22
Even early in the morning, the buildings of elf town were bright and shining. We were downtown and pulling into the parking garage of a tall white tower. Everything was a blur from parking to walking into the semi bright lobby of polished and shiny things. The blonde pixie haired receptionist was talking to Monte while her eyes were darting from him to me every few seconds. But why wouldn't it. To her, I probably looked like some human just demanding to stay in their lavished building. A few other workers were watching me and looking down on me. I tightened the belt of my robe and just continued to look around at the sparkling lobby. This entire lobby made my head hurt, from the rotating doors to the floor with what could have been diamonds engraved in the tiles.
"Sir this building is reserved for federal agents and their families. Girlfriends do not apply." the receptionist snapped rolling her eyes over me.
"Look here, Kandomere is the head, listen to me, head of Homenland Security's Magic Task Force. You wouldn't have this job without him. If I call him and tell him you've denied his mate- yeah, I said it, mate, he is going to shut down this entire building. All residence who have been living permanently here in secret, which is against regulations as they are only allowed here for emergencies only, will be on the streets." Monte snapped harshly.
I watched the high cheek boned elf's entire body tense and her face shrink as she was just told off. I was very impressed; an elf being put in her place by a human. It was about the only good thing going about this night. The woman typed something quickly into her computer before getting up and handing Monte what looked like a key card. He snatched it from the young lady, and the action alone made her jump a bit.
"And I do not want to have this conversation with you again." he said and turned to me and motioned for me to follow him to the elevators. He pushed a button and the white doors slid open and we went inside, bags in both our hands. He pushed the twentieth floor and we began to move. He turned to me and held up the key card.
"You and Kandomere are the only ones to have this card. Keep it safe." he said and I nodded.
"Understood. Thank you for all of this." I said and he nodded.
"We're going to find out what the Inferni want with you. Usually they remain hidden. Kandomere has been hunting their leader, Leilah, for almost 20 years. Now it seems she's coming to him." he told. I looked forward seeing our reflection in the doors.
"In the dark ages, we sirens used all of our abilities to survive. Now we hardly have to use them. Maybe something about me is what they want. Maybe something in my voice. I'll talk to my father and find out what he may know and get back to you." I said.
"Anything could help." he said. I nodded in reply and when the doors finally opened, I followed him down the bright, clean hall. There were golden doors on either side of us but the one at the end of the hall had two doors that looked like they would slide open. I noticed we weren't stopping any of the doors to our left or right and I looked at Monte when we stopped at the sliding doors. He looked at me and motioned toward the key card reader.
"Well go ahead." he said and I just took the card he gave me and pressed it to the reader. The red light switched green and the two doors slid right open. I was expecting flashy bright lights, but instead, I was met with dim lights. We stepped into the large penthouse room and I was stunned at how beautiful it was. There was an open kitchen to our left with a dining table and chairs across from it and a large living room with a flat screen TV mounted on the wall. An oval shaped coffee table was on a nice red rug and a green sofa was in front of it. Further to the left was a bed room and I looked to my right to see more space. A pool table was to the right with a small bar.
"Wow." I said and Monte nodded.
"Yeah he lives it up. Well listen you won't be bothered here, but just in case there will be a squad car in the lobby that will only leave when Kandomere gets back." he instructed. I nodded watching as he sat some of my bags down.
"Thank you for all your help." I said and he nodded and moved out the doors and now it was just me here. I didn't care to explore this gorgeous room, I just wanted to get cleaned up and get to the bed. But the hard stuff first. I moved my first two bags down the hall toward the bedroom and when I went inside I saw the large king-sized bed with red and black blankets and comforters. There was a walk-in closet toward the back of the room and when I checked out the bathroom, I saw the beautiful shower and the large inground tub beside it. Two sinks with black marble was across from it. I left the bathroom to see a large balcony across from me. There was actually a small table and chair. I can picture him reading his newspaper while he ate an expensive breakfast.
I hurried and moved my bags off to the side so they wouldn't be in the way. I explored the walk-in closet and was met with suits of different brands and fabrics. You would think the richest man in the world lived here. My body was starting to feel sluggish now that the excitement was over. I showered and got cleaned up and slid on one of my lavender nightgowns. I tried to sleep, but I just couldn't rest knowing he wasn't here. I stepped out onto the balcony and placed my hands on the silver rails. I was so high up, but none of it scared me. I looked up to see the moon disappearing in a puff of dark grey clouds. The wind was gentle against me and made me shiver some.
