Page 14 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“I talked to Dr. Campbell. She thinks it’s a good idea, if I take precautions,” I countered.

“What kind of precautions?” Dad asked.

“She thinks if I travel with Cory and Evie, I should be okay. I feel safe with my family. Once I get there, I just need to stick to them, and I should be fine. I can ask Bells to give me an inside door lock to feel safe.”

“And when you’re outside?” Dad asked, side-eyeing Mom, unconvinced.

“I won’t be outside. Bells needs help with paperwork. That’s what I want to help with. I’ll be in her office.”

My parents were quiet for a while, so I continued eating as I let them process and talk about my decision via mind-link. I think they knew that ultimately, I would do whatever I felt was necessary. I was an adult, and as long as I didn’t abandon my pack, there was no reason why Cory, who was technically my alpha, would deny my request. They knew this as well as I did, but I still wanted their blessing.

“Okay,” Dad finally said.

“Yeah?” I said, feeling happy that they were going to support me with this.

“Yeah, but I want a guard with you at all times,” Dad added.

“But—”

“It’s for me and your mom. We need to make sure you’re okay.”

“I c-can’t. I don’t want someone over my shoulder the entire time. I’m not there yet,” I answered honestly.

“We’ll talk to Dr. Campbell, if you’ll allow us to, and figure something out. Maybe a woman guard or Miguel?” Mom suggested.

“I d-I don’t know. I’ll think about it, alright?”

“Thank you. That’s all we’re asking,” Dad said, smiling widely at me.

“If you’re thinking about doing this, will you be okay with going back to school?” Mom asked.

“I deferred for this year already, but if I can push through this, I want to, yes. It’s only one last year.”

“I’m proud of you for pushing through your fear, Violet. Especially to help your sister,” Mom grabbed and squeezed my hand.

“It’s not just for Bells, Mom. I need to change. To become unstuck. I think going there will do it,” I replied, feeling hope for the first time in a year.

“I think it will be good for you,” Dad agreed.

Iwas sitting in Cory’s office with Dad. I was waiting for them to tell me what conditions they were setting up for me to go visit Bells. We were leaving in two days and they’d been so secretive about it. I agreed to Dad’s request, and Dr. Campbell, Cory, and Dad had been searching for the right guard to accompany me. At the end of the day, though, I had the last say. Especially if my wolf or I freaked out with their choice.

The door finally opened, and in walked the last person I expected to be recommended by Dr. Campbell.

“Violet, Christopher is going to be accompanying you to Redmon. He’ll be your shadow while you’re outside the pack grounds for the foreseeable future, if you’re okay with that.”

“Dr. Campbell agreed to this?” I asked. It was Dr. Campbell who said Nenetl and I imprinted on Christopher and only time would make the imprinting dissipate.

“Dr. Campbell is the person who suggested him. Are you not comfortable with the choice?”

I bit my lip. It was at times like these that I wished Nenetl would still speak to me, but as usual, she was laying in the back of my mind, oblivious to the turmoil going through my head.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Christopher?” I asked, hoping to get some sort of understanding of how he was feeling for this. But he wasn’t giving anything away. His face was blank and his eyes were focused on a picture behind Cory.

“I do as I’m instructed. If I’m needed to accompany you, I will accompany you without complaint.”

I sighed. “That’s not what I was asking. You’re one of Cory’s top warriors. Even I know you should have become an elite warrior long before now. You’re taking on a babysitting job. Don’t you want to take on more important assignments?”

“You are one of the most important people in Crescent Moon. It’s my duty and honor to protect and support in any way I’m needed.”

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