Page 25 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“Umm... I don’t know that they have training here at your level, but I’ll be fine here until later. I’ll mind-link you.”

“Okay,” Christopher answered but didn’t move, so I slowly and awkwardly closed the door on his face.

Once I locked it, I finally heard his footsteps moving away. That man was weird.

I worked through lunch, and by dinner, I was able to get all the piles of documents ready to file. I didn’t know how to do any of the business analysis Bells needed, but I could input all the information for her and fill out paperwork before I scanned them and filed the originals.

I used to follow Mom around when I was young, always learning about what she did in her role as Luna and Dad’s partner. Technically, she was my first job, letting me help in the office a few days a week for some extra cash to buy a new drawing tablet or books.

‘I’m ready to go back to my room,’ I mind-linked Christopher when my stomach growled.

Less than a minute later, there was a knock on the door. I opened it up and found Christopher waiting for me.

“Would you like to grab a plate from the kitchen, or should I bring it to your room?” he asked.

I thought about it for a minute. My first reaction was to go to my room, but without everyone here, maybe I could eat in the dining room.

“Can we check how busy the dining room is?” I asked instead.

“Of course.”

He stepped in front of me, and I followed, feeling more comfortable knowing someone couldn’t rush at me like that man did when I got kidnapped. My shield hadn’t worked properly since, and I never learned to fight. Dr. Campbell said it was a mental block, and when I was able to control my fear, I would be able to control my shield again.

The dining room was busy, but it was mostly women and little kids. Christopher looked over at me, a question in his eyes.

“I’d like to try to eat with my sister,” I told him.

Christopher grunted and led the way to where Bells usually sat. We got looks from everyone as we passed by, but thankfully, no one approached. I sat down at the main table and waited nervously. Bells ate here with everyone right? Mom and Dad always did, and so did Cory.

I noticed Christopher was still standing behind me, so I looked up at him.

“Sit down.”

“I’m okay.”

“Christopher, sit down. You’re making people stare.”

“I’ll sit down when your sister arrives. I don’t want people startling you.”

I turned back to look at the table, speechless, and instead pulled out my phone and texted my sister.

Me

Do you eat dinner with the pack?

Bells

Yes, I’m on my way down now. Do you want me to bring your plate?

Me

I’m sitting at the table, but people are staring.

She didn’t respond, but a few moments later, I heard Adam giggling as Bells ran into the room with him in her arms.

“I’m here, sorry. Shit, you’re actually here.” Bells looked around as if someone was going to tell her how to react to me being in the dining room, so I took Adam from her and sat him on my lap.

“Go grab him some food and take a breath,” I instructed.

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