Page 58 of (Sur)real
I thought about the things I knew and everything she’d just told me. We needed answers. Specifically, what the sisters needed to do to hand down their Judgement and end Blake’s chance for control as well as end any chance of the Others coming to this world. Supposedly, Bethi had the answer. However, given the girl’s constant agitated state of mind, it made sense that she might not understand whatever answer she’d been given. That left Michelle and her prophecies and Mom. I hated asking them to try. I knew what would happen to Mom. But, if Olivia was right about the Others, it was a risk we needed them to take.
Can you and Michelle meet me in Mom’s room?I sent Emmitt.
Sure. Something wrong?he sent back immediately.
Other than the humans knowing about us and the Urbat trying to kill our women? No.
We’ll be right there.
I stood and held out my hand to Olivia. Her sightless gaze shifted to it. The offer had nothing to do with helping her stand and everything with my need to touch her. She seemed to sense that too because, instead of taking it, she lifted her gaze to me.
“I don’t think that would be wise,” she said.
“Much wiser than what every instinct is telling me to do. Why did she pair us? Did she tell you that?”
“She didn’t tell me about you specifically, Jim. But, I knew I would find my Mate with this group. It’s about stacking the deck, after all.”
“So this attraction is just to influence you to make the Judgement on behalf of the werewolves?” I could live with that.
“No. This attraction is to influence you to help me complete the Judgement this time around.”
Her scent shifted, a wisp of sadness and longing escaping before she stood and it vanished. I wondered why. I didn’t mind being influenced by her. Hell, I’d like a lot more influencing.
“It’s dangerous being around you, Jim. If I upset Blake, he will make his move before we’re ready.”
Tucking my hands into my pockets to keep from reaching for her, I sighed regretfully.
“You’re right. We don’t want that. I think we should talk to Mom and Michelle about how to get this Judgement going.”
She followed me into the hallway and stood behind me as I knocked on Mom’s door. Dad opened it a second later.
“Just the boy we wanted to see,” he said.
He motioned me in. I stepped aside and let Olivia lead. Dad’s brows rose to his hairline as she entered, but he didn’t comment. At least not until the door closed.
“Why are you with her?”
Olivia stopped walking and turned to face us. Mom stood from her perched position on the bed and moved toward Olivia.
“Cut it out, Thomas,” she said. “Now isn’t the time.” She wrapped her hand around Olivia’s and led her to the chair.
Before I could object, Olivia sat carefully on the edge of the seat. Her back had to hurt.
“Emmitt and Michelle are coming, too. Mom, do you have any pain relievers?”
“Yes.”
“Get two for Olivia. I’ll get some water.”
“That’s not necessary,” Olivia said to both of us.
“It is. I think you’ve suffered in silence long enough.”
I turned and left the room. The vending machine halfway down the hall had a selection of drinks. I bought three waters. One for now and two for later. She had a lot of healing to do.
When I returned to the room, Olivia still sat in the chair but now held two pills in her open palm. I opened a bottle and handed it to her just as I heard Michelle and Emmitt in the hallway.
“They’re coming,” I said.
