CHAPTER 3: Rising

Kathleen

I was lost in thought as I stared at the invitation in my hand. It was for the fundraising banquet at the University, and it was addressed to Stacey.

That was my name now. Stacey.

Four years had passed, since my life had changed. And Kathleen, who I once was, died when my parents did. 

I could not survive as Kathleen. I thought about following in my parents' footsteps, but it wasn't the right timing. I still had important things need to accomplish. 

In the last four years, I concentrated on survival and a desperate need to continue with my goals, working day and night.

Now, Stacey was the real me.

There was a knock that brought me back from my memories.

"Sweetie, the stats of the last experiment just weren't adding up. For some reason, increasing the concentration of Varitus Serum increased the solution's potency, but not in an expected manner." Edward pushed his way through the door, a glass of hot milk in his hands, something he often did for me. He set it down at my desk. He knew, I would lose in calculations once more.

"And, I've receied a lot of invitations. The companies heard we have broken through the difficulties and have latest database. But.." He noticed I have one on my desk. "You're really ready to go?"

I sighed and nodded, I knew he didn't want me to. Edward had been by side, supporting me and protecting me for four years. All he wanted was my safety.

I tried to distract him from his worries. I stood from where I was sitting and made my way to my closet where several dresses hung.

"Do you think the red, the silver, or...something else?"

Edward looked at the invitation, a frown on his face, like he wanted to say something else, before turning back to me.

"You know what you're getting into,” he warned, “iIt's dangerous, please think it through."

Hearing his words, I dropped the clothes in my hands and the smile on my face disappeared. I knew what he intended to say. I looked at him, "Edward, I've been waiting and preparing for this day for four years. There is no one who would know better than you about what we've suffered these past four years. I can't wait any longer."

After that terrible day, we had tried to survive. Despite being hunted, despite members of our pack being murdered. And we did. We survived, and then we did more than that. We thrived.

For four years I'd pushed every limit I had and finished my education two years early, then I'd tackled the research ladder at Med Research Inc. I’d pulled in the remaining members of our pack, those still loyal to my father and needing a place to go. We hid them, and we trained, growing stronger each day.

Without saying anything else, Edward held the hot milk towards me, "You should drink it all before it gets cold.". He patted me on the shoulder and left the room. I knew he was afraid that I wasn't ready. Afraid I’d be exposed and in danger. 

Looking at the hot milk on the table, I sighed. 

Edward had suffered along with me for four years. He didn't seem to have as strong a desire for revenge as me. Maybe, he was just hoping that we could live life in peace and safety. I couldn’t do that. I couldn't let my parent's death go. Not when it was my fault for being stupid and foolish.

And I couldn't wait any longer. Four years was too long. Now, I would do whatever it took to make Charles pay for what he has done to me, and it would be a sweet revenge.