Page 126 of Firestorm
She sensed me immediately, spinning around mid-conversation to face me.
“Rafael,” she whispered. I grinned as she threw her arms around me.
Nothing could beat a mom hug. Absolutely nothing.
Of course…I hadn’t managed to hug Skye yet, so maybe that statement would change in the future. But as of right now, this feeling was the best thing in the world.
My mom had always been so soft and warm toward me, giving me nothing of the icy mask she showed the rest of the world. She wasn’t even this nice to her favorite Link, Hugo.
I hugged her back, feeling nothing but warmth and acceptance for a moment, and then the creeping insecurity over my outfit got the best of me. Maybe ripped black jeans and an old gray t-shirt that showed off all my tattoos was not what I should have worn here. Though, ifAlexhad bothered to clue me in…
My mom pushed back from me and held me at arm’s length while she took a look at my outfit. She was wearing her favorite tiara, a thick gold band decorated with pale green diamonds of varying sizes.
Mom grinned at me, then quirked a brow.
“Your Link didn’t mention this was an important party,” I muttered.
Her grin widened. “Whatever. At least you’re here, though…he is still giving you an allowance, yes?”
I nodded, smiling faintly at her accent. I’d had the same one, though I’d been forced to get rid of it. It still came out sometimes, especially when I was emotional.
“Then why…your jeans have holes.” She furrowed her brow and I laughed before hugging her again.
“It’s fashion,” I explained. She pursed her lips and I laughed again.
“I see,” she replied. “My son, the supermodel. Have you eaten?”
I snorted. “I had lunch, but–”
Mom cut me off. “My son hasn’t eaten,” she hissed at the nearest server. His eyes widened before he stumbled away. A few of the other servers murmured to each other as a plate of food was prepared for me.
“Come, let us sit.” Mom said, pulling me toward an open table.
Servers bustled around us, bringing us nicer chairs than just the simple ones foreveryone else, then a plate of steaming hot food was placed in front of me. A huge steak I definitely couldn’t finish, some grilled vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Another server brought a basket full of warm rolls, then filled me a glass of wine I definitely wouldn’t be drinking.
I practically inhaled the food though.
“How are you, my son?” Mom asked. She ignored the room around us, as usual. When I was with my mom, I was the only person that mattered. She still sat tall and proud, but her attention was only on me, even as I chugged a glass of water after having some steak.
“Fine,” I said, then spoke into her mind,Father knows of my Key.
Mom hummed and reached out to twirl one of my curls in her fingers. “Somehow I don’t believe that. How come you do not call me as you used to?”
“I’ve been busy,” I replied, then said,My Key is powerful. He already wants to know her.
“That’s a problem, though I understand.” Mom said with a frown, clearly responding to my mind message.
I nodded, then took another bite of food and said,I haven’t met her yet, I’ve only followed her.
“Typical,” Mom breathed, then grinned softly.
We have a whole Chain,I said, taking a drink.Me, Wyatt, and Aiden Brandt.
My mother paused.
Aiden Brandt?she asked, her eyes flicking toward where Lucille andAlejandro had their heads together, whispering conspiratorially. Harper looked like she was so bored she was about to evaporate.
I nodded.
