Where Love and Danger Lie
me up and out of bed to get to school. This particular morning, I was up early with a little spring in my step. As I gleefully bounded off th
embering all the chants of " Hey lonely girl" and "weirdo" and the many attempts at bullying that I had endured, all the while outwardly shrugging it off but silently suffering on the inside. Sure, I had my mantra, and it had hardened me, but every once in a while, my defense mechanism weakened so I had these moments of saddening reflection on the past. Most
and I could see the appeal. He's tall, slight muscular build and his ebony hair and honeyed eyes could alone make women swoon. He also had a presence that anyone would notice, the type of person you would stop what you're doing just to watch him. I had always likened father to a panther, beautiful and majestic, a mystery to look at but these women thought to be guarded around him. If they had truly gotten to know my father, it would be his personality that would win them over. He's kind and gentle with a witty dry humor. His empathetic demeanor was something my mother always told me she loves the most about him. He's also fiercely protective of those he loves, especially his darling Xan. How many times had he come to my rescue growing up? He never once second guessed wh
sh estate with a title. He wasn't Lord Reginald Batiste; the thought is very odd to me. "Darling, you seem lost in thought. Please tell me what it is that has furrowed your brow yet again this morning. I want to ease your mind, quiet the storm inside that troubles you so." I looked up at him, took a deep breath to let loose the one thing that was a taboo subject between my father and I, " I need you to remember your promise to me. I have held so many questions in my mind but keep them locked up because I never wanted to upset or disappoint you but I think it
said coolly, "Answering your questions tonight has always been the plan, this is part of why we are holding a party tonight. Our family has a tradition of when one comes of age, your coming of age happens to coincide with your graduation. For us to call your party tonight a graduation party, it isn't entirely accurate. These people who are attending are really just there to witness you
ad of clowning around with your fool of a father, you should be eating your breakfast so you're not late to school. Last thing we need is for you to get detention on your last day. I have a very tight schedule to keep and I need you back here straight after school for both your final gown fitting for the party and to get you ready for your walk across the stage. And for the love of Frigg, where is Darren?!" My father came up behind mother, wrapped his arms around her waist, crouched to plant a small kiss on her neck and gently, quietly said, " He went to the vault to retrieve the item for tonight. He should be home shortly." This instantly calmed her, "Oh my goodness, I forgot. I'm so sorry for losing it. I must be str
ngst our family and friends this will be talked about for ages. Any hiccup could spell disaster for us for more time than you could possibly imagine." This statement did not marry up with the who cares what they think attitude that I