Chapter 32- Elnora POV “Please lead the way,” I encourage the King. Without hesitation, he loosens the grip on my side only enough for me to be comfortable walking. I am thankful he has not let me go just quite yet. Something about his hands on my body brings a sense of familiarity and home to my aching soul.          The night air is cool enough that no mosquitos or gnats are flying about, and this brings a smile to my face. “What is making you smile so happily?” His voice caresses my ears. “I was noticing the lack of obnoxious bugs out tonight.” My answer is taking him by surprise. “It doesn’t take much to please you, does it? No bugs, cheesecake, what else am I missing?” He asks with humor. “When you don’t have much in life that is truly your own, you learn to be pleased with small things. Such as lack of bugs.” I shrug my shoulders in

Chapter 34- Elnora POV           The punishments here are brutal. Even harder when someone purposely does something out of line. I know deep down that I can't ask for any special treatment, but I will try my hardest. I think to myself as I close the final gap. “Who did this?” The King asks, slightly less angry as he closes in on the group. “I did,” Talvin announces confidently as he begins walking to the King. “This is out of control.” The King is struggling to keep his words under control as he speaks to Talvin, and I make a mental note of his determination not to scream at my boys.“No laws have been broken. It is not out of control. If you would join me, I can show you our fire lines and hoses to control everything. You will also notice that we dampened the surrounding areas with water and the trees along the tree line, even though we are far enough away.” &ldq

Chapter 36- Elnora POVComing to a halt next to the king, I gently pull his body around to face me. “Please be ok,” I sob as I check for a pulse and realize that he does not have one. “What do I do?” I ask to the feet I see circling his body. “It was an accident. We didn’t see him coming, and we threw the table.” One of the grizzly voices speaks. “I don’t care whose fault it is. What do I do? How do we help him?” I demand from sobs as I stroke the King's perfect face. “We need to get him home.” A voice calls from behind me. “Will you help me?” I ask, looking up at the terrifying-looking men. “We will help you in any way that we can.” The gentlemen at the front states. “My name is Leon, and I will stay at your side until the King regains consciousness.” “Will he be, ok?” I ask, taking his hand in mine in a handshake that sends shocked gasps through the surrou

Chapter 38- Elnora POV          My closet is nearly the size of Lawler’s bedroom. A small section of the front is filled with a variety of clothing in my size. Running my hand along the beautiful fabrics hanging before me, I smile, knowing that someone put in great effort to arrange such a wide variety for me. Everyone here seems so caring and helpful, even when in difficult times. I pull a pair of folded blue jeans from the shelf and slide them on. As I thought they would be, they are a perfect fit. A rack of long sleeve shirts catches my attention. A pink plaid shirt stands out from the other colors, and I instantly pull it from the hanger and slide my arms into it. The material is soft to the touch and more than comfortable. It makes me stroke my arms and hug myself from the welcoming feeling it promotes. I notice the mirror to my right, and it demands to view me in my new outfit. I wipe out the wrinkles from

Chapter 40- Merrick POV          Floating in the pool with my brothers feels like a dream. It has been years since I have been swimming, let alone happy and stress-free. My biggest worry right now is that I don’t fully understand what will happen next, what role I will play, and what I should and shouldn’t do. My concern must be written all over my face as I take a sip of the smoothie that Sabastian had brought out to us.          “What are you thinking about, Mer?” Talvin asks. “All the things, man.” “Like what?” Fulton chimes in. “I get that the two of you understand what is happening and where you fit in here, but I have no idea what I should do or the rules or anything. What role do I play here? At home, I watched after Mom when we were home, and after the two of you, here I have no idea, and it is a bit intimidating.&rdq