Page 52 of Desolation
We just stand there, listening, because we’re so far out of our element here, it’s insane. It’s probably best to have all the information to avoid certain death. If anyone gets us killed, it’ll be Lana or the twins.
She continues. “Witch realm equals magic. You’ll see a lot of things that you won’t be able to wrap your heads around since you were raised as humans. You need to pay attention and stay sharp. We don’t have time to play catch up but we have to because of your upbringing.” She drops her characteristic goading tone as she looks in each of our eyes. “I willnotlet Gaia down.”
I find myself nodding to her words. Maybe she’s worth learning from—if she can stop hounding Lana long enough to focus. For some reason, I don’t think that’s happening. They seem like water and oil.
This is going to be a nightmare.
Lana huffs, clearly not ready to let go of the disrespect. “We’re not idiots. You don’t need to talk down to us just because we were raised as humans.”
I pinch her side to try to get her to stop and she glares at me before turning to Serenity.
Women.
Serenity gives Lana a look that could freeze hell over. “Well, once you’ve proven yourself to be anything other than an immature, spoiled little girl, I’ll start talking to you with some respect, Anal.”
Oh shit.
Lana seethes and takes a step towards her. “Who the fuck do you think—”
“Lana!” I grab her around the waist as she struggles to get to Serenity, ready to pounce on her.
Can’t say I blame her becausedamn, that was harsh.
Hale takes a step forward to try to diffuse the tension, addressing both women. “Listen. Clearly you two aren’t going to be best friends but can we try to focus on the task at hand?”
Good job, bud. Keep them on track.
Feigning mock surprise, Serenity puts a hand over her heart. “Whatever could you possibly mean? Anal and I clearly have a friendship that will stand the test of time.”
“Witch Bitch,” Lana mutters under her breath.
Serenity laughs and turns away, walking to who knows where. “Let’s go, kids.”
Luke
About half a mile after we started following Serenity like cute, little ducklings, I snag Lana’s hands as her eyes light up, taking in the city we’re approaching. Brightly-colored houses, every color of the rainbow, swarm the hillside, while a lone, black mansion sits on the top of the hill like a dark shadow.
Lana takes in the town in awe, while I look at her in a similar vein. This gorgeous, feisty, take-charge woman who kissed me this morning like her life depended on it. My gaze falls to her slightly-parted lips.
That mouth could do so many dirty things to me.
Though I want to grab her, lay her down on the grass and have my way with her, I instead settle on appeasing the need for physical touch with a squeeze of her hand. I know she’s struggling with the strange dynamic between Serenity and herself but she needs to know we’re on her side no matter what.
This is a new emotional side to me that’s kind of scaring the shit out of me but I know I need to stop thinking of just myself if I want to treat her right.
To me, it’s obvious that Serenity is goading Lana for the pleasure of a challenge. With the way she reacted when Ash stayed behind with Serenity, I know Lana is insecure about her position in our lives and Serenity may take advantage of that. But I’ve seen enough girls fighting over my brother and I to know that Serenity has no real interest in us.
All we can do to make Lana feel more secure is make sure we’re open with our displays of affection in front of the perceived competitor.
And we need to have that talk.Yesterday.
Lana tears her gaze away from the enchanting view and beams up at me, her anger clearly forgotten when faced with this beautiful new world. With her fondness for bright colors and nature, this is probably a dream come true for her.
We draw closer to the outskirts of the town when Serenity holds her hand up for us to halt, pausing our advancement.
What now? We were doing so good in silence.
Three men wink into existence in front of Serenity, scaring the shit out of us as we jump back. They’re well over six-feet with power rolling off of them in waves, making me want to hide like a pussy with my tail between my legs.
