeling pleased with his reaction to my outfit.
“Firefly, here is your lunch,” Ledger slid a lunch bag across the counter and I offered him a small smile.
It was sometimes overwhelming to be around the two of them. I found myself wanting to be back in Los Angeles when they showed me just how much they wanted me in my bedroom there. I tried to not shiver at the phantom feeling of their hands and lips on me. I felt like I always wanted them. As I stated, I really had a hard time believing that was healthy.
“I’m sort of excited about school today,” I announced, grabbing my backpack from where it sat on the bench between the living room and kitchen. I placed it on the island chair as I began sorting through it and placed my lunch box inside, not even checking its contents because Ledger always made fantastic food without question.
It was one of the reasons I loved baking with him. Not just baking though, he also knew a lot about cooking. The man could make anything from egg salad to steak and potatoes.
“Why is that?” Ledger arched a brow, his warm indigo eyes watching me from the large stone island.
“You’ll see,” I smiled. I hadn’t been excited before I looked through my supplies from work the night before. Before anything had happened with my father or the group that was holding a party showed up. I’d spent that entire time working on something that I fully planned on using at school. It was tucked in my backpack and was changing my outlook completely on the day.
Before either of them could ask what I meant, Henry walked downstairs and the small sound from his throat that came out, had me lighting up under his attention.
“Maya,” he mumbled, heat flaring in his eyes, “please go change, honey.”
“Why?” I frowned.
“Maya?” he practically begged.
Well then, I had expected him to like my outfit. I was confused now because the twins had the correct reaction to my unique flair on the uniform, so why was he getting all rumbly. I wonder if that was normal for men. Did they all growl and rumble a lot?
"I don’t understand why what I’m wearing is upsetting you." I tilted my head, looking Henry over and wondering if maybe he was losing his mind. “This is the same uniform I wore every day last week.”
I looked down at the accessories I’d paired with my uniform, just to make sure I hadn’t accidentally put something else on. My pale blue ballet flats matched perfectly with my translucent tights that were adorned with little daisy patterns. My freshly pressed skirt fit comfortably and was tailored at my waist, Marco having sent for a ton of school stuff over the weekend we were gone. My polo was tucked into my skirt and a cute light blue leather jacket that was lightweight and fit to my body laid over my shoulders. Honestly, I thought it was an adorable pair up and I was a bit sad he wasn’t seeing it.
Sure, I wasn’t dressing like models in Vogue, but I thought it was an improvement.
“Could someone back me up on this?” Henry demanded, his jaw clenching.
Henry looked very handsome this morning, dressed in the standard school dark pants and polo, showcasing his perfect muscled arms. His perfect face was marred by a very frustrated expression and I wanted to help him, but I had no idea what he was upset about. The man was clearly terrible with communication.
“You are on your own,” Ledger pointed out with a grin, his eyes snapping right back to me, “I think she looks absolutely edible.”
I blushed slightly as his indigo eyes heated, making me feel like I could see his dragon peaking through. Henry cursed, grabbing the keys and storming out of the house. I frowned as I twirled my pink piece of hair around my finger, wondering if I should follow after him to continue the conversation.
“What’s wrong?” I asked the twins sincerely.
“Jealousy,” Anani chuckled.
“He’s jealous?” I arched an eyebrow.
Ledger hummed, “Yeah, that sounds about right.”
I looked down at my cute outfit. “Well, I mean he can totally borrow my uniform some time but... and I don’t want to be mean... but I just don’t see a skirt suiting Henry.”
Ledger barked out a laugh, intertwining our hands together while shaking his head as Anani grabbed my backpack. I really didn’t know what I’d said that was so funny. The three of us were out the door, the misty weather had me feeling refreshed. I found myself getting a bit more excited for today and I blamed the coffee and cute outfit.
Henry narrowed his eyes at me as I slid into the front seat of the car, the twins in the back, both of them working on some homework they hadn’t finished. I turned in my seat to face Henry, glad that he and I had finished our work already.
“Can we stop to get coffee?”
He looked at me offering an arched brow with a small smile, “You’re becoming a little caffeine addict.”
“Am not,” I scowled and huffed, leaning back into my seat. As if he could talk.
I smirked as we turned into the coffee shop drive-thru. See?
Chapter 2
Maya
This was a much better use of my time. Much better than math class. I mean, who really needs math? Besides math people, I guess. I’m just saying, I’ve been walking around outside of that basement for over a week now and I’ve yet to use math in real life.
