Page 54 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

Chris looked back at Violet, who gulped, but nodded at Chris. I thought she would be heading to her room, but instead, she surprised me.

“I’ll help, too.”

“Really?” I couldn’t help asking.

“Yeah, he’s Aunt Kassie’s nephew. I trust her.”

There was a look of pride displaying on Chris’ face that I’m sure was reflected in mine. Still, I noticed the way Violet stuck a little closer to Chris as they walked inside the room, keeping to the side a little so he was between her and Elim.

Violet passed the nails while Chris held the boards in place and I secured them to the window frame. It didn’t look pretty and I would go find some curtains to detract from it later, but it was a matter of survival, so I doubted Elim would really complain.

“So, why are you here… sorry, I didn’t catch your name.” Violet decided to make conversation.

“My name is Elim.”

“Elim like the Cardassian?” Violet asked, suddenly intrigued.

“You mean like Kim?” I wanted to know, trying to wrack my brain for an Elim in the show. Maybe he was new, I was a couple of seasons behind by now.

“Who’s Kim?” Violet asked, her brow furrowed.

“You said Kardashian. I thought you meant Kim Kardashian. Who’s Elim?”

“I’m Elim,” Elim answered.

“I’m lost. Who’s Kim and how’s he related to Elim? I thought he was related to Beta Kassie.” Chris looked as confused as I felt.

“What is happening here?” Violet asked, a giggle bursting from her lips.

“I don’t know. I think I’ll just be quiet and keep hammering. You continue with your talk.” I was getting a headache trying to keep up. We were clearly talking about different things.

“Elim is a name from the Star Trek Universe, Bells. The character was part of a race called Cardassians.”

“Mom was apparently a fan,” Elim replied.

“I didn’t know Queen Karissa was a Trekkie,” Violet giggled.

“She’s a bigger nerd than she lets on.” Elim chuckled, finally removing his hoodie once the boards were fully secured.

My jaw almost dropped as I took my first look at the man under the hood. He had straight raven black hair going down to his shoulders and almost elvish features. He was a beautiful man.

“Sorry for keeping myself cloaked. A downside of being a vampire.”

Elim started walking toward us, stretching out his hand. Violet quickly scuttled to the wall, prompting Chris to step in front of her protectively. Elim stopped, confusion in his eyes and for a moment, I thought a bit of hurt too.

“Did I do something wrong?” he asked.

“No. I’m sorry. I just—I have a thing. I—” Violet was blushing and her eyes were watering.

My poor sister.

“Violet is a germaphobe. She doesn’t like people touching her. It makes her freak out,” I lied.

“Oh, I apologize.”

“That’s okay. It’s just strangers that it’s an issue with. I’m working on it,” Violet said, peeking her head from around Chris and trying to smile at Elim.

“I-That’s a little weird, but okay. I look forward to getting to know you so you’re not afraid of my germs, Violet,” he said with a smile, and still a little bit of confusion.

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