In my blurry second-sight, I could see that she appeared to be wearing something white on her legs, like thigh-high stockings or something, except that they had black stripes. She had a similar pattern on her shoulders and upper arms, along with a line running down her sides, looking almost as if she’d worn exotic lingerie for her ‘night job’ and forgot to change out of it before slipping on her work clothes. Or rather, her daytime work clothes.
Strange.
Not to mention, the striped ‘white-tiger’ outfit seemed to be separate from her regular black bra.
She was objectively beautiful, having the kind of physique and appearance I’d expect to see in a modeling competition, especially with her unique facial features and alluring pale green eyes. However, assessing her attractiveness was definitely the furthest thing from my mind right now, aside from my passive evaluation of her appearance.
I had way too much to worry about.
Popping open the door, I gave Lexi one last goodbye before stepping out, meeting the Supreme Guardian’s azure gaze, since she undoubtedly had the most potent presence in the vicinity – more like, the most potent presence ever.
“Good morning, Mrs. Knight,” I said respectfully, hearing Lexi pull away behind me.
She nodded, finally standing up and brushing off her butt. I’d forgotten how young her voice sounded. “Good morning to you, Mr. Archer,” she replied. “Your eyes are different,” she added, referring to the shifting blue colors.
I didn’t want to get into that, so I ignored the comment. “I hope you weren’t waiting long,” I said, pulling out my phone for a moment to check the time.
“No, you’re early,” Knight replied automatically. “But my niece wanted the fresh air, and this is a great spot to watch the sunrise anyway.”
Instantly, my gaze shifted to the other woman, a series of complicated emotions swelling up inside of me. First, ‘surprise’ to find out this slightly older looking girl was her niece, then ‘shock’ to discover they’d been out here since the sun rose, only to finally feel ‘sorrow’ at the implications of their relationship.
Or more specifically, the implications of the Supreme Guardian’s age.
I had no idea how old she was, but she was undoubtedly much older than Freya, who was over three-hundred. And yet, the fact she had a niece implied she had other family members too, many of whom she’d outlived over, and over, and over again.
Shit. I couldn’t even imagine how much that sucked.
“What’s wrong?” Knight asked with unexpected empathy, seemingly shocked by my somber expression.
I tried to clear my throat, shaking my head. “Nothing.” I focused on the goth chick’s pale green eyes, her expression neutral. “It’s nice to meet you, I’m Sam Archer.”
“No, seriously,” Knight said before her niece could respond. “I want to know. It’s not like we’re in any rush. You’re early enough that you beat some of our esteemed guests.” She ended her statement with a little sarcasm in her tone. “And no one can hear us right now while you’re standing this close. I’ve made a sort of sound-proof space for us. So please, humor me.”
I cleared my throat, a little surprised she could control sound like that with her shield, unsure of what to say. I didn’t really want to lie to her, but I also didn’t want to bring up what was potentially a painful subject, not to mention I wasn’t sure if she knew I was aware of her possible age.
Dammit.
“Umm…”
Knight cut me off, looking at the girl with a sigh. “Winter?” she said simply.
The woman glanced back over her shoulder. “You sure?”
The blonde nodded. “Yeah, I want to know, and he might as well know too.”
Now I was really confused, at least until the goth chick, who I assumed must be named Winter, focused on me again as she began speaking.
“He’s aware you’re much older than you look, and when you mentioned me, it made him sad to think of all the potential people you’ve lost over the years.”
Shit!
A mind reader?!
“Yes,” Winter added, her seafoam gaze still locked on mine. “I’m Winter Fowler. She and I aren’t biologically related, but she considers me her niece due to my mother’s association with her husband.”
My brow furrowed, wanting to be respectful toward this person who could literally read my thoughts, but also automatically coming to the conclusion that the Supreme Guardian’s husband had more than one woman in his life – at least, based on the way this very nice respectable, not a stripper or hooker, young woman made it sound.
But then, wouldn’t that mean that Mr. Knight was her father?
Winter didn’t react to my last-minute attempt to flatter her by trying to indirectly apologize for my thoughts. Then again, considering her ability, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d ‘heard it all’ and then some. Instead, she continued speaking as if I’d voiced my thoughts out loud.
“Yes and no,” she continued. “Mr. Knight is not my bio-father. However, my mother–”
“Jeez!” Knight cut her off. “What, is he using some kind of truth serum ability on you? He doesn’t need to know all that!” It was the first time I’d seen her flustered. It made the blonde sprite feel more like a normal person.
Winter simply glanced over her shoulder again, barely reacting to her aunt’s outburst. “Well, he’s immortal, right? That makes for a high probability he’ll find out eventually. And from my understanding, his own situation isn’t much different.”
Knight practically smacked herself in the face, before slowly drawing her hand down from her forehead to her mouth. She then sighed before focusing on me. “Short story is this. My husband is primarily with me and his other wife, and Winter’s mother is primarily with someone else. However, on occasion, the two of them have enjoyed each other’s company.” Her blue eyes narrowed. “But I expect you to keep that to yourself. One of
