Chapter 29

Bastian set his cup down and then sat back on the sofa. It was hard and uncomfortable. Shifting forward, he adjusted the small pillow beside him and then gave up and leaned on his knees. Just being in his mother’s sitting room always made him feel like an adolescent. Pristine white furniture, every bit of the décor was shiny, spotless—how did a person relax in a room like this?

His mother set her cup on the little saucer in her lap and gave him one of those mom smiles. “I haven’t seen you this nervous since you told your father and me that you would be a working royal and not one who sits safely in the control room.”

His gaze flicked to her, he thought he was playing it cool, but should have known she would pick up how nervous he was.

“What is it, Bastian?”

Opening his mouth, he decided just telling her straight was best, easiest. What came out of his mouth he hadn’t even given a thought to. “How did things turn out with Elyas and that girl?” Did he even care, not really, although if Elyas had found his other that would buy Trendan and himself some time. At least then the entire realm would stop giving them those expectant looks.

“It is as yet, unresolved.” She had such an understanding look on her face. “Ultimately it is her choice, so we wait for her decision.”

He shrugged. “I’d have to debate long and hard about spending eternity with Elyas too.”

The smile on her face—what was it about a mother’s soft, understanding look? Bastian would have snapped by now and demanded answers to his strange behavior. “Okay.” He sat forward again, then looked at the floor—open mouth and speak. “The, uh, lawless ones.” He glanced up to see she was looking at him. “They’re after a woman.” He nodded, like that should explain it all.

“Your father told me you had to go save a human female from them.”

He scowled. “She was already saved by—” He paused, how much to tell? “—this, uh, group of women, the Gemini League, their, ah, they have their DNA is a mix of all the realms. Some from one or two realms, some more.” She looked surprised but didn’t interrupt him. “They hold magic and abilities…”

“They’re in the human realm?”

He bobbed his head like it was on a spring. “Yes. They kind of scare me.”

“They saved her?”

He nodded, more slowly this time. “Yes, they did.” Bastian paused, wondering if Nova was still with them or was at home now—wherever the hell home was. He needed to get his hands on some old maps of the city and see if there were tunnels or something nearby the empty house she was fronting as her home. This talk wasn’t going well. He needed to get back on track. “The lawless tried to rip her soul from her.” His mother’s eyes widened, he held out his hand. “She’s fine.” Bastian was trying not to upset her, not with the baby. Baby. His gaze went to her midriff, then he shook his head and tapped his collar bone. “The Geminis made her a crystal, uh, and chain. I don’t know what it is that stopped them.”

Her expression showed nothing. Nothing. How was he supposed to know if she was with him when she had a poker face. “They want her because she can see their darkness.” Her eyebrows lifted.“And as it turns out, those souls in sick bodies.”

“But she’s human…”

“Yes.” More nodding.

“How is that possible?

He opened his mouth, then shrugged. “I suppose only the Gods know that.”

His mother’s look was contemplative now, at least it wasn’t her blank, patient look.

“There’s—more,” he said slowly, dragging out the word. “Do you remember forever ago when I told you that a certain soul drew my attention in ways I didn’t understand?”

“You were new to being over there watching.”

“I was, but...” All or nothing. “That very same soul I have chased through the years and I mean all the years.”

“How do you know it’s the same one?”

He hesitated before answering, “I just—know.” Bastian put his hand over his chest. “This-this feeling. I somehow recognize that soul out of millions—I just know it is the same one.”

“I suppose that’s possible.”

Yes! An opening. That was all he needed. “Nova, that’s the woman the lawless are after, she holds that soul now.”

She set her cup on the table like she was just going to really listen now that it was getting interesting.

“That soul remembers all of its past lives.”

Her brows furrowed.

“There are journals.” He blurted out before she could speak. “Nova has these journals. They wrote about me chasing them through time.” He blinked. Not now. “Nova as all these journals from the soul’s women throughout the years.

“How does she have them all?”

He sat on her spotless glass table and leaned forward so they were on the same level. “Because the soul’s memories lead each keeper to them.” He leaned closer. “Every time.”

“That’s...” She stopped and looked at him. “Has that ever happened before?”

He lifted both hands up and held them there. “I don’t know.” He dropped them.

“We should report—”

“No,” Bastian said it a little louder than intended. “No. We’re not turning her into a science project.”

“Bastian…”

He jumped up again. “She’s my other.” All the preparation to tell her and he ended up rushing the finish.

“She’s human.” Her voice was soft, hesitant.

