Chapter 29

29

C reed

I park my Jeep in the driveway, then run up the path. I'm about to yank the front door open when I force myself to stop, to slow down.

Aspen might not be here. If she is, then so be it. It's not going to help the situation if I run in half-cocked.

I remind myself for the hundredth time since leaving my folks that I haven't done anything wrong. I don't want Octavia to be upset. I don't want Aspen to be upset, either. I rake a hand through my hair.

This is one hell of a mess. One I need to face and fix… Is something like this even fixable? My ex and my… What is Octavia to me? I haven't had a chance to think much about it. It's been a whirlwind. And then to find out after three years that Aspen did not mate Chase or any other male. That she has been waiting for me to return. That she has had a hand in keeping my home in pristine condition. That she visits with my folks. That she still wants me…wants us. I don't know how I feel about that. About any of it. I'm in a flat spin. My mind is racing. I can't seem to catch my breath. It's too much.

I suck in a deep breath and then go inside. It's quiet. Completely quiet. Too quiet.

My first thought is that Octavia has left. My heart starts beating wildly at the thought. I hate that idea. Fucking hate it. I call her name, trying not to sound panicked.

"In here," she yells, sounding bright and breezy.

Good. I can calm the fuck down. I have to calm down. I'm being completely irrational.

I walk into the living room and find her on the sofa. She looks relaxed. The television is on but has been muted. Why is she watching the television with no sound? Is it a weird human thing?

"That was quick," she says. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon. Did you see your parents? How are they? Were they happy to see you?"

"Yes, they're doing well." I sink down on the opposite chair, needing space. "They were very happy to see me."

She frowns. "You can't have visited them for very long. Barely long enough for a cup of coffee. Is everything okay?"

Maybe I overreacted. Maybe Aspen hasn't been yet. It's still early.

I scratch the back of my head. "They're well. All good." I nod. "I found out that… I found out…"

Shit! How do I tell her about Aspen?

"I found out something that was a little…surprising and…" I scratch the back of my head again, sighing. I need to just tell her already.

Fuck! Why is it so hard? It's not a big deal.

"Aspen came around not so long ago." Octavia smiles, still looking relaxed. "Are you trying to tell me that she's been coming to clean your house and that she never mated that guy or anyone else, for that matter?"

I swallow thickly. "Oh! She came…here…to the house?"

Well, fuck!

"Yes." Octavia smiles like it is the best thing that ever happened. "And I have to say, I'm a little annoyed at you."

I'm sure she is. I can understand that she would be. Why the smile, though? Can you be annoyed and smiling?

"You downplayed how beautiful she is and how sweet she is. Holy moly, Creed, I half fell in love with her myself. Aspen feels terrible about what happened. She regrets…" Octavia rolls her eyes. "I shouldn't be telling you all of this. You need to hear it from her yourself. Oh, Creed." She gets tears in her eyes. She blinks a few times, clearing them, and then sniffs. "I'm so happy for you. You're going to have everything you ever wanted." She bites down on her lip, looking sad for a moment or two, then it's gone. Octavia smiles at me again.

For a second there, I thought she was going to get upset with me. I'm oddly disappointed that she's happy for me instead. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this isn't it. Never this! This feels…all kinds of wrong.

"You know what this means, right?" she asks me.

"What does it mean?" I sound unsure because I am. I feel like shit. I shouldn't, but I do.

"It means that I have to go and stay at the castle until it's time for my flight. They said that they have a room for me there, and I'm sure the offer would still stand. I would appreciate it if you could take me. I know I've asked a lot of you…too much. This would be the last thing. I promise. Take me to the castle; then I'm out of your hair. You can go straight to Aspen. She's waiting for you. She said to tell you that she's at her old apartment. She never moved anywhere."

"You don't have to go." I rake a hand through my hair again. "You can stay in the spare room." I hate the thought of her going.

