Chapter 296 - Dude, shes a lady (1/2)

Jaden froze the second she stepped out into the back area. She'd been surprised to learn most of the girls who'd been released from the hospital so far were down at the banquette enjoying the food... and the others' company. But what had been even more shocking was stepping out to see the warm ċȧrėsses and tender hugs of the prince and a beautiful silver-haired man. She studied the man for several long minutes, noting his delicate features and the bright, vivid aqua eyes that reflected up at the prince. The man looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't quite place the face. {He was most likely there the night the other girls and I were rescued... but...} Her eyes searched for the large tattooed man who was usually with the prince. He was chatting with a man with stark white hair and breath-catching silver eyes. Her attention moved back to the prince as he pulled the beautiful man into another tight embrace and kissed the top of his head.

”That's the prince's ex-lover... the one he threw me to the side for... You better watch out that the same doesn't happen to you.” Gigi bit out as she followed Jaden's gaze to Russ and Jos.

Jaden arched a brow but didn't take her attention off the pair. ”I appreciate the warning but it's unnecessary. The prince and I have an arrangement... that seems as if it will work out better than expected...” The last part she said more to herself than the girl beside her.

Gigi gave an indignant snort as she took a long sip of the champagne in her hand. ”Suit yourself, but don't say I didn't warn you. As for me... I'm on the first boat away from this shit show.”

”Hum... safe travels then...” Jaden said as she watched the two identical tattooed men and the white-haired man approach the prince and silver-haired man. She tilted her head to the side as they all seemed unaffected. The silver-haired man wrapped his arm around one of the tattooed twins as the other clapped Russ on the back. ”How strange...” She muttered to herself.

”Congratulations... I suppose...” April said as she walked over to Jaden. ”I mean he seems nice enough and not bad to look at... plus you'll not have to worry about him forcing himself on you...”

”If we go through with this outlandish plan of his, we'll still be required to produce an heir.” Jaden replied as she continued to watch the group.

”Even so, I bet he would be kind about it or maybe even offer artificial insemination... ya know since he's gay...” April said as she watched as well. ”You should go over and talk with them, get to know them better.”

”And what are you doing? I wouldn't have pegged you as the social gathering type.” Jaden asked as her attention moved to the plates balanced in April's arms.

”You're right about that! I despise these things, but Mei was hungry but wouldn't come down for her own plate.”

Jaden's brow arched. ”Did you at least make one of those plates for yourself?”

April shrugged. ”I figured I'd take what they didn't want.”

Jaden frowned. ”Before you go back upstairs, make a plate just for yourself.”

April sent her a quirky smile. ”Yes, my queen!”

Jaden rolled her eyes. ”Please don't...”

”Haha, might as well get used to it now if you're to marry the prince.” April said as she turned back toward the buffet tables.

Jaden narrowed her eyes on the girl as she made her way back to the food. With a heavy sigh, she turned her focus back to the odd group ahead of her. A few others she recognized from earlier was now gathered around them. ”I suppose April is right... I should get to know these people better...” She made her way over catching the middle of a conversation.

”So where is Andy tonight?” Jos asked.

Peg chuckled, ”Had to work late, but the news I came with made the solo trip worth it!” His eyes moved around the group with excitement. ”I located ALL Ferny boy's off-shores accounts! I've gotten most of them transferred into a fund, and Andy should be finishing up with the last of it as we speak!” He clasped Russ on the shoulder. ”Dude, there should be enough to rebuild 85% of the island!”

Russ nodded, his eyes wide in disbelief. He turned excited eyes to Ry and then down to Jaden. ”Did you hear?” He asked her. ”I say we start with getting the girls settled since most of the money was probably for the shady shit you guys were forced into. Then the rest we can use to start on repairs of homes and businesses!” His attention moved back to Peg. ”When will the funds be available?”

”Most of them are now. I'd say we can have the rest released within the month. It's just a matter of proving your right to the money with a few of the banks, but with my hacking skills, if you find yourself in need of the funds sooner, they'll be there.” He said with a wink.

”That sounds great...” Ry said giving Russ a slap on the back.

”Oh that reminds me, we've also gotten in touch with most of the families. Several have agreed to return now that Fern is no longer a threat.” Before Peg could say more his cell phone rang. ”It's Andy, I'll find you guys again in a little while.”

”You have interesting friends.” Jaden said stoically watching the white-haired man answer his phone in excited animation.

”I'm not sure if friend is the right word... but yeah, they're definitely interesting.” He nodded to Ry and Arei. ”You already know Ry pretty well and I guess it's obvious but that's his brother Arei... Jos...” Russ froze up as he tried to decide how to introduce her.

Jos could feel a blush creep up her neck. {Regardless of what he said next, it will come out weird... considering my current form...}

Arei chuckled as he pulled her against his side. ”Your prince is so accustomed to being around us, he tends to water down introductions. I'm Areion, that's Orion, Pegasus... and this beautiful creature is best known as the Kraken.”

Russ rolled his eyes. ”I just ȧssumed as eccentric as your dad is, I didn't need to specify exactly who you were.” He turned his attention back to Jaden. ”Would you like to meet the others?”

She shrugged as she glanced around the banquette area. Many skeptical eyes continued to follow them. ”Maybe you should consider introducing your friends to your guests as well...”

Russ followed her gaze, taking note as most of the guest averted their gaze the second his attention fell on them. ”You may be right. They seem very hesitant still.”

”You may want to hold off on that one.” Ry said with a slight nod in Jos's direction.

Russ held Jos's awkward gaze for several seconds before nodding. He turned his attention back to Jaden. ”I'll explain later, but for now, how about I introduce you to my sister.” When she shrugged again, he nodded to the others and lead her toward Shelly, Rin, and Poseidon.

Rin clasped Russ's shoulder and gave a slight nod to Jaden. ”Congratulation, man.”

Russ returned the gesture with his free hand. ”Thanks man... though I'm still not sure how the hell this is going to work... not going to lie.”

”You'll do fine. I mean look at me, I'm a dad...” Rin's eyes darted over his shoulder to where Poseidon was still rocking the baby and talking with Prometheus. ”Though I swear that man has my son more than I do...”

Shelly turned with a giggle, lacing her arms around Rin. ”What are you complaining about now?” Her sparkling eyes moved to where Russ and Jaden's hands connected. She sent her brother a mischievous smile as she stepped away from Rin and toward Jaden. She extended her hand. ”Hi, I'm Shelly, this big idiot's sister and this is my husband Rin.” She leaned closer to Jaden. ”Blink twice if his is holding you against your will.”

Russ rolled his eyes. ”No one is being held against their will, Shell. We discussed this beforehand. I didn't just randomly make the announcement and force her to go along with it.”

Shelly tilted her head with amusement. ”Really? I'm surprised.”

Russ fought against his growing irritation. ”I'm not that big of an ȧsshole.”