---Zander’s POV---
Smiling at Nathan as I put the last of my dishes in the window, I turn and see James platting up his last. He scowls at me seeing me wiping down my half of the worktable. I just shrug my shoulders at him and turn back to the stove. Placing lids on everything as I turn the heat off, so nothing burns as everyone tastes our dishes.
“Hey, you guys! Are you done yet? I’m hungry!” Ma yells as she strolls into the kitchen. Turning around I see James placing his last plate in the window.
“I just have to put the rest in the oven but yeah, I think we’re done. Right boy?” James answers as he looks at me and winks. I get a kick out of him. He always tries to get under my skin like this, not t
---Merida’s POV--- You would have thought I had been living in this house in this manner all my life. I get up, take a hot shower and then use the nicest towels ever and then spend a good amount of time going through the closet. I just can’t decide what to wear. Nadia and I argue over the name brand stuff, while I scour through the more understated stuff for something I might like. Then Sarah, Lucy, or Jenn or all of them came in and get me dress. Then we go downstairs for breakfast and gossip. The guys sometimes join us, but really, it’s just us and RJ. My dad though had to leave Saturday night, he flew back to his castle as something came up and he needed to deal with it in person. Plus, he wanted to talk to our sponsor as well. He promised to be back by my court appearance on Wednesday. Something I am not looking forward to but hey I promised, and everyone has been so supportive. *How can I back out now.* *Girl no one will demand or s
---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
---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
---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
“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
---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
---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
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--- “Please Lucy I just want to hear.” I begged as Lucy tried to leave my room for the tenth time since I asked her. “Meri I really didn’t want to tell you, as you’re going to be worried.” She says. I am scared she’s going to run before I get her to talk so I grip her shirt with both hands and yank her to my bed. “Lucy, you promised to spend your last night with me, and I just want to know what really happened after you left the courthouse that day.” After looking at me for a moment, she finally collapses on my bed. “I don’t know why you want to know now. It’s been months since then and everythi
---Zander’s POV--- Rubbing my eyes, I look around but it’s dark, though I know my sister isn’t here. Hearing raised voices, I figured dad was back, except mom sounded scared and was pleading, why would she be pleading when dad is here. Plus, I can’t hear my sister. Sister wouldn’t just stand by and listen, she would be comforting mom or yelling at whoever was stressing her. Getting up I crawl across the floor and look down into the house. I see mom struggling with someone I’ve never seen before but as he moves to the door that’s when I notice sister. He has sister in his arms and he’s trying to leave with her, but it’s sister’s reaction that scares me. For there is no reaction (she’s not hitting him, smiling, crying or even scowling) she’s just holding onto his shirt with a blank look and empty ey
---Merida’s POV--- It had been another long day. More trying to remember my past lives and how to control the flow and influence on this life, not that it always worked. Let alone did I have a reminisce every day or today at that. Not that my teacher believed me. He believed I was blocking myself from remembering. Then again, I really missed Mr. Bell, but he couldn’t be my teacher, and I wanted to be treated like any other person. So yeah, I had been enrolled into the local Crysthalian School. *Girl it’s not you, he thinks someone is holding us back.* Nadia finally speaks up after several days of just standing by and watching. *Who does he blame?* I asked as I settled in bed and hope sleep will come
---Zander’s POV--- It’s been a year since I left the coven and found my new home. This restaurant and these people. I really shouldn’t get comfortable but looking around the table at everyone, I just want to live in the moment. This right here is what I want. And I’m hoping to never go back to that hellhole. “Hey Zan, you ok?” Ma asks me as she passes the green beans to me. “Yeah, I’m perfect Ma, just realizing it’s been a year since you took me in and gave me a home.” I said as I took the green beans from her and placed them aside. Then turning back, I hugged her. “Thank you!” “Oh Zan, your welcome.’ Ma choked out. I knew she
---Merida’s POV--- I was so surprised when the first ‘CRACK’ and boom lit up the sky. I’ve never seen fireworks, as I was always left home or busy doing something. My former parents always had their reasons, and I think it was to keep me out of view. But here on an island, with a castle in the distance and a beach under my feet, I wasn’t hiding. I was hiding who I was but not physically. Everyone here knew my name and welcomed me with smiles or hugs. Smiling as I watched the fireworks, I was surprised once more when my dad appeared next to me. “So, is it everything you imagined?” I could see the ‘Little Sea’ part in his eyes, as he smiled down at me. Looking around I was surprised to see the staff had gathered around us and was blocking us from the nobles that were standi
---Sarah’s POV--- The night dragged on as I waited for my chance to run but I didn’t know what had been planned. The king making his appearance almost a half an hour after the ball started or that he ended up picking me as his princess for the night. A total shock and it also meant I had to dance with a few councilors or their sons. My mom kept appearing in my line of sight and telling me to smile. I would have punched that last son in the face, if Ericson hadn’t approached and stole me away. “Are you better now Sarah?” Ericson whispered in my ear. I tried really hard not to let the shiver run down my spine. But I just couldn’t help but fall for him. Nodding my head as I just knew my voice would cra
---Merida’s POV--- It was disheartening to hear that Crispin wouldn’t be at the party, but I did understand. Though where I got the ideal of my wanting a dance with him or asking for a raincheck. It was embarrassing especially since Lu and Mi not only heard but saw his reaction. I was so happy that Sarah reacted and pulled him away. “OK tomato lets go, or are you hopping for Crispin to come back and swipe you off your feet?” Mi asked as he adjusted the sleeves of his shirt. Punching him in the arm, as I walked past, I picked up my shawl and wrapped it around me. “Shut up Mi.” “Meri you can’t blame Mi, your still red in the che
---Sarah’s POV--- Today was the ball and I was really upset. Because of my family’s standing I had to attend the ball, but my mom promised I could leave after the first dance. What my mom didn’t know was, I was going to skip out during the first dance. No one would notice me or even care, though that meant I would miss the first hour or so of the beach party. Meri did a really good job on the party and put a lot of work to make this year great. The staff were really excited, and I didn’t blame them, as I was excited too. I even had my other outfit hidden downstairs by Lucinda. Though she also was hiding spare clothes for Jenn, Jayla, Cora, and my brother. Except I don’t think my brother is going to be able to leave.&
The following days sucked but I was busy, so I really didn’t have time to think or dwell on anything. I was helping with making decorations and assisting Lucinda in the fine details of the beach party. Then again there was a lot to sort out after the incident with the noble girls. From the clothes that went missing, to the destroyed items, a lot had to be replaced or fixed. Then again, my dad has been even busier, as all the councilors had many questions. Plus, he had to explain why he brought outsiders, mainly me, into the castle. Mr. Bell was around for a few days and even took time to talk with me. ~(*o*)~ ~(couple days ago)~ ~(*o*)~ Walking around the fourth floor of the library, I really took i