Chapter 62
Wednesday 23rd September, 2020 (Continued)
Star’s POV
“Dad!” I squeaked.
“What is going on here?” He demanded. “Don’t make me ask a third time!” He warned us. “Twice was already one time too many!”
“Sir, we were just discussing something of great importance. We have a family emergency back home and we were thinking Star could come with us to help sort it out and return with her portal or if she should stay here and then…”
Dad cut Eli off with one look. “She’s staying here,” he said. “Without question,” he added.
“Sir, I would prefer if my mate came with me,” said Zaya.
“My daughter is staying here. Your preferences don’t interest me,” said Dad.
Yikes. I gave Zaya an apologetic look even though I was relieved to stay. Truth be told, I wished the Quads would return too and we would all live happily ever after but I wanted them to help Jessie and Jamie. I liked both of them.
“Sir, that’s totally understandable,” said Eli.
Zaya glared at Eli who gave him a ‘Chill out, Zaya’ kind of expression.
“I’m clearly outvoted,” said Zaya.
“There was no voting,” said Dad. “I made the decision alone. I’m happy Eli agrees but that adds no weight. I am her father.”
“She met you two days ago,” muttered Zaya.
I gasped before I could help myself. My eyes widened. Eli’s did too. Noah shook his head wordlessly as a deterrent but Zaya was insistent.
“It’s true,” Zaya said.
“It is true,” said my Dad nonchalantly, reminding me distinctly of how confident and relaxed Harper always was even during confrontation. “Are you done?” Asked Dad, looking at Zaya.
Zaya cast his eyes downwards. I could tell he was seething but offending my father further would be an impossible mess. “Yes, Sir,” said Zaya.
My father shocked me with what he said next. “If you weren’t keen on taking Star with you when you have to leave, I’d think you not that interested,” commented Dad.
Zaya raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“But that doesn’t mean I will condone such a thing,” said my father. “Seeing as you like to count, I want you all away from Star for the next seven days minimum,” decreed my father, laying down the law.
Zaya looked livid. I was shocked myself, my mouth agape.
“Sir, please reconsider, my brother is sorry for his remark!” Said Eli quickly.
“You can’t speak for him,” said Dad.
“I’m sorry, Sir,” said Zaya, swallowing his pride.
“That is very well. Apologies are great but you still remain apart for a week at least. In fact, you won’t reunite until your eldest fixes the problem we discussed earlier,” said Dad.
“What?” I asked, confused.
I glanced at Jonah who squirmed looking guilty.
“Sir, what do you mean?” Asked Eli, his tone worried.
“Ask your eldest brother,” said Dad. “Star, please return to your room and try to get some rest.”
“Dad,” I said, not wanting to rat out my twin but worried all the same. “Harper, I wonder if he’s in another part of the castle…” I began, trying not to insinuate that Harper may have sneaked out.
“He went for a joy ride on his dragon,” said Dad. “I know where my children are at all times regardless of whether or not they know I’m keeping a check on things.”
“How come Harper can go on a joy ride at this hour but I have to go to bed?” I asked.
“You’re welcome to take Haven for a joy ride too!” Said my father, again assuming his nonchalant manner of speaking that always reminded me of my twin.
I did not protest any further. I merely looked at my mates, reading their expressions. My father seemed to be waiting for them to leave.
“I don’t want to part on bad terms,” I told them as the guilt set in.
Perhaps, I should have just gone with them without telling anyone. I did not want to defy my father. He seemed like the no nonsense type and I did not think it was fair to discredit him completely for being too depressed to raise Harper and me. He had also wanted to keep us safe until we were of age so we could reclaim the pack and the kingdom. His plan had actually worked.
The Quads were silent for a long moment. My father stood there patiently as if nothing of consequence was going on.
“Be safe, Princess, we’ll be back for you soon,” said Eli.
“Not sooner than a week,” added my father.
Zaya took a deep breath. “Goodbye Star,” he said blankly.
My wolf whimpered and my heart constricted a little. That sounded so final.
“We’ll be back soon Luna and when we see each other again, the curse will already be broken,” said Noah confidently.
Jonah looked at me, meeting my eyes finally.
“Are you sure she’s safe here?” Asked Jonah, turning to my father.
Dad looked affronted. He chuckled humourlessly. “Yes, I’m sure,” he said.Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.
“What kind of protection magic is on the castle?” Jonah asked.
“There’s no-entry spells on all the windows and doors,” said my Dad.
“For the living only?” Asked Jonah.
My Dad’s eyes widened. He stared at Jonah like he was seeing him for that first time.
“Fae magic protects against spectres too,” said Dad warily.
“Spectres like ghosts?” Asked Jonah.
Dad nodded.
“No matter how powerful?” Jonah inquired.
“Are you planning on hexing me or something?” Asked Dad sarcastically.
“No, Sir. Powerful ghosts too?” Jonah specified again.
“Yes, it is powerful Fae magic,” said Dad.
“Will the Queen teach Star Fae magic?” Asked Zaya suddenly.
“Of course,” said my father as though that were obvious.
I looked at him. I was shocked. The Queen did not seem particularly inclined to teach me anything.
“Like how to defend herself magically?” Asked Eli.
“Yes, of course, Eli,” said my father in earnest. He spoke in a much kinder tone to Eli than Zaya and Noah. The favouritism was obvious. It was also clear that Jonah was the least favourite.
“Star, please put this on,” said Zaya holding the ring out to me in the centre of his palm.
I flinched inwardly. I was not used to Zaya being so cold towards me. I held my left hand out to him hoping he would slip the ring on my finger. He stared at me for a moment then took my hand and slid the ring onto my wedding finger. I could not help but smile and blush a little. Zaya smirked slightly but I knew he was still pissed at me. Noah took out a snow globe. I supposed this one led to the neighbouring Winter Moon Pack lands ruled by the Alpha Triplets and Luna Chasity. I had wanted to meet her on our way back but things were turning out quite differently. I wondered if my father would really keep me away from my mates for a whole week. That was a long time for werewolf mates. I hoped I could convince my father otherwise as I watched my mates gather around the snow globe and disappear, slipping through time and space.