Thorns of Fate

by Hayley Todd

  My dad was all business. But my mother, she was his weak spot. For her, he would do anything. He would have agreed that this was required just to see the excitement on her face. But I think he secretly needed this time too.

  “Alright, I will see you then, daughter.” He leaned in close and kissed my forehead before continuing. “You fight well, my child,” he said admonishingly.

  The feeling of glory that welled within me was palpable on Anton’s face. I was jubilant. Just because I hadn’t met him until my adulthood, didn’t mean I wanted my father’s approval any less.

  After a quick shake on my shoulder, he departed.

  “Well,” Anton said. “Is everyone ready to haul out?” He was toweling his hair now, continuing as though nothing had happened.

  Kellic shot me curious glances.

  Not now, I told her with my eyes. It had become increasingly simple to convey my thoughts that way.

  I look of understanding passed over her features. She gave me a nearly imperceptible nod and gathered her belongings.

  “Yeah, let’s go get ready. We have things to do tonight,” I said, smiling at my family.

  It didn’t take long for us to make our way to our designated locker rooms. Once inside, Kellic whirled on me, hands propped on her abundant hips.

  “Okay,” she said, “What was it this time? What happened out there?”

  I knew what she meant and replied without further prodding. “It was you,” I said with a chuckle.

  She raised one dainty brow in disbelief.

  I nodded, stepping past her to begin the process of a quick shower. “The way he feels about you...it’s the way I feel about Carson.”

  She walked beside me before placing one hand on my shoulder. I stopped, turning to her. “Really?” She asked, looking stunned.

  I nodded. “Really,” I replied cheerfully.

  She stopped, stone still. I continued gathering my items while she slipped into her own reverie. Inside the shower, I slipped off my clothes, tossing them back out and into the locker room.

  The water felt amazing across my sticky skin. It’s warmth was an incredible balm to my overburdened emotions. I really couldn’t fault Anton or Kellic. Heck, I was sure my own bond with Carson probably rubbed Anton the same way. But it was exhausting feeling his emotions overlay my own.

  I slumped forward with a weary sigh, leaning my arm against the showers wall and resting my head on it. A tired shiver rolled through me.

  I gave myself one instant of silence, one instant of relaxation before slipping my mask back into place and finishing up, donning my outfit for tonight and the fun it held.

  We met quickly with the guys and a long black SUV pulled up to the curb before the exit. It was time to enjoy being with each other for an evening. We piled into the vehicle, Anton and Kellic climbing into the back, followed by myself, Carson, and then Will. The moment the doors shut, the driver pulled away, leading us into town and an exciting evening at my night club.