Octavia laughs. "You're funny. No, I can't stay in the spare room. It wouldn't work. No, no…" She shakes her head. "You need to move right on. We had fun. You didn't do anything wrong, by the way." She points at me. "I know how you like to blame yourself. We had sex a couple of times. You were single, but that's all about to change, so the right thing would be for me to leave now. I know I wouldn't be happy if you were my boyfriend. If the roles had been reversed, I probably would have grabbed Aspen by the hair and pulled her out of my house. You would have found her out on the pavement. She's a much better person than me." She giggles. It isn't funny. None of this is funny.

"So, like I said," Octavia goes on. "We had an adventure together. We had high-octane, living on the edge sex. Then we had relief sex once we got back."

"Relief sex?" I lift my brows.

"Yeah, you know ." I really don't know. "The first time was adrenaline-fueled, and after we got back, it was a relief-to-be-alive sex. We celebrated that. Boy, did we ever." She widens her eyes. "You've been amazing, Creed. Helping me when you didn't have to. I can't thank you enough for everything."

"I told you to stop thanking me."

"No, I won't. I'll always be grateful. It would make me really happy to know that you were here and thriving. Living your best life. You deserve a family. You deserve everything."

"Are you sure you can't stay?" I sound like a broken damned record.

She laughs. "Of course not. We just went over all of it. Take me to the castle. I need to go home, and you need to go and see Aspen. The sooner you go to her, the better. Trust me, I know about these things."

"You're sure?" I sound like an idiot.

"Of course, I'm sure." She giggles. She's completely relaxed. Happy, even. I think that I might have been developing feelings for her. Maybe it is a good thing if she goes now. In a week, I might have struggled to say goodbye.

I've always loved Aspen. I've been a moping mess after what happened. I just…it…I… This is probably for the best. It is!

"Okay, then," I say. "When did you want to leave?"

"There's no time like the present. It's not like I need to pack or anything." She shrugs. "I'm sure they'll have a few things for me at the castle."

I had planned to take Octavia shopping. Actually, I had planned on keeping her in my bed…naked. I give an internal shake of the head. It has all changed now. It's clear to me that Octavia wants to go. She looks eager and completely unaffected by meeting Aspen.

As if to prove a point, she jumps up to her feet, smiling all the while.

I feel like shit. Why? I like the human. This seems…sudden. I've never been good with surprises.

I stand. "Sure." I still have my keys in my pocket. "Good thing I didn't put my car in the garage." Then I follow her lead and smile as we head out the door.

Octavia

I did it. I kept my cool. I pulled it off.

I have feelings for Creed. They're right there, front and center. It was worse when he was standing right in front of me. Looking at me with his chocolate stare. I like him so very much. If I'm honest with myself, it's safe to say that I'm falling for him. I know it's too soon and slightly crazy, but it is how I feel. I don't think I'm mixing up lust and love. I've never felt this way about anyone before.

Creed is such a good guy. He would feel bad if he knew my feelings for him. He would feel terrible about it. He would blame himself for leading me on. I won't do that to him. He need never know. This way is for the best. I can't stay in this house a moment longer. I mean, what if Aspen comes around while I'm still here? What if I overheard them…?

No!

Hell, no!

I couldn't do that to myself or to her. It would be like torture. I need to go to the castle right now. It'll be a few short days before I leave. No harm done. I'm sure I'll get over my infatuation with Creed. As much as I feel like I'm falling for him, it's probably just lust. My mom was right to say that the two get confused sometimes. I feel confused right now. I need to let logic lead the way.

Creed opens the Jeep door for me, and I get in.

He gets in behind the wheel, reverses, and then pulls out into the street. There are a few dragons in the sky and a couple of cars on the road. If it weren't for the dragons, this would look like any suburban neighborhood. A naked guy crosses the road.

Okay then, if it weren't for the dragons and the odd naked person, this would be like any suburban neighborhood.

"Is it always this warm?" I ask when the silence becomes stifling and then flinch at the ridiculous line of conversation.

