CHAPTER 22: 'WATCHDOGS'

Meghan had said a prayer and was ready to sleep. Her day was surprising, she appreciated the fact that Adena didn't think she ran away from her responsibilities. She had hoped to see her sister again. It was pure agony! But that was over now. They would have spent more time together if her father and Master Forneius weren't 'watchdogs'.

'Speaking of Master Forneius, I'm certain he told the elders of my kidnap,' she thought to herself. She loathed him. He suggested her betrothal to Damien, her 'relocation' to her present residence among humans, hence, her separation from her sister and her friends, the life she was accustomed to. He had caused her so much pain. And her father, the leader of the strongest coven was his puppet. Araphel practically took orders from his dear friend. He cared about the feelings, thoughts and opinions of his friends more than those of his own seed. Ironically, Forneius didn't care about anyone but himself. He was self-centered, power-hungry, tyrannical, cunning and evil, everyone knew him to be, everyone but her father of course! She remembered how he set the house on fire with the humans in it, while she watched and did nothing. She felt a heavy lump in her throat as tears left her eyes, wetting her pillow. Brachia was right, she was weak.

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Damien was full of bliss. He enjoyed his date with the nurse. He wanted to sit close to her forever. He grinned as recalled how her cheeks would turn red when she was shy and how she observed how he ate. He had wanted to laugh so hard, but he was sure it would make her uncomfortable and he didn't want that. He wanted her to be pleased with him, which was weird because he usually didn't care about the opinions of others about him, not unless they were potential business partners or customers. How did he have so much affection for someone he met just recently?

He walked up the stairs in the manor. He could have just gone straight to his room, but he knew Gloria was up staying up for him. He wanted her to know he was home. He also wanted to piss her off. He laughed silently at himself.

'You're home on time young man.' Gloria scolded behind him. He smirked.

'I'm sorry I was out this late,' he lied.

'No, you're not,' she crossed her arms and walked to his front, so she was a stair above him.

'But I am,' he smiled.

'Were you up waiting for me again?' he asked still smirking.

'Well, I'm going to bed, and so should you,' she patted his shoulder, moving aside so that he could walk pass her.

'Goodnight Gloria,' he said moving his coat and placing it on his arm.

'Goodnight boy,' she replied with a yawn. She tried to keep her eyes open even though she was very sleepy, she didn't want to fall down the stairs. Damien just had to stress her. She needed a cold bath and a massage. She smiled at the thought of her comfortable bed.

'This Gloria needs a good ol' shuteye,' she mumbled as she looked down the stairs.