Chapter 38

Despite having visited Monserrat before, Ana's prior trip was restricted to the Shooters Nightclub during the night, leaving her with no opportunity to see the city in broad daylight. As Khai drove out of the Monserrat forest, into the town, Ana was immediately struck by its charm. The town was was surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills with Victorian-style homes and buildings, each one more picturesque than the last. Every building had with intricate details and charming gables.

As she peered out of car window, Ana noticed that the colors of the buildings and homes were muted and earthy, in shades of green, grey, and blue, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The architecture was eclectic, with elements of Gothic, and Italianate styles, adding to the charm and character of the town.

The atmosphere in Monserrat was quiet and peaceful, despite the busy streets, there was a sense of calm that pervaded the town. People walked slowly, taking in the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Many were dressed in casual, but stylish clothing, reflecting the relaxed, yet sophisticated life in the area.

Elliot pointed her to several restaurants where they could grab lunch, while Khai drove them through the streets so she could take a closer look at the architecture. Everywhere she looked, she saw quaint details, like wooden fences and picket gates, gardens overflowing with flowers, and old-fashioned street lamps.

They finally parked at Melody street where the rest of the group would meet them. Ana jumped out of the car as Khai held the door open for her. A series of shops, selling everything from locally sourced honey to handcrafted silver jewelry, dotted the narrow cobblestone streets.

Khai and Elliot walked at a languid pace as Ana skipped from one vendor to another, unable to contain her excitement. She stopped at stall selling fresh spinach and feta pies. Although she was about to have lunch, her mouth still watered at the crispy snack. She ordered three servings and opened her bag to pay for it when Khai stopped her.

"You spend your time, let me take care of spending the money."

Ana blushed as the vendor handed her the plate. They sat on the stairs of a building by the road and enjoyed their snack. Khai and Elliot swallowed their food in one bite while Ana took her time, leisurely watching people walk by as she nibbled on hers.

"So Ana, will you miss training with me? I was obviously a better trainer than this hellhound." Elliot quipped.

Khai shot him a scowl. "Flirt with your own girlfriend."

Ana flushed at his words. This was the first time he referred to her as his girlfriend. Though it was glaringly obvious, they hadn't discussed or labeled the relationship. She was Khai Heathcliff's girlfriend. That made him, Anaya Willow's boyfriend. She suddenly felt giddy and an involuntary laugh escaped her lips.

"What's funny?" Khai smiled as he asked her.

Ana quickly searched for an excuse. "I find your bantering adorable."

The men started at her, dumbfounded. Nobody had ever associated them with the word adorable. Elliot snorted as Khai tucked Ana's hair behind her ear. She could probably compare them to stuffed toys and still get away with it.

"Oh! They're here." Ana pointed to Maeve and Meghan as they walked toward them. George and walked a few feet behind them with his eyes on the food stalls.

Ana rushed over to George before they could reach the rest of the group. "Did you get it Georgie?"

He fished his pockets and pulled out a small box, smiling as he placed it in her hand. "Here you go."

Ana gave him a hug and they walked back to join everyone. Khai took her hand in his as they walked the streets some more. The snacks at the stalls were so tempting that everyone decided to have a late lunch after they finished shopping.

Maeve smiled at her Ana who pulled her brother from one stall to the other. She could see how close Khai and Ana had become. Her heart warmed at the thought of her brother finally finding a shot at happiness. While the others went a few feet ahead, Maeve stopped as she saw a stall selling dream catchers.

The stall was filled with an array of delicate, handcrafted ornaments hanging from it's ceiling, each color competing with the beauty of the rest. Maeve felt drawn to the soft rustle of feathers and beads as the dream catchers swayed in the light summer breeze. She touched the feathers with a small smile on her lips, enjoying their softness on her fingers.

"You should get that one." A smooth, familiar voice came from behind her.

"Elliot, I didn't see you there." Her cheeks flushed at his sudden proximity.

"Why would you? You've been avoiding me." The accusation in his tone didn't match his soft expression as he looked down at her.

"Stop. You know that's not it." Maeve avoided his gaze, pretending to take a further look at the beads and feathers.

Elliot tugged her arm and gently turned her to him. "How long are you going to fight this Maeve?"

Maeve's troubled eyes met Elliot's somber ones before she turned away from him. Ignoring the pain in her chest, she quickly made her way Ana and Khai.

"There's a thrift store at the end of the street. Why don't we go check it out?" Maeve smiled in spite of herself, hoping no one would notice the tremble in her voice.

Khai's eyes subtly narrowed at his sister, before moving his gaze to Elliot who was trailing a few steps behind her. He motioned for the rest of the group to join them as they made their way to the thrift shop.

"How about Tarzan and Jane?" Ana asked Khai as he sat outside a dressing room waiting for her.

"So I'd wear a loincloth and nothing else? Works for me." Khai grinned as she stepped out of the dressing room in a Victorian-style blouse and skirt with knee high boots. "You look nice."

His compliment did not reach Ana, as she was too busy imagining every girl in Arcane drooling over Khai's body that she was yet to see herself. Her eyes saw red, when an image of Natalie hugging Khai as he wished her a Happy Birthday, flashed through her.

She frowned and went back in to remove her outfit so he wouldn't see her expression. "I changed my mind. Let's keep looking."

Khai fought a smile as he followed her out of the dressing rooms. Elliot and George were goofing around with lightsabers, clearly uninterested in what was going on around them.

Immediately after they exited the first store, George and Elliot dragged a reluctant Khai away for a beer while the girls continued shopping

Over the next three hours, Ana, Meghan and Maeve perused every boutique and thrift shop the town of Monserrat had to offer. The rummaged through racks and racks of clothing, on a mission to find the perfect costume. They chased the thrill of shopping with each other over their actual goal of finding an outfit. They laughed as they struggled with zippers and goofed around with silly costumes until their jaws started to hurt.

When they finally joined the men at a rooftop café to grab some food, it was almost evening. Khai kissed the back of Ana's hand as they watched the sunset, sipping on some drinks.

Meghan was explaining to George that their Mr & Mrs. Smith outfit was more than him just wearing a suit. Maeve quietly sat next to Elliot, praying that the group would finish eating so they could all head back to Arcane.

Elliot took a large sip of his beer, as he watched Maeve having a silent panic attack. "Maeve, calm down." He said with a soft snort. "I won't eat you up."

Startled by his voice, Maeve blushed and tried to hide her embarrassment by avoiding eye contact and pretending to observe the others in the restaurant. "I don't know what you mean."

"Come to Natalie's party with me." Elliot's eyes held an amused glint as he watched her bewildered expression.

Maeve wondered how talking to her was so easy to him, despite her constant efforts to rebuff him. "What do I have to do for you to leave me alone?"

He shot her a sharp look, but simply shrugged and continued calmly. "Come to Natalie's party with me."

Close to tears, Maeve looked up at him with a helpless expression. Her heart leapt at his offer, but every brain cell screamed for her to hold back, warning her that this would be a mistake.

"Come with me to Natalie's party. After that, I'll leave you alone if that's what you want." His gaze was somber and his words sincere.

Maeve bit her lip, feeling torn and unsure. Unable to fight her feelings anymore, she nodded at him, calming her heart as his lips curved into her favorite crooked smile.