Page 46 of Loving Nightmares
“You don’t find your mates here?” That was interesting but made a lot of sense.
“Oh no.” She frowned, shaking her head. “I mean, sure, some people may, but I’ve known most of these people since I was born. It would be weird.”
“Well, you should go,” I agreed. “It’s not that bad—well, it won’t be soon.”
“How so?” she asked, confused.
“Long story.” I tried to change the topic, not knowing if Jalissa wanted me to share anything before she had the chance to. “By the way, I’m Arabella.”
“Maeve.” She met my hand.
After a bit more conversation, mostly asking about the village, I went back to the table with my mates, hoping more than ever that Jalissa’s conversation with her people went well. I had a feeling that there were a lot of youngsis metasand nightmares whose families were worried about them leaving the island because of War, and until he was gone, that would never change. They would be permanently stuck or face having to put themselves in direct harm.
Direct harm. The phrase reminded me of the contact we’d made with my dad. It had been relatively short, but enough to assure us that the institute wasn’t facing another attack. It was long enough, though, to hear the concern in his voice as he explained that the forces around the nightmare communities were intensifying to the point that people were calling it a ‘war’ despite no fights having broken out. I had no idea how nightmares were controlling themselves from killing the humans surrounding their home, but I was extremely thankful for it.
If they waited just a bit longer, hopefully we’d be on the way with reinforcements and a plan that was going to be successful. Hopefully.
No. I had to believe it was going to be successful—Ididbelieve it.
Moving my thoughts away from heavier topics, I tried to continue to enjoy the party and even went back out onto the dance floor a few times until my limbs began to feel heavy withexhaustion from the day. The moment I showed the first sign of discomfort, Razar made the call for us to go back to the villa.
I even let him pick me up as Saint went on and on about something to Amun and Ashur—probably regarding death, but I wasn’t listening fully. Instead, the happy, relaxed buzz of all my men had me feeling sleepy and satisfied.
No matter what came tomorrow, we’d enjoyed ourselves tonight and got the chance to meet some incredibly nice and welcoming people.
I just hoped they didn’t hate us when they found out why we were here.
18
ARABELLA
“It will be fine.”I promised myself for the fourth time in the mirror as I pinned my hair back. The tropical humidity was causing my natural waves to grow in volume, and while I didn’t mind it in theory, it did make it harder to wear it down.
After a once-over of my appearance, I stopped myself from repeating the mantra again and turned towards the door—only to nearly run right into Saint.
“Flower.” He looked over my outfit appreciatively before noticing my expression. “You look tense.”
“Because I have no idea what they’re going to say.” My gaze moved past Saint to the suspiciously empty bedroom.Where had all of them gone?Then again, I couldn’t really blame them when I was the one who’d gotten out of bed first. The massive bed where I’d been wrapped up between what felt like all of them. I knew it wasn’t really all of them, but even Ashur, who had been knocked out on a nearby couch, let his magic roll over my skin most of the night.
I’d honestly been surprised, especially knowing how sensitive they could be, that so much conflicting magic hadn’t caused a dominance fight. Nope, instead I’d had an amazingnight of sleep listening to the ocean and feeling the tropical breeze circulate through the room and caress my skin. I completely understood why living here would inspire so much joy—it was the quintessential paradise, and the way they styled the villa with rattan furniture and green and white tropical patterned fabrics only added to it.
“I do.” Saint smirked. “Want to know?”
“Wait, do you really know?” I asked, my focus completely back on him. “How?”
“I am literally Death, flower. I feel like you doubt my abilities. Didn’t I say I was wise?” Saint teased, tugging me around the waist.
“Don’t listen to him, precious,” Amun said as he walked in, looking effortlessly laid back. The environment very much suited him. “Jalissa is right outside and just told us her decision.”
Saint let out a low snarl, and I stifled my giggle at Amun giving him shit. I went up on my toes and brushed Saint’s lips. “Don’t worry, I believe you are super powerful. Pinky promise.”
I was gone then, sashaying past Amun, as Saint grumbled something about my pinky finger being very small. I probably would have been offended by him doubting my promise, but instead relief filled me as I walked through the villa, squeezing through the wall of my men at the door, to find Jalissa patiently waiting.
“I thought I was supposed to come to you,” I said with a big smile, her eyes lighting up with the obvious knowledge that I’d been told she was here.
“Wanted to get an early start on the day.” Jalissa motioned to me. “Come walk with me over here—I want to talk to you.”
Ignoring my men’s disgruntled disagreement, I walked with her along the hilled edge of the piece of land our villa sat on, which overlooked the village. Immediately I noticed the village was very awake and active, the pavilion full of people.
