Found (The Crescent Chronicles #3) Read online

  “Of course.” What I wanted to say was, not until I’m at least twenty-one. Considering my nineteenth birthday was well over a month away, we had plenty of time.

  Levi squeezed my hand under the table. “Would you guys mind if we left? I’m sure Allie is as excited as I am to check out our new home.”

  Helen removed the napkin from her lap, placing it on the table. “Of course. We took the liberty of furnishing it, but you can change anything you don’t like.”

  “We?”

  From the guilty expression on Helen’s face, she was definitely in on the surprise. As long as there wasn’t a nursery, complete with a crib, I would stay reasonably calm.

  Chapter Five

  “He bought us a house? Isn’t that a bit excessive?” I didn’t even wait for Levi to start the car before jumping in with the questions.

  “Excessive for my dad is different than for other people.”

  I could relate. My dad was the one who bought me a Land Rover for high school graduation, but still a car was different from a multi-million dollar house.

  “Do you want to at least look at it?” Levi pulled out onto the street.

  I chose my words carefully. He actually looked hopeful. “We can look, but I’m still moving back into the dorm when it opens.”

  “Sounds good to me.” He slowed down as he turned onto a beautiful tree-lined street. There was a wide median down the middle with large oak trees covered in dangling moss. We were only a few blocks from campus, and I’d gone for a walk in the neighborhood before, but I definitely never imagined I’d have a house there.

  “Oh. My. God.” My jaw dropped as Levi drove into the driveway of the large white house. It looked a lot like the Laurents’ house, eerily like it, but at least it was several blocks away. Two huge southern oaks, and a large magnolia dominated the well-manicured lawn.

  I didn’t wait for Levi to open my door. I was out before he’d gotten around. “Wow, this place is huge.”

  “It’s over 6,000 square feet.” Levi watched for my reaction.

  “A little over the top, don’t you think?” I may have said it, but I was currently admiring the incredible exterior. Tall columns, extending both levels, gave the house a southern feel.

  “Wait until you see the inside.” He took my hand and walked up onto the front porch. I touched one of the large white columns while I waited for him to unlock the door.

  The inside was nothing short of spectacular. Tall ceilings welcomed you into the foyer. I stopped to take off my boots, not wanting to mess up the gorgeous wood floors or the rugs waiting for us in the living room.

  “I think all of the bedrooms are upstairs.” Leave it to Levi to already be worried about the bedrooms.

  “We haven’t even seen the kitchen yet.”

  “Details, details.” He smiled; probably glad to see me enjoying our house. Our house… crazy.

  The kitchen was beautiful—all dark wood and light granite countertops. “I might actually cook if I had this kitchen.”

  He laughed. “Good to know—since you do have this kitchen.”

  I kept exploring—discovering several closed off sitting rooms and a study. The part that got me was the dining room. It had a table that could seat sixteen, but that wasn’t the coolest part.

  “Wow, is that a pool?” The huge windows taking up the entire back wall of the room provided a view of the backyard.

  “Yes. And there’s also a hot tub.” He arched an eyebrow. “I’d love to check that out.”

  “Don’t you want to go upstairs first?”

  “Definitely.” He took my hand again before heading up the grand staircase.

  We peeked into a bedroom. “Is this ours?”

  He grinned. “First of all, I’m so proud that you actually called a room ours, but no. If I remember correctly from the virtual tour, that’s a guest suite.” He continued down to the end of the hall and pushed open the door. “This is the master.”

  “Wow.” The room was enormous with a four poster king-sized bed in the middle. The quilt and sheets were both in various shades of red. “I have to see the bathroom.”

  I ran my hand over the marble lining the edge of the soaking tub. “Okay, I change my mind.”

  “About?”

  “I want to stay in the dorms during the week, but we can stay here on weekends.”

  He laughed before pulling me into his arms. “Does tonight count as a weekend since we don’t have class tomorrow?”

