Chapter 25: The Sister

I didn't know he had a sister. Zeus didn't mention it to me earlier. I thought I had met all of his family tonight.

"Yeah," she nodded. "I just got back from my friend's house. Can you let him know that Zenia made it back home, okay? I'm just going to go to bed."

"Sure," I smiled. "I'm November, by the way."

I was worried by the excitement that crossed her face at the mention of my name. She entered the room and sat next to me on the bed.

"You're November," she said. "Of course you are. I feel so dumb. I was hoping I'd meet you soon. I didn't think it would be this soon, you know? I thought my brother might keep you to himself for a while, if you know what I mean."

Who wouldn't know what she means? We both blushed at her comment.

"How old are you?" I giggled.

"Fifteen," she answered. "I might not be an adult yet, but I know how mates work."

"True mates, maybe, but Zeus and I weren't exactly the traditional types," I told her. “And also he’s part dragon.”

She looked at me. Maybe she didn't understand the distinction, but she smiled.

“Dragon also has a pair. We call it Pair. I'm glad my brother finally found someone. Everybody has been worried about him since the rejection, you know?" she said.

I nodded. 

“Yes"

"Yeah, he's been kind of...how should I put it?" she thought. "He's been strict, firm, and serious. Nothing but herd business. Well, until a year ago, that is."

"I didn't know."

"It's probably a touchy subject with him still. He needs to grow up fast," Zenia explained.

I started to feel bad for Zeus. I wish I had known more about him and his life. He is such a mystery to me, so hidden. He was friendly with me back in the town where I worked, but suddenly he raised his high wall so I couldn't get through. It feels like he has become someone else.

"Zenia, what are you doing here?" Zeus asked as soon as he stepped into the room.

"Kidnapping your mate," she answered sarcastically with a roll of her eyes. "What does it look like I'm doing?"

"You should go to your room. It's getting late, and you have school tomorrow," Zeus said with paternal authority.

Zenia sighed and stood up, not hiding her annoyance at her brother. "Fine, I was going there anyway." She turned to me as Zeus sat some of my bags at the door and smiled. "Good night, Nov."

She continued to the door, shooting her brother an annoyed look and disappearing. I wanted to laugh, but Zeus did not look like he was in the mood to joke around.

"The rest of your stuff is in the room next door. I'll have someone get it ready for you  tomorrow."

"Okay," I yawned.

It's a shame I must say goodbye to this bed soon. I would like to know if Zeus will let me have it. Ah, my wishful thinking.

I got ready for bed as quickly as I could. I was missing the bed's comfort, and I needed much sleep. Zeus had already prepared his bed when I was out of the bathroom and back in the bedroom. He laid down as soon as I reached the bed. We both bid each other good night.

I couldn't help but want to question more about him, but I didn't know if he’s okay with that given he looked tired. Zeus learned so much about me, and I still knew so little about him.

I waited until we were both comfortable in bed before I switched off the lamp next to me. The darkness brought a sense of quiet along with it. How desperately I wanted to break it.

Zeus's breath was quiet and controlled. Was he already asleep?

"Zeus?"

"Tomorrow," he answered as if he had been expecting my question. Maybe I was just that transparent.

I let the silence be my reply. I wouldn't press Zeus on it if he weren't ready to tell me. I looked at the clock and debated calling my brother to tell him I had made it, but it was too late. I knew he and Kaila would already be in bed. I guess it will just have to wait until tomorrow.

I yawned, another wave of drowsiness washing over me. My mind was telling me to rest. There would be more time for questions later.

I didn't try to fight the sleep invading my every thought; instead, I embraced it and gave in to the darkness that closed in on me. Very soon, I was out of it and falling into a dreamless state of sleep, eager to find out what the next day had in store for Zeus and me.

When the morning came, I forgot where I was. Nothing looked familiar to me, and it wasn't until my consciousness fully returned that yesterday's events started flooding into my mind.

I left home...new pack...slept in Zeus’s room.

Zeus.

He wasn't there. The room was empty, and the couch that served as his bed the night before was made up and utterly untouched. It was as if he hadn't even spent the night there. I had to think back to yesterday to be sure I hadn't imagined him being there.

I glanced at the clock on the bedside table and yawned—ten a.m. It wasn't much different than when I usually woke up at home.

I slid to the side of the bed and quickly pushed myself off. My feet met the carpet I had admired the night before. I quickly went to the bathroom to use it before my bladder busted, then attempted to clean myself up in the mirror before anyone caught sight of my ghastly appearance. My mask was ruined, and it's all over my hair. It was not pretty.

I soon realized, throughout my morning routine, I still needed to unpack my toothbrush and went back to the bedroom to dig through one of my suitcases to find it. After I did, I was surprised to see Zenia standing in my doorway with a bright smile on her innocent face.