Page 129 of Healed
“Oh, fuck. I’m going to have a stroke out here waiting. I’m going to die before I ever meet my kid,” Brandt said.
“No, you’ll be good. You just need to calm down. How long does it take to get to where these people live?” Remi asked.
“A while. Less than a whole day. Why?”
“Because if Angelle goes off with him, then we need to be able to reach her.”
“They glamour the place so nobody can find it,” Brandt said absent-mindedly.
“I’m not too sure about this. I mean, they can’t actually have anything in common, can they?” Remi asked.
“Can we talk about my problem today?” Brandt demanded.
Though Boon was near Brandt and Remi, he didn’t hear any of the exchange taking place between them. He was focused fully on Angelle. She was a pretty girl, with dark brown hair and big blue eyes. She was so quiet, almost afraid it seemed, and he wanted nothing but to make her feel safe. Her father, though had been staring him down almost constantly since they’d arrived. Knowing he’d have to get past her father to be able to talk to her, he took a deep breath and walked over to Daniel. “Hello, sir. I’m Boon,” he said, extending his hand.
Daniel looked at him suspiciously, but held out his hand and shook Boon’s. “Daniel.”
“I’m Tempest’s uncle.”
“You don’t look old enough to be her uncle. Her brother maybe,” Avaleigh said.
Boon smiled at Avaleigh. “No, ma’am. I’m her uncle. Gargoyle’s age very, very slowly,” he explained.
“Oh, I see,” Avaleigh said. “How fascinating.”
“I was wondering if Angelle might accompany me over to the kitchen to enjoy a snack,” Boon said.
“No,” Daniel said.
“Yes,” Angelle and Avaleigh both said at the same time Daniel said no.
Angelle looked up at her father, shocked that he said no.
“Oh, Daniel, let her go. It’s just right there on the other side of the room,” Avaleigh said.
“Sir, I have only the best of intentions. I will not disrespect her, you, or her mother in any way. I have the utmost regard for Angelle,” Boon said.
“You don’t know Angelle, how could you have any regard for her?” Daniel asked defensively.
“I’d like to get to know her,” Boon said. “Under your watchful eye, of course,” he quickly added.
“Please, Daddy,” Angelle said.
Daniel raised his eyebrows in surprise. His daughter hardly spent time with her cousins, much less strangers. “Do not leave that kitchen,” Daniel said harshly.
Avaleigh shot him a scolding look.
“Please,” he added.
“Sir, I would give my life for hers. There is no need to fear for her safety.”
Angelle grinned up at Daniel, then Avaleigh as she placed her hand in Boon’s extended one and allowed him to lead her to the kitchen island. He held the stool steady as she sat, then nudged the plates of snacks closer for Angelle to better reach them, before he took a seat next to her. He’d known the moment she walked into the room that she was his. Surely, Angelle was the reason Tempest had insisted he come when she gave birth to her child. “Thank you for sharing a few moments with me.”
Angelle blushed. “Thank you for asking.”
“Daniel, look at them!” Avaleigh said, watching from across the room. “She’s so happy.”
“Yes, I see,” Daniel said begrudgingly.
