Bodies from both sides begin dropping in a casual form as their eyes roll back in their heads. I sigh when she leaves me standing. I wish she’d knock me out before scolding me.
“It’ll be alright, kiddo,” Uncle Brazen says while kissing my the top of my head, and then he walks over with a smug grin as he pulls my mother into his arms.
Her savage eyes return to be her own as her smile forms, and their lips become entangled in a passionate kiss that makes me too sick to watch.
“Is that not gross?” I huff while turning to face my unfazed brother.
“Not really. I mean, Dad has been gone for ten years. Uncle Brazen has waited a hell of a long time to be with Mom, and now he can.”
I roll my eyes at the suck-up.
“I always forget what a kiss-ass you are,” I scoff.
He lets a laugh escape while shaking his head.
“I never forget what a brat you are,” he teases, his mischievous eyes mocking me.
“So, did you see the fight before it happened and decide not to tell me?” I gripe while glaring at him.
“You know I would have told you, but I didn't see it in time. You must have already put your phone on silent. All I saw was you screaming, and I couldn’t get you to answer. I thought I showed up in time, but then I heard you actually screaming.”
I think it's best if I don't tell him I was supposed to be on silent stalk. Mom has prohibited those sorts of missions.
“That bitch cut me up somehow,” I growl while staring at the redhead limply tossed on the ground while snoring. "Why did you call Mom of all people?"
And where is Uncle Grayson?
“I didn’t call Mom. But I’m glad they got here when they did. I was low on ammo.”
“Yeah, me too, but don’t tell her I said that,” I grumble, my face distorting slightly from the disgusting feel of those words.
If I didn't call her and if Rex didn't call her, then Uncle Grayson sent her instead of coming himself. I'll have to make a note to kick his ass later for this.
Mom and Uncle Brazen disengage from their steamy kiss, and then she walks over to me while holding his hand.
“Aralia-Rose, I swear. I’m sick of this bullshit,” she barks.
The sweetness she was just exhibiting toward her new husband has been banished by the fury in her eyes.
“Gee, Mom, nice to see you too,” I snark while rolling my eyes.
Her falsified hybrid blues narrow at me as she points her finger in true motherly fashion before unleashing her lashing.
“You wanted field duty, but I knew you weren’t ready. For so fucking long I’ve heard about how much better you were than what we gave you credit for. Your father made me promise I wouldn’t let you get hurt, and here you are walking into a trap. Do you realize how many of our kind are slaughtered daily because of foolish, rash decisions? This is a damn war. Get your head out of your ass and pay attention.”
Now I’m pissed.
“Really?” I scoff. “You’re lecturing me about getting my head out of my ass? You don’t think I know we’re at war? I’m fighting this war, Mom. You’re one of the most powerful entities on this damn planet, and yet you barely come out to help us in this war.”
“Aria,” Uncle Brazen’s stern tone cautions, his eyes scolding me now for showing my mother a little less respect than he feels she deserves.
“What? Am I supposed to feel bad because I’m at least trying to make a difference?” I admonish, my voice raising.
He shakes his head, and then he motions for Rex to follow him as they walk off to leave me alone with the fuming hybrid woman - the only one of our kind able to control her savage.
“Aralia, I don’t know what to do with you,” she exasperates while sitting down on an oversized boulder beside me.
“You could start calling me Aria at some point.” I huff while joining her.
