A Paranormal World

ing sun streamed through her bedroom window, casting golden rays that illuminated the scattered clothes and books strewn acros

d to her reflection, "and still no closer to

air into a fluff that framed her face, nodding in sa

andmother's voice echoed from downstairs. "Nala! Brea

her grandmother, was both a force of nature and a sou

h the air, mixing with the robust aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Sh

grandmother. He had a blend of features that hinted at his biracial heritage-dark skin wi

r eyes twinkling as she motioned for Nala to sit.

ad been poured over her. "Excuse me, what?" she stammered, her v

her tone brooking no argument

g as Zion cleared his throat, his deep voice smo

nd toward her, the gesture both charming and unner

tly kissed the back of her palm. "Um, wow, well, this is a lot," she said, pulling her hand back

d again, her eyes glinting with a

antly. "So, Zion, what do you think of being thrust int

at the corners of his lips. "I think

she scoffed. "You

this is tradition. Our family has upheld

the twenty-first century! Can't I

eel a flutter of irritation mixed with something else she couldn't qu

ng," she shot bac

, her voice soothing. "Just think of i

ner? Great!" Nala groaned

wedding," Zion said, his tone shifting to something more serio

ing a hostage situation," she mutter

d, her voice sharp. "You wil

scraping against the floor with a loud scr

Zion called after her, b

e crisp morning air hit her like a splash of cold water, refreshing yet sho

scratch behind Coco's ears. "I need y

ead as if understa

little caffeine therap

ping in the passenger seat as they

*

her as she entered the cafe. A few of her colleagues were gat

one of them whispered, her eyes wide with excitement

ke, half African and half Mexican

How do you ev

counter, feigning nonchal

s if she were sharing a secret. "He's been seen all ov

swooning slightly. "Like he just walk

ed, her voice barely above a whisper. "

this look. Like he could be in a movie or something. And

h twisted. "An

oo," the second girl added. "I heard h

her eyes. "Just what I need-a fitness

lucky to snag a guy like t

t bigger problems. Like being married off to a strang

kled softly, petting her furry friend. "At least I have yo

om the back, wiping his hands on a towe

hand dismissively. "You know, being thrus

across his face. "What? You? A marriage?

ot like I have a ch

leaning against the counter. "Start a new life. B

behind? They'd hunt me d

" he chuckled. "But serious

him as a young customer kn

cried, her cheek

ng to help. "I guess I can save m

y he had looked at her, the confidence he exuded-it unsettled her. What if

alled, pulling her out of her though

back of her mind, the nagging thought remained: Zion was not just a

o idea how to

e morning. But every time she thought of Zion, her pulse qui

trotting happily beside her. The sky was painted in hues of orange

deal with this mess. Maybe I'll find a way to e

d toward home, the shadows lengthening around them

f arranged marriages and traditions was about to collide with a real