“Nelly, I’ll be back in a moment.” She called out as she got up form her chair and headed out the door. She heard Nelly’s answer as she walked outside.
“Bailey.” She nodded to him and stopped.
“Lori, your looking well.” She stared at him and waited. He went to take a step forward and Lori raised her eyebrows and he stopped. He put out placating hands. “I’m here because Anton made an approach. I told the old man you wouldn’t be having it but,” he shook his shoulders, “he’s the boss.”
“If you know Anton made an approach, you know I turned him down. So why are you here?” Lori sent out her senses looking for his men. They wouldn’t be far.
He gave her a friendly smile, one that when younger she’d liked. Now she was all grown up and knew exactly what that smile cost, if she let it lead her. “Like I said,” he told her, “Dad’s the boss, he offers his protection and his family.” Lori sensed his men just out of eyesight.
“You should tell your men around that bend to go home or find … tastes …. they never expected.” Bailey gave her a half grin, then burst out laughing.
“Is that what you did to Anton and his men?” Lori didn’t say anything just watched him.
He calmed when he realised she wasn’t joining in. “It’s been a long time Lori, think you can take me?” He whispered. She heard every word.
Lori placed a bored expression on her face and pushed every ounce of viciousness and fear she could muster and pushed it at him, then added a touch of malice to stir the pot. She didn’t have to touch him to make him cry. He’d clearly forgotten that. She could feel it bombarding him. Stabbing at his psyche. She sensed his barriers crumbling. Lori cut off the emotions and sent extreme love and protection. His body instantly relaxed. She didn’t need to be hurtful to make her point. She was more powerful than he was, she always had been. He just needed the reminder.
“Thank you for the offer Bailey, I appreciate it but, as I said to Anton, it would break the balance of the families and I cannot allow that to happen. Good night.” She turned and walked back into the restaurant. By the time she sat down, Bailey was gone, so were his men. Nelly brought her meal and Lori thanked her. How long was this going to go on for? She wondered. Being female in the Covenant was rare, being born a daughter? She was one of a kind in this generation and as long as she was fertile and free, they would keep coming. Lori cut in to her chicken. The aroma’s spilling out. If she was staying, she’d have to find the answer and quickly. Lori loaded her fork with fried chicken and mash and tucked in.
***
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