Page 30 of Touched

Da’s thick, dark brows raise at my tone. His lips tighten as his jaw clenches. “What it’s about is the way you’re acting, Aeris. Your behavior is unacceptable. Are youtryingto put the whole of Laric in danger?” He stares at me unblinking as he awaits my reply.

So much for not making the situation worse, Aeris.

Of course, I’m not! I would never endanger my family… or Laric.

But I cannot stay away from Callum. I can’t.

Of course, I sit and listen to every word they have to say. But, I know with every bit of my being, I will not be able to stay away from Callum.

The man they’re still calling a human.

He’s far different from any other human.

I really don’t like it when my parents are upset with me, but the time and energy they’re spending to keep me away from the human world is stifling.

I know they want me safe. But the sudden need to be rebellious is threatening to suffocate me. I can barely sustain the urge to tell them I’m grown, and no matter what they say, they will never keep me away from Callum.

This isn’t like me at all.

Sure, I have always done things I know I shouldn’t. But I have never intentionally disregarded my parents.

There’s no way I can ever tell them how I really feel about Callum.

Da, Ma, and Cyrus are in their seats at the dining room table, but I have so much anxiety and energy, I need to stand.

“Sit down, Aeris,” Ma insists.

“I would rather stand, if it’s all the same.”

“What has gotten into you, child?” she snaps, exchanging a look with Da.

I should. I should sit down and not make this any worse.

They’ve scolded me since I was a fledgling as I’m always getting into things I shouldn’t. But nothing like this.

How do I tell them I believe Callum is the one? The one I want to spend the rest of my life with? The one I Zinged with?

He’s my Kindred.

I mean, I did just meet the man.

What do I really know? Maybe… I’m mistaken about it all.

I’ve never felt this way.

It could be a fluke. Just a part of my sexual awakening.

But it isn’t. I know it isn’t.

Callum is my Kindred.

But now isn’t the time. It can’t be.

They don’t understand.

Hells… I don’t understand.

* * *

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