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A genuine smile spread over my face at the thought of living with Lily and not alone again.
“That could be really nice,” I said. “If I'm staying."
"Staying? Girl, stop being silly." Lily’s arms wrapped around me in a hug that squeezed the breath from my lungs. "We're going to have a blast. Plus, you need someone looking out for you."
"I don't need babysitting," I said, a tinge of stubbornness colouring my tone. I'd survived on my own in far harsher conditions than Vegas could ever throw at me.
"Surviving isn't living, Sari," she chided gently, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Eating and sleeping? That's basic maintenance. You need to have fun, let your hair down." Sheplayfully tugged on a strand of my hair for emphasis. "And relax. You're wound tighter than Alastor, and that’s saying something."
"Ha-ha," I replied dryly. "Very funny."
Lily’s eyes twinkled and she was about to say something else, but the door to the cabin swung open and Ash poked his head around the door, eyes scanning the seats.
"Can I speak to you for a moment, Lily?"
"Sure thing, babe."
She got up slowly, winking at me and grinning. “I’ll be back in a bit. Maybe Ash has realised what he’s missing and I’m off to join the mile high club.”
I frowned and she laughed. “I’ll tell you later.”
She sauntered towards the door and Cole looked up from the laptop. “Lily, where are you going? We’re taking off in a minute.”
"Relax, Cole," she laughed, moving towards the door. "I'll be back before you miss me."
Gazing out the jet's window, I let my mind drift, and I jumped when the pilot’s voice came over the intercom a couple of minutes later.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seatbelts. We're about to taxi."
As the plane rumbled beneath me, something outside caught my eye—a sleek black car pulling away from the front of the aircraft. "That wasn't there before," I muttered, frowning at the retreating vehicle. It hadn't been our ride, and it certainly wasn't one of the standard airport cars. I frowned, reaching for the seatbelt. It clicked into place with an air of finality as the jet vibrated beneath me and began to move.
I glanced toward the door wondering when Lily would come back, and when Ash and Alastor would make an appearance. The plane began to pick up speed and a flicker of unease skittered across my thoughts. Surely, they should be seated by now.Unless there were seats out there, but I hadn’t seen any when we’d come in.
The plane lurched forward, jostling me from my reverie. Out the window, the world began to slide by—a sluggish dance of concrete and metal that soon picked up pace. Buildings smeared into streaks of colour, their outlines blurred by our increasing speed.
"Here we go," I whispered, as engines roared, a crescendo that matched the turmoil in my chest. My heart raced as we climbed, the ground fell away, surrendering to the vast expanse of sky, and for a moment, I wished I was out there, the wind flowing over my feathers as I chased the air currents. Flying always cleared my head, made things clearer for some reason. And nothing felt clear right now.
My mind drifted back to Alastor as we soared higher. Since I’d spoken with him last night, my heart had ached in my chest like a wound I couldn’t heal. I had to overcome it, I had to heal it. To entertain any feelings for Alastor was dangerous—lethal, even, for both of us. Even I had considered… would I really consider it though? I’d be crazy. Giving up my whole life, centuries of training and progression. My position, once I got it back, as Gabriel’s right hand. It was a lot to give up for someone I’d just met. Or some people… My gaze fell on Theo, still oblivious to our surroundings. He looked so sweet and peaceful when he was asleep.
I couldn’t deny it. I felt a strong pull to both of them. I’d been pulled more towards Alastor, but maybe because he was more insistent than Theo, more demanding. If I chose to stay and pursue some kind of relationship, would I be able to see Theo every day and not want more, even if I was with Alastor? I didn’t think I could.
"Stupid," I muttered under my breath, pressing my forehead against the cool window. The ground below was a recedingpatchwork quilt, slipping from my view as we ascended into a vast, indifferent blue.
I tried to anchor myself to the present, to the reality that my place on this earth was not normal, but a temporary haven from the celestial storm that was my life. But my mind betrayed me with what-ifs and maybes. What if I belonged here? Maybe Alastor could be more than a commanding presence in my life? Could I be someone’s mate? Alastor’s mate? A bitter laugh escaped me. The idea of being his mate, sharing his space, working side by side—it was almost laughable. Alastor, with his iron will and tempestuous moods, would either smother me or set me alight. And yet, there were moments when he was different, softer, like when he'd cradled me close, his touch gentle as he cared for my wounds. His warmth had seeped into my bones, a comfort I hadn't known I needed. And the heat that burned down low that urged me to…
"Focus, Sariel," I scolded myself, the memory of his arms around me too vivid, too alluring. A blush crept up my cheeks, hot and traitorous, as I turned to the window. Up here, thousands of feet above the world's troubles, it was easy to dream. Too easy.
The jet levelled out, and I took a deep breath, trying to push away that ache for Alastor. And for Theo. It wasn’t as urgent, but it was there, just as undeniable.
"Snap out of it," I whispered. "This is not your world."
I looked back at the others, hoping no one had heard me. Cole was looking up from his laptop, but not at me. Instead, he was frowning at the closed door at the front. Doubt began to gnaw at me again. Lily hadn't returned, and the protective instincts Alastor had unwittingly stirred in me prickled with anxiety. I unbuckled my seatbelt halfway, ready to rise, but then the door swung open, and I froze. Ash strode through it, closing it behind him, and disappointment hit me again.
He sank down into one of the larger armchairs at the front of the room, spinning it around so he could look at us all. I watched him closely, noting how he was back in the impeccable suit and wearing his dark shades. Something wasn’t right. I could feel it.
“Where’s Alastor?” asked Cole. His voice was stern, and I got the feeling he knew something was up too.
Ash leaned back, the chair creaking under his casual sprawl. His gaze locked onto each of us in turn, a faint smirk playing on his lips as if he were privy to some cosmic joke we couldn't comprehend.