The weather. Really?

"Yes, we're close to the equator, so it's hot and muggy all year round. We get a lot of rain…also, all year round."

"Good thing I'm not staying." I laugh. "My hair gets frizzy from all the humidity."

"You have beautiful hair."

"Thanks." He's just being nice. It's who he is.

My heart sinks when I see the castle. It's almost time to say goodbye. I don't want to.

I have to.

I will.

I can do this. I need to be strong.

Minutes later, he pulls into a parking lot.

"I'll go in with you," he tells me, glancing my way.

"Thanks," I mutter. I know I should send him away, but it feels good to draw this out a little longer. A few more minutes won't hurt.

We go inside through a different entrance than the last time. This is clearly the main entrance to the castle. There is a porte-cochere and a grand set of vast doors that look to be made out of silver or platinum. Masked guards flank the entrance; they nod at us as we make our way inside. There are more guards inside who stand at their various posts.

As we step into the lobby, my mouth falls open. The place is massive, with towering marble columns and grand chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Tapestries must be a thing in the castle because there are more of them depicting dragons in various states of shift. There are also fight scenes. And a huge tapestry behind the large reception desk shows a person astride a huge beast. It must be of a Sky Warden. It's quite beautiful.

There are four men behind a mahogany reception desk. They're dressed in fitted suits.

The closest one does a double-take when he sees me. He elbows the guy next to him, who also does a double-take when he sees me.

"Good day to you, sir…um, madam. You're the human we heard about," the one says. His name badge says "Rockwell."

"Yes, you're Octavia," the other one says. According to his name tag, he is Knox.

The other two start whispering together, eyes on me.

"I'm sorry," Knox says. "We don't get many humans on Mistveil."

"You're somewhat of a sensation after surviving in the jungle," Rockwell says before looking around us. "There are rumors that you stood up to the colonel," he whispers. "That you put him in his place."

Knox rolls his eyes. "He's so rude."

"Not a very nice person," Rockwell adds. "Glad you stood up to him."

"What can we do for you today?" Knox asks.

"I was offered accommodation here at the castle until the flight back to the Mainland next Monday. I want to accept the offer, please."

"Absolutely, madam," Knox says, typing into a computer.

"Please call me Octavia."

"Such a lovely name," Rockwell says as Knox picks up the phone.

"I have the human, Octavia, here at reception," Knox says, glancing at me, a smile tugging on the corners of his lips. "Yes…" He makes a noise of agreement and then nods his head and makes the same noise again. "Yes, perfect." He puts the phone down, looking at me. "Star will be here in a few minutes to take you to your room and help you get settled."

"Thank you," I reply.

Creed and I move a few steps away.

"This is it," I tell him.

"I'll wait until Star gets here," he says, pushing his fingers into his pockets and rocking back on his booted feet.

"You don't have to do that." I shake my head.

"I want to. I don't mind waiting," he tells me.

"I know you don't mind, but here's the thing: you've done so much for me already. You—"

"I don't mind," he insists.

"I know you don't." He's such a great guy. Always trying to do the right thing. It solidifies my decision. It's the right one. "But you're not responsible for me anymore. It's not your job to take care of me, to keep me safe. I'm good…I'm fine, and all thanks to you."

"Don't discount your quick thinking and—"

"It was thanks to you. Your job is done now. I'll be okay, I swear. I'll hang out here at the castle and then catch a flight home. I will take helicopter lessons, become a pilot, and follow my dreams. I want you to follow yours. Reach for the stars, Creed." Damn! I'm feeling a tightness in my chest. My stomach is in knots. I don't want to say goodbye.

He nods a few times, his hands still in his pockets. "I could visit you before you—"

"No…don't. Don't do anything to ruin what you are starting up again with Aspen. I'll be fine. I swear!"

"You're sure?" He lifts his brows, looking me in the eye.

