Chapter 43

It has been three days now, and it feels like the longest days of my life with how much Hunter is getting on my nerves.

I am still wondering if he is here for training or just to piss me off. It's amusing and entertaining to everyone, but not when you are on the receiving end.

But what can I do other than ignore him?

"Kate," Becca calls through the mind link.

"Yes?" I ask.

"Where are you?" she asks, her voice sounding tired.

"I am with Lawrence in his office doing some work," I say, reading through the files while Lawrence focuses on his laptop and sighs now and then.

"Oh, queen duties. I wish you luck," Lillian adds, laughing.

"Why don't I send for help since you are the beta female," I say mockingly.

She is silent for a while before Becca and I start laughing. "Whatever, but if you really need my help, just mind link me, okay," she says.

"I will do that," I reply. "What are you girls up to?" I ask suspiciously.

"Don't know yet. Maybe watch a movie or go shopping," Becca says nonchalantly.

"I am helping Anderson with an errand," Lillian says before cutting the link with us.

"Okay, bye. I have a lot of work to do," I say before blocking them out.

I sigh loudly, rubbing my temples. I glance up to see Lawrence concentrating on his laptop before looking down at the file left to be signed.

I wonder how Lawrence does this every day.

I spend hours arranging and putting signatures on labeled documents. Anderson and Jack join us after doing their assigned works.

I sit on the floor with a cup of chocolate ice cream, watching a movie I am not interested in.

I have no idea where Ma or Aunty Melanie is. Not even the girls are around.

"Virago..." Hunter calls, placing himself on the couch and staring down at me.

"I am really not in the mood for you right now, so go away," I say, irritated, before taking another bite from my excellent ice cream.

"You really hurt my feelings with the words you say," he says, faking hurt.

"I am glad you feel hurt," I say spitefully, staring at the TV and trying to ignore his presence.

"Let's play a game," he says suddenly.

"Not interested," I say with a shrug.

He saunters towards me before sitting on the floor with me.

"Come on, Kate. It's just a harmless game with me, your brother, not a stranger," he says warmly with pleading eyes.

"Is this another plan because I don't get why all of a sudden you are here and asking to play a game with me?" I ask suspiciously.

"I know I am not the best brother, but I am trying here, " he raises his voice, frustrated.

"I just have one question for you," I say, staring at him intensely, trying to figure out what is going through his mind. "Why?"

"Why? Why are you asking why?" he says, raising his voice, anger evident in his eyes.

"Yes, I am asking because it is confusing. Why was there so much hate towards me, and now you are acting like we are best of friends," I say calmly.

I will never admit to anyone that I love my brother even when he has hurt me countless times, but this hope that one day he will stand by me keeps haunting me.

"I don't owe you any explanation," he says harshly before leaving me bewildered.

I look down at the melted ice cream.

"It seems I get back to you later," I say, taking the ice cream into the kitchen.

"Hey, Gracie," I say, putting the ice cream back into the freezer.

"Kate? I thought you went with Lillian," she says while closing the book she is reading.

"I thought the same, but anyway, what are you doing?" I ask, taking a seat beside her on the stool.

"Nothing, just trying to pass the time," she says.

We talk for a few minutes before she leaves, saying Jack called for her.

I leave the kitchen and go towards the field, trying to get my mind off my argument with Hunter.

He is just so confusing and difficult to read. Just like my dad, he's always cold and distant. He hates showing and saying what he feels.

"Your highness," a lady with long brown hair and big black eyes says with a bow.

"Kate," I say.

"What?" she asks nervously.

"Just call me Kate. And what's your name?" I say with a smile, trying to ease her nervousness.

"Aria, your highness. I mean, Kate," she says nervously. "I would like to speak to you about my daughter."

"Let's go over there to talk," I say, pointing towards a bench.

She trails after me towards the bench. "So, about your daughter," I say, sitting on the bench.

"She has heard a lot about you—how you are a great fighter and a bold and very intelligent lady," she says with a simile.

"Wow, this is the first time I've actually heard someone talk about me with such admiration," I say sincerely.

She laughs lightly. "Tomorrow is her 16th birthday, and I would love to surprise her with your presence."

"What's her name?" I ask. It's always nice to see a mother care so much for her children.

"Sadie," she replies with a smile.

"Okay, what time and place?" I ask, loving the idea.

"I will be at the mansion by 4 o'clock," she says.

We exchange goodbyes.

"Kate, let's go for a run," Tiara demands.

"A little run would be good to ease my mind," I say, walking deeper into the forest.

I move closer to a tree, but before getting undressed, I hear a cry for help.

"Help me! Help me, please!"

"This voice sounds familiar," I mumble to myself.

I follow the cry for help, going deeper into the forest. "Where are you?" I call out, but the voice keeps calling out for help.

"Where are you?" I call out once again, desperately.

"Who are you to ask such questions?" the voice echoes, sending waves of fear in me.

I spin around, searching for the source of the frightening voice.

"Who are you? Show yourself right now," I say in a commanding tone.

"Kate, Kate, drop the bold act. We both know you are so scared to lose your worthless life," the voice says, a laugh echoing through the forest.

My fangs and claws spring out. I try moving, but it seems my feet are tied to the grass. I try once again, but no result.

"What are you doing to me?" I growl, my eyes turning red with anger and frustration.

"I am doing nothing. You are the one bringing this upon yourself," the voice says, finding pleasure in my suffering.

"Whoever you are, let me go," I say, holding on to the little strength left in me.

"Why would I do that when this is very entertaining?" the voice says, getting louder. "This is the beginning of your punishment," the voice says harshly with so much hate.

I tried mind linking Lawrence and everyone else, but my mind is blocked out from reaching anyone.

Moon Goddess, please help me. It can't end this way. Not now.