Page 18 of Anger

Callidora had been the best thing to come out of that mess, but Lanie hadn’t ever risked herself again. Some of her siblings had love affairs, but not her. Lanie’s bad behaviour had resulted in a harsh penalty indeed.

Her heart was fragile, and she’d never trust anyone with it.

Chapter Four.

Lanie/Lamia

She glanced out of the window at the castle as she held Balius, the eldest of the triplets. He was in human shape and a beautiful child. Looking at Balius was like seeing Jase back in his Or’lan DiMitra, God Warrior form. Lanie noted each triplet resembled his former figure of Or’lan. Amari also looked like Vladmir’s previous Mir’ald Ula form.

She was unsure what this meant. Although all three children had Willow’s eyes and cute button nose. The rest of them were Or’lan. Duris, the second child, was identical to his brother, and the little girl Raisa was a beautiful, feminine version of her father.

Lanie assumed that implied, under all their monstrous forms, something existed of their previous forms. Everyone was talking about it, but nobody had any explanations. Lanie stared at Andie as she walked through the gardens. Andie was maybe the only one who had answers to their questions, but she was locked up tight.

Balius snorted and wriggled, and she looked down at two bright eyes. Balius blinked and pouted before yawning.

“Beautiful boy,” Lanie cooed.

Jase approached her, carrying Raisa and Duris. Duris was asleep in a sling, but Raisa, lying in her father’s arms, was wide awake.

“Hi, Dad,” Lanie teased.

“Hey. I see you kidnapped my son,” Jase teased.

“He’s gorgeous,” Lanie replied.

Jase’s face softened. “They all are. Can you believe we have triplets? Hell, forget that. Could you believe we’ve had children?”

“I guess it’s always been possible,” Lanie answered. “I had Callidora.”

“But nobody had a child since.”

“No. What made me so special?” Lanie wondered.

Jase looked at her and swallowed.

“What is it?” she asked with concern.

“Let’s put them in their cots and take a walk,” Jase said.

Lanie followed him into his living area, where Willow lay on a couch. Maeve and Jess were with her, so they laid the children down in their Moses baskets and headed out.

“What are you thinking, Jase?”

“I haven’t discussed this with the rest of the board. But it has been bothering me ever since Willow announced her pregnancy. I’m unsure how to say this…” Jase said.

“Just say it. It’s often the best way,” Lanie ordered.

Jase took in a deep breath and grabbed Lanie’s hand. Fear ran up Lanie’s spine as she gazed at her brother. Whatever this was, was serious.

“Have you ever wondered why Alainen’s reaction to you is so extreme?”

“Yes. His hate is off the charts,” Lanie replied.

“Did you come up with an explanation?”

“No. But his envy continues to grow. It’s never-ending.”

“Remember that. Bear with me. I’m going to be brutally honest. Vladimir’s and my pasts include several affairs. But we never got anyone with child. Then Vladimir met Emmaline, and within a couple of months, she was pregnant. The same happened with me,” Jase said carefully.