A surge of relief flooded my body, some of the tension that had been riding me eased a little. Though Braxton’s expression did not shift, and I knew he was reserving judgment.
Often when things seem too good to be true…
Finally the ride from hell ended and we exited the metal box into a long hallway, which then branched out to four doorways. Gerard led us through to the furthest door. It had a large number on it: 2244.
Seemed we had found our home for the time being.
“Your bags should be inside by now, and you’re welcome to shower and relax. We eat in one hour. We will meet you downstairs then, for the rest of the tour.”
Gerard bowed his head and then the grays left us at our door.
Grace flicked her red hair over her shoulder as she turned to watch them leave. “How do we get into our room?”
Her quick dark eyes had picked up on the fact that there was no lock or possible way to access this room.
The cloaks did not turn back, and seemingly before we could blink twice they were on the elevator and gone. I huffed, exasperated. I really needed a shower and I really needed food. This friggin’ door had better open soon. I kicked at the wooden structure, missing it by a few inches. I’d been standing a little far back, and I didn’t really want to break their door down. I’m sure the mystics would be pissed if I started damaging their stuff.
A snort of laughter had my head flipping around. It was Braxton, actually laughing at me, which would be a real dick move, except his laughter was the most beautiful sound I’d heard in days.
“What?” I couldn’t stop a return smile from crossing my face. “You questioning my door breaking abilities?”
In one rapid movement, he leaned forward and kissed me on the forehead. My heart pretty much stopped beating. I stared up at him, my eyes wide and unfocused. That had come from nowhere, and it had hit me. Right. In. The. Feels.
Tyson distracted me then. “There is magic riding this entrance.” He gently shoved me aside and started running both hands over the wood without actually touching it. He remained calm, clearly not sensing anything too worrying. Finally after a few more circuits, he slammed both hands down, right in the center of the white barrier.
The door disappeared. Like one minute it was there, and then … gone.
Maximus snorted. “Looks as if they have the rooms magically protected so only those residing may enter.”
So if my foot had connected to the door, it would have most probably gone all the way though and I’d have landed on my ass.
Tyson took the first step inside, acting as the guinea pig in case there were any other securities. I couldn’t see much beyond his broad frame, but when he didn’t get smashed by another force, I knew it was okay to follow him across.
We were about to see our new home.
Chapter 4
The space inside was huge, the size of any single level house in Stratford. The open living room and kitchen was spanned off by a hall and three doors. As we spread out to explore I noticed – just as the mystic has said – that through some sort of magical happening, all of our bags were on the white carpeted floor of the lounge. Piled together next to the dark red, leather couches. And on the glass coffee table were our passports and cash.
Stepping past this, my gaze was drawn to the large glass windows that spanned one entire side of the space, allowing for an uninterrupted view of the land. Our apartment faced the side of the sanctuary which was made up of forest and desert, and from this lofty height I could really appreciate the full scope of the zones. They were massive. The sun was shining in the sky, but I knew it was fake because there was clearly the rock of a mountain above us. Luckily magic could imitate most of the life-giving nature of sunshine. Otherwise the city would be filled by some pretty depressed, lacking-in-vitamin-D inhabitants. Yep, even supernaturals need the hit of the sun.
Tyson’s voice startled me and I spun around from the view. “Who wants to sleep where? There are four rooms, two beds in each.”
Mischa’s eyes met mine. “I’ll bunk with Jessa,” she said.
I gave her a smile. Sometimes it felt as if my twin was trying really hard to build our relationship. I wanted that too, but it was going to take more than forced proximity. Only time could create the bonds we should have had. I didn’t mind sharing with her, though I’d have preferred one of the quads.
“Sounds good,” I said. The joy that shone from her expression was reward enough.
Grace was perched in the doorway of the spacious, white-tiled kitchen. “I’m happy to be by myself. I’m used to it, and magic users don’t have the same pack tendencies. It will be easiest for me.”