Blood Chained (Dark Siren Book 3) (25 page)

“Then, buddy, you’ve got a decision to make.”

Before Kali could ask, Matthias answered with zeal. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

“Great.” Rion turned and started walking away. “I’ve been put in charge of dinner tonight,” he called back to her. “What do you want?”

Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Kali followed him into the kitchen. “I didn’t know you cooked.”

Rion winked. “Rhane taught me a few things.”

“So what are you making?”

“There’ll be a choice of courses: French toast, grilled cheese, or uh…” scratching his head, he shrugged. “Toast,” he finished.

In spite of herself, Kali laughed again. “You’re not joking, are you?”

“Nope.”

“Okay. I’ll have a grilled cheese.”

“Coming right up.” Adjusting the burners, Rion went to work buttering two slices of bread.

“So what did Matt agree to over there?”

Rion looked up from the stove, completely pleased with himself. “He’s got to stop sleeping naked. It’s boxers or briefs from now on.”

“Why does Matt’s naked sleeping habit bother you? I didn’t even know he did that until last night.”

“That’s because you sleep upstairs in Rhane’s bed and he doesn’t go near there at night even while he’s
sleepwalking
.”

“Oh. Wow.” Kali threw her head back and laughed. “You could just lock your door.”

“Trust me. I’ve done that. But sometimes I have to get up in the middle of the night to take a leak. I’m still half asleep.” He waved the spatula in the air. “Do you have any idea what it’s like bumping into a naked guy who’s just standing in the darkness like some whacked out weirdo? He’s freaked the hell out of me twice now.”

In an attempt to be sensitive to Rion’s plight, Kali tried to hold back her laugh. But it escaped in a snort, followed by a burst of giggles.

“Laugh it up,” he said, faking sternness. A grin cracked the façade as he slid a steaming grilled cheese sandwich in front of her. The deliciously cheesy aroma stirred her appetite, making her stomach growl in anticipation. Her mouth was still full with the first bite when Matthias stormed into the kitchen carrying the pieces of the disassembled dodecahedron in his arms. “York is coming! What do I do with these?”

“Dump them in the trash.”

Matthias’s eyes got impossibly bigger. “You promised to fix.”

“A little trust here, okay?” Rion pressed the pedal at the base of the trash can with his foot, releasing the lid as soon as Matthias relinquished the broken puzzle. Then he opened a kitchen drawer, retrieved an identical puzzle, and tossed it to Matthias. “As soon as you touched it, I knew that thing was toast.”

Any affront to his dexterity was completely lost on Matthias who was joyful to the point of tears. Seeing his reaction, Kali had to choose between keeping it together or choking on her scrumptious sandwich. Somehow she managed to keep a straight face.

“Thank you so much,” Matthias exclaimed.

“Anytime, buddy.” Rion clapped the young kindred on the shoulder. “Be careful with that one. The price goes up next time.”

Nodding and smiling, Matthias scurried off into the living room with the resurrected toy.

When Rion slipped a second sandwich onto her plate, Kali gave most of it to Bailen, keeping only a corner for herself. “I’m surprised Orrin and York are still out,” she said as she nibbled. “Those two rarely spar this long. It’s been hours.”

“Yeah. Orrin misses his brother. York misses his best friend. Rather than talking about their feelings, they’re handling it like real men—pounding each other black and blue.”

“At least they’re dealing with it…well, sorta.”

“Do you think your Builder friend is going to come through for us? Maybe we’ll get them back soon?”

“I don’t think Wes and I are friends anymore,” Kali said and was surprised by the abrupt rush of sadness she felt. “But even if it was for selfish reasons, I think he left last night ready to help. All we can do now is to wait and see.”

Rion took a seat at the table and began drowning his French toast in maple syrup. “Waiting sucks.”

“Absolutely,” she agreed.

“Tremendously.”

“Immeasurably.”

“Super fantastically major suckage.”

“Total astronomically epic suckfest.”

Rion laughed. “You win, but only because I’m hungry,” he said and stuffed his face with a huge forkful of French toast almost too big to fit into his mouth. Before he was done chewing it, a couple of large, very sweaty and slightly bloody kin trampled into the kitchen. York and Orrin practically made a beeline for the stove, helping themselves to mountainous portions of the bounty Rion had just finished preparing.

Kali looked them over. She knew the guys had big appetites, but sometimes after a hard workout, they could still surprise her. Between the two of them, an entire loaf of bread and at least a dozen eggs were about to be devoured. “York, I need to visit my parents. Rion and Bailen are coming with. I’d like whichever of you who can shower fastest to tag along but hang back and keep an extra eye out.”

“I nominate Orrin,” York said around a mouthful of food. “I’m planning on marinating in my sweat all evening. Savor the flavor. Makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.”

Kali and Orrin wrinkled their noses. She spoke for both of them. “That’s so gross.”

York smiled. “I knew you’d understand.”

Chapter 36

No, Kali decided.
I will not tell my parents that Rhane’s dog is actually their grandson who is only a boy part-time.

