---Merida’s POV---*Monday! It’s Monday… Meaning I get out of here.* I shrieked in my head. I knew Nadia was still resting but every now and then I would feel her reach out to me. Really it was more nudges of encouragement or images of things. Things that I would not like to imagine or even group with Larry. I mean yes, he is good looking but he’s Lucy twin and I don’t want to cross that line. Not that Lucy would mind, I think. Plus Crispin gets weird when these images pop up, yes I know he can see them but they shouldn’t bother him.“Hey Meri, you ready to break free from this place?” Sarah asked as I left the bathroom, finally dressed in actually clothes, not that the hospital pj’s weren’t comfortable. But there was nothing like wearing denim jeans and a polyester cotton shirt. Even the bra I was wearing was a welcome discomfort if it meant I could get out of this place.“I am so ready to feel the sun again, I think I will run to the exit!” I excitedly said as I hopped to her. She w
The rest of the ride, I sit quietly and wondered about that guy. He was huge, I think even bigger than Ericson, but I didn’t fear him. In fact, the look in his eyes scream happiness. Though was it happiness of me finally leaving the hospital or me noticing him. Now why those two options and only those two, I can’t say except that they felt right.*Nadia, I know I’m supposed to wait but you can tell me if my thought process is wrong. Or if I should be weary of that guy we saw? And don’t even say you didn’t see him. I felt you surfaced when I locked eyes with him!**No girl, you are right.* Nadia says and then adds as I look up to see Crispin once again looking back at me. *He’s who we have been waiting for. He’s the person who will tell us everything!**Really!* I exclaim as I once again twist in the seat to look around us. We travelled a few miles from the hospital, but I just knew he was nearby. Where I can’t tell but I just know he can see me. *Ok I’m really going crazy now!**Your
“Mama Lola and Mama Ang why are you here?” I ask as soon as I’m pushed out of the elevator on the third floor. They were in the lobby waiting but as soon as I arrived the receptionist ran to open the door for us to go in the back, most likely for one of the big conference rooms.“Sissy Merry I’m here as well.” Yells little Callie as she runs to me. “Are you better now?” she asks as she tries to climb on my lap.“Callie sweetie no.” Mama Ang says ask she lifts Callie off my lap and then bends over to hug me. “I’m so happy to see outside of that awful place. Now we need to get this over so I can get this little pumpkin home for her nap.”“I’m a big girl now mommy.” Callie squeals as we enter the conference room, “Right big sissy?”“Yes, you are a big girl, but even big girls need their naps. So, listen to your mommy, ok Callie.” I say as I’m parked near the end of the table beside Mama Lola. Ericson pulls up a chair at the end but doesn’t sit there. In fact, he doesn’t sit but walks out
This time no one stopped me, as I leaped up and reached across the table and seized the papers finally.“WHAT IS GOING ON?” I cried out as I dragged them toward me. Crispin pulled me back into the chair and I almost regretted my actions as a spasm of pain ran through my body. It really hurt when I forced myself up and over the table. My muscles really didn’t like that move, let alone Crispin still had a hand on my shoulder. Except he wasn’t actively pressing me down, though he did try when I jumped to grab the papers, so my shoulder was throbbing now.Sarah seeing me rub my shoulder and hiss as Crispin positions me back in my wheelchair. Runs over and bucked Crispin away so she could rub my shoulder for me. The man or I should say Mr. Hawkyns was on his knees beside me and asking what hurt as he looked me over.He didn’t even ask for the papers or take them as they were now in front of me. No, he was asking what he could do to help me, as he rubbed my hand and lower arm.Mama Ang on t
---Crispin’s POV---Ok getting a kiss from the cute little Callie was a surprise but Sarah declaring it my first was so uncalled for. I know she lives for these moments when she gets one over on me. But did she really have to say I was Knucklehead, cause now as we get to the cars, this little girl is screaming “GOODBYE NURKLEHED!” as she and her mom walk to their car. Turning to Sarah, I show her my fingers as I start to count. Seeing me do this, she squeals as she runs off.“Sarah, Crispin get back here.” Ericson hollers at us. Frowning I turn and run back, Sarah seeing her chance jumps on my back and hollers “Giddyap knucklehead.” Yeah, I just shrugged her off and dumped her on her ass right into some water on the road.“YOU NUM-SKULL” she really hollers this time. Theresa seeing our childish behavior, tries to hide her laughter behind her hand but losing it when we hear Callie.“What’s a num-skull, Nurklehed?” yeah just as this moment Mrs. Stolls has rolled up in her car, with all
---Merida’s POV---“Wait what?” I look to Theresa and then forward, but I can’t see Ericson as he is now focused on driving and the other guy was observing our surroundings. But from no one’s surprise reaction then they know. *Wait Ericson escorted him to the meeting earlier!* I feel Nadia poking my head and just know she is smirking as she watches me put the pieces together.“That guy up there is your guard and not some friend or employee!” I asked just to have all the pieces. Theres still a lot to ask but let’s start small.“Well, his title is King’s Left Hand of the Armed Guard. His name is Warrick. Though you are right he is my employee, but I do value his friendship that he gladly offers me every day.” Davien/the king says. in response to his words Warrick waves his hand but never pulls his eyes from watching for possible obstacles.Looking at Ericson, I don’t say anything but point to him. Davien, understanding what I’m asking, answers. “Ericson is also my employee, but I have k
