Immortals (ON HOLD)

Chapter 35 (Continued)

Ariel (Continued)

: B there in 2 :

            I set my phone on my end table, forcefully shoving my feet into my heels. I almost literally glided down the stairs, thankful my parents were too preoccupied to see. My dad was still in the living room, my mom putting down the last set of silverware. “Dimitri’s probably waiting outside…are you ready?” I asked her quietly. Her eyes nearly bulged out of her head when she heard the phrase “waiting outside”. “Of course we’re ready, go let him in!! Adam!” She shrieked, tearing into the living room. I took a deep breath, watching them ogle me from the living room, standing side by side. My mom looped her arm through my dad’s, a huge, friendly smile painting her face. My dad looked welcoming, but stern, and I seriously hoped he wouldn’t grill Dimitri like most protective fathers.

I slowly opened the door, trying to swallow my apprehension. My throat felt constricted as I watched Dimitri stride toward me, delicately caressing a vibrant red rose. I wanted to die. Thankfully, he wasn’t wearing a tie, but his mantis-green dress shirt really brought out the color of his eyes. I hastily readjusted my gaze, noticing his fitted black jeans. Oh, how I envied him. I’d much rather be sporting a pair of cute jeans than wearing this dress, regardless of how pretty I looked. I could tell they were designer, which meant expensive, and upon closer inspection, they were in immaculate condition. Otherwise, Kat wouldn’t have let him wear them. He did have on black dress shoes, but also a casual black leather jacket. I looked at my feet just as he walked up on my porch, wishing I didn’t have to let him inside.

“Hey,” he started, flashing a handsome smile. “Hey…” I murmured back, still hiding behind the door. I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the rose, but before I could make a witty insult, he spoke. “No, I didn’t snag this from some random person’s rosebush.” I frowned as he took the words from my mind, but tensed as he handed me the rose. “It’s not poisoned, relax! You might want to let me in so your parents stop wondering what’s going on,” he grumbled, and I reluctantly stood aside, retaining a relaxed composure. “You look fantastic, by the way,” he whispered, his eyes locking with mine longer than necessary. I dipped my head in appreciation, knowing my cheeks were scarlet. “You clean up pretty well yourself. Although I have to admit, Kat did most of this,” I said with a laugh, gesturing to my hair and face. I looked away from him a moment later, turning to my parents. “Mom, Dad- This is Dimitri,” I introduced, standing beside him without touching him.

My mom bounded over excitedly, my dad trailing behind. “Oh my gosh, it’s wonderful to meet you! I’m Brooke, and this is Adam,” my mom gestured to my dad as she shook Dimitri’s hand. My dad introduced himself and they shook hands before Dimitri answered. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Ariel talks about you two quite a bit,” he began, a genuine smile on his face. It was rare, since he usually had a cocky smirk across his lips. “All good things, I hope,” my dad piped with a playful grin, and I rolled my eyes. “Why are we standing out here? Let’s sit down while dinner is still hot,” my mom sang, gesturing for my dad to follow her into the kitchen. “I can take your jacket,” I offered quietly, noticing he wasn’t wearing his amulet. Even though mine didn’t exactly match my outfit, I refused to take it off. I was always proud to wear it, not only because of my duty to humanity, but because of my mother. She died trying to protect me, and after all the human lives she saved, my amulet deserved to be on display.

Every time I looked at it or felt its weight around my neck, I was reminded of her, which made me strive to be at my very best. “Thanks,” he murmured, gently handing it to me. I could tell he was amused by my reserved tone, and I challenged him with a raised eyebrow. I quickly hung his jacket on the coat rack by the door, slipping the rose he gave me in the vase on the dining room table. The red rose clashed a bit with the pink and white lilies, but I didn’t want to be rude by leaving it out to die. “Have a seat, would ya’? You’re making me uncomfortable just standing there,” I hissed, pointing to the table. He laughed, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “I was beginning to think you were actually going to be nice to me! I’m glad I was wrong,” he teased, sitting down after I shoved him away. “I’m terribly sorry if I ever gave you the wrong idea, Dimitri. I plan on being nothing short of difficult and snarky toward you now and forever,” I quipped with a wicked grin.