Rogue - Shannon Burton (early reader books .TXT) 📗

turned to see who had disturbed their gawking and they immediately parted when they saw who it was.

 

As I made my way through the crowd people began murmuring about secrets in the Furie world and this made me even more curious as to who the visitor was.

 

When I had pushed through the last people in the crowd my eyes took in a beautiful Furie standing in the middle of the circle.Her hair was long, blonde, and curly.Her eyes were a light shade of purple and her wings were black but larger than an Acaidens.

 

I took in the woman before me and I felt like I knew her, but I'm pretty sure I had never met her before.

 

"Hello." I said.

 

The woman gave a sweeping bow, "Hello Zhara.I am sure your curious as to who I am."

 

She straightened up and I gave her a curt nod.I didn't like the fact that she knew my name yet I didn't know hers.

 

"My name is Ramona.I believe you already have met your aunt Rayon."

 

Gasps came from everyone present.

 

Aaah, so this was the missing sister.I was wondering when we would have a chance to meet.

 

"I want to say that I'm pleased to meet you, but I'm afraid that I must know why your here before I can allow myself to feel that way."

 

Ramona smiled slightly, "You are so much like all of us.Rayon told me that I should meet you and I must admit I became curious when she described you.She seems to have been right.You are incredibly fierce and I must say, terribly beautiful."

 

I took her compliments in stride, but it seemed like there was more to it than her wanting to visit a distant niece.

 

"I can see the skepticism written all over your face Zhara." Ramona chuckled.

 

She really was a beautiful woman.

 

"Well I wouldn't be so skeptical if you were telling me the whole truth." I remarked.

 

Her face grew entirely serious and I waited for her response as she took in a jagged breath.

 

"Your right.I'm here because I wanted to speak with you.There is an uprising in the Furie world and we have found that insurgent rogues have been hiding within our towns.Right now there are about thirty Furies behind that tree line and they seek sanctuary.As do I." Ramona admitted.

 

Murmurs ran through the crowd and I knew what they were thinking.

 

"How many of the Furies behind that tree line have had relations with humans?" I asked.

 

She knew what I was getting at but she didn't hesitate to answer.

 

"Only about five of them." Ramona answered.

 

"How many of them have expressed their contempt for my people?"

 

"Most of them." Ramona replied guiltly.

 

"Yet you expect my people to protect them.Why did you come to me? You all have some sort of power yet you don't fight." I remarked.

 

"We have never been fighters.We have always been the peaceful sort and now I must say we sorely regret it." Ramona whispered.

 

"There is no way in hell we will protect them!" Someone from the crowd shouted.

 

Murmurs and yells went up everywhere at that, and I silenced them.

 

"We are good people.We have the passion of our Furie ancestors and the love of our Human halfs.We were given the name protectors because we save everyone.We do not see anyone as a superior race and we have never let someone die because of our own dislikes or grudges." I growled at the surrounding Acaidens.

 

Everyone in the crowd nodded in agreement and I continued on.

 

"We are a forgiving people.Which is why we will welcome these Furies."

 

I looked up to Ramona, "You will all train and earn your keep around here. When the time comes, you will not stand behind us.You will stand with us." I commanded.

 

"Of course and thank you so much Zhara." Ramona insisted.

 

A hand slipped into mine and I looked to my right to find Amina.

 

"That's your aunt?" Amina asked.

 

I looked farther to the right to see Mikael with a grin on his face.My eyes strayed over to Ramona and I frowned.

 

"Yes I suppose so." I murmured to Amina.

 

"Oh she's a Furie too.Can I meet her?"

 

"Later.Right now you need to head to bed.You have school in the morning."I told reminded her.

 

"Ok." She pouted but let Tera lead her into the house.

 

"Luca, Jessie, and Talon please lead the Furies onto our land and place them in the left wing." Mikael commanded.

 

Ramonas eyes flashed over to Mikael and she gave a bow.

 

"You must be one of the Acaiden princes." Ramona spoke.

 

Mikael moved to my side and gave her a curt nod.Mikael was a forgiving person but I could see that he didn't trust the Furies.

 

"Well thank you for welcoming us into your home." Ramona said graciously.

 

"It wasn't my choice." Mikael said, as he slipped his hand into mine.

 

The crowd began to dissapate and I watched as Ramona frowned at our joined hands.

 

"I see." She murmured.

 

"Good.Now please allow Miranda to show you to your room."

 

The bustling woman came right on cue and I watched as she hustled Ramona inside.

 

"How do you feel about her?" Mikael asked me.

 

"I feel that if she tries anything then I will kill her where she stands." I responded.

 

"Good.I'm glad were on the same page." He grinned.

 

A noise sounded from the left of the forest and my eyes held to the tree line.Out emerged about thirty beautiful Furies in unison.They all moved with their heads down and they looked as if they would rather be anywhere but here.That was their fault for being so weak.If they had been strong they would have been able to hold their mountain,but instead they were asking those that they deemed weak, for help.How ironic.

 

"Welcome to Acadia." Mikael welcomed.

 

They all shot glares at Mikael but none spoke up.

 

"While you are here you will have chores and training.Two Acaidens will keep watch over you at all times and you are to remain in the left wing of the house while you are here.If you try anything, I will order my best Acaidens to take you down.Are we clear?" His voice rang out with authority and I was filled with pride.

