Chapter 16
Maya
“This is a plane?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at the metal craft that was supposed to fly us down the coast.
“One of them,” Sai tossed me a grin.
I raised a brow, “why would you need more than one? This is huge.”
Ledger kissed my head, “this isn’t even a big one, this only fits ten people. We have an overseas one that can fit an entire press worth of people.”
I shook my head and tucked my hands into my jacket. I had to admit for having died this morning, I felt pretty great. No really. My skin was flushed looking and my hair seemed extra silky. Even my eyes seemed brighter. Maybe I was just having a good day or something beauty wise. I had even picked out a cute outfit.
I wore these hot pink Hunter boots that kept my wool socked feet warm and out of the rain. My leggings were tight and lined, but a massive oversized Irish knit sweater covered my butt and kept me cozy along with my jacket and scarf. Atlas had put a hat on my head despite not feeling like I needed it, sort of thankful for it now considering the sprinkling of rain.
This morning in some ways felt unreal. As if, there was no way it had happened. Everyone was acting odd though. Maybe not odd, just very intense. Protective yes, they were still hugging me and acting like they normally did. There was just an underlying change to the atmosphere. Henry seems quieter as well, but his arms wrapped around me made me feel a lot better. Everytime I looked up at him, he had an intense expression despite his ears heating a bit.
I had never understood the mating bond, but holy crap, did I now.
I felt so… at peace. Before I felt comfortable and wanted, but this was like an anchor and I could feel my body relaxing as they almost adjusted to what they felt like I needed. I would bet I was doing the same in some instances. Marco was talking to the pilot and my cheeks pinkened slightly thinking about last night and I tried to tamper it. I didn’t feel nearly as worked up as I had then but I could feel it simmering under the surface along with whatever had brought me back to life.
Henry was right. I wasn’t human.
They said I was a phoenix and that didn’t sound wrong. But it was overwhelming, all of this was. I had learned about the human world my entire life, but never had the opportunity to experience it. Then I got to experience it and I’m told that this world doesn’t even apply to me! It was a lot for one woman to handle in less than a week.
Marco was dressed similar to Henry, both in casual button downs and pants with fitted jackets. They almost looked like the businessmen in the magazines and I wasn’t positive why they were so dressed up. Then you had Ledger, who was wearing a hoodie and Anani that had this soft multi-colored shirt on that I kept rubbing between my fingers. Atlas had on a tan leather jacket and boots, while Sai wore a dark sweater and jeans, his hair still wet and styled back.
Gosh darn, they really were handsome.
Henry spoke quietly in my ear, “how are you feeling, sweetheart?”
I looked up at him and smiled, “thankful.”
Wasn’t that the truth? You would have thought I felt sad, angry, or guilty. I was just glad they were dead and that sounded cruel, but it was true. I knew that the situation had left an impact on me because I’d woken up in a cold sweat when I’d somehow rolled onto my stomach. A position that no doubt would be an issue for me for a bit.
Besides that though? I felt strong. I felt like I wasn’t as scared anymore.
I still didn’t think I was good enough for them, but if they wanted me around, I’d stay. I’m not sure I could leave with this crazy connection running through me. I had no idea where this was headed, but I woke up realizing that since I hadn’t died, I was going to make the best of what I did have.
“Come on, kitten.” Sai nodded toward the jet and I strode forward with an excited gait. I smiled at the captain as he smiled back, until Anani growled at him. A little thrill in my chest had me smiling. I was starting to notice things about the boys I hadn’t before.
Like they growled a lot.
They also weren’t very friendly outside of our group. I paused and looked at Marco, his eyebrow hitching.
“I’m going to miss work,” I stated softly, my tone was worried.
His eyes softened, “already called her, said you can start Monday.”
Awesome.
The jet was stunning. A long cabin that had a bar at the back with cream colored seats and a series of TV screens. I tucked my feet under me after taking off my boots and Atlas joined me, pulling me into his side slightly.
“What are you doing?” I asked him as I looked down from the news station to his laptop that was on the small table in front of us.
His eyes warmed on my face. “I am ensuring security is up to par at our LA property.”
I nibbled my lip. “What is Los Angeles like?”