I stutter, "Uh, it was Chris.""And what happened to him?" asks my dad."He, uh, he dumped me." "What? What a loser. Now you see why I disliked him before I met him," my dad says to Jude, laughing.Jude adds, "I met him. And he was a loser."Caressing my neck, I say, "Let's go inside and eat before the food gets cold."The day ends well. As soon as we enter the bedroom, Jude wants to make love. I'm telling him no because my dad is next door, but he has to have me. The quieter I try to be, the more passionate Jude becomes. I'm biting my lip and gripping his back so hard that I break the skin on both. When we wake up, there's blood on my sheets and comforter.I whisper, "Let me beat them up and have breakfast ready.""Why don't we go out then head to a jeweler immediately after."Smiling, I say, "Okay."Summer and my dad seem smitten by Jude. We're at a jeweler in a ritzy area in Michigan. Jude allows me to pick out whatever ring I want. The jeweler says, "Let me size it for you. And,
Daddy's words were valid. With nothing to discuss, Jude and I drove home in total silence. Anxious to be married, Jude suggested we go to the court and wed, but I refused and said, "I want my destination wedding, but not on Knight Island with monsters lurking and ready to kill."Jude sighs, "Make the arrangements. I need to talk to Ellie.""No, I want to speak with her too.""About what? Plan our wedding while I tend to more urgent things.""Don't you mean more important things?""Ajay, don't start whining over nothing. You know what's at stake!""Do I? I'm just following your orders like one of your servants...""Bye, Ajay!"He leaves, slamming the door in my face. I snatch it open and yell, "Make sure you invite her to the wedding!"Jude speeds off, and I call my dad. He wants to discuss Jude, but I interrupt him, "I only called to talk about my mother. I'm a witch dad. I need answers to why I've become what I am. This isn't a coincidence but on purpose."My dad starts, "I met Nika
The plan was for Irene not to tell her mother I lived with her. I thought I was nothing like my mother, but when Irene betrayed my trust, I became vindictive towards her. The betrayal made me feel she was treating me how our father treated my mother.Lucus always came around, but Irene didn't have a steady boyfriend. A few dates would be seen here and there, but Lucus seemed to live with us. He and I were together every day, but he was becoming a drunk.Irene knew I practiced witchcraft, but she saw nothing threatening about it. Often, when she'd see me with large amounts of cash, she questioned if I were selling drugs like Lucus. To prove my income was legit, I'd introduce her to customers or others in the occult who paid me for my services.She seemed okay with my lifestyle, but one day, she had her friends over and decided to deride me. They were in the living room having girl talk and sipping wine when Lucus and I entered. Lucus was tipsy and tripped over an end table while walkin
My dad ended our conversation, "I was in rehab when they found Nika lifeless on the front lawn. Her face and fist were clenched like she was shielding herself from an attack. Learning that sent me on another downward spiral. The only light was when I heard your Aunt Irene claimed you."I ask, "So you never witnessed my mom's power?""She had no power, Ajay. Everything she did was counterfeit or a scheme.""I don't believe that.""Let me ask this, and it should answer your question. Do you have any power?""Yes.""What?" "Daddy, just because mom didn't walk around boasting about it doesn't mean she had no powers. You haven't seen me do anything, but I'm feared by those who know me.""Wow, your mom told me those exact words. In fact, it was right before she started seeing things and hearing voices. Do you hear voices?"Not willing to admit that, I sat quietly. "Ajay, are you still there?"After clearing my throat, I answer, "Yes, I'm here. And no, I don't hear voices."Our conversatio
After my Master's Degree ceremony, my family takes me to dinner to celebrate. We're at an exclusive yacht club. My father is well known in my hometown, so almost everyone present congratulates me. Before I head home, my dad says, "I talked to a few deans so you can prepare for your doctorate within weeks.""Thanks, Dad, but I need to take a break from school.""Need or want, Deena?""Both. I'm burnt out.""No, you're lazy. Keep going, or you'll never finish. Now, end of discussion. I'll have Professor Brown call you first thing Monday morning."When my dad hangs up, I call Maureen. She answers, "Hello, Talented Tenth.""Hey," I laugh."I thought you were celebrating with your fam?""I was, I did. Hey, let's take a trip. I need to get away.""I'm game. Where to?""I overheard my dad discussing this place called Knight Island, so I Googled it. And it's gorgeous. Have you ever been or heard of it?""Can't say that I have," Maureen chuckles."Me either, but the photos and reviews are exc
This is a small patch of forest. The exit is visible from the entrance. The manly figure emerges from the trees, and I jog through. The second I exit, bright headlights blind me. Shielding my eyes with my arm, I hear, "Are you lost?""Uh, yeah. Will you help me?"Shutting his car door, he slowly walks towards me. Now, standing face to face, I beheld an angel. His tall, tan, muscular body, with those chiseled cheekbones and bedroom eyes, made me wet myself.Gazing deep into my eyes, his captivating voice answers, "Yes. Where would you like to go?" Entranced, I answer, "Wherever."He gives an enticing smirk and asks, "Where's that location?"Coming out of my trance, I answer through an uncomfortable chuckle, "I'm sorry. I'm Deena. I'm staying at the Knight's Villa. I left the luau to use the restroom.""And ended up here?""Yes, well, no!" Bashful, I look up, and he's watching me with a faint smile. Obviously, he finds me attractive, too, so I say, "I saw you appear behind the fake we
My luggage hadn't reached the floor before my father was hounding me about meeting some college dean for my doctorate. With my cell phone lodged between my ear and neck, I say, "Okay, Daddy. Let me settle in, and I'll call you in the morning."Straightaway, I entered my office and checked for ferry rides back to Knight Island. Jude's family interrupted us, so I didn't get his number. The soonest I can return is in two weeks. Thus, I will maximize my time and research Knight Island. Nothing profound comes up, and only one link scarcely spoke about werewolves. Needing to learn more, I call my dad. "Good morning, Deena.""Hi, Daddy. While I was in the Bahamas, they mentioned a vacation spot called Knight Island. Maureen and I went for one night, but everyone had to evacuate the island due to some sacred holiday. And they had a luau where they danced to the Lycan gods. Have you heard of this place?""You found Knight Island? It has to be a sham. Knight Island is near Brazil.""Oh, you h
Ellie became my secret weapon. Although she no longer fights on my team, her wisdom was all I needed to hear. And although Jude isn't doing and saying what I want him to, he's who I love. I wish love were easy to turn off. As my dad stated, I wish I could be objective, remove my heart from the equation, and make an educated decision regarding this relationship. But that's near impossible.Most say being in love is a fairytale. However, what's make-believe is me, or anyone, leaving the one who has stolen their heart and overtaken their soul.Saying it that way does sound obsessive and possessive. But I have no one to answer to when it comes to Jude and me except me. And I love, want, and need him. Until I feel I can live without him, sorry, Dad, but he stays. I get back into my studies to ensure we win this war. My dad didn't tell me much about my mother, but I know the power I possess. I've been suppressing it out of guilt. So many people I know have perished trying to obtain it. T