 

The Furies looked up at his tone and I watched silently as Mikaels eyes roamed over each Furie.They all nodded their understanding when Mikaels eyes met their own.

 

"Good. Now Talon, Luca,and Jessie will escort you to the left wing." Mikael dismissed them.

 

"Lets get some sleep." I murmured.

 

It had been a day full of events and I was ready for sleep.We both moved through the silent house and made our way up the stairs and to out room.I knew that tomorrow would be one hell of a day.

 

"Mommy! Mommy! Wake up."

 

I opened my eyes to see Amina jumping around on the bed.I groaned loudly and through a pillow at the bouncing girl.

 

"Daddy said that you gotta wake up cause breakfast is ready." Amina laughed, easily dodging the pillow.

 

She had adjusted oddly well to us being her new parents and didn't miss a chance to call us mommy and daddy.

 

"Ok. Give me ten minutes and I will be downstairs.What time is it?" I asked.

 

"It's seven thirty.Daddy said that he's gonna drive me to school." She announced.

 

She had calmed down and sat down on my side of the bed.

 

"Ok. I'll take you tomorrow." I promised.

 

"Woo! Woo!" Amina cheered.

 

"Ok..ok.Amina go downstairs and eat so your ready to go when daddy is." I groaned.

 

"Kk." She laughed.

 

When I heard her dancing down the first flight of stairs I rolled over and wiped my groggy eyes.Geesh she was a bouncing ball of energy.I pushed myself up from the warm inviting bed and headed across the cold floor into the shower.The light seeping from the curtains told me that it was gonna be a sunny day and I smiled.I missed the sun.

 

The shower was quick and I ran to the closet to find something to wear before goosebumps could form on my skin.I came across a long skirt with thigh high slits and a black crop top.The skirt looked sexy with my black knee high boots and I smiled at my reflection.I decided that a little bit of eyeliner and mascara would complete the outfit so I moved into the bathroom and pulled out my make up pouch.My hair had become curly from the shower so I brushed it and decided to wear it down.The hair and make up was a beautiful contrast with my outfit and I thought up something that would drive Mikael wild.

 

With my plan complete, I headed downstairs to the waiting chaos below.When I made it to the second staircase I could clearly hear arguements coming from the diningroom so I walked into the kitchen and made myself a plate of eggs and potatoes.

 

When I entered the diningroom I saw Furies standing on the left side of the room with their plates in hand.A male Acaiden that I knew by the name of Nareen was arguing with Talon and Damien about the Furies being here.

 

I set my food beside Miranda and asked her to watch it.All of the Acaidens stared wide eyed at the exchange and I continued to move silently towards the arguement.Talons eyes looked up and met mine and I gave him a brief nod.

 

"Well you should have listened to me and quieted down because now you have to deal with someone much less tolerant than us." Talon grinned devilishly.

 

"This is why you don't run anything.Your always stuck behind your brother.You always follow what he wants but he's wrong and your cowards!" Nareen spat at Talon and Damien.

 

"Oh. And what about me?" I whispered.

 

Nareen turned around slowly and met my cold eyes.

 

"You really should have listened to Talon. I am much less tolerant especially when you insult my mate." I began pacing slowly in front of him.

 

Talon and Damien went and took their seats and watched the exchange from a healthy distance.

 

"Zhara I just..I'm frustrated that these Furies are here.It's not right." Nareen whispered.His voice shook slightly and I reveled in it.

 

"Mikael has always been good to you and your family so it isn't wise to bite the hand that feeds you Nareen.I understand that the Furies haven't always been so kind but who does it help if we act that same way back? It benefits no one." I declared.

 

He nodded his head in understanding and I watched as his shoulders straightened and he regained his composure.

 

I walked back over to Miranda and retrieved my plate but before the conversations started and my voice drowned out; I had one last thing to say, "Oh and Nareen?"

 

"Yes Zhara?" He answered slowly.

 

"If you ever threaten any of these Furies or talk down on my mate or anyone in this family again, I will cook you where you stand.Understood?" I growled.

 

Nareen gave a shaky nod and everyone remained silent after that.

 

I moved to Mikaels seat since he had taken Amina to school, and I observed the Furies standing on the outer edges of the diningroom.

 

The morning passed uneventfully and I noted that Mikael hadn't come home yet so I gave him a ring on my cell.He picked up on the second ring.

 

"Hello my love." He answered.

 

"Mhhm where are you?" I questioned.

 

"I am with Luca.We getting some stuff for supplies tonight." He answered.

 

"Supplies? For what?"

 

"The honorary ball is tonight Zhara." He said it as if he was talking to a two year old.

 

"Oh crap."

 

In all honesty, I had forgotten all about that damn ball.Not only would we have to deal with Furies but now we would have a house full of rival Acaidens.

 

"Yea I tried to tell my mom that it wasn't the best idea but it wasn't something that we can just put off." Mikael explained.

 

"Fuck this is going to be a disaster.I think your mom and a few other women are cleaning up and getting everything ready now." I said.

 

"Okay we will be back in an hour or two and we will figure out some security details." 

 

"I am going to talk with the Furies and make sure that they play nice." I laughed.

 

Mikaels laugh sounded through the phone and I bit my lip.

 

"Am I on speaker phone?" I asked.

 

"No.Why? 

 

"Have you checked your text messages today? I sent you a message this morning." I