Amara – Reunion

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Duke and I drove one hour away from Paris and then hiked through the forest for some time until we found a grass-covered clearing that was speckled with wildflowers.

It was just what I had on my mind.

The weather was pleasant. It was sunny with occasional clouds throwing shade. We were surrounded by the chirps of birds and the rustling of the leaves under the light breeze.

It was perfect for spending time outdoors.

We had a full picnic basket and a blanket that the staff prepared, per my instructions.

Duke and I snacked on cheese and grapes, smoked meat went great with the wine, and we had bread and various spreads.

"You seem uneasy…", Duke voiced his thoughts.

Of course, he noticed that I was tense. I picked this spot because it was far from civilization as we needed privacy and I didn't want anyone to interrupt us.

Well, here it goes.

"Duke, do you believe that there are things right in front of us we can't see?"

"Absolutely.", he responded without missing a beat, and then he turned to check behind him. "Did you see a ghost?"

That's not what I had on my mind, but I could work with it. "Do you believe in ghosts?"

"I believe there are things we can't explain."

Good, good. This might go easier than I thought. "Like what?"

"Like…", he paused and pursed his lips. "Like why you are beating around the bush and not just speaking your mind. Part of me hoped you want us to get frisky in the forest, but seeing how anxious you are, I guessed that you want us to discuss something important."

And I realized that this will NOT be easy. 

I decided on a more direct approach. "Do you believe in magic?"

He smiled slyly. "Are you going to kiss me? Maybe this IS about getting frisky, but you are shy."

I slapped his shoulder playfully. "Stop messing around and answer my question. Besides, do you think I'm like you to trick you with a promise of magic only to steal a kiss?"

He pushed a lock of my hair behind my ear and his hot palm lingered on my neck. "I remember you saying that it was magical." He inched closer and his breath splashed on my lips. "It was magical for me. Every time we touch makes me believe that Heaven really exists and it's right there, with you."

I wanted to throw myself at him and kiss him senselessly, and probably remove those pesky clothes also, but I brought him here for a serious conversation.

"I meant things like fairies, dragons, vampires, and… werewolves."

Duke was visibly disappointed that I increased the distance between us, but he still responded.

"Sure, why not? Just because I didn't see an alien, it doesn't mean they are not out there."

I cheered for myself. One step is done, ninety-nine more to go. "Do you believe that they live among humans?"

Duke narrowed his eyes at me. "Where are you going with this, Serina?"

My mouth went dry. Should I just tell him that his father was a werewolf, or that mine is a vampire? Will he call me crazy and leave before I can explain? How on earth do I explain something like that?

"Can you listen to me, please?", I asked, and when he nodded I continued, "I remember in high school, you were always the fastest and the strongest. You could score a three-pointer without even trying. Did you ever think of yourself as special?"

"Don't all teenagers think of themselves as special?"

Well, not me but I wished to be special. "Yes, they do. However, you didn't just think of yourself as special. You WERE and ARE the best in everything."

Duke nodded in agreement. "I must do my best in order to impress you. How else am I going to be good enough for the most amazing woman in the world?"

I suppressed a giggle. How can he turn every conversation into sweet-talking? Focus, Serina! If we end up kissing and hugging, I will never say what I wanted.

"There is also your nose. You can smell things others can't. Right?"

Duke shook his head. "I never compared it, so I wouldn't know."

"And do you think it's normal that you can hear when others talk on the phone when they are on the other side of the room?"

"How do you know that?"

I didn't want to bring up him eavesdropping on my conversations. It would distract me. "From the day we met, I fell in love with you, and I knew you are special. But only recently I found out how special you are. You are faster and stronger than anyone for a reason."

Duke regarded me seriously. "Sergio told me that this is something that runs in my family, and I should keep it a secret."

Sergio again. That guy is always in the way. I knew that it wasn't easy for Sergio to watch over a teenage werewolf without telling him that he is a werewolf, so I told myself not to hate the guy.

"And you never looked into it?"

Duke shrugged. "Look into what? If I disclose how I can twist a metal pole with my bare hands, I will risk ending up like a lab rat. The only guy who had a clue about what's going on refused to explain, and he gave me some lame lies. While in Italy, I didn't stand out among my peers. But when I came to London I was not sure if people slowed down, or I got faster, however, I was too messed up with being away from my family to care about what's going on with me, and after that… I just didn't think it's important. I had no plans of enrolling to be a superhero, and my regular days didn't require any of my superpowers, so I decided to consider myself as normal."

He inched closer and cupped my cheek with his palm. "Do you dislike me for keeping this a secret? I was afraid that you won't like me or think of me as some monster." His arms swiftly wrapped around me, and he hugged me tightly.

"Don't leave me, Serina.", he said in a pained whisper.

My mouth hung open at this unexpected twist. Silly man. He thought I brought him here to expose him and to break up with him.

His insecurities moved my heart and made me love him even more, if that's possible.

I hugged him back, hoping that it will reassure him. 

"I will not leave you, Duke. Actually, I fear that you will leave me after I tell you everything."

"No matter what you say, I will never leave you."

"What if I tell you that I know why you are better than the others?"

Duke's hold on me loosened and he inched away so that he can see my face. "How do you know?"

"My father is a scientist, and he noticed some things when you met."

"What can a guy find out from a handshake and a five minutes-long conversation?", Duke asked while scrutinizing me.

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