148 Waking to goodbye (2/2)

”Didn't look like 'just a kiss' from where I was standing!” Raven barked out coming toe to toe with the large man.

Ry's eyes moved suspiciously from Russ to Jos. ”Is this true? Was he trying to push you into... activities... you're not ready for yet?” concern filled Ry's hazel eyes as they searched Jos's expression.

”No guys... Both of you misunderstood... it was just a kiss... I... I...” She stopped fumbling with her fingers and brought both hands to her face to cover the growing embarrassment. ”I... I... started it...”

Raven's mouth dropped again. ”Jeez Joslyn! BEFORE HEALING?! You could bust your stitches OR WORSE!” She yelled throwing her hands up in the air.

Another head popped into the room, glancing around at the people already gathered. Before Shelly could glance back over her shoulder, the large man who'd followed her from the kitchen was now leaning against the frame of the door.

Arei crossed his arms over his expansive, bare chest. His ankles were crossed as well pulling the fabric of his pajama pants tight. ”So much yelling for so early in the morning. What did we miss?” Arei's eyes moved pointedly between only Russ and Jos.

Ry nodded sympathetically down at Jos as a new wave of red flooded her cheeks. He took the tray and set it closer to Jos before turning to answer his brother. ”Raven was just over excited about the new travel plans she's worked out.” He nodded toward her. ”Now that we're all gathered.”

She narrowed her eyes at Ry but decided against calling bullshit. ”I was talking to Isha last night and she may be able to teleport Russ and Ry to the courts, then they can travel by boat from there. She said the council want's to speak with Russ first anyways.” She said.

Arei pushed up from the doorway. ”Could you handle that?” He asked Ry. ”You can go first then the boy. I can guard him while you're being teleported... seems like it would work.” He shrugged.

Ry nodded. ”Yes, I already talked to Isha about it this morning. It seems the council is pushing for this option, as it was their idea.”

Arei narrowed his eyes. ”You think they are up to something suggesting such a direct route to their courts?”

Ry shrugged, glancing to Russ before meeting Arei's curious gaze. ”I would be more concerned if they were insisting Jos travel that way, but I can see no harm in the request for only Russ.” He turned his attention to Russ as he said. ”She'll be here around noon to get us. The whole trip should take no more than five minutes. So, get packed and say your goodbyes.” He nodded to Arei. ”Since the council hasn't directly asked for Jos to travel there directly and because we want to limit suspicion; Arei, Shelly, Jos, and Raven will arrive in exactly a week. That should give us enough time to work out whatever it is they want with you and be gone.”

Russ's eyes bugged, ”And be gone??? What do you mean, be gone?” I thought you said the whole point of me doing all this bullshit was to use my power to help her!” He growled angerly.

All eyes turned to Ry. He sighed heavily, ”Yes, in the case of a trail that is. As of right now she is only being questioned. If we're lucky there wont be a trail...”

”But in case there is we need every trick we can pull out.” Arei finished. ”Us showing up separate and a week behind will help ground the belief that the two of you are not romantically involved. It will also give you time to plant yourself in a position of power over your uncle.”

Russ arched a brow. ”You guys seem like you have the whole thing worked out already... Why even bother sharing your plans in the first place? Why not just drag me around and force what's needed?”

Ry rolled his eyes as Arei shot Russ a harsh glare. ”We could have easily enough.” Arei bit out. ”But as there's no benefit for us either way, we thought we might as well share it with your hardheaded ass, instead.”

Russ narrowed his eyes at the mammoth of a man. ”I'm sure you haven't thought out some gain for yourself in all this.”

Arei snarled, ”No I haven't because unlike your pampered ass, as soon as this job is over, I'll be pushed straight into another then another until the end of time.” Disgusted colored his next words, ”And unlike you I don't shun or cry about my god given duties. I take my responsibilities like a fucking man.” He didn't give Russ time to counter his words, instead he turned and left the room.

”Well... that went better than expected...” Raven said blowing out a long sigh. She patted Russ on the shoulder as she went to walk past him. ”I honestly figured it would be you losing your shit today...” She shrugged, ”Guess it's still early, huh?” She tossed a wave over her shoulder to Jos. ”Come take a swim before you two get too much farther into saying your goodbyes.”

Jos's cheeks heated again and all she could think about was burying her face in the many pillows lining the headboard right now. She glanced up when an extra-large hand cupped her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.

”It's pure salt water pumped in from the ocean. It will heal you rapidly.” The sharp sculped edges of his cheeks reddened as he continued. ”You wont have a lot of time, but if you hurry, you'll be able to... say... a proper goodbye...” He released her shoulder and nodded to Russ as he headed toward the door shutting it gently as he left.