Her homecoming was a warm one, as usual. Lisa had taken an out of state case and was away on trial, so there was no hot and homemade meal prepared. Greg was however a master brewer in the art of sweet tea. He and Kali sat on the back porch, swinging gently in the cool breeze with two glasses of the ice cold beverage, sipping as they idly chatted. She could tell by the thin lines creasing his brow and the way his lips slightly pinched when he wasn’t speaking that a lot weighed on his mind. Yet, for her sake, Greg was making an effort to keep things light. Kali couldn’t help wondering what troubled him but was almost afraid to ask. She didn’t want to pry or risk making a difficult situation worse, so she waited. Perhaps he would tell in his own due time.

Bailen was stretched out at the end of the stained deck, nearly dangling over the edge as he warmed in the last rays of sunlight. Watching him with both fondness and worry, Kali was struck with the thought that maybe this was exactly how Greg felt.

“I’m okay, Dad,” she said out of the blue. “I think Rhane and Warren are going to be okay too.”

His face visibly relaxed. “So, Wesley David was able to help?”

“He’s working on it.”

“That’s good. I’m glad.” Falling quiet again, he took a swig of tea.

“But you’re still worried.”

After a beat, Greg nodded. “Callan came by and basically told me what happened with your job. I know that Davidson Founder Internship meant a lot to you because you used to talk about it all the time. It was supposed to be this summer, but now I really can’t see how it could have happened at all. I know I haven’t always been on board with this archaeology thing, but I’m worried about your future, Kali. Your mother and I have the money for your schooling. Consider it paid for. I’m only afraid that after all this is over, you won’t want it anymore.”

Kali stared into her glass, thinking how right Greg was to be concerned. It was difficult to think of college with her soul mate held prisoner on the other side of the world and newly exposed son sitting at her feet. Growing up was rough.

She knew she owed it to the girl she used to be and the humans who’d raised her to consider everything Greg had said. Through it all, she didn’t feel like she had lost any of who she was. She was simply evolving. There was no reason why past Kali and future Kali couldn’t find a compromise of sorts.

“When all this is over, I will go to college, and I will graduate. I promise.”

Greg’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “You took that much better than I thought you would. Maybe you are growing up.” He squinted thoughtfully. “Any chance I could get you to reconsider law school?”

Rolling her eyes, Kali laughed. “Not a chance. But I do think I will make a slight adjustment to the archaeology thing.”

“Yeah?” Greg was clearly trying not to sound too hopeful.

“Oh yes.” Kali grinned. “I’m going to be a marine archaeologist, specialize in diving. Maybe I’ll eventually start my own team.”

“Wow.” Greg nodded, looking legitimately impressed. “That actually sounds pretty fascinating. Don’t tell me that you’ve gone and gotten addicted to this new dangerous and exciting lifestyle of yours.”

Kali thought about it. She couldn’t remember ever longing for the somewhat normal life she’d led before reuniting with Rhane. But claiming to be some sort of adrenaline junkie would be a stretch. Becoming an archaeologist had been her dream for a very long time. At the same time, the new abilities she had realized couldn’t be wasted. Exploring sunken realms few others could reach seemed like a great career for a siren. “Or maybe breathing underwater is just too good a talent to waste,” she said.

“I hadn’t considered that.” Greg set his glass down and leveled a serious gaze in Kali’s direction. “How could I have ever forgotten that my youngest daughter is in fact a little mermaid? Shame on me.”

“Ha. Ha,” Kali said flatly. “So hilarious. When did you start doing stand up?”

Greg let out a good-natured chuckle. “I’m only teasing you, kiddo. Relax.”

“Uh huh.” She folded her arms and waited warily. A mischievous gleam still twinkled in her adoptive father’s eye.

“Seriously though. Have you thought about coloring your hair? Red would look good on you.” He laughed again.

It was the same crack Rhane had made. This time Kali was ready for it. “I’d look like a hooker,” she said, and Greg’s laughter quickly faded. Kali kept her expression deadpan for about five seconds before she broke down with a belly laugh of her own.

“Young lady,” he scolded with a shake of his finger. “That wasn’t even remotely funny.”

“Sorry.” Her laughter quieted into a subdued smile. Growing up, a stern look from either of her parents had always been the only necessary discipline for little Kali. Even now, Greg’s severe expression was more than enough to tame her.

Rising to his feet, he waved off her apology with a smile. “It was somewhat funny. Let’s go inside. You came here to see your sister. Maybe she’s done primping and ready to accept visitors.”

Kali took his outstretched hand and pulled herself from the comfort of the porch swing. “Don’t be silly.”

Both of Greg’s eyebrows went up in surprise. “You don’t think she’s ready even now?”

“No. I meant I came to see you too.”

“Oh, right.” Stopping short as he entered the kitchen, Greg stared almost rudely at Orrin. “I always forget what a giant you really are until I see you again. They sure grow ‘em big on Silver Hill.”

“Golden Mountain,” Kali corrected gently.

