Artificial Mates - Chapter 50

My voice echoed in the dark alley as Grant rushed to meet us. He frowned at me, he pulled the coat throw around my shoulder.

“How much did you drink?” he glared at Demos who only shrugged his shoulder.

“You said she was allowed to drink,” I giggled at them as I wobbled on my feet. We were standing in the back alley leading to the exit near the dumpsters. I was feeling sick with the loud music, crowded space and that third glass of blue rum.

“I’m ok,” I smiled. “I was only a little dizzy,” he took my hand to keep me steady. He looked down in concern. “Are you done with your Adrien guy?” I laughed as I patted his chest.

-You’re drunk!

I giggled at his statement. He was very observant. Of course, I was not! I could understand what he was saying and also speak which were a clear indication that I was sober. Maybe, I couldn’t coordinate my movements with precision but like hell I was sober.

-You’re drunk and it’s affecting us through the link

“I’m a big girl! I can keep my liquor!” I muttered then giggled at the way his expression shifted from concern to guilt. “You missed the party. Where were you? What were you doing with that Adrien character? I don’t like him. I don’t want you to talk to him again,” I pouted. He lifted his eyebrows at me. Demos chuckled behind us.

“What?” I shouted.

“We are your mates, not your objects or pets that you can order around,” Demos grinned. I pushed away from Grant.

“What? You can do whatever you want? Disobey me?” I narrowed my eyes at them.

-You’re drunk. Let’s go home.

He reached for me, I stepped away glaring at them. Then burst in hysterical laughter. The absurdity of this situation scared me. I felt trapped and cornered.

-Liliane, I’m sorry for dragging you here. It was a bad idea.

Grant shook his head. His beautiful curls falling in his face. Seeing his pained expression pulled a thread at my heart. I wobbled on my feet as I got closer and threw my arms around him. He tensed at my sudden motion.

“Honey, I’m sorry,” I said, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around me.

-Please, let’s go home.

“I still angry that you spend all your time with that guy instead of being with me,” I frowned. Grant laughed softly against my neck, tickling me.

-You’re not angry.

“I am,” I pulled away, staring in his cheerful silver eyes.

-You’re only jealous.

“And possessive,” added Demos as he crossed his arms over his chest. Me? Jealous and possessive? I laughed as the crazy statement. I wasn’t. This guy was clearly trying to take advantage of Grant’s powers. God knows what is his real motives. Money. S.e.x. Steal you away from me. Grant let out a deep sigh.

“Look, Liliane, Adrien is not like that. And, I really want to work with him in his hospital to help others. I would prefer, you, to let me do what I wish. Unlike other artificial, we are not bound to your decisions. I don’t want to create conflicts. However, know that this is something I want to do. You let Demos work as a Patrol agent, even if you don’t like it, right,” he said with patience. I couldn’t agree with that.

“I still don’t like the way that guy looks at you,” I pouted making Grant laughed.

-And, in what way did he look at me?

Damn! I walked away to the main road. They quickly followed behind. The area was crowded around the front door. Since we came here in Nicolai’s car we didn’t use to front door but the VIP entrance. All the special treatment thing was getting on my nerves. I didn’t want to get home with them. I badly needed fresh air. So, I swapped my hand over my bracelet to check the nearest station.

-Nicolai will be upset if we just leave.

I rolled my eyes at him. Didn’t he just say he wanted us to go home? I clicked on the map and got the destination of the station, along with the schedule of the next Transfer leaving for Level twenty.

-Liliane, it’s a 15 mins walk, are you sure you want to do that?

“Hey! I’m going, I need to think. And walking helps that,” I waved at they and crossed the empty road to the other side. Closed storefronts with beautiful displays stood on the right; around here, it was completely deserted. My heels echoed on the sidewalk as I progressed forward. Soon I had to rest my hand on the wall for support. The spinning got worse with the light breeze blowing on my face.

-Liliane quit being stubborn!

I stopped, resigned at the thought that I was drunk. Yeah! I’m drunk with only three glasses what kind of poor drinker was I? Demos patted my back as I rested my hands on the wall and pressed my forehead on the cool stone. I groaned at the cold against my skin.

-Want me to carry you? We are still far from the station.

“Or do you want to head back and we could take the car?” called Grant from behind. I peeked at him, he wasn’t smiling. He really wanted to get back. No freaking way I’m getting back in that club.

I turned to Demos feeling light-headed.

“I’m not wearing pants. Dresses are not awesome for piggy-back-rides,” I grimaced and pulled on the hem of my black dress. A mischievous smile stretched on his lips.

-I can manage. Anyway, there’s no one to witness any wardrobe-malfunction,” he chuckled. Okay, whatever. I slipped into the black coat one of Adrien’s artificial ladies gave me and hopped on Demos’ back as he kneeled before me. I giggled as he got up, my hands gripped his shoulders.

