Chapter 6

Kilian was looking at us like there was more to say. I softened my eyes and took a few steps towards him, closing the distance. Lex followed protectively behind me.

“Our children are special. I’m not sure why. I do not know how this is going to work. I hoped it would be more difficult for you to leave our relationship in the dust.”

“You will always be the light I follow and will give my life for. After seeing you with him, I don’t know how I feel yet.”

“I know I should be jealous, but it is difficult when I saw the power amplified off the two of you a moment ago.” He blushed.

I was blushing like a schoolgirl who was just caught by her parent in the middle of her first kiss.

“I understand why she warned me, no one could resist something like that. But you are amazing Astrid and though we may not be what we once were, I do not want to live my life without you in it.”

“You never said anything.” I said just above a whisper.

He shrugged bashfully.

“Kilian, this is Alexander.” I phrased it more as a question.

Lex slowly approached Kilian with his arm out. They took each other’s forearms and there was a flash of light that blinded me momentarily.

I blinked a few times clearing my vision. They are gone. Where the hell… did they go?! I called out for both and neither replied.

Well… Lex always sticks to his word; I am sure he will keep Kilian safe. After that thought I let my mind go blank while I picked everything up and headed back to the house. I needed a shower and some breakfast.

I must have been in the shower for over an hour. The hot water soothing my sore body from this morning’s activities was exactly what I needed. I stepped out and called for Kilian, not sure if he made his way back yet. I knew I would sense if something was wrong.

I put my sports bra and my panties on. I ran into the laundry room to grab my shorts while throwing my hair back, I heard a knock on the door and slid them on quickly before hopping over. I opened the door partially to see who it was.

There was a 6’2 man at the door with a forced smile on his face. He had dark features, naturally and personally inflicted. His black hair matched the circles around his eyes. He has some light silver steaks coming through in a few places and his beard matched his head.

There was a scar on the side of his neck that made me wonder how he survived it. It had to have nicked his carotid artery, he should be dead. He reached his hand out.

“Hello. My name is Joseph Nicholas. Are you by any chance Astrid Winter?” His voice was rough and deep.

“I am, I don’t mean to be rude, but I prefer not to touch you.” I was vague avoiding his hand.

“I am a relative of yours on your mother’s side, third cousin I believe. I just arrived in the America a few days ago and you are my first stop.”

“I wanted to drive across the states and meet my extended family. Would you mind if I stayed here with you for a few days before I continue my journey?”

“I would love to get to know you and your family.” His words were a failed attempt at sincerity.

“I am sorry, I don’t recall the name.” I chose my words carefully.

“My mother and I have been estranged for a while now. At this time, we are not prepared for company, I can recommend a few hotels that are in town if you want to spend some in the area.”

“My husband and I will be happy to take you to dinner.” I was friendly.

I waited for his response but made sure to be prepared for any kind of attack. Something about this guy had my nerves on fire.

“I understand. I have a room at a local place already.”

His face formed an evil grin, “I am always prepared.”

“Why don’t you leave me your contact info and I will reach out with the time and place once I discuss it with Kilian.” Getting inpatient.

He nodded and handed me a card then turned to walk away.

“I will be waiting by the phone.” He called over his shoulder.

As the chill ran down my spine, I closed the door, locking the deadbolt. I pushed my back up against it my fingers going to my temples to massage the tension building up. I had no idea who this relative but no doubt that he is crazy like the rest of my mother’s family.

I walked into the kitchen, set the tea kettle onto the stove top, then reached up into the top cabinet. I had chocolates in there with a few other snacks that were hidden. The werewolf thing should have been obvious with the amount of food we ate.

I plopped an unwrapped candy into my mouth and turned around. Kilian and Alexander were standing there, it caused me to jump. I may have even peed my pants a little.

“Holy shit, do you really need to sneak up on a girl like that?” I grabbed my chest.

“My heart is going to fail, if it’s possible. Some weird guy shows up and you two just pop back in like you never left…”

“Where did you go?”

“WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?” I didn’t realize that my anger was growing inside me.

They both stood there, eyes wide.

“I am sorry, I am really not that upset about it, I was just worried about you both.” I tried to recover my dignity.

“What do you mean a weird guy stopped by?” Lex spoke, worry evident in his voice.

I handed him the crystal he had left behind earlier and as soon as he took it his emotions faded away from me. I could feel them now if I focused on him even without the crystal in his possession.

“You left that behind earlier.”

“How are you?” My focus was on Kilian.

“Love, I am better than expected. Please, answer the question.” He sounded loving.

“I don’t know really. I came back to the house to shower after you guys went abracadabra,” I paused raising my eyebrows at them.

“Then there was a knock on the door, but I could feel his intentions, he wants something.”

“He said he was a relative on my mother’s side, we know that bitch is crazy. Saying he is here visiting; his English was way too good for someone who has never been here before.”

“He asked to stay here for a few days! That was denied. We,” I pointed between Kilian and myself,

“are going to meet him for dinner. But I do not want the children anywhere near him until I know more.”

“Something does not feel right about this. How do we leave them here alone while it could be a set up?”

“I know that the protection spell on the house is good and I could cloak it while we are gone but if they have been watching it would be nearly useless…” I was just rambling at this point, no more useful information leaving my mouth.

“What was his name?” You could hear the anger in Alexander’s voice.

“Joseph Nicholas.” I replied.