  “We don’t have any of our stuff with us.”

  “My mom helped set this up. Do you really doubt she took care of the details?”

  “Wait, like in the safe room?”

  “Take a look.”

  I opened the door to the gorgeous shower that had more than enough room for two. Stepping in, I found my usual shampoo and body wash. “She’s unbelievable.”

  “This was just their way of welcoming you to the family.”

  “Are you sure you weren’t in on this?”

  “No. I wish I had been. I can’t take any credit.” He put his hands on my hips.

  “How did they do this so quickly?”

  “You know my dad, it shouldn’t surprise you.” He ran his hands down my arm. “So what do you say?”

  “About?”

  “Want to stay here tonight?”

  “I think I could be persuaded.”

  “Oh, I’ll persuade you.”

  He picked me up and set me down on the counter. My skirt rode up slightly, and the cool marble countertop made me shiver. “You won’t be shivering at the end of this.”

  “Is that a promise?” I slipped my hands under the front of his long sleeved shirt. His skin was warm as always.

  “Yes.” He moved his hands under my legs, warming me up.

  “Don’t you need your hands to persuade me?”

  “Are you doubting I can do it without them?”

  “Yes.” Challenging Levi was only a good idea when it came to kissing and sex. He thrived under that kind of pressure.

  “Challenge accepted.” He leaned forward and kissed me. I pulled him closer, moving his hands further up my skirt in the process. He broke the kiss. “That’s not using my hands. That’s all you.”

  “Fine. Just get back to kissing me.”

  He did as I asked, but his lips didn’t stay on my lips long before they moved to my earlobe and then my neck.

  I pulled his shirt over his head and started unzipping his pants.

  “Am I allowed to use my hands yet?”

  “Not quite yet.” I pushed down his khakis and slipped my hand just underneath the band of his boxers. “Aren’t you glad I didn’t promise to keep my hands to myself?”

  He grinned. “Very.”

  I moved my hand so I could pull my sweater over my head before returning it to Levi and pushing his boxers out of the way. He stepped out of his pants and boxers, kicking them away. Using his mouth, he pulled one of my bra straps down and kissed my shoulder before moving to the other and doing the same thing.

  “Would you like some help with that?” I whispered into his ear.

  “Yes,” he grunted.

  I used my free hand to reach around and unclasp my bra. He didn’t waste a second before his mouth claimed one of my breasts.

  I moaned. “You passed the challenge. You can use your hands now.”

  Before I could process it, he had me off the counter and on our bed. “I’m more than happy to accept any challenge you throw at me, babe.” He yanked down my skirt and pulled off my panties. “On top or under the covers?”

  “Under. I want to see how soft the sheets are.”

  “I don’t think you’ll be worrying about the sheets.” As he said it, he pulled back the quilt and top sheet, laying me down.

  I reached my arms up and around his neck. “You are entirely too far away.”

  “Am I?” he said softly, teasingly.

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll have to change that.” He positioned hims
elf over me, transforming instantly.

  “Are you going to transform every time?”

  He didn’t answer, and seconds later I didn’t care.

  ***

  “Are the sheets up to specification?” Levi ran a hand down my stomach.

  “They’re fantastic.” I snuggled into them contentedly. Being with Levi was always amazing. “But you never answered my question.”

  “What question?”

  “Are you going to transform every time now? I’m not complaining, but you don’t even warn me anymore—and it’s pretty intense.”

  “Oh. I didn’t even realize I was doing it until after. I think it just happens naturally now.”

  “Is that what’s supposed to happen?”

  “I actually don’t know…I wouldn’t think so, but the only one I can really ask is my dad.”

  “No. Don’t ask.”

  Levi laughed. “Do you mind it?”

  “No. It just takes me a lot longer to recover. It’s so powerful. My body feels like it’s transforming somehow.”

  “Is that your way of telling me I need to give you a break?”

