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“Can I talk to Castor alone?” Annabelle climbs off Nico’s lap.
“Yes,” Holter says at the same time Nico says, “No.”
“Come on, big guy.” Eros puts his hand out and Nico takes it, helping him off the sofa.
My stomach twitches the same way it did when I was in school and was kept after class. Normally, any day being alone with Annabelle would be a good day. A tempting time, but a good time. But when she cocks her head and widens her eyes, it changes my mind. She watches them and waits for the door to close. I was nervous telling her about her family. But not nearly as concerned as I am now. Her brow furrows. This isn’t good. I clench my teeth and wait for her to speak.
“Are you interested in my cousin?”
Her words blow me back. “What? No. Why would I be interested in your cousin?”
“Because she’s amazing. She’s different from me, but still amazing.”
Annabelle is a rational female, but I have the feeling that no matter what I say, I’m going to get myself in trouble. “I’m sure she is. But no, I’m not interested in your cousin.” I grab Annabelle around the waist and pull her to me. Her warm lips fit against mine perfectly. “There is no female I want more than you.”
Her blonde lashes blink at me.
“I want to be in your pod.” There’s an audible snap inside me. Adrenaline flashes around my brain. I hadn’t planned on saying that to her. But it’s obvious it’s true. It’s what has to happen. She has to be mine. I could no more walk away from her than live on land. No, I could live on land if that was what she wanted. I could do it.
When the rushing in my ears stops, I realize even amongst my sense of calm, I’ve created an impossible problem for her. Nico will never allow it. But I don’t care. I want her. I stare into her blue eyes. I don’t know what I expected.
“But what about being king?” I’ve shocked her.
“I should be able to be both, and if I can’t, then... I will find another way to fulfill my family’s destiny and duty. I can’t live my life in pain. And being without you will be just that. Like cutting off my fluke. No, I could live without my fluke. But not without you.” It’s like the fog has lifted. All my indecision has vanished. I was a fool to ever have it in the first place.
“I’m not saying you have to be in my pod, Castor. Do I want you in my pod? Yes. But I couldn’t handle it if you picked Marlee over me.”
“I’m telling you now, I’m picking you.”
“As flattering as that is, it feels like I’ve pressured you into something that you’re not ready for. You should take some more time and make sure this is the right thing for you.” She’s still in shock. Her eyes are dilated.
“Annabelle.” My tone drops. “You are the right thing for me. You know it. You’ve known it this whole time. And now that I’m not being such a blubber fish, you can’t tell me to go think about it some more. I don’t need to think about it for another second. I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you since the first time I saw you on the Centauri, when you were just figuring out who you were made to be. You shine brighter than all the gold in Glyden, honey. I’m not asking to be part of your pod—I’m begging.”
“You’re sure?” She shakes her head. “Because it sounds like you’re pretty darn sure.” She puts her other hand on the side of my neck. “I can’t take you into the pod without asking the guys first.”
It’s a formality, but it’s the proper way of doing things. “Yes, you’re going to be a level ten in cultures soon.”
“I’m an eleven now.” She flashes a smile at me.
“Of course you are. I’m going to have to start studying.”
“What are you?” She cocks her head in the same way I’ve seen Nico do. My best friend is a little over-competitive as well.
“It doesn’t matter. Do you want me to leave the room while you ask them?”
“That is the normal tradition. I’ll go to them. You stay here.”
“I...” But she gives me the sweetest smile, and I’ve forgotten what I was going to say.
Annabelle waves over her shoulder at me. “I’ll be right back.”
I smile, but I don’t have a good feeling about this.
7
NICO
Annabelle bounces into the pod room, and while I’m happy to see her mood improved, I’m also baffled by it. I thought for sure that, upon finding out her cousin and aunt were on the Omicron, she might fall apart, but I should have known better. My Little Krill is strong.
