Princess of Faerl
64. Leap of Faith

*Khalith*

I followed my dad and uncle, I had no idea where we were going or how this would help me replace her. I scratched my head and tried to be calm. I never thought I’d have a mate or a fated for that matter. I didn’t know which one she was but I’m down for whatever. Someone, to love me unconditionally the way mom has always loved dad? Someone I get to love with that same unconditionality? Yes please, sign me up. I know it’s possible without a bond, but the bond makes it so much easier.

I’ve watched so many people fall in love over the years. Forbidden lovers, mates, fated, chosen, and every time I longed for someone to call my own. But every time I tried, it didn’t work out. Now I know why. I was meant to be with this lovely angel. I guess I shouldn’t say an angel. Cuz that’s not what we are. We’re gods. But I’ll be damned if she doesn’t look like an angel.

My thoughts are broken up by my dad clapping me on the back, “Have you heard anything we’ve said?” He laughed a bit, “Or were you too busy daydreaming? You had a far-off look in your eyes that I swear you might walk into a wall.” The grin on my face must have given me away and made me look like a puppy dog.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m excited about the future, you know?” I pushed my hair back behind my ear, “I never thought I’d get to experience what you and mom had, and now have again. It’s wild. I never understood how you could love someone so completely and loyally that no matter what lifetime it was, you were theirs. Whether they knew of your existence or not. Now I might be able to have that same kinda love. It’s thrilling and terrifying at the same time.”

Aran stopped outside a door with his name on it, “Okay guys, in we go.” He opened the door for the two of us to step in. When we entered there was an unpleasant voice that hit my ears, “Aran, is that you, my mate?” It was a female, and by the look on his face Aran wasn’t happy she was there. “Rane…?” She called out again. He put his fingers to his lip to signal us to be quiet and he moved into the room.

“Eliza, what are you doing in my room?” His voice was so curt, I couldn’t believe that was his mate.

“I’m your mate, I’ve always been able to be in your room. Why would you deny me that now?” She batted her eyelashes seductively, but it made me want to vomit.

“You rejected our mate and expect me to be okay with you being in my room mere hours later? Do you realize the hell you put Stacie through today? She lost her mother and her mate on the same day. How selfish can you be?” His anger was rising. I could tell.

“I had to, she was going to take you away from me and take everything. She would have banished me if she got the chance. You don't feel it?" This girl was ridiculous. I couldn't believe my ears.

“So you say, but you rejected her. SHE HAD NO INTENTIONS OF REJECTING YOU. You are the most special part of this bond for her and you can’t see past your own preconceived notions of right and wrong.” I was very proud of my uncle at that moment.

“I was most important? How could you say that? She was always glued to you, never to me. She could barely look at me, nonetheless, hold my hand or kiss me.” I sensed the truth in her words, but there was something in it that was hollow. Something was missing.

“Do you love her?” I stepped forward. The girl was in skimpy lingerie. Guess she was going for a seductive look. I snapped my fingers to cover her with a robe before my uncle let out a very primal growl. Didn’t matter if we were family or if he was upset with her. No one but mates could see each other like that.

“Why would you question me? Who are you to question me?” Her face held such indigence it amused me.

“His name is Khalith, and he’s my son.” Dad spoke up, shooting daggers at her through his eyes. She looked absolutely petrified. My guess is gonna be, she and dad don’t get on well. Duly noted.

“You have a son?” She looked at my uncle, “He has a son? Does Elentari know?” A moment of all-consuming panic, worry, and care flashed across the dragon lady’s face. So she does have a heart after all. Interesting.

“Mom knows about me. If you’d stop being a self-absorbed pompous bitch, then you would already know about me. Instead, you’re trying to sever a bond and that *will* leave you mateless. You’ve done it before, Eliza Bronzetail, pure dragoness of the line of Alextraza.” My ability to hold my tongue had waned and I was done playing games with someone who acted like a child through every life I even heard them mention in. Now it was time to get down to business and put the petty shit aside. In the back of my head I couldn’t help but hear, ‘it’s going down for real…” Damn jukebox brain.

“How do you know of my bloodline? It’s not even of this world.” This girl must be dumber than a box of fucking rocks.

“Okay for one, I’m a demigod. I’ve followed my mom through lots of lives and through many different planes, so don’t try and act like anything I know should be surprising. Here, soon, my mom will know all of her past lives, including everything about the tendencies of your souls. Mom may or may not have trained directly under Alextraza and been present for your soul’s first birth.” I took a breath, trying to make sure to pace myself so I did not give out too much information at once. “All I’m going to say is this, go to your own damn room, get the fuck dressed, commune with your own soul, and fix your shit. Your dad is a gigantic dick and your mother is a pompous bitch. Shed their expectations and their bullshit and allow yourself to live your own life. You can do it. You’ve got the big guns to back you up. Just because they didn’t approve of your double mateship, doesn’t mean you have to follow the line. With that being said, why am I even here? How is any of this supposed to help me replace that beautiful creature?” When I lay the smack down I lay it all the way down. I didn’t wanna mess around and play when I had the chance to replace my own mate, my own fated. The beautiful soul I saw earlier.

“Follow me. Aran, meet up with us once you’ve seen her out. You’ll have to be there for Alke to show up.” My dad led me to a pocket dimension filled with weapons and goodies. “Now we wait.” He grinned at me. I hate waiting.