Lunch was fun. Well as fun as having an energetic 4 year and a group of vampires all sharing a table. Plus, the king/ my new dad and Ericson. It was confirmed they were not vampires, as I watched them not eat and talk about what tasted better. Well except for Theresa who did eat, just not as much as everyone else.Then again, I was wondering what her true relationship was to Mama Ang. For if I remember correctly, I think they are cousins or something, that grew up together, only they lost contact in high school for some reason. Only to be reunited when I was 7 or so, she even moved in for a period of time before she got her house that’s just a few houses down from Mama Ang’s.That’s when I was hit with a memory. I was 8 and I was staying a week or two at Lucy’s as my family was out of town. It was Saturday and we had to go to some BBQ event her close-nit neighborhood was holding. I saw Theresa in the kitchen helping cook the food but as we left, she was standing at the door waving goo
Sitting there in a nice restaurant and having a good time, I was floored by how fast it changed. I just watched as half my family left and without explaining why. Callie was not happy, but she understood she didn’t have a say, so she just waved goodbye to me. Smiling as best as I could I waved back to her.I was angry that they tried to hide those letters from me, and that Callie even touched one. But I was worried that there was more than just that and they didn’t want me to know. As I was seething, I noticed that guy from the car, Warrick, (I think) whispering in Davien’s ear. Looking at him, I see his happy expression switch to an angry one. Then I see Crispin on his feet heading to the entrance, Sarah was next to me and saying something but none of it made since. Ericson was also on the move, but he was heading to my wheelchair. It had been parked at the far wall, so it was out of the way, and started rolling it to me. Before I could even grasp what was going on. Davien picked me u
---Merida’s POV--- I really didn’t want to go back to the courthouse or see that Mr. O’Neal again. But given what happened in the courtroom and how it all ended. Plus Mr. Anderson still needed to rest his case and had questions for me. *Man I hate this!* *You’re not the only one Girl! Though I do wonder what happened?* Nadia voices as I watch Amanda scurry around the room. We were once again in the waiting room but this time, there were more people in here. A counselor, a paramedic or nurse, and I think Amanda’s boss, with the way she was acting, was the only reasonable explanation. Plus, this time around there were snacks and drinks, though no one said anything I could see them watching me. I just ignored them and focused on Nadia. *Na I don’t believe you but I know it’s worthless to ask you!* I state as I look to my dad. I lean over to whisper to him but stop at Nadia’s word. *Girl it wasn’t me. I really don’t remember anyt
---Lucy’s POV--- I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard what happened today. But that didn’t even compare to my disbelief when my alpha showed up at the door and asking to speak with Meri. I was happy when my brother showed up and got me to the workout room while RJ dealt with that. Though it was all strange. Miguel was with me on it being the strangest day. For it just didn’t make any sense, but then again did anything make sense. I was happy to see my girl ok but the bandages on her wrists really had me seething. I didn’t care that she somehow opened them from rubbing them, but it was the fact that I was seeing her bandage up again that caused my fears. Last time she had to stay in the hospital for several days and they had worries about her nerves being damaged. Then there was the chaos about getting her to her physical therapy appointments. As Mr. Cogswell’s had all excuses about her not going or doing something to keep her from goi
Jolting awake I feel someone holding my head and rubbing my hair. It’s very comfortable and natural, but before I can place what is happening. a door opens and someone rushes to me. It takes a moment, but I recognize the person. “Thomas!” I squeak out, startled he looks to me and grins widely for once. Then I feel my head being shifted and I find myself staring into the gray eyes from my dreams. *No their the eyes of my father. DAD!* I just about yell in my head. His eyes squint at me and that’s when I notice his whole face. “Dad! Hi.” I whisper but when I go to touch him, he stops me and tells me to stay put. *But did he actually talk. I don’t remember his voice sounding so stereo like as it wraps around me. *No Girl he didn’t speak, you’re finally connecting with our dad. Now please focus on him so the guard can treat your wounds.* at Nadia’s word everything rushes back to me. How I was testifying or trying to ask the slim ball of a man keep tryin
