Technically, it wasn’t a lie. As I anticipated, Hakeem caught the keys with ease and started the engine by pressing a button on the remote. It took some serious effort not to gawk. When the hell did cars get that feature? I slid into the seat, my stomach doing backflips. I’d put off seeing my fath
Gravel crunched beneath the weight of the tires as we pulled onto an unpaved road. There was no sign indicating this was even a viable route, but the GPS on the car’s screen seemed adamant we turn down it. A vast expanse of silence formed between Hakeem and I. Given his naturally quiet and observan
His golden blonde hair, which I’d always been envious of, was braided down his back. “Your father was a warrior.” Hakeem stated in that calm, soothing voice of his. It wasn’t a question, but one of his many observations. I didn’t look away from my father as I replied. “One of the best.” Hakeem c
While my mind recognized my father and the love he had for me, my body had long been conditioned to avoid all forms of physical contact. “You’re alive and you’re here.” He exhaled, his massive chest heaving with each breath. He let out a warm chuckle that shook his beard as he said, “…and you’re bl
It was still scalding when Hakeem and I dug in. “So, Hakeem. I’d like to hear your story now, if you don’t mind. It’s not often that I’m curious, but your situation is unique to say the least.” While I inhaled the stew my father made, Hakeem recounted the last week at the Lycan camp’s and how I’d
We spent another hour at my father’s cabin, ignoring the nightmare that was the past four years. Instead, we delved into my childhood, where the memories weren’t coated in acid, but were bittersweet. The entire time, I held back the pain that struck my chest like a bolt of lightning, smothering the
“What are they going to do to you?” Hakeem asked. “All of the employee’s sign a contract before they’re hired. If we help a servant escape in any way, we’re required to take that servants place for however long their term might be.” She replied, shaking out her hands as she always did when she was
Behind the in-ground pool with its built-in water fall and curved slide was the gardens, another feature Nox’s mother had asked for. There was a gazebo where Nox and I would have picnics, along with a greenhouse full of lush plants and colorful flowers. Nox’s mother had loved gardening almost as muc