him. If you want me to unbind Eliza's magic, you'll watch your tone, Cedric. My
family has had enough of your threats.”
Stepping forward, I glowered over him. “You might want to be very careful
when you decide your next move. You haven't forgotten that Eliza is my mother,
have you? I'm afraid my temper can be just as volatile as hers."
Holding my hand out, I concentrated until I formed a small ball of fire in it.
Bouncing the flame on my palm, I icily said, “Eliza isn't the only one who can
play with fire.”
With those words, I made the fireball grow until it was the size of a
grapefruit. I threw the orb towards Cedric, aiming for his feet. The ball landed before him and sizzled in the grass.
“No need to get yourself worked up.” Cedric raised his hands in submission
and stepped backward. “Always having a woman fight your battles, Stone?
Seems like nothing has changed.”
“Don't take the bait.” I grabbed my father when he began to lunge at his nemesis. Then, I threw another ball of fire. This time, it grazed Cedric's leg.
“The next one will not miss." Turning to glare at Eliza, I added, “If you want me to unbind your magic, you need to put a leash on him."
“Cedric, be nice, darling,” Eliza purred, dismissing my threats. “We'll be
done with them soon.”
Cedric snorted. “Not soon enough.”
Jumping off the tailgate, I helped my family get out of the vehicle. Gram handed a sleeping Meg to my father before accepting my assistance.
Eliza stared at the exchange and tightened her grip on Cole's arm. “What’s wrong with her?” she asked without a hint of concern in her voice.
“She's tired. She probably hasn't slept well with all of the threats she’s been
receiving recently.” I locked eyes with Eliza and gave her a long, hard stare.
“Lead the way, Mother.”
I thought I saw a glimmer of sadness flash in her eyes before they turned dark, and she sneered, “Cedric, get our son.”
As Eliza stormed away, I felt a pain in my heart. Reality hit that I had been
praying for an idea, not a real person, to return to my life. My self-pity was halted by the gravelly voice of Cedric.
“Let's go. One trick from you and your precious family dies, starting with the
old lady.” Cedric grabbed Miles roughly and slung him over his shoulders.
“Please, put me down, Father,” Miles begged. “I'll walk beside you. I can
keep up.”
Storming behind Cedric, I ripped Miles out of his grasp. My brother’s shoe
hit his father on the back of the head as I pulled him over the cruel man’s shoulder and into my arms.
Cedric whipped around and tried to jerk Miles back by the foot. However,
when he saw the cold look of anger in my eyes, he released his hold. He sneered
at me before storming off towards Eliza.
Miles hugged me.
“Don't worry. I'm here. I won't let him hurt you." Carefully setting him down, I wiped the tears from his eyes and kissed him on both of his cheeks.
“Take Cole's hand. You’ll be safe.”
Miles looked at Cedric and then to me. His eyes widened in fear.
