Page 40 of Pocket Full Of Posies

“No. I don’t think I will.”

My father growls in frustration and I smile wider. If she gets upset over how I answer her intrusive and personal questions or decisions I make about my life, that’s her issue. And if she wants to let it bother her, she can, but I won’t.

“Kai, you cannot be serious about this local girl. About this…ugk, half-breed.” She sneers at the last words adjusting the cuffs of her silk blouse, and the fur along my tail and back of my neck stands on end, ready to defend my blossom.

“Yes,” I sneer right back at her. “And you will desist referring to her as half-breed. I won’t tolerate it.”

She raises a white eyebrow at me but doesn’t argue.

“And will I be meeting this female?”

Not if I can avoid it.I’m sure she’ll attempt to at the equinox, no doubt try to scare Daisy away. My mother would chew her up and spit her out given the chance, and I don’t plan on giving her one.

“She’ll be attending the equinox celebration with me.”

“Not the party before?”

The party she’s referring to would be the uptight cocktail party she throws at the house a few days prior to the actual equinox. All her highbrow friends and a few locals they deem worthy in attendance. Originally, I was going to bring Daisy, but now I don’t want her anywhere near it.

“No. I don’t even know if I’ll be attending.”

“Oh, you must. If this female is worthy of my son's undivided attention, the least you can do is introduce me to her.”

“And why is that? You hate hybrids of any kind, especially human. Why would I bring Daisy around for you to torment?”

“Daisy?”

I realize my mistake too late. I let her name slip.Fucking hell. I let my anger overpower my rational calm and Daisy’s name just flew out of my mouth.

“I may have standards for my children and their partners but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to meet her because she’s part human.”

I highly doubt that. She’s probably planning something awful, and I won’t take part in it. My tail twitches at my feet, agitated. I’d rather be anywhere but here. I’d rather be with Daisy in her gardens watching her talk to the flowers and plants.

Thinking of Daisy and her sweet smile and lighthearted kindness, calms some of my fury and discontent, allowing me to reply with less venom than before.

“You don’t need to meet her. I don’t need your approval of her and if I can manage it, she’ll have as little contact with you as possible.”

If the look on her face is an indication, she wasn’t expecting that. My mother always gets her way, always gets what she wants, and is never told no. Well, she better get used to it because she’s about to start hearing it a lot.

“Don’t you think she should have a say in that? Maybe she would like to meet your parents. Perhaps you should ask her? Offer her the opportunity to say no or yes.”[2]

I would rather shave my head, and anyone who knows me knows how much I love my hair. I’m about to tell her as much but pause. I could tell her I’ll talk to Daisy, and the day of the party just tell her she said no. Done and done. It’ll keep her off my back and make her think I’m bending to her will. Making my mother think she’s getting her way is always the best for everyone involved.

I give her my most sardonic smile, fangs and all. “Of course, Mother. I’ll ask her. But if she says no, I won’t force her, and you’ll accept that.”

“That’s all I’m asking for. Even if she doesn’t attend the party, I would love for you to stop in. Even if just for a minute. Indulge your mother who hasn’t seen you in a year.”

A mother who also doesn’t contact me unless it’s to try and manipulate me into being her puppet. A mother who’s never once asked about the women I’ve dated before now. A mother who last showed any genuine emotion towards me when I was five years old.

“I’ll think about it.”

Standing, I don’t bother saying goodbye, I just walk out the back door and head straight for Daisy’s.

Chapter 14: Daisy

Who knew spending an hour in town, eating cookies and talking about nothing in particular with Calliope would be so enjoyable? I sure as hell didn’t. When I return home, I’m even smiling, not feeling one bit awkward about my adventure toSticky Buns.I smile even wider when I realize Kai is waiting for me on my porch. Shirtless. His horns gleam in the faint sunshine, and every exposed crimson inch of him appears to burn brighter under my wandering gaze.

“There you are, Blossom. I was wondering how long I’d have to wait before deciding to go into town and find you myself.”

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