“What time is it?”
He pulled his phone out. “It’s ten pm, do you wish to retire for the night?”
“Yes and no. I’m tired, but I’m not ready to sleep yet. Probably from the excitement of the day combined with all the running. You promised to tell me about the other women.”
“So I did. Why don’t we sit in the living room where it’s more comfortable?”
He turned the lights off in the kitchen and followed her into the other room. She sat on the couch instead of the chair that stood alone, he took a chance and sat next to her without crowding her.
This room had a different style than the kitchen; it was ultra-modern with the newest furnishing, yet it still managed to feel warm. There were Christmas lights along the mantle along with stockings even though they didn’t have a tree yet.
“Every room seems to have a different feel but it all manages to flow somehow.”
“Selma loves to decorate. Over the years she has collected so many things that seem at odds with each other, but her talent allows her to find a way for them to live in harmony.”
“How many years are we talking about? She can’t be more than thirty and I only say that because she has Vick. Without knowing about him, I would have put her around twenty four.”
“That will make her feel good.”
“Alright enough stalling, tell me about these women.”
“You already know I’m not human, although I grew up here I wasn’t born here. That’s a story for a later day. Every male desires to have a female, the one who we believe was meant to be our mate from the beginning of time.”
“You know that’s just a myth, made up to make little girls think there’s a special guy waiting for them when in reality some get lucky and some don’t.”
“That’s not a myth, at least not for my people. I don’t believe it’s a myth for your people either. Maybe some never meet the other part of their soul or maybe they compromise, but not finding the right person is different from them never existing in the first place.”
“So you think I should hold out hope that my knight in shining armor will come for me. Then we will what, ride off into the sunset and never have any problems.”
“Ahh, now I understand. You think meeting your soulmate will take away all the cares of the world. That part is a myth. He will simply be the one who will always stay by your side, love you for all eternity. When you have a problem, you will face it together as a team.”
“Then I guess you are wrong; I’ve been alone forever. There is no soulmate for me. Back to the women you think I am like.”
“Each of those women have been a soul mate to one of my males.”
“Why do you call them your people or your males?”
“Victor, being the oldest, is the ruler. But if anything were ever to happen to him, I would lead in his stead. For now I simply give him counsel but the ultimate decision is his. I train our males and help to keep an eye on them. I also go where ever I am needed.”
“That’s why you were in the alley in California.”
He nodded his head yes and waited.
“I want to go outside.”
“That’s not a good idea at this time, there may be a dangerous presence out there.”
“So now I’m a prisoner here? What happened to do whatever you want, Paige?”
“Paige.” Cal looked at her with sadness. “I need to walk. I feel confined. It’s like my insides are trying to jump out of my skin. I also know you’re not telling me something, but I’m not sure I want to know. All I’m sure of is that I need to walk.”
“Remember this feeling, Paige, memorize it, it may save your life one day. Get your coat.”
She ran upstairs and was down within a few minutes wrapped in her big coat with hat, scarf and gloves on.
“Stay close to me, Paige, and whatever you do don’t panic. I will protect you.”
They walked outside to find Victor staring out into the darkness.
“Calix…” Victor gave his brother a hard look.
“I know, but she has to know. She is strong and headfast but without proof she will walk into danger unknowingly.”
“I will retire for the night. I have reinforced the boundary; do not go too far beyond it.”
“I will heed your warning, goodnight brother.”
“Goodnight, Paige.” Victor turned and disappeared into the house without giving her time to wish him a pleasant evening.
“He’s rather intense.”
“He’s a king. It goes with the territory.”
“Royalty, who would have known. I’m ready for that walk now.”
He held out his hand hoping she would be willing to take it. When she placed hers in his, a rightness settled within. Whatever it took, he would show her she was meant to be with him. His Matra mumbled his agreement. They began to stroll slowly through the yard.