Terrible, wasn’t I? But I just really didn’t like math class. Plus, I learned much better on my own. It was how my entire life had been set up, so being sat in a classroom as a teacher talked for the entire hour made me antsy. I think the boys had thought when I’d gotten up, that I had gone to use the washroom. I had to admit, I was a bit excited for them to find me.
Henry had already been all growly this morning...so I was eager to see his reaction. This ridiculous urge to keep pushing his buttons overwhelmed me. I had a feeling it was going to get me into a lot of trouble. I wanted to see his velvet gray eyes darken.
I swallowed nervously as I continued to decorate my locker.
As mentioned, before the insanity of last night, I had spent most of the time cutting out decorations, using a new kit that the shop had gotten. I had cut out flowers and hearts that I now strung within my locker.
A moment of fear rushed through me thinking about work and my father showing up. I was alone and while I was safely inside the school, the concept made me uncomfortable. I think I continued to try to pretend that he was still dead. Unfortunately, he was very much alive and I had no idea where he was. Marco and Atlas had promised me I was safe, and I believed them. Fully. I just hoped they wouldn’t get hurt as well.
The hearts and flowers were hung on a silky pink string as they hung from side to side in my waist-high locker that was at the perfect height for me. From the magazines, I’d cut out any travel photos I’d liked.
Jordan had handed me an envelope of photos this morning, adding an unexpected twist on my set up. Yes, those photos...from the nosey gossip columns. I had to admit though, it was nice that they had gotten such a cute picture of Marco and Atlas holding hands with me as we left the jet. I didn’t care about the headlines because I couldn’t be ashamed at how happy I was that they were my mates.
Finally, on the inside of the door, I placed a large picture of Paris. I had no idea what it was about the Eiffel tower that was so appealing to me. Maybe I would tell Marco that was where I wanted to go first when we traveled.
It was officially on the bucket list. I had heard someone use that term and now I loved it. I had a very quickly growing bucket list. It is fascinating just how many experiences you miss out on being stuck in a basement.
“Wow, that’s bright!” A voice from behind me had me turning defensively. A feeling at my center vibrated in warning to never have someone at my back.
“Thank you,” I chirped, relaxing once realizing that this boy was very much not a threat. He was actually sort of pretty, like a girl, if I was being truthful. He had long lashes and a very angular face. His hair was a messy sandy color and he himself was very colorful with a bright paint splatter sweater over his uniform. His gym shoes were green and white with large leaves on them. I inhaled being able to smell him somehow from over here. The scent was almost a bit herb-like in nature.
“Why are you decorating?” he asked, looking a bit tired with his eyes red and foggy. Maybe he was sick? I didn’t want to pry but maybe I should suggest seeing a doctor.
I motioned to the dark gothic hallway with shadows and rainy windows that I could barely see through. “This is my best shot at making it brighter. I doubt the school would let me decorate the hallway.”
His smile was easy. “Yeah, I think you’re right.” I nodded and it was a bit uncomfortable for a moment. Not like how it was when that jerk Lorn was around, but more of an ‘I don’t know what to say to him’ type of thing.
“You’re new right?” he finally blurted out, sticking his hands in his pockets.
“It’s my second week, does that count as new?” I tilted my head before going to hang up my last photo, smiling softly at a job well done.
“No,” He shook his head, looking amused, “obviously, that makes you a seasoned veteran of this place. What’s your name?”
“Maya,” I met his hand in a quick shake before I pulled back. There was nothing wrong with him but it just didn’t feel the same as when I was near my boys. It felt off and uncomfortable like I shouldn’t be touching him. Was that normal? For mates, at least?
“James,” he nodded, looking back over at my locker.
“Firefly,” A voice called out, my ears heated with excitement at the name, my eyes darting to Ledger.
I tried to not stare at him too much but it was difficult. Ledger Asfour was very handsome. How did I get so lucky to have so many attractive mates? Honestly though, even if they hadn’t been so attractive I think I still would have felt the way I did about them. The connection I had came from the center of my chest and it seemed very permanent.
My dragon mate wasn’t focused on me though, instead, his gaze was on James as he tucked his hands into his dark hoodie. I didn’t understand the look on his face exactly, but it seemed a bit annoyed and his eyes weren’t blue as much as they were black. Despite my skin prickling with awareness as he came closer, I wasn’t scared.
