kitazfrenzy

Seventeen-year-old Laylah Le Croix has a rich father, mansion, and servants. Yet she is lonely and neglected. Her father would rather work than speak to her. At the academy she is bullied and mistreated.

When Weres attempt to kidnap Laylah, she is saved by the mysterious Donil Silentshadow. Donil rouses feelings in Laylah that make her question her life and her father's animosity toward her handsome rescuer. Confused by these emotions, she seeks answers from those closest to her and is rebuffed.

She must make a choice. Obey her father's edicts or follow her heart to learn the truth about her past.

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy

Jacques was waiting for Laylah at the usual pick-up spot. She wasn't smiling, but she didn't appear sad like yesterday. He took that as a good sign. "Laylah, I've got a surprise for you." That perked her up and he was pleased by her reaction.

"Surprise? Is it in the limo, Jacques?"

He laughed. "No, not in the limo, saucy girl. You have to wait until you're home."

"Why are we waiting then? Let's go!" Laylah climbed inside and he chuckled at her eagerness, as he steered the limo toward home.

Jacques had barely parked before Laylah flung open the door and ran up the front steps and into the house. He shook his head and followed at a more sedate pace. He entered and saw an impatiently pacing Laylah.

"Patience is a virtue, Laylah. Besides, you need to get dressed for this surprise." He saw the joy leave her face. She paled, no small feat, considering her olive colored skin. "Laylah?"

"Maybe we should forget about the surprise. I mean, you know, I have a ton of homework and a paper to input." She edged toward the stairs.

His eyes narrowed. "Laylah Cherie Le Croix, freeze!" Jacques strode toward her until he stood directly in front of her. He cupped her face in his hands and peered into her eyes. "Laylah?" It was a question and a demand for answers. He didn't understand which of his words changed her mind so fast. He continued to stare into her eyes, waiting for her response.

She gulped, her gaze going everywhere around the room, refusing to settle on his face. "The only time you tell me to "get dressed," it means we're going out to see Father or attending one of his social functions."

"Don't you want to see him?" Jacques decided to switch tactics.

"But what, Laylah? And it'd better be a good reason." He wasn't going to let a silly response stop him. He and Naiya had plotted for weeks to get father and daughter together for dinner. He thought Laylah would be pleased, but she acted like she was heading for an execution.

"It's just…well." Uncertainty shone in Laylah's eyes as her shoulders sagged. "Never mind. How formal does the dress need to be?"

"Black and white affair. Your father is meeting you at the 911 Restaurante in Heyendo. The reservation is for 6:00 pm. That means you have an hour to get ready."

"Guess I'd better get a move on, then." Laylah's sad expression contradicted her cheerful tone. Hastily she headed upstairs.

Jacques waited until he heard the bedroom door close and growled, "If you want to know what's going on, Naiya, all you have to do is ask instead of skulking in the shadows eavesdropping."

Naiya stepped from her hiding place with a grin. "Don't get yourself in a twist, Jacques. You know I'm a mother hen any time Laylah has to go see Henry." She glanced upwards. "We can't keep forcing them together. I think I'm about ready to give Henry up as a lost cause. Laylah, however, she'll be an adult next summer. She has University to look forward. Maybe then she can enjoy life and make some friends."

He grimaced. "This is the last time, I swear. I know it's not in my job description to keep her happy, but the kid grows on you. Well, gotta change. You know how strict the 911 is about their dress code."

Naiya laughed. Jacques gave her a mock salute and went to get ready.

Chapter 11