But Orrin was not offended. “We are not all so, Greg Metts. My large stature can be attributed to the warrior bloodline from which I descend.”

Kali shook her head. He had been doing so well. Patting Orrin’s forearm, she reached up on tip toe and whispered into his ear. “Not so formal.” 

He winced. “Sorry.”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Greg said quickly. “I’ll never be against proper English.” He winked. “Besides, it reminds me that you’re actually older than I am.” He looked at Kali. “Come to think of it, technically, you’re pretty old too.”

“Excuse my father, Orrin. He’s in one of those rare moods when he actually thinks he’s funny.”

“Ah. York frequently adopts a similar frame of mind.”

Kali laughed. “You’re getting better.”

Orrin bore a full-on grin. “The joke was funny?”

“Yeah. It was funny.”

Greg chuckled. “You guys are a riot. Please visit more often.” He focused on Orrin. “Have you seen my other daughter?”

“I did…briefly.” Orrin shifted awkwardly. Looking away and then back at them, he said, “She smells differently than before.”

Okay. Wow.
Kali pinched the bridge of her nose and didn’t miss the patches of red that flushed Greg’s dark skin. “Orrin, you cannot say things like that about my sister, especially in the presence of my dad.”

Blushing, Orrin was instantly contrite. “Sorry,” he mumbled softly.

She turned her attention to Greg. “Dad, please don’t be angry. Orrin hasn’t spent as much time as the others immersing in worldly culture, so he isn’t as well-adjusted. Okay?”

After a beat, Greg nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay.” Kali ran a hand through her thick mane. “I’m going upstairs to check on Rozzy. Bailen, stay here so you don’t freak out the cat.”

Bailen yawned.

Kali wasn’t sure how to take that.

As she was about to dash up the stairs, another thought occurred to her. Gripping the rail tightly, she turned around. “Hey, Orrin…you didn’t mean she smells like a reaper, did you?”

His blush deepened. “No,” he said quickly. “Nothing like that.”

“Great.” The flood of relief reached her fingers, relaxing her hold on the banister relaxed. “I might be awhile,” she said and sprinted lightly up the stairs.

Moses, home from college with Rozzy, greeted Kali at her sister’s bedroom door. The tabby purred, weaving her soft body through Kali’s legs. “Missed you too, girl.” Apparently absence had made both hearts fonder, and no ill will remained between Kali and the feline. Scooping Moses into her arms, Kali realized she hadn’t held the cat since it was a kitten and freshly strayed from the streets. The enormity of the event wasn’t lost on Rosalyn. Her mouth fell open as soon as she saw them.

Kali shrugged. “She’s not so bad.” Moses responded by butting her soft head against Kali’s cheek. Giving one final scratch behind her ears, she returned the cat to its own four feet. Leaning against the dresser, Kali folded her arms across her chest. “What’s up, Rozzy? I’ve been here for almost an hour, and you’ve been holed up in your room the whole time.” She passed up commenting on the fact that it was Rozzy who’d insisted she come over.

Actually, it was Cal who told me she was even in town in the first place. Maybe she’s partied away the brain cells that manipulate email, phone calls, and texting.

Rozzy’s departure from Ridge Creek at the end of last year was, to say the least, rather abrupt. She and Kali weren’t on the best of terms at the time. It wasn’t every week her big sister fell in bed with her ex-boyfriend less than ten days post-breakup and then proceeded to become insecure and resentful over lingering feelings and unresolved issues between former sweethearts.

“Sorry. I was in the shower.” Rozzy bit her lip. “Then I was on my cell.” Perching at the end of her bed, she waved the phone in the air as if it was proof. Like she even needed it.

“No big deal. It’s good to see you, Roz. I’ve missed you,” Kali said, meaning it. Bygones were bygones. She was past ready to bury the hatchet between them. The blade was dull and worthless.

Rozzy’s face brightened a little. “I’ve missed you too. I’m sorry about before…it was stupid.”

“I’m sorry too.”

Rozzy stood up. Her dark denim skinny jeans made it difficult not to admire her curvy figure. They also looked great with the thin, gray wrap-around sweater she wore. It looked a lot like a sweater that hung in Kali’s closet last fall. In fact, Kali was pretty sure it was the same sweater. Either way, Rozzy was too insulated for the summer weather outside.

“You’ve already hugged the cat. Where’s mine?”

Smiling, Kali moved toward her sister, and Rozzy did the same. The two met perfectly in the middle and embraced warmly. But after a few seconds of feeling the lush material against her skin, Kali couldn’t help herself. “Nice sweater.”

Rozzy giggled, completely unabashed. “You moved out and didn’t take it with you. That’s wardrobe abandonment. The sweater was free for the taking.”

“Free for the borrowing,” Kali said, emphasizing the last word. She ignored the exaggerated eye roll it earned her. “Isn’t a little warm for a sweater?”

Her sister pulled the wrap tighter and shrugged. “Lately, it’s like I’m cold all the time!” She bit her lip. “I’ve been a little under the weather.”