Unfortunately, while my obsession was at least justified with her being my mate, I was starting to believe that there was some solid evidence to support this notion about people fixating on phoenixes in general. Not just humans either, although they did seem to make up most of the cult fixation through history. Even the news channels run by the supernatural community seemed hyper-focused on her. I could at least be happy that it was all in a positive light, but I did worry what type of focus this would yield. I knew there were people out there that would do anything to get their hands on someone like Maya, and that wasn’t even including the supernatural influence of her aura.
When we came back from the Dreki realm, we would need to increase security, especially around the house. I think we had been assuming that there was some level of rationale here at play, but I had a feeling that once she disappeared again for a few days, especially with time passing faster on Earth than on Dreki, the humans would become only that much more captivated and interested in her story. My jaw clenched, knowing that if it was bad here, it would be absolutely nothing compared to how this shit would play out in the Dreki realm. Were we ready for that? I suppose we had to be. We didn’t have much of an option.
“Marco?” Maya’s soft voice brought my eyes back down to the woman looking up at me with a pair of sleepy golden eyes. There was something different about them than normal, though. Ever since shifting, it was like I could feel her creature underneath her skin. My dragon let out a rumble, responding to the energy as I smoothed my fingers over her face gently, loving the way she seemed to lean into my touch.
“Do you want to move to the bedroom?” I asked, keeping my voice soft and relaxed despite feeling very much the opposite.
Maya rolled on her back, reaching her fingers up to brush my jaw. “No.”
“No?” I mused quietly.
“You will end up just coming back out here and staying awake by yourself,” she pointed out softly, and I chuckled. She wasn’t wrong.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight,” I admitted. “I’m…”
“Worried about tomorrow?” she filled in after I hesitated, that flash of wisdom and innate knowledge going through her golden gaze. She also made it ten times easier for me to admit my insecurity.
“Yes,” I breathed out. “I am a bit worried.”
Maya let out a soft hum from her throat as she nodded. “Then I will sleep out here. I don’t want you to be alone.”
“Okay.” I couldn’t argue with her.
Her words were muffled by a yawn as she murmured, “Remember, whatever it is, Marco, we can handle it together.”
I couldn’t help but smile, my chest tightening with so much emotion that it was overwhelming, as she closed her eyes again, curling the blanket in her hands as she pulled her feet up. I watched with fascination as she easily fell back into a state of peace. Good. I had absolutely no idea how she managed it, but I was fucking thrilled that she was able to. I knew I could give Maya almost everything, but this? The ability for her to feel safe and loved enough to fall asleep? That meant more to me than anything. I just hoped that I could continue to make her feel this way, even with everything to come.
1
Maya
“Bella, no more.” I scolded her lightly, unable to stop myself from smiling because I wasn’t actually mad at her. Although she was being a bit rude. Adorable, but a bit disruptive. Freaking perfect but causing problems. Yeah, I was clearly terrible at staying mad at her, because I was already reaching out to run my fingers under her chin as she let out a soft, happy purr. But could you blame me?!
The kitten in question blinked her large blue eyes up at me, her little paws curled up underneath herself like a mini loaf of bread. The sunlight that burst through the open balcony doors of our hotel living room suite highlighted her black and white fur, along with the diamond collar I’d purchased for her while in France. I hadn’t been positive she would like the purchase, but ever since putting it on her, she had yet to scratch at it, and it didn’t seem to be bothering her. Rather the opposite. It had turned into somewhat of a toy, because when the sunlight hit it and it cast little rays of light across the couch, she would spend her time chasing after it.
I frowned slightly, wishing I’d purchased something for my mates as well. It had been a thought that had been roaming through my head lately, and I hadn’t been able to shake the concept. Although they didn’t strike me as the diamond type. Then again, Anani did like to take my earrings, so maybe he did want something sparkly… either way, I needed to figure out something to get them. They had given me so much, and I had the urge to return the favor.
What did you get men that have everything, though?
While I absolutely loved the gifts that Sai and the others had purchased for me, it wasn’t really about the pieces of material themselves, but what they meant. Both to me and them. I didn’t think I would ever be able to fully express to them how special it felt to be taken care of and considered. After how I had been raised, to have someone want to spend time with me, let alone provide something fundamental like clothes for me? It was both an odd and really special feeling. That didn’t include that I was nearly positive that they enjoyed it more than I even did. Especially Marco and Sai.
Although even I could admit that the pink diamond infinity rings on my fingers and the bracelet around my golden wrist held my attention purely because they were so freakin’ sparkly. I wasn’t positive if they even went with the rest of my outfit this morning. I had chosen it purely based on what I’d noticed my mates liked, and so far, I had yet to be disappointed by their reactions to both the jewelry and clothing.
Atlas, who continued to look at me from where he sat on the couch nearby, kept letting his gaze linger along my bare legs and the curve of my waist, making me glad I’d worn such a sheer, light sundress. It was actually rather comfortable as well. The piece itself had a deeper v-neckline in front that showed off a bit of cleavage and the small gold pendant I’d chosen to wear. It was open in the back, keeping me cool in the warm California air. The straps were thin, and the triangles of the top connected with a pale pink smooth center that then flared out into a skirt that came to mid-thigh. It was a pale pink covered in a silver outer eyelet lace that featured flowers. It was less than I would normally wear, but with silver heeled sandals and my hair brushed out around my shoulders, I found myself proud of how I looked. I felt… well, I felt sexy. Which wasn’t something I was used to feeling, if we were being honest. But my mates were amazing at that, making me feel beautiful.
It wasn’t just Atlas that had reacted well to it, either.
Sai, who was now back asleep, had stumbled out of the bedroom to grab some water before seeing me. The groan that broke from his throat before he walked back towards the bedroom, almost hitting into the wall by accident, had me both almost giggling at his reaction and also concerned about him. We didn’t need him running into walls. Seriously, if the man was going to be clumsy, I would have to make sure I was always holding his hand or something… I know, that wasn’t sounding horrible to me either.
I was eager for the others' reactions despite knowing most of them would be sleeping in today. I was finding that I affected my mates a lot, and call me curious, but I was interested in understanding the extent that it went to. It would have to wait though. The only reason I was up right now to begin with had to do with the serious nature of what we needed to do this morning. Something that I was in no way looking forward to. I was nervous about going to the Dreki realm, but it was tinted with excitement. This other obligation, though? There was no excitement associated with it, and I would be thrilled if Marco told me it was cancelled right now. Looking back up at Atlas, I found his gaze on me, his eyes filled with a not so subtle amount of heat that I was now recognizing as desire.