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I watch Rayne, her features betraying a whirlwind of thoughts as she grapples with the reality of her newfound identity and its implications. The weight of her celestial connection, her potential as a Luminara—it’s a lot to digest. And in this complex web of fate, our paths intertwine, a connection that's becoming harder to dismiss or understand.
Before I can even process my next thought, she breaks the silence. “I’m starving. We need to find someplace to eat. I need some time to process all this.” Her voice is steady, but there's an undercurrent of urgency—a need for space to think.
I feel the same, a pressing need to sort through the tumult of emotions and revelations swirling inside me. "As do I, little dragon," I murmur, almost to myself. My gaze falls on the small folder Aleah handed me, and I open it to find two key cards to the suite below. An idea forms—a private space, away from prying eyes and ears.
"We can order room service from our suite.” My tone masks the turmoil beneath my calm exterior. I stride out of the room, exuding a dominance I'm not entirely comfortable with, yet it feels necessary. I hope she follows, avoiding the deeper question of why her presence has become so significant to me.
18
RAYNE
So, I've basically hit the jackpot of weird. Part of me's dancing inside, because, hello, I've got these crazy powers. But it's not all sci-fi and cool gadgets—it's real, and it's happening to me. Then there’s all this talk about soul mates and these insane prophecies. And Jaden—Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broody – he’s now officially my shadow. Like it or not, his awesome ass is stuck in my life.
I'm so lost in these revelations, I barely register our surroundings until Jaden flings open a door, his movements all precision and control. The thought hits me—maybe he's trapped in this mess too. Maybe he'd rather be anywhere but here, in this labyrinth of secrets and supernatural bonds.
"Hey, if this place is secure, maybe they'll let you go home.” I keep my voice casual, but my heart's doing a weird dance at the idea of separation. It's for the best, right? I’m getting too caught up with this guy when I should be focusing on building a life for Summer and me.
Jaden shoots me a look, like I've missed the mark. "Where I am doesn't matter. I adapt," he says, but there's an edge there, a hint of something more beneath that composed exterior.
"Yeah, right. Like you'd last a day in the wild.” Not one of the brightest things I’ve ever said, but I’m trying to lighten the mood. He's too polished, too put-together and in love with convenience. He belongs in a world of luxury, not rugged wilderness, regardless of what he thinks.
He dismisses my jab with a nonchalant, "I'd manage," before leading us into a lavish living room. He casually tosses the keys and hops onto the couch with an ease that belies the tension simmering just beneath his surface. He's like a coiled spring, all pent-up energy and hidden depths.
"Get us some food," he commands without a glance my way. The authority in his voice sends a shiver through my core, a mix of irritation and an unbidden, primal reaction.
I can't help but fire back, "What am I, your servant now?" It's a challenge, a push against his dominance.
His response is immediate, a hint of a smirk in his voice. "You're my first and last." It's a loaded statement, tinged with something that feels a lot like desire.
"Arrogant much?" I mutter under my breath, my pulse quickening.
He's unapologetic, "That's me. And I’m good at it. Keep in mind that I’m a meat and potatoes guy.” He casually mentions his preference for simple food, but there's an undercurrent to his words, a subtle pull that’s hard to ignore.
Fighting the urge to cater to his needs, I scan the room—all plush furnishings and understated opulence—until I find the room service menu. My fingers brush over the glossy pages as I read aloud the options, each word laced with a new, unsettling, and strangely exhilarating tension. "Fish and chips, chicken and roast potatoes, or steak frites?"
"Steak, medium. And throw in some fried mushrooms and onions," Jaden orders without even a glance in my direction.
"Last I checked, you weren't my boss," I snap back, but a twist in my gut says maybe I don't mind as much as I should.
He shoots me a look, half challenge, half amusement. "With me, you play by my rules, little dragon."
I'm about to protest, but he cuts me off with a finger in the air, his eyes never leaving the TV. "First, dinner. Then we can argue."
Grumbling about how I've apparently lost my mind, I call room service. Fish and chips for me and that steak he's so keen on. Part of me wonders why I'm not more upset about following his orders. But another part, the part that’s always looking for a challenge, finds it strangely exhilarating.
I slam the phone down and let out a long breath. Time to dive into whatever this training package is. I haul the sleek black briefcase onto the desk, curiosity piqued despite myself. I've seen my share of corporate setups, but this? This is next level. I sift through the contents: welcome letter, contract, training plan, and iPhone that probably costs more than my rent and books to start a small library. I catch my breath at the six salary figure—I hit the jackpot twice in one day. Financial freedom? Check. No more relying on any man for me and Summer? Double check.
"Sweet," I murmur, thumbing through the contract. No legal jargon, just straightforward, everything tipping in my favor. Generous doesn’t even start to cover it.
"You seem pretty cool with all this," Jaden comments, his tone more curious than critical. It's a fair point.
I shrug, my heart skipping a beat at his attention. “It's like another weird dream of mine just walked into real life."
"Daydreams, more like," he shoots back, but there's a hint of something in his voice as if he's trying to figure me out and see what makes me tick.
“Nope. Night dreams. I have a recurring dream that I’ve been put under a spell or some science experiment where my special abilities are hidden because I’m so powerful that I’m a threat to humanity.” I pause, letting that sink in, half expecting Jaden to roll his eyes or something. But instead, here I am, all my secrets spilling out unfiltered.
“Go on. Maybe precognition is one of your gifts.”
