Dark Princess: Shadows (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance #89)

51. Annani

51

ANNANI

" T hank you for welcoming me into your home," Morelle said as she walked into Annani's arms, bending down to kiss her cheek.

She was nearly as tall as Amanda and was even skinnier, which Annani resolved to remedy.

She took a step back to give her sister another once-over. "You look wonderful."

Annani was delighted to see Morelle looking so well so soon. Her sister was still recuperating, though. There were dark circles under her eyes, and she was still much too thin, but there was vitality in her gaze, and the outfit Brandon's shopper had chosen for her was absolutely perfect. It was elegant and comfortable, suitable for all-day wear, and it fit nearly any occasion.

"I knew I was right to let Brandon handle your wardrobe." She took Morelle's hand and led her to the couch. "Since I absolutely detest pants, I would have chosen dresses, but this suits you perfectly." She turned to Brandon. "Thank you for doing this for Morelle. Naturally, I will cover the expenses you incurred."

Brandon, who was about to sit down on one of the armchairs, froze midway, looking like she had slapped him, and Annani immediately regretted making the offer.

"It was my pleasure to provide for Morelle, Clan Mother. Please don't deprive me of it." He lowered himself into the armchair.

Annani was a little saddened that Morelle would not be a candidate for her companion. It seemed that the Fates had already paired her with Brandon. On the other hand, she was happy for her sister. Finding her fated mate was much more important than keeping Annani company.

"Lunch is ready." Annani patted Morelle's hand. "But we are waiting for Kian and Ell-rom to arrive. In the meantime, we can have tea." She lifted her hand, signaling for Ogidu.

"Right away, Clan Mother." He bowed and rushed into the kitchen.

"I didn't know that Kian and Ell-rom were coming," Morelle said. "Ell-rom didn't mention it when we spoke at the clinic."

"That is because it was decided after you left with Brandon." She smiled. "I wanted to invite the entire family, but Kian wisely pointed out that Syssi and Amanda are at the university today and that we shouldn't overwhelm you with too many relatives at once."

Morelle returned a sheepish smile. "It has been a very full day, but after seven thousand years of slumber, I feel like I have to keep moving and experiencing to compensate for lost time."

"Oh dear." Annani patted Morelle's hand again. "You are immortal. You do not need to rush to do anything."

"I know." Morelle sighed. "And I'm far from being at my best, but I have this feeling inside that is propelling me to keep going." She touched a hand to her belly.

"You are hungry," Annani said as Ogidu returned with the tea service.

Morelle nodded. "Yes, I am hungry for experiences."

Annani chuckled. "You are also hungry for food. Your body is still rebuilding itself after the long stasis, and you need more than just tea." She turned to her Odu. "Ogidu, please bring out some appetizers."

"Of course, Clan Mother." He finished pouring the tea and then retreated to the kitchen.

"Thank you." Morelle pressed her hand to her belly again. "I didn't realize that I was hungry."

"I should have thought of that," Brandon said. "I'm not a very good caregiver."

Morelle cast him a reproachful look. "I'm not a child, Brandon."

"Oh, I know that you are not a child and thank the Fates for that."

Morelle looked confused while Annani laughed. "Oh, Morelle. There is so much you are about to learn about the way we use language here and all the cultural references that are lost on you. What Brandon meant was that he sees you as a desirable female. He is glad that you are old enough for him to pursue. It was a compliment."

"A strange one, that's for sure." Morelle frowned at Brandon. "Do I look so young that it might be confusing?" She lifted her hand to her head and touched the fuzzy growth. "It's because of this. I look different with hair."

"It was just a bad joke," Brandon said. "Forget that I said it."

Thankfully, Ogidu returned with plates of small sandwiches, fruit, and cheese, and Morelle got distracted by the food.

Annani cast Brandon a knowing look, and in response he lifted his hands in defeat.

Falling in love was difficult, and even an experienced male like Brandon was faltering. It was much easier to feign confidence when the stakes were not as high as impressing the one person that he hoped to spend eternity with.

Did Morelle feel the same toward him, though?

It was hard to tell. Her sister was a mix of contradicting traits, and Annani was eager to get to know her.

Was she also harboring a deadly talent like her twin brother's?

Once Morelle had filled her belly with a few of the small canapés, she wiped her lips with a napkin and put it down. "My stomach seems to be able to process only tiny quantities of food at a time, and Bridget told me to listen to my body and not to try to push it."

"That is natural, my dear. Your stomach has not been active for a very long time. You need to be patient."

"I'm not a patient person by nature, but I will try." Morelle drummed her fingers on her knee, looking anything but patient. "While we wait for Ell-rom and Kian, perhaps you could tell me about our father? I realize that it might not be a comfortable subject for you, but it might be better to get this story out of the way."

"It happened a very long time ago." Annani sighed. "The pain has dulled, though when you lose a loved one, it never truly goes away." She had wanted to wait, to let Morelle grow stronger before burdening her with this knowledge, but she could see the determination in her sister's eyes. Morelle would not rest until she knew everything.

"Perhaps my reluctance to tell you the story has to do with my part in the gods' demise and the guilt I feel to this day."

Morelle was taken aback. "What happened?"

"I did not want to mate the god my father chose for me, and I fell in love with another. My Khiann, my one and only, my fated mate."