Destiny's Fire - By Trisha Wolfe Page 0,75

My next words I weighed heavily before speaking. “And what about your dad?” I studied Lana’s face. “Have you spoken to him at all since the announcement?”

“No.” She shook her head. “None of us have. Jace is furious. Well, that’s an understatement. He knows Dad won’t answer our questions, anyway. And he wants us to have nothing to do with him until he will.”

“The silent treatment?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nick mock laughed. “Yeah, eventually Mom will get tired of it and she’ll crack, forcing Dad to give in. Works every time.”

Lana brushed her pink dreads from her shoulder. “Being part of a political family sucks.”

I smiled faintly. “Hope it works.”

Nick stood. “I’m tired. Since nothing’s getting accomplished, and it seems we’re in no immediate danger, I’m taking a nap.” He looked at me. “I know my brother’s rough. Are you okay?”

Guilt washed over me. He’d assumed Jace was the reason for our falling out. “Nick, it’s not Jace. We…” I trailed off, looking for the right words. “We just didn’t work like that. But he didn’t do anything.”

“Cool,” he said. “Good to hear. I’m out. Wake me when the drama’s over.” He headed up the stairs.

“How come he gets to do that?” I asked Lana, shaking my head lightly.

She shrugged. “He’s Nick.”

We laughed, releasing the tension from the room. Then I hopped to my feet. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. The disinfectant is starting to hurt my head.”

“Agreed.” Lana laced her arm through mine. “Want to binge out in the unit? We could stop off at the cafeteria and grab loads of chocolate.”

“Yes. I think I’m overdue for a good chocolate binge.”

We left. There was nothing more we could do. We had tried to discover information by breaking into the Narcolym airship and failed. We’d spent all afternoon wracking our brains, but came up with nothing. We were at a standstill until the Councils wanted to reveal their intentions, just as Devon had said. The best thing I could do was lay low until I met with Reese. I hoped he’d find something—anything—out. And without getting himself into trouble. My stomach churned. Maybe chocolate wasn’t such a hot idea.

By eight thirty I was becoming restless. Lana and I had spent the evening talking and vegging out. But I wouldn’t last the next half hour without going crazy. I needed to find out what Reese had learned.

“Stop fidgeting,” Lana said. “You’ll see him soon.” She pulled on her boots, then reapplied her lipstick.

“You think going out tonight is a good idea?”

She shrugged. “I’m going to see Devon, regardless. Let them try and stop me.” She turned toward me. “Besides, I think I need to get Jace out for a while. I don’t want him festering in his funk.”

I scrunched up my nose. “Okay, but be easy on him.”

“I will. The club will most likely be dead. No one seems to be in the partying mood, but I know Jace and Nick will go if I tell them I am.” She held her arms out. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful. Devon will lose his mind.”

“I know,” she said and laughed. “He really will.” She headed to the door but paused and turned back toward me. “Dez, I’m happy you found Reese. It’s amazing, considering you two are the only ones of your kind. But, just be careful.” Her eyebrows pinched together. “I know he’s not a full Narco…but he was still raised by them.”

I smiled, knowing she was just looking out for me. “Thanks, Lane. I will. He’s a little hot-tempered, but he’s harmless.”

Her face brightened. “All right. Love ya. See you at curfew.” She closed the door behind her.

I shook my head, thinking about what she’d said. There were still so many prejudices to overcome, even from my best friend. I was happy she cared for me so much, but I knew it would take time to accept Reese and me being together. Even for her. And the state of the Councils weren’t helping our case. Though, the Shythe Council was as much to blame for that as the Narcolym.

Fifteen minutes before I’d planned to meet Reese, I couldn’t take waiting anymore. I had to get out of the stuffy unit. Maybe he’s already in the courtyard.

I bounced down the stairs toward the lobby. Pushing through the doors, I entered the moonlit courtyard. Soft light bathed the ground, illuminating the stone walkway in an eerie glow. I glanced around, but didn’t find Reese. Gooseflesh prickled my skin as the