Falling Star: Book 2 of The Orion Series

Doves

"So--you siced your mom on me, huh?"

I twist around from where I'm playing a video game. Orion is standing by the stairs, arms crossed, looking amused. His eyes flick to the TV. "You just died."

I sigh and shut off the game. I then get up and walk over to him, pulling him into a hug. He hugs me back and when we stop his serendipitous smile greets me.

"What was that for?"

"Because I love you."

"I love you too, Tris."

I lead him over to the couch and we sit. "I didn't really sic her on you. I merely told her she had to have an adult conversation with you or she was on the next flight back to Texas."

Orion laughs. "Well, I'm happy you did."

"Did it go well?" I ask as though I'm standing before a firing range.

"Yeah." Orion rubs the back of his neck. "There were some...Misunderstandings, on both our parts. Mainly the fact she thought I was a controlling asshole."

I poke his nose and grin. "You can be sometimes."

I'm happy when he laughs. "Yes, I know. But mainly it's just a matter of the fact we both love you very dearly, and we both want what's best for you always."

I lean my head back against the cough and take a deep breath, shutting my eyes. "Okay, well y'all gotta believe me when I say something--take it at face value, that there's not some underlying bullshit I'm secretly keeping from you."

Orion giggles at me. "Y'all?"

I flip him off. "Stop--it's coming out because of my ma."

He laughs, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Seriously Orio. If I say something I mean it. I don't play fucking mind games."

Orion frowns and takes my hand, running his finger along the black ring that matches his own. "I know. I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for--it's my mom."

"Well her and I kissed and made up, so it's fine, you needn't worry."

I cock an eyebrow. "Literally?"

"Ew! No!"

I laugh.

"But seriously, we had a really good discussion. I need to..." He sighs, clenching his jaw. "Keep in mind she's always going to be your mother, but she also has to not try to strong arm decisions when it comes to you."

"Damn straight, I'm a grown ass man!"

"I know," Orion says, putting his hand to my cheek and looking into my eyes. "And she knows that too, but Tristan, love...I'm not trying to start anything, but you gotta work on repairing the relationship you have with your parents. You really hurt them."

I look away.

"Not just by physically running away from Texas when you joined my crew, but by distancing yourself after your brother died."

"I know. It was hard Orion. They gotta know that."

"What--and losing a son wasn't hard for them, too?"

"Of course it was," I can't help but snap.

"They wanted to help you, Tris, and you wouldn't let them." He holds up his hands. "That's all I'm saying."

My fiance gets to his feet. He stoops over, giving me a kiss on the top of the head and then leaves. I sigh and close my eyes again, wishing my fiance weren't right.