“It’s weirdly s.e.xy, somehow!” I laughed. He peeked at me as he held my thighs. I felt terribly exposed as the wind blew my short dress in all directions. Why the hell did I have to wear that dress? And why the hell did I have to wear a lacy panty? I feel n.a.k.e.d.

-Thanks for the info, Demos smirked.

“I’m not going to drink…like ever again,” I held tight as he marched forward with Grant close behind.

-But, it was really interesting to see you dance. You don’t seem to be well coordinated. It was rather funny… I must say.

I slapped his shoulder. I’m not really that type of girl. I don’t usually go to clubs or the socializing type. I like to be on my own. A hot tea, a book or a movie, Stripes socks, and a blanket.

-Really? I think you managed quite well in there. Not letting Adrien push you around and getting your point across. I was impressed.

“Yeaaaah!” I squealed throwing my arms up. Grant quickly rushed to us to prevent me from falling over.

“Careful, girl!” warned Demos as he shifted me in the right position. I laughed, wrapped my arms around his neck and dropped a kiss near his ear. Grant kept his hand on the small of my back just in case I might do some careless moves again.

“Hey! Quit touching my butt. I already felt expose enough. No need to take advantage of me,” I muttered at him. Grant cleared his throat to cover this laughter.

-You’re funny when you’re drunk.

“I said I won’t drink…EVER!” I throw one hand in the air. Then frenetically touched my face. “My glasses! Where did I put my glasses?” I slapped his shoulder and kicked my legs.

-What are you talking about? You didn’t wear them. You left them at the apartment saying they ruined your look.

I sighed with relief but I had no recollection of the said event.

“You’re sure? Cause I felt I was wearing them not long ago,” I said. Maybe, I was really drunk. My stomach groaned against Demos back. “I’m hungry,” I complained. My map said that the station was still 10 mins away.

“Why are we walking so slowly?” Demos peeked at me then back at the empty road. More closed stores stood ahead. However, there were fewer lights and we could see the vastness of the night sky. I exhaled as I stared up at the thousand tiny dots lit up the deep blue sky.

“It’s pretty,” I commented.

“And, calm,” added Grant.

-I like being like this with you.

I turned my focus back to Demos. He tilted his head so he could look at me. I ran my hand in his hair.

“You like that I’m drunk?” he chuckled.

-I’m a patrol agent. My duty is to get the drunk girl home safely.

We all burst into a fit of laughter until my stomach hurt. We soon reached the station. Demos let me down on the feet. There were a few passengers waiting on the platform. Some from a late dinner or party, others tired and eager to get home. I held on Grant’s arm as Demos got us tickets and water can help me sober up.

“Sorry, honey, I’m a jealous wife, I guess,” I muttered into his neck. He leaned and kissed my hair.

“It means she likes me and doesn’t want to let go,” he smiled. I was amazing at how positive he took everything. “Liliane, can I ask a question?” I nodded then instantly regretted doing so. My spinning came back at full force. “What if, I can ease her pain…I mean I can’t cure her that’s for sure. However, I can help her accept her condition and say goodbye,” I pushed away from him confused to where the conversation was going.

“Her? Who are you talking about?” I inquired.

-Your mom.

“You want me… to go there?” I asked the stunt at the very idea. “After all I’ve told you what happened… you since want me to go? We even went out to forget about the whole thing. Now you just drop the boom just like that?” my voice rose to a high pitched. He pressed his lips together, he nodded while holding my gaze.

-I was designed to care about other’s suffering.

“What about my suffering? Have you thought about it?” I shouted, his eyes softened.

-Every single minute since you let us sync with you and way before we even met. You can’t imagine.

He reached his hand and touch the front of my coat where my heart is. It skipped a beat.

“This beating heart knows,” he whispered. I placed my hand over his and squeezed it. Tears welled up, I blinked to push it away. What he asked of me was impossible. How can I go that there? Take that Transfer back to that place that rejected me. Those people who didn’t come visit me for those five years of misery I spent in that happy house. How can I forgive them?

-Am not asking you to forgive them. You’re not doing that for them. You are doing it for yourself. If you want to save yourself, you must learn to let go of the past. Please, let your past go so you can move forward.

Demos came to meet us. He handed me the water can which I quickly took as a distraction from the serious talk. The speakers announced that the Transfer has arrived. I emptied the can and threw it in a nearby recycling bin. When I came back the Transfer waited for me.

“Let’s go home,” said Demos. He took my hand in his as we boarded. The section we were had only one other passenger facing the other way.

“Thanks, guys, this night had some weird outcome. Still, somehow it was good,” I gave both of them a shy smile. They hugged me, Demos shielded me from the other passenger’s view while Grant tapped my back.

-You’re welcome. We have your interest at heart.

How can I let go of them? They both form part of me. It would be inconceivable if we were to separate now. The dread of going to that place and face everyone from my home town was too much for me to burden.

-You’re not alone. We’ll help you carry the emotional load.

“But, I’m scared…terrified…of rejection and nasty comments. What if they don’t love me. Don’t want to see me?” I stuttered, my voice riddled with doubt.

-We will always be here for you.