I bite my lip for a moment, feeling emotional. He's so beautiful inside and out. This is harder than I thought it would be.

I force out a laugh. "Look at us getting all emotional. Maybe it's just me." I laugh harder. "We went through a ton together."

"We did."

"I'm going to miss you, buddy," I say as I hug him.

Buddy. Where did that come from? It's cringeworthy, to say the least.

"I'll miss you too." He hugs me a little tighter. I'm trying not to think about how great he smells or how good his arms feel around me.

Then someone clears their throat, and we let go of each other. It's a beautiful woman. She has dark hair with reddish highlights that catch the sun. Her eyes are chestnut but with prominent green flecks in them. She's freaking gorgeous. She could be on the cover of any magazine.

"You must be the human…Octavia." She beams at me. "I am Star."

"Yes, I am she. It is good to meet you. Excuse me a sec," I tell her, turning back to Creed. "You should go. Aspen is waiting for you. I wish I could call you from time to time." I sigh.

I know it's better that we can't communicate. That after this, we will never see each other again.

"Take care of yourself, Octavia," he tells me before turning and walking out.

I force my eyes back to Star and work hard at keeping them there. I refuse to watch Creed as he walks away. This is a clean break. It happened before we had a chance to get too attached.

It hurts.

It shouldn't, but it does. I know that it won't last. It can't! Shew! I got out just in time. I dodged a bullet. I might have ended up stuck on Mistveil, living with dragons.

Only, the thought isn't so bad. I picture Creed's house with children playing in the garden. He's in the arms of a woman. It isn't me this time; it's Aspen. They make a fantastic couple. It hurts, but I need to get over it already.

"Sorry, what was that?" I realize that Star said something to me.

"We need to get you some clothes and some toiletries. But first, let me show you to your room. Follow me." We start walking.

I nod, feeling like I am on autopilot. I'm suddenly really tired. I think it's from pretending to be happy when I'm not. At least I won't have to pretend anymore.

"We have a whole kitchen that operates from six in the morning until eleven at night. You can order anything you like."

"That's handy. I might get a whole tub of Rocky Road," I mutter more to myself.

Star stops walking and frowns. "Do humans eat rocks? I've never heard of that."

I laugh. "No, Rocky Road is a type of ice cream. You do have ice cream, right? Please tell me you have ice cream. It is the only thing that works when I'm feeling down."

"Oh!" Star laughs, too. "Yes, we have plenty of ice cream, and in all different flavors. You should try the peanut butter one. It is amazing. The honey, too. Our chefs make everything from scratch."

"That sounds great." We go up the staircase with the golden banister. I think it is the same one I saw when we were here yesterday.

Yesterday.

It feels like forever ago. So much has happened. So much has changed.

"I am sorry to hear that you are feeling down. If there is anything I can do to make you feel better, you only need to ask."

"Actually…there is one thing." I lift my brows. "Would I be able to call home? I would give anything to speak to my father. I want to let him know that I'm doing okay and that I'll be home in less than a week."

She looks at me skeptically. "Normally, I would have to ask permission. There would be all sorts of red tape."

Normally. She's considering it.

"Just one minute. I swear I wouldn't tell him anything about what goes on here. I won't divulge a thing."

"You are going to have to fill in paperwork. Non-disclosure agreements and the like. You won't be able to tell anyone about Mistveil, Draig, or about Sky Wardens and why humans are taken as Tributes. Anyone who goes home after being on the island, or anyone who lives on the Mainland and works for us, has to sign the paperwork. You need to understand that the non-disclosure agreement will be enforced." We reach a landing and start walking down a long hallway. The floors are carpeted. It's pure opulence all around us.

"I understand." I nod. "I swear I won't tell him anything. I'll sign the paperwork. I'm not interested in divulging any information. Besides, I doubt I would be believed if I did say anything. Not that I would," I quickly add, putting my hand up. "I think it would only serve to worry my father. To cause him undue stress. I don't want that. I just want to assure him that I'm fine."