  “Maybe just a little.”

  He kissed my forehead. “I’ll stick to cuddling the rest of the night.”

  He lay on his back, and I rested my head on his chest. “I think I could get used to this house.”

  “Me too, as long as I get to go to sleep every night with you right where you are.”

  Chapter Six

  “Where are you?” Hailey asked when I finally answered my phone.

  “Good morning to you too.” I propped up my pillow, still trying to wake up.

  “I’m at the guys’ place, and Owen says you and Levi never came home last night. Did you go down to the hotel or something?”

  Levi chuckled. “Glad to know you’re worried about us, Hailey.”

  It was still weird how well he could hear. He was lying on his back with his hands behind his head. Waking up with Levi was becoming one of my favorite parts of the day.

  I smiled, loving the answer I was about to give. “We’re actually at our house.”

  “Your house?”

  “Yeah. The Laurents bought us a house. It’s over on Audubon. It’s pretty spectacular.”

  “I’d bet. I picked up bagels and coffee. Should I come over there?”

  “Definitely.” Bagels and coffee? Hailey knew me well. “You can bring Jared and Owen too.”

  “Gee, I’d love that.” Hailey may have complained about her brother and Jared, but I think she enjoyed their company more than she let on. I did too.

  “It’s the large white house with the columns. See you in a few.”

  I sat up, pulling the blanket around me. “We need to get dressed.”

  Levi rolled over toward me. “You mean you don’t want to welcome our first guests while you’re naked?”

  “Not exactly.” I pulled on my clothes from the day before. Unlike the safe room, Helen hadn’t stocked the room with clothes. I didn’t mind, the toiletries were plenty.

  ***

  “Okay, so where’s my room?” Hailey’s reaction to the house was similar to mine. She couldn’t stop looking around at everything.

  “You know, we didn’t even finish checking out all the rooms last night.” I finished the last bite of my cinnamon raisin bagel.

  “I wonder what got you distracted?” Hailey nudged me with her shoulder.

  I bit back a smile. “We looked into one other room.”

  “Shall we explore?” Hailey stood up.

  “Sounds good.” I turned to Levi. “See you later.”

  He waved before returning to a conversation with his friends.

  We headed up the stairs. I ran my hand over the wood railing; every detail about the house was beautiful. If Robert wanted to find a way to bribe me—he’d succeeded.

  “When are you moving out?” Hailey said it calmly, but I could tell she was worried.

  “I’m not.”

  “Really?” Relief was clear on her face. “You’re picking the dorm over this?”

  “I told Levi we can stay here on the weekends.”

  She smiled. “Wow, that’s so awesome.”

  “Did you think I was going to ditch my lady in waiting?”

  “What?” Her expression was a mix of shock and excitement. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Helen’s already working on your dress. It’s gorgeous.”

  She hugged me. “Oh my god. That’s incredible. My parents—wow—oh my god.”

  When she pulled away, I thought I saw a tear run down her face. Hailey, crying?

  “Who’d you think it would be? Did you think I was hanging out with other Pterons behind your back?”

  “I figured they’d want you to pick someone more appropriate, like Michelle.”

  “More appropriate? That’s ridiculous. Besides, the job of the lady in waiting is to do everything to help the princess. You already do that.”

  “What do the dresses look like?”

  “You’ll find out when you go for your first fitting.”

  She squealed. Wow, this was such a different side to Hailey.

  “Dare I ask?” Levi asked from the top of the stairs.

  “I was telling Hailey about her dress.”

  “I take it you’re happy about the job?”

  “Is that even a question?” Hailey was still giddy.

  “I think I know who I want as my maids.”

  “Oh yeah?” Levi pushed open one of the doors. It was a library with the most comfortable looking reading nook I’d ever seen. Piled with pillows and cushions, the window bench vied with the upholstered chair and ottoman as the best seat in the house. If my life ever calmed down, I could picture myself spending hours in that room.