“Yes. Yes. Which confirms what I’ve already shared, that we can have mates and children with those outside our realm.” He paced away. “I’ve been chasing this soul through countless lives because it was meant for me.” He paused and looked at a painting, not actually caring what it was of. “Although I’m very happy it took this long. She’s absolutely lovely. Has a bit of spark and sass too.”

“Bastian.”

He jolted; she was standing right behind him. Turning he looked at her. She had that look telling him she was going to say something he wasn’t going to like. “We can’t share this news right now.” She frowned. "We can’t even explain, but we need…”

“I know. We have to hunt down whoever is behind the brainwashing, betraying our people.” His gaze flicked to his hand a few times. “The lawless and everything.”

“Yes.” She touched his cheek with one of those caring mother expressions on her face. “But to see that look on your face, when you speak of her—I never thought I’d see that for you.”

Bastian sighed again. “She’s completely amazing and totally elusive. She took me to her home, but it wasn’t lived in at all.” He slumped his shoulders. “How can I protect her if I can’t find her?”

His mother smiled. “I’m sure you’ll find a way. I look forward to meeting her.” She went back over and sat down.

Bastian blew out a breath like he hadn’t remembered to breathe through the whole talk. “How does...” He frowned. “When we’re near each other, sensations are...” He stopped, remembering this was his mother. He shook his head. “I don’t know the first thing about sharing your soul with another.”

She smirked. “That’s good, because you are only meant to do it with one.”

He sent her a bored look. “You know what I mean.”

“You’ll know. Her soul will know even though she’s human.” Her eyes widened. “I can’t believe she is. I don’t even know what that will be like.” She glanced around the room as if checking for others, which was strange because not even his father entered her private space without an invite. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m almost hoping that woman doesn’t choose your brother.” She made a face. “She’s very loud, obnoxiously so and I don’t see her blending well with official events.”

Bastian quirked an eyebrow. “But Elyas will be miserable, so there is that.”

She gave him a tender look. “I know you’ve never really gotten along with him…”

“He hates me, I’m sure of it.” Bastian put his hands on his hips. “I don’t remember a time we were ever brothers. To him, I’m an insubordinate who shares his bloodline.”

“I know, but you and Trendan are close…”

“And polar opposites.”

She grinned. “I’ve seen you growing closer lately and that’s good.” Picking up her cup, she leveled him with one of her motherly looks. “We’ll have to tell your father.”

Bastian groaned quietly, then went over and dropped down onto the sofa. Sliding to the edge of the cushion, he rested his head against the back and looked at the ceiling. He’d never noticed the pattern up there before. Rubbing his hands over his face, he lifted his head and looked at her. “How?”

She smiled. “In a much better way than you told me. You know it drives him mad when you start prancing around the room when he’s trying to speak with you.”

Bastian sat up and leaned on his knees. “When?”

Pursing her lips, she studied him for a moment. “I’ll find the right time, but for now, you need to keep her safe.” She glanced around the room. “You can’t bring her here, yet what about your friends in Alterealm?”

He gave her a blank look. “You mean the royal family?”

She nodded. “Yes, perhaps she could go there where she’ll be safe.”

Bastian had thought the same thing, but there were risks in that too, her body not surviving the port there to start, not to mention the fact that he suspected she wouldn’t go willingly. Of course, he had to explain to her that she was his intended. He almost laughed out loud, remembering the pendant, if he could go near her, that would be helpful too.

“Go, find your lady. I’m going to rest awhile.”

That brought him out of his head quickly. “Are you all right?” He got up.

“I’m fine.” She smiled. “Growing a body is hard work.”

He looked at her waist. “I’m still processing that I’m going to be a big, practically ancient, brother.”

She laughed. “We didn’t plan this. I thought your father was going to pass out when I told him. It just happened.” She shrugged.

He held out his hand to stop her. “I do not need any details on that part of it.” She did look tired. Going over, he kissed the top of her head. “Rest, Mom. I’m going to chase down some lawless, find some traitors, reunite some dads with the truth, and try to find my woman.”

She smiled up at him. “I do love when you’re motivated.” Her expression sobered. “Try to leave some of our laws intact, please. I can do without your father ranting about my youngest child.”

Bastian grinned. “I just try to keep it interesting for you.”

“I could use a little boring occasionally.” She waved her hand. “Go. I have a meeting in an hour and want to be fresh for it.”

Nodding, he looked around. “You might want to store your glass and shiny things, a baby could wreak havoc in here.”

He left her with a faraway look on her face. Time to get some answers—more answers.