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“Elara, can you hurry up and get out of bed? You're going to be late again and if you are, then Mom and Dad will kick my ass for not getting you to college on time.” Jordon’s whining had brought me out of my train of thought.

“Would you shut up Jordon and give me a break?” He was always on my case lately and it was doing my head in. I mean, I was turning twenty-one in a few weeks, and I was finally going to move out of this crappy town. There was nothing and no one keeping me here. After all, Mom and Dad were never around. They were always away on business trips, leaving Jordon in charge, but in the last few months, he had been getting angrier at me for little things.

“Just be ready to go in five minutes or you're walking.”

Well, he was in a mood now, wasn’t he? Giving myself a once over in the mirror, I thought I looked alright today. My hair was the envy of all the girls at college, although I couldn’t understand why. I hated my long blonde locks. I had actually thought about chopping it off once but couldn’t bring myself to do when I saw mom watching me with tears in her eyes.

Downstairs, Jordon was waiting in the kitchen, giving me a once over yet again. He does this every morning.

“Are you seriously going to wear that, Elara? That skirt is above your knees.” He scolded me.

“Just shut up Jordon. You're not my freaking father, so stop acting like you are.” Putting me in a bad mood already, I could feel the energy in the room change. It was like there was an electric charge in the room. Anger was emitting from Jordon. His pupils had blackened. The blood drained from my face, as I knew what that meant all too well. Racing back up the stairs, I tried to make it to my room, but he got me first. His eyes were lifeless. He raised his hand and all I could do was close my eyes and wait for the slap. It connected with my right cheek, sending me flying against my door. 

It was bad this time. I could feel the pain radiating in my cheek. This time it was going to bruise and there was no amount of makeup that would hide the mark. Tears streaked my face.

“Ellie, I am sorry.” He whispered as he came out of his trance, walking towards me.

“DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH ME.” I screamed at him. I had had it with his shit. I was his sister, not his punching bag, and the last few months it was happening once a week. Getting up off the ground, finding that I had an inner strength building that hadn’t been there a few days ago.

“But..” He stubbled with his words.

“Get lost now Jordon.” I said to him as I walked past him. He tried to grab my arm, but I pushed him up against the wall. Holy shit, where was this coming from?

“Don’t you ever lay a hand on me again.” I warned him. Leaving the house, I wasn’t even sure where I was going to go, but it sure as hell wasn’t college. I had my license but still didn’t have a car. We were meant to go car shopping last week, dad and I, but of course he got called away for work. So all I could think of was time to go shopping. Taking out my phone, I dialled Harriett’s number.

“Hey girl, what’s up?” She answered.

“He did again. I am ditching. Coming to the mall?” I asked her.

“See you there. Usually spot.” She asked me again.

“Sure.” I hung up the phone. Suddenly I got a feeling like someone was watching me. The hairs on my arms stood up.

“RUN NOW.” A voice inside my head warned me and for some odd reason, I trusted the voice. 

“OK, but how are you talking to me in my own head? I must be going crazy.” I admitted to myself, as I took off running in the direction of the mall.

“Hurry up, he is following you. Get your ass to the mall now.” The voice warned me again. This time I really listened and bolted towards the mall, but I was too late. Someone had grabbed my arm. I was suddenly cold to the bone; the fear had rendered my body frozen.

“Well now, haven’t you grown Elara?” The man had a hard grip on my hand and I wasn’t able to move. His voice sent shivers down my spine.

“I have been looking for you for a long time and finally here you are. You are a beautiful creature. Master will be happy. Won’t you come with me Elara?” He questioned me. This man was quite odd. I knew he was dangerous, but I also knew he wouldn’t hurt me. His voice was alluring, as in if I listened to him any longer. I would do whatever he wanted me to. Not being able to move or even speak, he pulled me in a different direction from where I wanted to go.

“Stop now Cassius, let the girl go.” A mans voice came from behind me. I couldn’t see him because I was still unable to move. This man called Cassius was still staring at me.

“Well now, Emmett, who would have thought that you would be around this neck of the woods? Now why would I want to leave this creature alone?” Cassius was mocking whoever was behind me.

“Do you really think it smart to mess with Audrey and Leo’s daughter?” 

How the hell did these people know who I was? Something weird was going on and I had the feeling that I was the only one that was clueless here.

“Well, Miss Elara, it seems that Emmett here is correct. I will be seeing you again very shortly.” He said and then he just disappeared. I was in shock. How the hell could someone just disappear like that? My legs were starting to shake. Holy shit, I think I am going to pass out. Just as my legs gave out, muscular arms caught me.

“Woah Elara, are you ok?” 

“Yeah, I am just confused. First my brother slaps me, then I hear a voice telling in my head telling me to run. Then that man had me scared shitless, frozen to the spot, not being able to move, then he just disappears.” I blurted out. It seemed even crazier saying it out loud. Emmett’s body was rocking with his laughter. 

“Sorry Elara, I didn’t mean to laugh. Anyway, are you ok? And what the hell do you mean your brother slapped you?” Emmett asked me as he helped me back to my feet.

“Hey hang on. How do you know who I am?” I questioned me. He made a face, cocking his eyebrow at me, then he poked his tongue out at me. Shocked at what he just did, I couldn’t help but giggle and give him a playful punch.

“Come, let’s go get some food and I will explain a few things to you. But I can’t tell you everything, Ellie. That is up to your parents.” He warned me and you know what that was ok with me. After what had just happened, I knew I was safe with Emmett. For some reason, I knew we were going to be good friends.

“Shit, I am meant to meet up with Harriett.” I scolded myself for all most forgetting her.

“Um, think you can ditch her?” Emmett asked me. I didn’t want to do that to Harriett, but I needed answers, and it seemed like I could get some out of this guy.

“Sure, I will send her a message.” 

A few seconds later my phone dinged saying it was ok because she couldn’t ditch her class now because Shaun had just shown up.

“Right now, where is the best place to eat around here?” He winked at me, causing me to smile.

“Burger and More is the place to be.” I told him as I lead the way, it was only a few blocks from where we were. After we placed our orders, Emmett dragged me to a table in the corner.

“Right now, how do you know who I am?” I asked him.

“Ok, so that is one of the harder questions, but I know who you are because I am friends with your parents.” He explained.

“Now my turn, what did you mean about Jordon?” 

“With Mom and dad gone all the time, he has been acting like he owns me. But the last few months have been worse. He gets angry for no reason. His eyes go black and he hits me. This morning was the worst. His slap caused me to go flying backwards.” I explained to him. He looked at me with sadness in his eyes because even I could hear the pain in my voice as I explained what was happening.

“How dare you tell him what I have done?” I heard Jordon’s voice behind me.

“You are coming with me now.” He roared, causing another scene.

“Like hell I am. Now fuck off Jordon.” I told him, but he grabbed my arm, trying to drag me off the seat.

“Get your hands off her now.” Emmett’s voice came out in a low growl. This guy had power.

“And who do you think you are to tell me to do that?” Jordon said, turning to face Emmett.

“Oh, shit, it’s you.” Jordon’s voice broke as he looked at Emmett.

“I suggest you let Elara go now. Elara, you are coming with me now. We will meet your parents back at my townhouse.” Emmett ordered me and I wasn’t going to say no. I pushed Jordon out of the way as Emmett guided me out of the building and into a car that was waiting for us outside.

“Take us to the townhouse please, Johnny.” Emmett asked the man who bowed his head to us both before taking off, leaving Jordon standing in the middle of the street.