  I sat down on the window seat. “I figure I should ask Michelle.” Not only was her mother friends with Helen, but she’d been a huge help with my Art History exam. As long as she stopped treating Hailey rudely, I wouldn’t mind spending time with her.

  Levi nodded. “That would be smart.”

  “Can I ask Anne and Tiffany?” I said it fast because I wasn’t sure what response I was going to get.

  “They’re just normal humans…”

  “So? They’re my friends.”

  “They do know about The Society.” Hailey jumped in to help. “What’s the problem?”

  Levi shrugged. “Why not? Just get their measurements to my mom. You know she’ll want their dresses to match.”

  “Thank you.” I got up and kissed Levi on the cheek.

  “Are you thankful enough to spend another night?”

  “Maybe one more.”

  He put an arm around my waist. “Then you’re very welcome.”

  ***

  Things were exactly the way we left them in our dorm room. My side was neat and orderly, and Hailey’s still had clothes strewn on her chair and bed. I had to give it to Hailey, she kept the mess on her side.

  “It’s strangely nice to be back.” Hailey moved a pair of jeans so she could sit on the end of her bed.

  “I know what you mean. It doesn’t take long for a new place to feel like home.” I meant more than my dorm. It was hard to believe I’d never been to New Orleans before that previous summer.

  “I haven’t seen you without Levi yet.” Hailey leaned back on her elbows. “What happened with Helen?”

  “She didn’t know much, but we’re supposed to visit Levi’s grandma next week.”

  “You’re visiting Georgina?”

  “Is that her name?”

  “Yes. Wow, good luck.”

  “Is she that bad? Helen made her sound that way, but it’s her mother-in-law so she’s biased.”

  “Not as much bad as scary. But she’s a few hours outside the city. Are you going to stay over?”

  “Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.”

  “Yeah, she’s out in the middle of nowhere on her family’s old plantation.”

  “How old is she
?”

  “Only seventy or so, and I think she’s really with it. Just be prepared for her to tell you you’re not good enough for Levi or something like that. She used to come into meetings and yell at girls for bad posture and stuff.”

  “At least I have that down.” When your mom’s a former model, she pushes the posture thing on you from a young age.

  “You know what I mean.”

  “I know.”

  “Hello, neighbors!” Anne walked in. We never bothered to lock our door unless we were sleeping.

  “Hey!” I got up and hugged her. I’d missed her carefree personality over the few weeks of break.

  “How was Vermont, or should I not ask?”

  Hailey hugged Anne next. “She’s completely back with Levi, and they now have a multi-million dollar home together.”

  “What? How did I miss this?” Anne sat down on my bed.

  “Do you want to tell her or should I?” Hailey asked.

  I nodded toward the door. “Shouldn’t we wait for Tiffany?”

  As if she heard her name, Tiffany walked in. We all laughed.

  “Would I be paranoid if I asked if you were laughing at me?” She looked exhausted, and I decided not to ask about her break. Tiffany was the kind of person that let you know what details she wanted to share.

  “Not at you.” I hugged her. “We were just talking about you, it was too perfect.”

  “Talking about good things, I hope.”

  Anne unzipped her sweatshirt. I couldn’t blame her. The heat was on high in the dorm, and it seemed especially hot in my room. “They wouldn’t spill about why she and Levi now own a mansion together.”

  “What?” Tiffany sat down on the floor in front of me. “I’m listening.”

  “You can tell it, Hail.” Hailey had a gift for telling concise stories. I tended to say too little or go on forever.

  Hailey cleared her throat like she was about to go into a long speech. “Allie’s ex-boyfriend showed up in Vermont to try to woo her back.”

  “Woo? Where did you get that word?” I laughed.

  “Do you want me to tell this story?”

  “Sorry, go on.”

  “Somehow that made Allie realize just how special what she has with Levi really is. We came right back, and the two have been inseparable since.”