Chapter 79 Bed and Breakfast 2
Alessia’s POV
Morning comes quickly, I crack open my eyes slowly, looking around the simple room. The smell of the bed and breakfast hits my nose fast cinnamon, earth, and ancient stone. Next, the sounds of the birds chirping sweetly outside as sun filters into the room, giving it a charming, idyllic look, negating the doom and worry filling up my heart slowly…
I turn around and find Alex still sleeping on his side. Worry lines etched deeply into his face. Sighing, he has really taken on a lot of my problems, not ever complaining. I smooth his worry lines gently as he stirs, slowly opening one eye at a time.Freezing, our eyes meet, and I feel my cheeks warming up.
“How did you sleep?” he asks me gruffly, blinking a few times.
I smile, pulling my hand back to my side, feeling a tad bit awkward. “I didn’t think I would be able to sleep again, but I did. I just woke up too.”
He chuckles. “I am glad you needed the rest. Let me quickly freshen up and head out to catch up with the guide.”
His eyes meet mine once more, a soft look flashing in them.
“So you can have the room to yourself to dress at your pace.”
I nod at him. “Okay, thank you.” I am nervous as hell, and I don’t know what is appropriate attire to wear to meet your coven, but I can’t tell Alex that I need to figure it out on my own.
He rises from the bed, heading into the bathroom with his luggage. Slowly, I get up and walk towards the window, staring at the trees. I still haven’t gotten a moment to tell Alex about my growing powers. Even though I feel it stirring in my belly, dormant but ready, growing steadily. I don’t know how to broach the topic, but I need to figure it out and fast. He has been nothing but honest and protective of me. I owe him the same respect.
Alex returns to the room fully dressed to find me standing by the window, still admiring the scenery, lost in my own thoughts. He crosses over to me, his hand squeezing mine. “I know today won’t be easy, but remember you are not alone.”
I place my second hand on his, tilting my head to his as I give him a quiet nod. While we stand together in silence, there is a soft knock on the door.
“Alex, it’s me,” Luca’s voice calls from behind the closed door. “We are heading down to wait for you in the lobby.”
“Hold on, Luca. I am coming out,” Alex calls out.
Then he turns to me. “Have your bath. I will be waiting for you by the door.” He squeezes my hand once more and pulls his suitcase with him as he opens the door. Angelica is standing beside Luca, wearing a pale cream, simple dress, while Luca is dressed simply in black slacks and a white shirt. Her expression is guarded as something flickers in its depths while she studies me.
Luca’s gaze meets mine as he asks, “Hey, Alessia, how are you feeling?”
I give him a wink. “I will survive, Luca.” He chuckles.
Angelica pipes in, her voice somber and thoughtful. “Good morning. How are you feeling?” she asks. I consider ignoring her or lying, but I know if anyone will understand what I am feelomg its her so instead I moisten my lips and tell her the honest truth.
“I feel like I am walking into an unknown that already knows more about me than myself.”
She nods. “I know it’s a lot, but you shall be fine.”
Alex turns back once more to give me a nod before shutting the door behind him, which jolts me into motion. I have a quick shower and get dressed in black jeans and a blue top. Sneaking a peek at the mirror, I pack my hair in a bun , gloss my lips and head out of the room. I find Alex and the guide only, waiting for me. The guide bows in greeting; his hood is back up now, hiding his face.
“Morning, Princess. We need to leave. The coven will not like to be kept waiting for long.”
Something tightens in my chest after his little speech, I am tempted to say so what let them wait but I bite my lips instead, not wanting to say anything rude. We head down the stairs together, Alex supporting me with a palm placed at my lower back. Angelica and Luca are standing very closely together, waiting by the window. They seem to be having a conversation, but their voices are too low for me to pick up what it’s about.
Luca notices us first, straightening.
“Are we leaving now?” he asks Alex.
But the guide answers, “Right away, sir. The coven is expecting us.”
I shiver as trepidation fills me once more.Alex notices my demeanor and pulls me closer to him, whispering in my ear, “Stay by my side. I got you.” A sigh of relief escapes me as I flash a grateful smile at him.
He then faces the guide. “Lead the way.”
He falls to the front and walks out the door, stopping for a moment on the porch.
Luca and Angelica go out next, holding hands. Lastly, Alex takes one more intense look at me.
“Alessia, are you ready?”
I lock my eyes with him, wanting to tell him no, I cannot- I have powers I have not told you about. I am panicking badly, but I know I cannot say all of this. I have to face this once and for all. It’s nineteen years too late, and I won’t waste a second longer.
So instead, I straighten my shoulders, take a deep breath, and say, “Yes, Alex. I am ready.”
We walk out together, hand in hand, to the great unknown… knowing fully well nothing will ever be the same again.