“He’s not yours. You didn’t want him. All you did was toy with him, for all of your lives you led him on when it suited you to do even that. He’s not your mate, and you are not his. Leave him alone, Saige.”
“You want everybody to be happy except me! You even put everybody else’s kids before me. And Lord forbid somebody say anything against the sainted Marauder, and you’d think the world’s coming to an end. And all he does is make stupid little pieces of wood! When are you going to start wanting good things for me? When is it going to be my turn, Mother? When is it finally about me?”
“You know what, young lady? I believe that being all about you is where your problems began! I should have reined you inthe first time you announced how pretty you thought you were. In case no one has ever told you — me included — no matter how pretty you are, your attitude can negate all of it. And you’re not a very pretty female to anyone who takes the time to look beneath the facade you wear like a mask. One day, you’re going to look back and wish you’d not been so entitled. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if the very things you ignore and take for granted are the same things you are still reaching for on your death bed.”
“Wow, Mother. What a kind and nurturing thing to say to your only daughter.”
“I pray I’m wrong, Saige. But unfortunately, if I’m not, you’re the only one that can change you. I just don’t understand how you came to this. I did not raise you this way.”
“You know what? Don’t worry about me. I know exactly who I am, what I deserve, and how I’m going to get what’s coming to me.” Saige stomped away from her mother, and hurried toward the back of the house, the whole while shouting about disrespect and Marauder not being the only one in the family worthy of recognition. She slammed the door so hard that Rowan’s body jerked at the sound before she let out her own little growl and went back to her kitchen.
Rowan cast her eyes up toward the ceiling, speaking to the heavens. “Forgive me, I know she’s mine. But I really hope that girl goes back to wherever she came from soon. I can only take so much of her attitude.”
~~~
“You know you really overstepped, right?” Boon asked.
“I’m only trying to celebrate you and Angelle.”
“No, you’re not.”
“What is it that you think I’m doing?” Lily demanded.
Boon looked down at his sister walking beside him, giving her more than a little side-eye.
“Well, come on. Tell me if you think I’m up to something nefarious!” Lily said. “And so you know, you really hurt my feelings.”
“Don’t go there. You know I love you, right?” Boon asked, as they strolled slowly down the path leading away from the party preparations and further into the wooded areas of Whispers.
“Then you should let me give you a wedding.”
“It’s not about giving me a wedding.”
“Then what in the world do you think I’m doing?” Lily asked.
“You’re trying to make up for not getting to plan a wedding for Tempest by planning one for me and Angelle.”
“No, I’m not!”
“Come on, Lily. When have you ever been under the impression that I wanted a big formal wedding?”
“Angelle might! She’s human. These things mean more to humans than to paranormals.”
Boon looked doubtfully at her.
Lily sighed. “I’m just trying to do something special for you.”
“We don’t want a wedding right now. Maybe not ever, and if we do, Angelle will plan it the way she wants it.”
“Fine. We’ll just have a regular party for Eli,” Lily said.
“Or…” Boon said, looking teasingly at his sister.
“Or what?” Lily asked, looking over at her brother.
“Why don’t you talk to Tempest and Brandt. Tell Tempest how much you wish you could have given her a wedding. After you get her approval, maybe plan a little ceremony for them. She’s the one you really want to plan a wedding for anyway. And everyone can celebrate Elijah, too. Angelle and I will justbe there, celebrating Elijah, and Tempest and Brandt along with everyone else.”
“Brandt might want to have it with his people,” Lily said.
