Jaded Jewels (The Coveted Saga 2)

"Allaysia told me that she gave you a family heirloom. Something like that is a great show of respect, especially when done outside of the blood family. Allaysia doesn't trust anyone that she can't read; no one that can't show they've chosen our side. You're the exception to everyone's rule." She smiled as she handed me a pair of earrings, both of them fashioned in an elegant oval.

"This will match the necklace perfectly," she said, letting the first tear roll down her cheek.

They were the exact same color as my necklace. They were outlined in a white gold frame just as the necklace had been, and the stones were identical in every way except for in shape.

"Grandma, this is perfect. How did you match the colors so well?" I asked while putting them on.

"I didn't try to match it. I didn't buy these. These have been in our family since the days of Isis. I had them turned into earrings for you. They used to be in a brooch. I assumed this would be more suitable to your style. Apparently Isis and Allora were more alike than we realized.

"I gave your sisters other family treasures on their eighteenth birthdays, but I just knew these were meant for you. Considering Allaysia's gift, I feel more justified in my belief now." She smiled as she hugged me. "Now go enjoy your party."

I started walking away, but then I turned and ran back to hug her again, catching her off guard. "Thank you, Grandma."

She hugged me tighter, kissed my hair, and we just stood there as the world around us celebrated. Finally, I pulled back, and we made our way back to the party.

Everyone was dancing now. Ash went outside to spark a bonfire for us as the night began setting in. Desmond came up behind her while she was setting a blaze. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. She turned to meet his face, and they were suddenly engulfed in a passionate kiss.

Admittedly I was so frigging envious, but I was also genuinely happy for her. Ash deserved to feel that way, and to have someone feel that way about her.

Jay and Ayla were dancing slowly to a fast song beside Ash's fire. Gear and Olivia were laughing with some of the changers. Gear had his arm around her waist, pulling her tightly to him.

Aster was sitting on the couch with her feet raised up on a pillow. She was propped against Chris who was kissing her head and rubbing her twin-baby belly. I couldn't help but smile.

Amelia and Henry were in the corner of the room, kissing each other softly, not concerned at all with what was going on around them. It was disheartening to be the only one there without someone to love, especially when I knew who my love was. But I was done feeling sorry for myself.

I had been rolling around in self-pity for too long. I would never get over Tallis, but I had to pull myself together for the sake of everyone else's happiness.

Desmond walked up and handed me a present, startling me with his sudden presence. "Here you go, Aria. I hope you like it."

I smiled and unwrapped the present. "Thanks, Desmond." I smiled bigger when I saw what was inside. "Wow. You shouldn't have."

He grinned his boyish, sweet grin that I would have never thought he possessed when I first met him.

"Well, I thought it might help you with your sketches. I thought you could take pictures of stuff, instead of working from memory."

I smiled and hugged him, completely shocking him. He gasped before slowly returning the embrace. He cleared his throat, and took a step back, seeming rattled by his unexpected emotion.

Playfully, he added, "Don't be sneaking around taking pictures of me, though. I know how mesmerized you've been with me since the day you saw me bare it all, but I love your sister now, and I don't want things to get awkward."

I slapped him across the chest, and then did a five minute owie dance while clutching the poor hand his immortal body had just wounded. He laughed even as I glared at him. But Jay and Ayla walked up, saving Desmond from my wrath.

Ignoring my throbbing hand, I held the camera up and said, "Say cheese, guys."

I snapped the picture, but I was squealing as sparks flew out, and the camera all but exploded in my hands. Ayla pulled it away from me just as it finally did blow up, forcing another high-pitched, embarrassing squeal from me.

Desmond slapped his forehead, groaning. "I should have told you that you can't take pictures of electrics."

I just stood there, trying not to laugh once it started to make sense. Jay frowned, and then it turned into a pout. Obviously I had a golden opportunity on my hands.

"Wow, Jay." I drawled. "You literally broke the camera."

Jay scowled as Desmond joined me in laughter. Ayla patronizingly petted him, cooing out mock words of comfort, which in turn forced Jay's lips to twitch involuntarily.

Ayla smiled and kissed him when she saw him caving. "My poor little electric," she added, grinning when Jay's smile spread. Of course, as always, their kiss went from PG-13 to NR-17 in less than a breath, so I looked away.

Gross.

My eyes went to the vacant corner of the yard, and something demanded my attention. I saw an odd little thing sitting all alone. It looked as if it had been tossed over the gate. Upon further inspection, I realized it was a present. To my knowledge, I was the only birthday girl there.