"I am very close to my father. I would also want him to know that I was safe."

We reach a door, and Star takes a key out of her pocket. She unlocks the door, pushing it open. "After you," she says.

I go inside, and my mouth falls open. Although we're in the castle, this looks like a five-star penthouse suite in a hotel. It's bright, modern, and comfortable. The walls are adorned with paintings, the furniture is opulent, and the drapes are thick and luxurious. The windows overlook a breathtaking view of the gardens.

There is an enormous bed in the center of the room; it is dressed in soft linens and plush pillows. The balcony doors are open, and a light breeze blows in, carrying the scent of blooming flowers.

On any other day, I would be super excited about staying in a suite like this. It's bigger than my whole apartment and far more luxurious.

"I'm sure you will be quite comfortable," Star says. "There is a minibar in there. You can have it stocked with whatever you need."

"Don't tempt me." I could drown my sorrows in a bottle of something right about now…but I won't. I'm not a fan of hangovers.

She looks me up and down. "You are very small."

I love dragon shifters. I've just decided. "Thank you, that's kind of you to say."

She doesn't look like she means it as a compliment. She's frowning. "I'm not sure we have anything that will fit you perfectly. I will see what I can find."

"I would appreciate that."

Then she points at the phone on the side table by the bed. "You can use this to make calls within the castle. Dial one for reception and three for the kitchen. I'll leave you my number in case you need me." She writes it down on a small pad. I note that both pen and notepad have the Mistveil emblems on them. "I will take care of you while you are staying at the castle." Then she picks up the phone. "Are you ready to call your father?"

"Yes!" I practically yell. I've never been more ready for anything.

She smiles. "Remember, not a word about the islands."

I nod.

"Turn around, please. I will key in my code that gives you a line to the Mainland. Don't make me regret this. I can get into big trouble. The call will be recorded."

I do as she asks. "You can trust me, I swear." I mean every word. I decide to try the landline at my dad's house. I pray that he picks up.

He rarely goes out anymore. Especially since he discovered that he can order everything he needs online.

I hear Star press a few buttons. Then she says, "Ready. You can dial his number now."

I go and do as she says. It rings a couple of times and then goes to the answering machine.

"Can we try his cellphone, instead?" I ask.

Star nods. We go through the whole thing again. Once again, it goes to voicemail. There's no answer.

I make a small noise of disbelief. "He leaves it on silent half the time," I tell Star.

"Do you want to try him again on the other number?"

I shake my head. "Can we try again later?"

She nods. "It's probably better we get those forms filled in first, anyway. I have to say, it was touch and go for a while. We didn't think that they were going to let you leave."

"Who exactly are ‘they'?"

"The Council. They report to the royal family. There are those who wanted to keep you on Mistveil. In particular, the department responsible for growing our female population."

"You have a whole department for that?"

"Of course, it is a major concern for us. They were saying that we shouldn't send a perfectly good unmated female away."

"It isn't up to them to decide." My voice gets a hard edge.

"I think they were afraid of what you might do or say." She laughs. "I heard what happened with the colonel. Everyone is talking about it. I think you're amazing."

"That's sweet of you to say."

"No, really! To survive the jungle with all those ferals and then to stand up to that asshole like that. No one likes him," she whispers. "Anyway, I suggest you get on that airplane as quickly as you can before they change their minds. It can happen."

I nod.

"I'll be back a little later with supplies, and you can try your father again." She smiles. "Meanwhile, order some food. The remote control is over there." She points at the desk. "There is a guard stationed outside. Her name is Ember. We have an indoor swimming pool as well as a gym inside the castle. Ember will escort you if you would like to work out."

"You've been very helpful."

Star waves her hand and leaves. I sink onto the bed, trying hard not to cry. Instead, I pick up the phone, I dial three, and I order my weight in ice cream, cookies, and chocolate. It's going to be okay. My mother always said that time heals all.

I hold on to that thought.