---Merida’s POV--- *I really don’t like this guy. Will he ever ask us a question about what Tim did?* I think and though I shouldn’t I look to my dad. Clutching his handkerchief in my hand in the pocket to get some of his strength. *Girl the guy is trying to rattle us, just hold and wait for the right questions.* Nadia says as she huffs in annoyance. At that I release the handkerchief and clasp my hands in my lap. Hearing the Judge reprimand Mr. O’Neal gives me hope. Then seeing my dad look to my right, I turned my head to find the Judge looking to me. Though it’s his words that give me pause. “Ms. Cogswell are you ok?” “Yesss, Yes. Judge but I’m confused… what I’m supposed to do?” I am confused as I really don’t know what else to say. “Those last questions please ignore, though if you need a minute, please tell me now.” Judge Mathews tells me as he offers me a small smile and the box of tissues. I don’t take the b
---Ericson’s POV--- After securing the King and Merida in the waiting room, I followed Mr. Anderson into the courtroom. I waved two of the Armed Guards to stay at the back of the room and had Thomas follow me up to the front row right behind Mr. Anderson. Who was already at the prosecution table. Sitting down next to the walkway I had Thomas sit down but give enough room for when the King comes in. Scanning the room, I took notice of the reporters and the spectators. Though I was surprised to see Alpha David of the Moonlight River pack here. He should have nothing to do with the case. Besides Merida, all of the other victims of Tom were human. I am sure of it. I had investigated them and confirmed all their connections myself. Looking to Thomas I discreetly pointed out the alpha but was surprised when I found Thomas staring at the back of the room. More precisely to the doors. Turning around I’m shocked to see the werewolf Alpha of Cresent Luna Pack
“So, when do you think his plane will get here?” I ask for maybe the 20th time since arriving at the airport. I’m in a better mood, especially after talking with the Judge. Though it got better when we got my dad’s call saying he was getting on the plane. That was several hours ago and now it’s almost evening and here I’m with Mi, Ericson, Crispin, and Jenn waiting for his plane. Which will be landing any minute at this private airport. I know for my dad, it’s been over 13 hours as it was still morning when he left while, it was close to lunch time here when he called. *I still can’t believe all the craziness of today but then again I am learning!* I thought as I watched the skies for any trace of my dad’s plane. *I will never get used to this. A private plane!* *Girl this is nothing. Wait till you see our new home!* Nadia said, then she pulled my head and I could see a dot. *There’s our dad!* “I can see it. Ericson is that h
---Merida’s POV--- It was nerve wracking to sit in the room and wait. Yes, I had an Armed Guard and a lovely female court official with me, but I really didn’t know them. Then again, they weren’t really here for me, it was just their job to be here. Though Thomas the Armed Guard was taking this seriously even as he offered me a gentle smile right after Ericson left. Then focused on watching the unknown woman in the room and the door. Though I almost jumped out of my seat when the door opened, and Ericson was standing there. I saw Thomas shifting right before but I wished he had signaled to me what was happening. Seeing my startled face, Thomas winced but moved swiftly out of the room, as Ericson headed to me. “I’m sorry Meri I should have knocked on the door, but I was in a rush to see you.” Ericson exclaimed as he took my hands and rubbed them. “Ms. Cogswell is perfectly fine here Mr. Solace.” The lady who I have completely
---Ericson’s POV--- “Ok Merida I will be right beside you or on the other side of the door when you meet with the judge. So please just relax and answer the questions simply. If you get flustered or it gets too much just call me. I’ll be right there and will handle everything.” I said as we pulled into a parking lot at the courthouse. I had asked Mr. Anderson if we could enter through the back doors but he said no. Will it was more his boss that said no. I’m not happy about any of this, not that the king was any more pleased. He’s flying out soon, hopefully within the next hour. He really tried to leave last night but those blasted council members had questions. I know that he won’t let that happen again, he will be getting on the plane and heading here soon. It just won’t be in time for this, but he will be here tonight and tomorrow. Though I am not looking to tomorrow as that’s the day of the moron getting his eyes on my poor Merida. I
---Miguel’s POV--- I felt so bad for Merida. She was still dealing with the fact that Nadia was keeping a secret and all the new information she got over the weekend. As well that Nadia blocked her when she was chatting with the king. I wish had be privy to that chat, but we needed to keep the information to a few people. The less who know what’s the plan, the more chance of success. Though to say she wasn’t happy wasn’t a good way of describing her this weekend. As she cried a lot. She couldn’t believe that someone was out using her as an excuse to hurt people and now someone died because of it. Then again, the fact that Nadia was keeping her in the dark or helping on some trap, really hurt her. I don’t think she and Nadia have kept secrets from each other, not that she could kept hers from Nadia. But she seemed to really trust Nadia. It really took all weekend to get her to calm down and understand we will get those responsible for it