“Ledger,” I offered a smile, “come look at my locker.”
“Of course,” He offered, his eyes darting to mine and softening for a moment before sliding back over. “James, aren’t you supposed to be in class?”
James grunted, “Yeah I should be. I was just outside smoking.”
“Oh,” I tilted my head thoughtfully, “you shouldn’t be smoking, that is terrible for humans.”
Ledger chuckled softly as James raised a brow, “Is she...”
“Yes,” Ledger sighed, looking annoyed with the man once again, “she means that. You should get out of here, James. Now.”
“See you, guys.” He didn’t look me in the eye as I said goodbye but that was okay. I was already turning around and looking up at Ledger, glad to not have to share my focus anymore.
His rough fingers cupped my jaw as I stepped closer into him, his hand sliding to rest on my neck. The contact making me feel very relaxed.
“Why didn’t you tell us that you were staying out here? I was worried about you, Firefly.” He said softly, pressing his forehead with my own.
I shrugged. “It’s a surprise, but I needed some color on my locker. Are you ready?”
He grinned at my enthusiasm. The darkness gone from his eyes. I stepped back slightly.
I had to admit I was glad he was a bit worked up. It was just that they kept their dragons so pushed down and controlled, I wanted to be closer to them. I knew they wanted to be closer to me as well, so why stop it? Even now, a low soft rumble from Ledger’s chest filled my ears and vibrated my fingers from where they rested on his chest.
“Wow,” his eyebrows shot up as he looked into my locker, “you’re right, this is very colorful.”
“Do you like it?” I preened.
Ledger was an array of different colors himself. His stark skin made my fingers twitch because I wanted to touch him so badly. I could practically see his tattoos peeking out from under his hoodie and I found myself grasping the soft material a bit tighter. His bonfire scent had me relaxing as he tilted his head. His onyx curls were orange-tipped, a contrast to the deep indigo of his eyes that seemed to have small flames in them.
Ledger was always so calm and relaxed. Even when he was upset about something, he handled it differently than the others. Not that the others handled it poorly, but Ledger was just so in tune with his emotions as well as my own. I could always count on him to say the right thing. The things I needed to hear, and his constant efforts to make me smile, made me feel special. Loved. Unique.
“It’s stunning, like you.” He winked. See what I freakin’ mean?
“Peanut?” Anani’s voice had me snapping my head over to watch Ledger’s twin make his way down the quiet hallway. The man moved so easily.
I think I envied that about the twins. They both had this natural ease and comfort in their own bodies. Something I still struggled with. Mostly because I didn’t fully know myself. I wasn’t naive enough to believe that I wouldn’t change and adapt in my new life and if I had to guess probably quicker than most. Honestly, it was a bit mindblowing to consider all the new things I’d learned about even in the past week.
"Clearly Maya was keeping secrets," Ledger tapped my nose, “She was decorating her locker.”
“Oh shit,” Anani muttered as he wrapped an arm around my waist, as I pointed towards the pictures.
“Aren’t those cute? I really want one of all seven of us though,” I explained, looking back at his handsome face. The only difference between Ledger and Anani really came down to their eyes and hair. I could see Anani’s tattoos dipping under his dark polo and they were stark like his jewel stone eyes that were intensely focused down on me.
“Well, I am sure that is a possibility,” Ledger noted.
The bell sounded through the halls, echoing, as my heart sped up with excitement. Henry strode out of the classroom, both our backpacks over his shoulder, immediately focused on me. His jaw unclenched and he exhaled looking relieved. Had he been that worried? Well, now I felt bad.
“Oh,” Anani teased, “you’re in trouble.”
I felt my lips twerk up knowing that I wasn’t actually in trouble. Mind you, it didn’t stop the very little pulse of anxiety in my chest that reminded me of how much my life had changed. How much those words about being in trouble used to scare me.
Ledger, as if knowing, intertwined his hand with mine, running a thumb gently back and forth on my hand. The warmth spread from the light contact straight to my bones.
“Sweetheart,” Henry spoke, his voice rough as I launched myself at him. His chuckle warming my heart as he tossed the backpacks to the twins. I inhaled that spring rain and mint scent of his as he wrapped his arms around me completely. I had noticed that Henry had been looking a bit stressed since this weekend, the circles underneath his eyes worried me, so I made sure to put an extra squeeze into the hug.
