I Wasn't Ready!

After a relaxing hot bath with rose petals, I get out and dress in another white gown. Out of all the colors... I seem to like the white the best. It was simple and cool, just the way I like it. Bai Lei shows up at the door with a small smile on his face. I return the smile and follow him out.

"I was thinking about having dinner by the Koi ponds... is that okay with you?" Bai Lei asks walking next to me. I quickly nod my head and follow him to another large courtyard. This was another beautiful yard! How big was this place!?

A large gazebo sat in the center of a large pond with several weeping willows swaying in the light breeze. Several wooden bridges lead over to the gazebo and as we walk over, I look down to see the large Koi swimming in the crystal clear waters. It was magical!

Bai Lei and I sit at the table as several servants bring out plate after plate of hot, delicious food. My eyes light up as I begin tasting the different plates. It was honestly some of the best-tasting food I've ever had!

The breeze that gently blows in the courtyard is slightly chilly but the warm food keeps me feeling comfortable. The weeping willows sway back and forth and gently tickle the tops of the water as fireflies begin dancing above the water.

I completely forget the food and jump up to watch the fireflies. As they fly above the water, the water reflects their light, making it look like thousands of them are out there! Bai Lei watches me from the table as he sips his wine.

"I take it, you like this courtyard." He says with a chuckle. I quickly nod my head and say "It feels magical here... I think I could spend every night here." Bai Lei's smile grows as he says "Then we'll have dinner here every night."

"Finish the food before it gets cold." Bai Lei says with a low chuckle. I walk back over and begin eating again but this time, I constantly watch the fireflies.

Bai Lei watches the beautiful woman in front of him with warm eyes. She's so easy to please... she's almost childlike. He takes another sip of his wine as he admires her while she's busy looking at the fireflies.

I watch the fireflies with shining eyes but something at the edge of the courtyard catches my eyes. When I try to look closer, I can't see anything. Maybe I'm seeing things... I turn back to Bai Lei to see him watching me with a blank look. He quickly looks away and clears his throat as he refills his glass of wine.

I lift up my glass and smell the fragrant wine. It smells like peaches! I take a little sip and my eyes instantly light up. Bai Lei watches me with a smile as he asks "Do you like it?" I take another sip and nod my head as I look up to him with a smile.

Suddenly I see a pair of crazy eyes flash behind Bai Lei making me choke! Bai Lei instantly goes to reach for me but he finally realizes someone else is here. He had been so lost in Nova, he completely ignored his surroundings!

He had even told Ren to back off! Who would be crazy enough to sneak in here and try something!?

I continue to choke on the wine as I realize it's Ted!! He comes flying over with a war cry as he snaps a glass vial and throws it straight at me. Everything is happening so fast, it's like it's in slow-mo! Bai Lei's eyes flash in panic as he tries to catch the glass vial at the last minute but he's a fraction too slow.

The vial his me in the face as Ted snaps another for himself. A warm liquid drips from my forehead as everything on me starts to light up. Bai Lei looks at me in horror as he dives at me. His strong arms wrap around me as our bodies collide.

Suddenly everything becomes super bright and a sucking force is felt. I feel as if I'm falling but Bai Lei holds on tight as we both continue falling. The light begins to fade as we both hit the ground. I grunt in pain as I slowly open my eyes.

I look up to see a large fan and ceiling light, instantly making me smile. I'm back!! Yess!!! Bai Lei slowly moves, making me freeze. I look down in horror as I realize Bai Lei has followed me back!

"Oh shit..."

"What did you do Ted!?"

"Me!!?? I threw it at Nova! I didn't touch him!"

I look over to see Ted arguing with Chase and Nick. They look over to me with large smiles as they say "Welcome back Nova!" I try to sit up but Bai Lei quickly pulls me into his arms as he looks around with confusion and fear.

I push against him as I say "Bai Lei, let go! This is where I work... My world!" Bai Lei slightly loosens his hold but not by much. His dark eyes jet around the room at full alert but they keep going back to the other guys standing in the room.

The others walk forward to help me but Bai Lei quickly pulls out his sword, making everyone freeze. "Bai Lei! Calm down! They are my teammates! Let me go and I will explain everything okay!?" Bai Lei refuses to let go as he says "Explain from here."

I sigh in defeat and deflate in his arms as the others look on with large eyes. "That's a real sword, right?" Nick asks with awe. Chase smacks the back of Nick's head as he says "Not the place or time!" Ted lightly laughs as he steps up with both his hands held up in the air "Hey Bai Lei... you remember me right?" Bai Lei narrows his dark eyes on him causing Ted to nervously laugh.