Hey, really sorry for the long, prolonged update but this chapter was really hard to write!

Enjoy

CHAPTER 12

EMMA

The question caught me off-guard and my mouth fell open. I couldn't believe I haven't thought of it before. All eyes turned to Edison who shrugged, almost guiltily.

'I, uh… haven't actually become a tiger yet,' he muttered. I heard Anik snort beside me and Edison shot him a look.

'So… your not a tiger, then?' I questioned harshly. 'How do you know you have the curse at all?' Edison turned his gaze to me, and I could read the raw hurt in his eyes as he remembered all that I had said to him yesterday. He merely shrugged, breaking eye contact.

'Because he is…' Edison replied, jerking his head in Anik's direction. '…And Phet also told dad that I would become a tiger within a month.'

Kelsey seemed to find this explanation satisfactory because she turned to Kishan.

'What exactly did Phet tell you?' she asked softly, taking Ren's had.

'He told me that the curse still lives unbroken, and will continue to remain in our descendants. Our children, once both are tigers must travel alone to attempt to break the curse, accompanied by Durga's chosen one.' Kishan's gaze flickered to me before resting back to Kelsey's. 'They must go to India and see Phet themselves before commencing on their journey.'

My heart started thumping loudly in my chest as I realised how close the date was for our trip to India we had organised two weeks ago. The idea of breaking the curse suddenly became much more real. I reached over and gripped Anik's hand. He glanced at me in concern, but I gave him a weak smile, assuring him I was fine.

'Kishan, we had already decided to fly to India,' Ren said. 'The date had been set for 10 days time. I will secure another two seats on the plane.'

'Only one will be necessary,' Kishan replied with a sad smile. 'I won't be coming with you. I must immediately return to the past…to Anamika.'

'Why? Surely you can stay a little bit longer?' I asked, not wanting to say goodbye to the man I had just met. With his eyes so similar to Anik's, his teasing smile and bear hugs I had immediately liked him. Kishan turned to me and smiled, a distant look in his eye.

'Anamika woke up a week ago with her husband and child gone, with only a hasty note of explanation. I need to get back to her. Ren, Bilauta, you have no idea how much I loved to see you again, if only for a brief period of time. Anik, Emma, it was very nice to meet you. Look after Edison. Goodbye.'

KELSEY

The man who had tortured my dreams for the past eighteen years was standing right in front of me, as if he had never been left behind. He looked exactly the same. His eyes were still golden, still gleaming. His hair was a little longer, merely brushing against his shoulders. His face had a few wrinkles that showed when he smiled his same, teasing grin.

And now he was leaving.

Breathing was hard. Something was tightening around my chest until it hurt.

'Please don't leave,' I pleaded. 'Stay. Anamika will understand. We haven't seen you in years.'

Kishan stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me, like he had done so many times before. He smelt of the forest and rain. He let go reluctantly and smiled.

'We'll see each other again,' he assured me, before hugging his brother. He nodded to Emma and Anik, ruffled his son's hair and left, without saying another word.

I felt tears brimming my eyes but I forced them back, glancing at Ren. He took my hand, looking just as confused as I felt.

'So… I guess that means I'm staying with you guys,' Edison said, smiling a little forcefully.

'Yep,' Ren replied, standing up. 'You can have the guest bedroom. I need to book plane tickets. Kelsey will organise the room for you, and hopefully make dinner. I think you three need to sort something out.'

I smiled inwardly and left the room with Ren, going to the linen cupboard. I could see the looks they were all shooting each other. With Edison living here, things were going to get mighty interesting.

ANIK

I can't believe that asshat was living across the hallway. I crossed my arms over my chest and refused to look at anyone. I could feel Emma frowning at me, but I honestly didn't care. I saw the way Edison looked at her. There was no way I am going to let that happen. Nuh—uh. She was mine.

Emma cleared her throat and stared at the ceiling.

'Edison I'm sorry for snapping at you… and for everything else,' Emma apologised and my gaze snapped around to glare at her. Unbelievable. She was forgiving the jerk. 'I now know that there was no other way you could have protected your secret without lying.'

'I'm sorry too,' Edison replied, but was smiling. They both got up and hugged each other. For way too long.

'And you,' Emma continued, turning to me. 'You both are to be civil. Understand? Nice to each other. You are cousins. Act like it.' And with that Emma stamped off into the kitchen to help mum with dinner.

As soon as she left, I rounded on Edison.

'You don't touch her, you don't make any moves, you don't flirt. She is off limits, and always has been. Back off.'

'I think I have as much chance as you do, and just as much claim,' he replied, stepping closer. He was an inch shorter, but had an angry defiance in his eyes. 'May the best man win. If you think you have a chance.'

I could see a flash of steel in his golden eyes, and I took another step, angrily approaching him.

'Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try. I've been her best friend since we were three-' Edison raised his eyebrows and smirked.

'-Well, I've been her best friend for the past two weeks, while you've been cowering in this house,' Edison interrupted harshly, and I snapped.

'You will never be with her,' I yelled and punched him in the face. Hard.

I know this update took a long time, and sorry for the ending. Sorry… but not sorry? Anyway, please please please review even if it is just 'cool' or something that will take three seconds of your life to make me really happy!

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Life of a fangirl