Page 48 of Oleander
“Sooo, Skyler,” Leo says, pulling my attention back to him. “Are you going out tonight? To the spot?” He stares at me with big puppy dog eyes, then at Ander. “You should come too,Oleander. It’ll be fun. You can ride with us! Both of you. I’m sure Zeph won’t mind.”
I’m not so sure about that, especially when the gossip reaches him and he finds out I’m half-human.
Leo’s smile is big and bright—kindhearted and innocent—like he’s never been angry a day in his life. He’s too sweet, and I hope Zephyr doesn’t let people walk all over him. Even though he’s an asshole, I can tell that Zephyr is a good friend and watches out for those he deems worthy.
When we don't answer right away, Leo attempts to reassure us. “He won’t mind. Honest to Goddess.”
“Okay, yeah. Thanks. That would be great.” Leo actually wants me to come, and he seems pretty genuine, so I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
I didn’t really want to walk in the woods alone anyway.
“Awesome! It’s going to be a great time. Well, I’ll catch you guys later.” Leo hustles from the gym with a skip to his step.
“Hey! Excuse me!” Before we can escape, a small head of flowing white and pink hair storms over, poking me in the chest. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re human!”
“Hi, Gaia. I’m doing well, how are you?” I tease, making her eyes flare with annoyance.
“Skyler, I’m serious. Don’t you think that was information I deserved to know first? Especially as one of your besties.”
“Oh, really?” I ask, drawing out the last word. “Or are you sucking up to earn yourself some insider information and possibly even a visit to the Mortal Realm?”
“Excuse me, Skyler Fairfield. I'm offended.” She places a manicured hand to her chest.
“’Cause lemme tell you. I just got back, and I don’t plan to ever return. Faerie is my home now.”
Gaia’s eyes soften, pity shining through, and I don’t like it.
“Look, Gaia. I was advised to keep it a secret by the headmaster and everyone in charge. I was trying to follow the rules. Well,somerules. I’m sorry I didn't tell you.”
“I knew there was something special about you, Sky. Give me a hug, and let me see those cute little ears.” Gaia’s smile is warm, her eyes glistening, and I step forward into her friendly embrace. “Wait until Neri hears about this,” she whispers before stepping back and giving me space. “I’ll see you later. Be prepared for more questions. Have a lovely weekend, bestie.”
Gaia bounces away, squealing about having a human friend. It’s apparently a dream come true for her. Ander takes Gaia’s place, and I welcome his calm presence.
“You’re quite popular now, aren’t you?”
“Not really. The novelty will wear off soon enough,” I say, brushing it aside. I really don’t want to be the center of gossip.
“Sure you are. They all want to be your friend—fascinated by the human,” he teases, staring deep into my eyes.
“And you aren’t?” I murmur, serving it right back.
Ander blushes, ignoring the question since he knows I'm right.
“I’m notjusthuman anyway. Goulding says I’m done aging for a while, like the rest of you.” It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m on a different timeline from my mom and everyone else in the Mortal Realm, but when I think about my future and where I’ll be living, I’m glad I’m nearly immortal, like all the other Fae.
“That’s great, Skyler!” When I don’t reply right away, his excitement dims, and he hesitates. “I mean,right?”
“Right,” I confirm, but the doubt in my voice is clear. It’s going to hurt to outlive everyone I’ve ever known back in the human realm. I know it’s morbid and not anything to worry about right now, but I can’t seem to shake the sadness whenever I think about myself not aging for centuries. I quickly change thesubject, pulling myself from the negative thought spiral. “I don’t know about you, but I’m so fucking ready to party.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
OLEANDER
“See? Told you it would be fine, Zeph,” Leo insists pointlessly. Everyone is still exactly as uncomfortable as we were before he tried to smooth things over twenty times.
“Shut it, Leo,” Zephyr barks from the driver’s seat. His dark eyes flick to mine for a moment before he glares at Skyler, practically searing a hole through the rearview mirror and into my friend’s forehead.
Hawk snickers, always up for trouble. “Daddy’s mad.”He’s pressed against Skyler, who’s sandwiched between us. I hate this whole situation, especially when Hawk subtly places his hand on Skyler’s thigh.
