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SKYLA. Night has fallen, and I am getting dressed for dinner with Dad, Kat, and Royce. I don’t know why Dad invited him, but it makes me wonder if he ended up hearing us in the office earlier. I hadn’t heard his footsteps; I had been far too distracted… plus his hearing is better than mine… but there’s a high chance he didn’t hear. I sigh as I pull on a fresh pair of panties, my mind returning to our earlier training session. I had ended up hurting him again in the first half of the session. Why do I always lose it? He wants me to calm myself when I begin to get riled up… and today he hadn’t defended himself, in hopes I’d be able to stop myself, but I didn’t – I couldn’t. He had had to step back at the last moment, and if he hadn’t, I would have scarred that sexy body of his permanently. Great… I put on some earrings, unable to stop myself from thinking about the second half of our session. The guilt and panic had almost made me tell him my truth and my heart skips a beat as the
SKYLA. “Shame I don’t get a treat from the teacher.” I whisper back before I can even stop myself. Our eyes meet, both of us still breathing hard… and then his gaze flickers to my lips. A faint frown creases his forehead, before he looks away, breaking the moment, and moves back. “Well done… let’s stop there for today.” He turns his back on me and I shake my head, unable to focus on what had just happened… “Sure.” I say, turning I grab my stuff and jog out, needing some space. (END OF FLASHBACK) I look in the mirror, as I put on the royal blue shirt dress. It has buttons down to the waist and I leave them open. I skipped a bra for tonight and I tie a chunky black and gold belt around my waist. Paired with some heeled black boots and smoky eyes. I definitely look good. “I’ve got to make sure Dad doesn’t think there’s anything between us. I still feel uneasy...” I say to Malevolent as I give her a cuddle and kiss. I finish off with nude peach lipstick and then I grab my bag. “Come
SKYLA. I want to know too… I raise an eyebrow as Royce glances away, his gaze flicking to Dad. “I’m sorry. It’s been a rough evening.” Royce says to him just as a waiter places our drinks down. It irks me how she’s eyeing them both up. I should tell Mama, it’s pretty fun to see her try to hide her jealousy when it comes to Dad. “Thank you.” Kataleya says to her with a small smile. No need to smile at the little perve. Yes, I’m a total hypocrite. I can perve at Magic Fingers all I want… My gaze falls to his hands. I like the fact that he has big manly hands… “The food will be here soon. Enjoy.” She smiles, and Royce gives her a nod as Kataleya smiles at her. No one speaks until she leaves, and Kataleya slides her drink closer to herself. I turn my attention back to Royce. I wonder what happened… considering he was completely fine at training. Dad cocks a brow. “I hope this dinner doesn’t fucking impose on you if you’re not in the best of fucking moods. I don’t want Kenneth
SKYLA. The next few seconds feel like minutes as we wait for her to speak. “A servant of Apophis...” Kataleya whispers. All three of us stare at her as she gazes unblinkingly at the centre of the table, her eyes glazed a dreamy pink. Dad frowns, his heart beating a little louder than normal as he watches her intently. I’m not sure if it’s because of what she said or if it’s because she displayed her gift in front of an Arden. “Kat.” Dad’s voice is low, but I can hear the tension he is trying to mask in it and I don’t blame him. The risk that comes with Kat’s gift is terrifying. Royce is watching her. There’s a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes as I place a hand on Kataleya’s shoulder. “Kat.” I say, shaking her silently. She jerks back, inhaling sharply as she looks around, as if trying to remember where she is, her breasts heaving as she gathers her bearings, gripping my hand. Dad’s gaze flicks to Royce and I know he didn’t want anyone to learn of Kat’s gift, but it’s too late
SKYLA. A game? He’s so close, his thundering heart and those brilliant blue eyes are too much. All I can see is him, his scent wreaking havoc with my mind and I suddenly feel as if there is no air and I’m drowning in his rage. I let out a shaky breath, trying to control my emotions. I exhale, and I’m surprised to see the puff of visible air. It’s so cold in here? Is a window open? “He told you.” I state quietly, looking into his eyes. I don’t even know how to feel about that… Why would Aleric do that? He almost smirks, his cold eyes boring into mine. “Of course he did,” he scoffs. “Why not gloat right?” “That wasn’t-” “Whatever it was. The thing is, Skyla… don’t mess me about. You thought since you couldn’t have one brother, why not just have the other? Correct?” I stay quiet, his words hitting a nerve. He sees right through me. “You know what? You and Aleric seem to be the perfect match… carry on, I wish you both all the best, because this Arden is not going to be added
KIARA. My lips quiver as Alejandro pulls me into his arms. His intoxicating scent and his warmth are the greatest comfort for me, but it doesn’t take away the pain that has settled into my heart. When your child is suffering… ‘We’re here for her.’ He says through the link. I’ve failed as a mother. I’m trying not to let my pain show as I gaze at the door to her bedroom. My Angel… The smell of breakfast that I’m almost done cooking fills the cottage, and despite the pleasant warmth of the morning ray of sunshine that makes the small hallway glow, I’m struggling to remain strong. Last night replays in my mind and I close my eyes, taking a choked breath. It’s hard… (FLASHBACK – LAST NIGHT) “Hello?” I answer Alejandro’s incoming call, licking my finger clean of the brownie batter. It’s extremely late. He must have just finished off with work. Kataleya had sent pictures of their meal earlier. I’m glad they had some time together. “You need to get to Sky’s cottage as soon as you can
SKYLA. I had grabbed a baggy cream knit top and pulled it over my crop top, pushing it back from my shoulders so it would cover my ass up, until Dad drops me at school, anyway. I’m sitting in the car, with my earPods in and tapping my foot to the beat of the music. “Can we try to talk about this?” He says, looking over at me. “No,” I say, glancing at him but refusing to switch my music off. He sighs, frowning as he stares out ahead at the winding road. “You know we’re worried about you Sky. That’s why we’re here, to help you and fucking be there for you. It’s fine to struggle, it’s fine not to be fucking in control. It’s fine to let others see that.” No, it’s not and I’m dealing... somewhat. Mama had healed me, the pain of the poisons and the bite were gone, and I feel alive. Not sure if that’s a good thing, considering I might lose control faster. “Fucking talk to me Sky.” “You know what the problem is?” I say, taking my pods out and looking at Dad pointedly. “I’m all fucking
SKYLA. The morning has passed by damn slowly. I’ve been itching to get my hands on Aleric, and my anger has begun bubbling again. Royce’s words from last night are replaying again and again and it’s only getting to me. I don’t even know how I’m going to face him later for training… I might bail for today. I don’t think I can handle being in his proximity… I zoomed through the first three lessons without even bothering to play up or waste time. Lost in thought as I get the work done with ease. The quicker I’m done, the better. The moment the bell rings, I grab my books, and my tote bag that Malevolent has been curled in all day and rush from the room before anyone else even rises from their seat. Now to find that dick. “Skyla!” I stop mid-step, spotting none other than Ahren, my nephew? I pause for a moment, second-guessing that. I swear this family is so damn big and tied from every damn angle that I forgot who is banging who and who created what demon’s spawn. But he’s defini