Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 27

Ivy's POV

The room falls silent, all eyes turn to the scene in front of them.

The council stand in a line in front of us, John's eyes gleaming. Leo's face wears a grim expression as he makes his way over to me, quickly surveying me for injuries. Owen stands slightly in front of me, pushing me behind him slightly as he stares down the group. For once, I don't object. I hate the feeling of everyone's eyes on me.

"Did you two know of her gifts?" Simon asks, staring at me.

"We recently found out, yes," Leo grits out, grasping my wrist. His eyes never leave mine, but I shrink under his gaze. This wasn't how he wanted to inform the council, but now there wasn't much choice. It's not like I wanted to cause a scene, but once I saw the flames catching up to Charlotte, my body took over. I didn't even know I could do that.

"She hid her powers from you?" I bring my attention back to the group in front of me, looking at me with newfound interest.

"She was...unaware." Leo avoids their stares, tightening his grip on my wrist.

"I see," Simon steps forward, the two men stepping in front of me until I'm blocked from view. He laughs, holding his hands up in surrender.

"I'm not going to hurt her, stand down boys."

Leo and Owen share a look before slowly moving away, standing on either side of me. Simon grins, making his way over to me. He bends down until we're at eye level and I raise my chin, refusing to look intimidated by our close proximity.

He's so close that I can smell the whiskey on his breath and the slight smell of cigarettes but I refuse to cower. This is the man who gave my parents a death sentence for trying to protect me. I won't let him have any power over me.

"Who are your parents, little girl?"

"I don't know my parents," I reply. "I grew up in foster homes." The half-truth slips easily from my lips, but I pray the rapid beat of my heart doesn't give me away. I catch a glimpse of Scarlette, Isabella and Willow in the crowd. Isabella has her arms wrapped around Scarlette's waist from behind to keep her from running over. Willow's face is three shades lighter, her mouth clamped down on her fingernails. I snap my gaze back to the man in front of me.

"Hmmm." He taps his chin, his eyes raking down my body, lingering on the dip of my breasts. Leo and Owen still beside me and I notice a slight tremor in Owen's stance from the corner of my eye. His eyes are fixed on the wall in front of us, but his arm twitches to reach out to me. I move my hand towards him, brushing my fingers against his in an attempt to ease some of the tension in his muscles. He remains stiff but begins to intertwine our fingers, squeezing gently as he lets out a breath. Simon's gaze flicks up to him in amusement, letting out a loud sigh and finally creating some distance between us. I hadn't noticed I stopped breathing until he moved away, the air filling my lungs once more.

"Do you know what bloodline she's from?" He asks, turning to Leo. Leo hesitates for a moment before offering him a short nod.

"Which one?"
"Yours." While Leo's face held no emotion, I could tell the subtle disdain in his reply that he'd let slip. By the look on Simon's face, he'd heard it too.

"Interesting." He tilts his head, analysing me.

"How old are you?"

"25," I answer, the recognition flickering in his eyes. For the first time tonight, he seems surprised. He quickly covers the slip with a menacing smile.

"I thought I sensed something about you. You know, you look so much like your mother, it's a shame she can't see how well you developed."
"We both know if she was still here I wouldn't be." I seethe. Leo shoots me a warning look but I ignore him, unable to keep my anger at bay. Simon simply laughs, shrugging as if murdering my parents was just a typical afternoon for him.