Thirty-three: A new place

Temperance

"Who the fuck Is this?"

My heart drops as I hear a booming voice. I turn around and come face to face with a large man that has features like my father.

A young woman stands behind him.

"Th-this is Temperance. Your niece." Kenli speaks up. I can tell she is afraid.

My palms begin to sweat as I start shaking. My heart is thumping in my ears.

Chris grabs my sweaty palm and squeezes it.

He's like the big brother I've always wanted. The big brother I've always dreamed of having. Even though I barely knew him, I felt this sort of connection with him. Like I can count on him to protect me.

Then my mind falls back to Alec.

I miss him so much.

My heart aches without him. I want to be with him in his arms.

The man snaps in my face focusing my attention back on him.

"I'm Austin. You will address me as 'sir'; if you forget, you will be punished. This is Vicki, my wife. You will address her as 'ma'am'." Austin's tone is harsh. He meant what he said.

"Explain the rest of the