Chapter 771: Visit With Sebastian
We sat at the table, my carnal thoughts making me blush as Sebastian turned and sank into a chair, still holding my son. Those thoughts turned to "awww" as he softly rubbed Gabriel's back with one big hand, while Mom served us wine and some fruit and cheese. I bit into a strong piece of cheddar just for something to focus on as my demon rumbled her continuing interest, hand fisted around my glass of milk.
Sebastian waved Mom off when she made the offer of some cabernet.
"I no longer enjoy the taste of alcohol," he said. Winked at me. "The only disappointment in all this."
Mom's eyes locked on Gabriel as she sat and, without prompting, Sebastian handed him over while a little seed of resentment woke up, cutting through my consideration of his strong hands, the way his muscular chest rippled through the open collar of his white shirt.
I'd tried to save his former queen, hadn't I? And he gives Gabriel to my mother.
Typical.
Sebastian told Mom everything while she rocked my son in an almost reflexive motion, as though unaware she was doing it. At least she seemed focused on what Sebastian was saying, despite my son's proximity.
I was just finishing my part of the story when Gabriel woke again. Turned to me and opened his arms, feelings of hunger rumbling through his magic.
"Ah," I said, a little embarrassed. "He wants dinner." Refused to look at Sebastian. Would not think about him and my son and my very full chest all at the same time.
Would. Not.
Weaning time was coming, you betcha. And then, well. We'd see.
Thank goodness for Lula's magic, I didn't have to endure the ache in my breasts, at least. And, with some encouragement from me, I was able to keep myself from blowing up like a pair of twin balloons until Gabriel wanted to eat. But I could feel myself pushing against my bra in a way I knew had to look freakish. Scrambled to retrieve Gabriel from Mom.
Breastfeeding in front of Sebastian was NOT an option.
Mom saved my life. "I had a crib and rocking chair installed in my room," she said. Blushed. "Just in case you ever decided to let him stay over."
Sneaky.
"Thanks, Mom." Dipped her a nod and ran from the room.
Fifteen minutes and a happily full baby later and I settled him into the crib. I wanted to hold him, but I knew it was probably better to just leave him and let him sleep. Took me another five minutes to pull myself away from the crib and close the door behind me, but not until I wrapped the cute, wooden bed with a bubble of maji power.
Perfect baby monitor.
Mom looked disappointed when I returned without the baby, but stayed focused.
"How much longer does Pannera have?" They must have been talking when I was gone.
Sebastian looked at me. Right. "I don't know," I said, crossing my arms over my chest, the last traces of my self-consciousness driving me to hide the shrunken evidence. "Not long. I'm surprised she's lasted until now." Glum, I let my arms drop and leaned forward, elbows on the table. "I wanted to offer her release, but I didn't know if she'd accept it."
Sebastian shifted in his chair, eyes distant. "She would not," he said. "Her pride keeps her from such mercy." One hand reached out, squeezed mine as he focused on me. "But your kindness is staggering, Syd. Considering everything she's done."
"Everything the Brotherhood has done." I squeezed back. "This isn't Pannera's fault."
I stood, needing to move, feeling suddenly restless. Walked to the window and looked out over the Yard. Harvard was lovely in the summer, all the looming trees in full leaf. I found I missed it, my time here at school, the measure of normal it allowed me while I studied, if punctuated by the occasional disaster.
"Who stands in line to succeed her?" Mom's voice was soft, aimed away from me, at Sebastian, clearly.
His own sank low as he answered. "I don't know," he said. "The politics of such a succession are complicated. She might name an heir, but unless the entire clan supports her decision, there could be a fight for control."
"That's not good." Mom's frown came through. I pressed my forehead to the cool glass, catching her reflection in the window as she leaded back, the creak of her chair loud in the quiet. "We need to alert Femke of a possible succession war."
I saw the door open, just a fraction. Knew Maurice was back. Almost spun and tossed him physically from the room. But as I turned, fury full-on, he ignored me and entered, bowing to Mom.
"Council Leader," he said in his whiny, nasal voice, round glasses shining in the light, hiding his beady eyes.
"Yes, Maurice?" Mom sounded slightly irritated by the intrusion.
"You are scheduled to confer with Council Leader Braylen." His eyes flickered to me. Just for a second.
He seemed nervous. Was I finally freaking him out? Honestly, I hadn't seen him since the whole Brotherhood last battle thing went down. Could be I'd earned a little respect. Or fear.
I'd take either.
Mom stood, nodded. Turned to me with a hopeful smile. "I won't be long?"
I shook my head and grinned. "We're not leaving yet," I said.
She flashed me a happy smile before taking Sebastian's hand as he rose. "Thank you for coming to tell me in person," she said. "Would you like me to speak to Femke?"
I'd have to pay the European Council Leader a visit myself. Maybe with Sebastian.
And leave Gabriel home...
Bad, Syd. Bad, bad.
Yum.
"Not at all," Sebastian said. "I'm on my way back now, anyway. I'll take care of it."
Crap.
Sigh.
Mom left, hustling after Maurice, who shot me one more look before running off.
Definitely scared of me.
Wicked.
Sebastian held out his hand to me and, without thinking, I crossed to him and took it. His blue eyes looked down into mine, square jaw jumping a little as though he struggled with speaking.
Made me all kinds of nervous. Especially when my body had such a powerful reaction to his, always had. The moment my hand fell in his this time, heat traveled between us. Woke up some places I'd thought dead and withered. And while I'd never been self-conscious about myself, not really-at least, not physically-the sudden thought of Sebastian seeing me naked...
I'd started working out again, had my body back, mostly. My marital arts teacher, Sage, saw to that. Pushed me hard enough, bouncing Gabriel while chatting with Charlotte, I fit into my old jeans, at least.
Still.
More blushing.
Yikes.
Sebastian finally bent, pressed his lips to my forehead, hand gently cupping the back of my head as his other settled against the middle of my back. I leaned into him, all my worries fading, allowing his power to flow over mine.
To ignite those certain parts of me all over again.
When he pulled away, his smile was sad.
"My darling witch girl," he said. "I owe you my life, so many times over. And there was a brief, happy moment I thought perhaps I could give you what you needed." He sighed even as my heart shriveled a little in understanding, my demon growling as the other girls sighed. "But until I know who I am, of what I'm capable, I know now it would be wrong for me to ask you to commit your heart to mine."
No it wouldn't. Shaylee was quick on the draw.
We just want his body, anyway, my demon sent.
Yes, tell him that, my vampire sent.
Made me laugh, despite my sadness. Sebastian cocked his head to the side, dark curls falling over his collar as I shrugged.
"The girls disagree," I said. "But I get it, I really do." I knew how he felt, didn't I? How long did it take me to accept who I was?
Sucked anyway.
"I will always be here for you," he said, intensity so powerful I almost allowed tears to fall. Almost. "As you have been for me. You only have to ask."
Sebastian kissed me then, gentle and with a soft flare of heat before stepping away.
Flashing into light as he raised his hand in farewell. And vanished.
***
