Anticipation

Anticipation
I am back alone in my room. I know that Malcolm said to rest, but I just can't. Off and on, growing up, I have had insomnia or at least what feels like it.

I know that I told them that the lightning caused everything, but I don't think so, at least not now.

The guys said that they knew what but not who they are, and that I'm part of them becoming who they are. However, I now think that I know who and what I am. I always have, but for some reason, I can't unlock it.

I have always been plagued with visions, but they usually came at night, so I dismissed them as dreams or nightmares. Then, after I was struck by lighting I could summon the visions at will.

There's a reason that I don't fear anyone in this house. It's not because I'm attracted to some either. It's because I know them, because I have seen them before. Maybe in this life through my visions or perhaps in another life or both. But the scariest thing is that I have seen Maximus, too.

Malcolm’s POV

I am thankful for this alone time with Emma. I know that I can't lie to her, and the longer secrets are harbored, the more in jeopardy that puts her and the rest of us.

I am far older than anyone knows. Age is not the only things that Maximus have in common.

He selected her for a reason. I doubt he knows what she might be. He no doubt sees a human hybrid that he can sell or breed. I'm restless, and I know that Emma is too. I can feel her. “Mike, I need a distraction.”

Mike nods. “Then wash up and make the bacon. I will do the eggs.”

I sigh. “Alright.”

“Do you know where you're taking her?” he asks.

“Yes.” I know he doesn't like it, but I need to do this.

“If you're tailed…” he starts.

“Relax,” I interrupt. “She will be safe.”

“Can you guarantee that no more of your progeny will attack her?” Mike asks.

“No, but I will end any who try.”

“Anywho, try what?” Emma asks.

I sigh and turn to her. “You should be trying to rest.”

“I can't,” she replies exasperatedly.

“I know. It is why I'm cooking.”

“You said it like you don't do it,” she says.

“I don't,” I reply flatly, making her gasp. “Come here.” I have her stand between me and the stove. “Put your hands on my forearms.”

She does without hesitation. I start moving at vampiric speed. I can't see her expression, but I can feel her awe and giddiness. I flip off the stove as the last of the bacon is removed from the pan. I spin her around. “Whoa!” she exclaims.

I smirk. “Different?”

She smiles. “Yeah, it's like living in fast forward. If you can move that fast, what else…” She stops herself and bites her lip as her eyes drift to the floor.

“Emma.” Her eyes just snap to mine. She's just so responsive. I kiss her nose. “Better. Today I will stay out of your head. I expect you to talk. So finish what you just thought.”

She chews on her lip before she blurts it out. “I wonder what else you could use that speed for.”

I look over at Mike. He chuckles. “Nope! But Emma, do call for the others.”

“Umm,” she mumbles.

“Just do it,” Mike commands.

She just rolls her eyes. “Fine, buddy.” She sighs. “Boys, food.”

Within a few minutes, they all come in and sit at the table. I look into her eyes. “Believe yet?”

“Don't start,” she warns.

“Now, everyone eat,” Mike announces.

“So is everything resolved from last night and yesterday?” Trent asks.

I see her get up. She goes and kisses both Trent and Chase. But then she goes and sits on Niko's lap. He's clearly shocked. “Niko, if Mikey betrayed me and set out to hurt me, would you end him?”

Niko doesn't hesitate. “Yes.”

“Why?” she asks.

“I don't care how or why anymore. You are my mate. You come first, always,” he replied. Good, he needs to admit what we all know. It doesn't matter what Emma is. She is ours no matter what.

“Then we are good. I still don't like killing, but I understand,” she says before she kisses him. It lasted longer than any kiss should at the breakfast table, but nothing about her is truly normal.

Mike grins. “Glad that's settled. I suggest that you all come clean. If there are no secrets or fears, then that's less Maximus can use against us all.”

“Speaking of, I have a lot to show you. Are you ready, Emma?” She looks at the other guys, who all nod. She's trying to be considerate. It's an endearing quality. Where we are going, the others won't be able to hear us. Niko can't even watch from another realm. But I need to do this even if she rejects our bond.