Nick was probably worried about me as well as my family. But my phone was most likely destroyed when Marco released his blast. I wonder who the elf woman was that had her blade to my throat. Her body burst so quickly I didn't even catch a glimpse of her.
The noises in elf down was different. Even the air smelled different, smelled pure and clean. But this wasn't my home and I couldn't stay here. I hear the doors finally opening. He doesn't call for me. Maybe he thinks I'm asleep. I continue to stare at the city listening to his footsteps as they move down the hall toward the bedroom. The door opens and he walks over to the balcony and opens the door. It slides open so soothingly almost. I hear him approach me and I just look down some and in his direction. What was there to say at this moment? I honestly did not know. I watch as his large hand takes hold of my left hand and gently draws it back to him. I start to turn once feel his lips lightly touch my fingers. It's so airy and soft. He places my hand on his cheek and I turn to meet him finally.
His cold blue eyes, are forever vibrant, but now they are calm and deep. I could easily be entranced by them. I let my hand cup his cheek gently and he now places his hands around my hips. He pulls me into a deep embrace and I feel so safe and protected in his arms. After standing here for lord knows how long, he finally directed me back into the bedroom. He removed his tie and I just got back under the covers. He moved into the bathroom and I heard the shower cut back on. I took soft and even breaths as I tried to embrace the sleepiness. Finally, it over takes me, but my body is still somewhat alert. I hear Kandomere get out of the shower and after a bunch of noise and movement, I feel the bed dip beside me and I feel his body press against mine, his arm resting lightly over my hip. As I felt sleep devour me, I thought about the mother and her child.
Do you know somewhere they can live free? River deliver them there.
My eyes open slowly to see traces of blue. I blink a few times to see Kandomere looking at me with sleepy eyes. I inhaled some and gave a gentle groan.
"How long have you been awake?" I asked. He shook his head.
"Long enough to notice you are insanely beautiful when you sleep." he answered, voice low and deep. I gave a tired smile and raised my hand to his and we curled our fingers together.
"Did you sleep okay?" I asked and he shook his head slowly.
"Not quite, too busy listening for things." he replied. I nodded.
"Same here." I replied. We stared at each other for a moment our eyes taking in each other's features and form.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked. A lot. Rogue elves after me, my family meeting him, his partner acknowledging that I am his mate.
"Last night, Monte called me your mate. Do you truly wish to be mated for life?" I asked and he nodded.
"Yes. I used to think power and titles were what made an elf great. I felt empowered when I decided to work for the government and not become a judge like my family wanted. This was all I've ever wanted, but now seeing you here with me… feels like the ultimate accomplishment in my life." he explained. My smile spread even more at his words.
"I thought I could never love again after Kyle, my dearest love past. He died in the line of duty and I thought the only person who ever truly knew me was gone. But you see me, for more than my voice or my beauty. You don't want to possess me like the other elves did." I replied. He shook his head.
"The only thing I want is to see you happy." he said before leaning in and kissing me gently. I replied giving a gentle sigh after word as I tasted his lips with my own.
"You will have to go into work today?" I asked. His eyes now saddened and he nodded.
"Yes. The Inferni are a terrorist group and attacking us at my home is officially considered an act of terrorism. I will be in the city a lot more now trying to find a connection between all of this. I might have to ask some of the sirens." he informed. I nodded thinking that would go over well.
"You do what you must." I said.
"Are you hungry?" he asked. I nodded.
"I could eat something." I said and he nodded.
"I'll order us something." he replied and moved from the bed. I slowly sat up myself.
"Do you need any help with the sirens? I know some hostility is still around." I replied.
"I can't involve you anymore than I already have." he said dialing the black phone at his night stand. And now that I thought about it, I don't think many sirens would like to see me working with an elf. He spoke in elvish and I just moved from the bed and stretched some as I moved over to the bathroom. Kandomere was just now hanging up the phone. "You going to take a shower?" I nodded.
"Yes." I replied noticing he was following right behind me.
"Good, I'll join you." he said.