Deceit (The Stellar Series Book 1)

by Rebecca Clark

  I knew Kalus would play the doting father card.

  “Listen, Kalus, I know there are probably reasons why you left me on Earth with Elena, but right now isn’t the time to explain yourself or make amends. We need to focus on Miri and bringing her back here or wherever.” I haven’t even thought about where it is we’ll reside, but I’m not going to hide from my mother. She’s already taken too much from me.

  Kalus lets out an exaggerated breath and adds, “You sound just like her.”

  “Why do you say that? You don’t even know me!” How dare he pretend to know me or my inherited traits. “You left me, and you weren’t planning on coming back. The only reason you’re here is because she found me. You would have let me live my whole life thinking you were dead and that Elena was my real mother. What does that say about you?”

  Silence fills the space between us. He opens his mouth to respond but nothing comes out. He silently leaves me like I asked. Clearly, I’ve won. He won’t try and talk to me now, I think in triumph.

  Moments pass and the painful absence of Miri only grows, leaving me a ball of nerves.

  “Alexa, wait up!” Jax bellows.

  “Sure.” I tap my foot, anticipating a speech on how I need to give my father a chance.

  “Where are you going? Would you like some company?” His aquamarine pools swallow me up whole. How could I ever say no to those eyes?

  “I just needed to get away from everyone. When I look at Kalus or Michael, I feel such anger, it’s hard to decipher who it’s directed at or for what reason since there are so many. Am I this mad because my father left me and has now showed up to fix things? Or am I mad because I didn’t see through Michael’s lies, and now Miri is gone? I can’t help but wonder if I’d just stayed with the queen, my mother, then Miri would be with me and safe.” Tears trickle down my face and land on my shirt.

  “I get it. I’d be angry, too. I think you’re dealing with everything the way anyone would. No one expects you to be understanding with everything that’s happened.” Jax grabs my hand and an instant shot of electricity pulses through me. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.” His genuine concern warms me for a minute.

  “Why does Kalus try and talk to me now when everything is crazy? He just can’t show up and expect me to confide in him. Is he trying to be father of the year?”

  “I doubt he thinks that, Alexa. He’s upset about Miri, too, and he only wants to get her back and keep you both safe. Think about all of this from his point of view. He left you with Elena to protect you from your mother. He didn’t want to walk away from you. He had no choice.” The words cut through me, leaving me vulnerable. “From what I hear, he was never very far from you. He’s been on Earth following you for a number of years, but he had to keep his distance.”

  I roll my eyes in response, too exhausted to comment.

  The image of my father as Mr. Riley pops into my head. He has been at the high school teaching for the past few years. I did see him daily.

  “That doesn’t change the fact that he could have told me the truth. At any point, he could have approached me and told me who he was,” I quickly counter, leaving Jax speechless.

  Silently, we walk into the dense forest, escaping the others as well as our conflicting conversation. A mix of floral scents welcome our entrance. Playfully, Jax squeezes my hand, reminding me that he’s still here for me.

  “We’ll get Miri back, I promise,” Jax quietly states.

  I want to believe him, but it seems such a huge impossibility. I stare up at the sky and wonder…will I ever see my little sister again?

  Check Out Elliot Granger!

  Elliot Granger & The Clueless Brigade The Fictional Podcast. Follow Elliot's journey as she stumbles through grieving for mother, growing up, and falling in love.

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  About the Author

  Rebecca Clark is a mother, wife, and science teacher. When she can steal away some quiet time, you will find her reading or following her passion—writing. She enjoys writing young adult fantasy, paranormal romance and contemporary fiction. When she is not taking care of the family, working, reading, or writing, she enjoys traveling and being with her family and friends. This is the first book in the Stellar Series, and the second book—Disorder—will be out Summer 2016.

  @rebecca_author

  thestellarseries

  https://rebeccaclarkauthor.com

  rebeccaclarkauthor@gmail.com