Page 73 of Destined to Fight

Ye want me to control my thoughts? Oh sure, that’ll be easy.

Holy shit, this was going to drive her mad in no time.

“Can you hear my thoughts, too?”

Kade just shook his head.

“Well, that’s good. I think.”

Kelly pulled her hoodie over her head, feeling better with clothes on.

A knock sounded, or at least she thought she heard one through Kade’s head. Footsteps echoed as someone walked to the front door.

“Kelly, your dad’s here,” Asta announced.

21

“Shit,” Kelly cursed under her breath. “I’ll be right there,” she yelled down to Asta, not that she needed to yell. It was more for her dad’s sake.

She turned to Kade, hoping for some sort of guidance.

Go say hi to yer da, I’ll tell Fabian and Ginna what is going on and meet ye downstairs in a minute.

Taking a deep breath, Kelly steadied herself and left the room. She hurried down the stairs and went to the entryway, where her dad was talking to Asta.

“Hey, Dad!”

“Hey, kiddo, Merry Christmas!”

They hugged, and she led him into the living room, where they could relax and talk.

“This is a nice place,” he said, looking around the house. There was an underlying question to his statement, but she ignored it. He would realize soon enough where the money came from and how she was tied into all of it.

Kade’s thoughts invaded her mind, and she couldn’t think straight to carry on a conversation. Trying to shove the mental noise aside, she made the excuse of going to grab some snacks for everyone and went to the kitchen.

Asta followed and gently put a hand on Kelly’s shoulder. “What is it?” she whispered.

Shaking her head, Kelly tried to brush it off. “It’s just a really bad headache. I’m okay. Will you help me grab some snacks?”

Asta’s face made it clear she didn’t believe the headache story for a second, but she nodded and helped Kelly grab some things to take back to the living room.

Bracing her hands on the edge of the counter, Kelly leaned forward and bowed her head as Kade’s thoughts rushed through her mind. He told Fabian what was going on, and an onslaught of confusion and worry hit her, almost bringing her to her knees.

It seemed she could feel his emotions as well. Just peachy. As if her own emotions weren’t enough to deal with, now she had his.

Footsteps sounded from the staircase as Fabian and Kade made their way down to join everyone. They each greeted her father, then Fabian sat down across from him and Kade came into the kitchen.

He came up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Are ye all right, lass?

It was a relief that he wasn’t speaking and thinking. At least he learned quickly.

She shook her head. “It’s a lot to take in. I think it’s emotions too, not just thoughts.” It seemed silly, but she tried not to give away everything that was going on. Everyone in the house would know soon enough.

Shock hit her, then a slight pang of jealousy. Did he want to feel her emotions? That was a conversation for another day.

“I think I need a minute to calm my mind. Can you keep Dad company while I go meditate for just a minute? I won’t be long.”