Infected

Adora

I take my time going to the idle car, ignoring the impatient glance of my driver as he holds open the door for me. Being pregnant means no one can say anything about how slow you move or how erratic your mood is or how weird your cravings get. I'm busy growing two miracles and virtually untouchable, so if I want to wobble like an overgrown turkey, I can.

I slide into the back of the armored black suburban and shut the privacy screen between me and the driver. Thanks to the wards on my half of the vehicle, he wouldn't be able to eavesdrop or see what I'm doing.

The car pulls away from my uncle's home and I quickly dial a number into my phone.

I wait as the line rings, running my nails over my bump. The babies shift nervously in me, sensing the anger that was brewing in my body. I send comforting energy to them through our bond and they settle, but they aren't excited about what I'm about to do. and neither am i.

This was supposed to be a simple trip to visit my uncle but instead, I walked into something that could get both of us killed.

Quin, my adoptive brother, answers on the other line. His voice sounds carefree, "To what do I owe the pleasure, Adora?"

"Hi, Quinny. Quick question, are you idiotic or just looking for a reason for me to kick your ass?" I cheerily say to him.

"I have no idea what you are talking about. Is creating delusions to be upset at me another one of your pregnancy symptoms?" He jests, paying no mind to how serious I am.

Connor told me last week about Quin's arrival at the center in England. It was unannounced and pissed off a lot of people who'd been hoping Quin had left the council for good. He was more concerned about Quin's admittance to the execution of Rucker without any prior approval. He's never felt the need to acknowledge the things he's done. Never.

"No, it's not a symptom you asshole." I huff and toss my blond locks over my shoulder, "I just finished a lovely reunion with Nathaniel."

A long pause ensues. Then he tries to cover his tracks, "What the hell are you doing there Adora? It's not safe for you."

Typical.

"I'm six hundred years old, not a child. I can handle myself when I see my relatives. I want to know why he's keeping a human covered head to toe in scars and has a trace on them." I tap my Louis's against the seat in front of me. "Are you trying to spare her from the hunters? Is that why it was so important to announce Rucker's death?"

Defeated, he sighs, "Yes."

I smirk, enjoying the sound of his collapsed bravado, "Care to tell me what makes her so special?"

"To me? Nothing at all. I'm doing this for Nathaniel. You know how he is when he meets a helpless human, doctorly ways and all." Once again I'm listening to the usual route Quin takes whenever he's in trouble with me. He uses my uncle's sensitivity to humans to lessen the blow. But I know this isn't the case. Quin rarely acts this way.

"Strike two, Quin. Uncle told me everything that happened to her. You've been more involved in her survival than he has. His exact words were that you are willing to risk it all for her."

"I know what's cooking into the little blond brain of yours, Adora. Don't fuck this up." He sounds like a man on the verge of cracking the code to courtship. He's also mistakenly confirmed my suspicions about the girl.

I take his threat with a grain of salt, "Not fucking this up means she doesn't know who you are. Have you really learned nothing from my years of coaching? Hiding your position diminishes any trust you could have with her."

I've seen it plenty of times before, it's not best to keep who are we from people like Elle. her restless mind will bring the truth to light and when it does, Quin will have more than just explaining to do. She could be his ruin.

I can hear him stifle a growl, "Her trust isn't what I'm seeking. I need her to be safe. Stop meddling Adora or I swear I'll come down there and destroy your closet."

I laugh.

"Ouch. Using my clothes against me? You've gone soft Quin and it's absolutely adorable." I inspect my nails, there's not a single chip in the dark purple polish, "Well it was nice chatting but I have to plan a date with the little flower."

I'd placed a note on her bed on my way out of the house. She could ignore it and I wouldn't have any hurt feelings but something tells me she'll accept my offer. I don't have the restraint of teaching her how awful purebloods are like my uncle and brother do. I don't live with rose tinted glasses while I hide in my secluded home.

"Adora-" His shouts of warning are cut off when I abruptly hang up.

I slide open the privacy screen and speak to the driver with a feigned strain in my voice, "Change of plans, Lucas. You're going to take the next few days off. I want the staff to be gone as well. I'm feeling under the weather and want some time alone."

He won't question me. My status and his paycheck won't allow it. Besides, I usually have issues with my energy when I'm pregnant and it's best for people not to be around when my mood swings kick in.

"Yes ma'am." Lucas nods and his attention is back on the road.

I hum a tune to myself as he drives to my temporary home in Vermont. It's been playing on repeat in my head since the moment I touched the girl.

Her name is Lorelei, but she hates what it symbolizes so she goes by Elle to keep the pain away.

She truly is a fascinating creature. Her curls are like the wild mane of ebony and her eyes burn with the color of fresh spring grass. Her exotic looks aren't the driving factor behind Quin's interest in her. She's been through more than she lets on yet she still found the time to show kindness to me. She's the anchor Quin needs in his life. She's the humanity he tries so hard to deny having.

"You never know dear, how much I love you..." I hum, lazily rubbing my belly as my eyes flutter shut. "Please don't take my sunshine away..."

~*~

Leave me a comment and vote if you're liking the story so far.

The next couple of chapters are going to be a bit information heavy but nothing crazy. I just feel it's best to get a massive establishment of the world going before shit really starts hitting the fan.

How are you feeling about Adora? Is her meddling really the best thing for Elle or is it best she stays in the dark about some things?

xx

Zuul