Page 140 of One Winter Knight
The Company was fine with it, but felt pressure from my Clan. They wanted to compromise by delisting me temporarily. Not as bad as termination, but still problematic, because then I was grounded.
Instead, we compromised. I’d temporarily be taken off active duty roles to placate my family on paper. But I could still be requested–and free to take other work.
I wasn’t so lucky with the security company. But I didn’t need them, either. Mostly they were a filler for when I was bored and a cover to get myself certain places legitimately.
My mother texted me about my selfishness. Again.
Me
How is it selfish for me to find love, but not selfish for my sister to steal my boyfriend? Or for my ex tocheaton me, with my sister, instead of breaking up with me, then claim it was my fault? Me being with someone famous does not bring dishonor to the clan. You messing with my lifedoes.If you contact me, anyone associated with me, or my employers again, I will be filing a claim.
I blocked her, as I’d blocked all my other parents. My sister and ex–and their friends had been blocked long ago.
ByclaimI didn’t mean with the courts. I meant the Clan Council. What they’d done crossed a line. Especially because I had done no wrong.
Was my face being all over the internet ideal? No. Did it breaka rule? No. Did me actually being mated or married to a rockstar cause a little concern? Yes. Could it make Dusty a target? Yes.
But it was hardly illegal.
My phone rang again, and inwardly I groaned.
It would probably be worth it to change my number. Perhaps when Carlos went to get a new phone tomorrow I’d go with him.
But it wasn’t my parents.
“Grandpa?” Honestly, it was nice to hear from him.
“My dear, what exactly did you do to have everyone in such a tizzy?” He chuckled.
“You know, just being a selfish, cold-hearted, bitch as usual,” I replied. “I was helping a friend and ended up on the internet. Now my parents are pestering the Company to end my employment. Apparently I am also to be punished by them.”
“Punished my ass. For what?” He snorted. “Being happy? Having friends?”
“Yes.”
He made an annoyed noise. “Your brother showed your grandfathers and me a video of you singing. It’s very beautiful. Your gran would have loved it. Screw them. Singing makes you happy. Go sing and be famous. Plant a garden for her.”
“They would have chicken.” I laughed.
“It might do them some good. I told them to leave you alone. It’s your business and them doing things like that could make it worse,” he added. “How is Fiona?”
“We mated,” I replied.
“I’m so happy for you. Bring her by sometime to see us,” he added. “And you know, I won’t say a peep if you choose to act against your parents. They deserve it, especially that spineless son of mine.”
“Really, I just want to be left alone. There’s also this alpha… the man in the video. I care for him. He cares for me. Not sure how such a public person fits into my life, but…”
“Are you in love with him?” Grandpa asked, “It's alright to love–even alphas. I know you’ve been hurt. But love is an asset, not a liability. I’m glad you have Fiona. She’s a delight, but it’s also nice to have someone who’s not in this life. Someone who can shake you and go,This isn’t normal, Love.Are you sure this is something you want?”He mimicked one of my other grandfathers, who’d been a teacher in the village before he retired. There were three of them still, the fourth had passed before Gran.
“That’s a good way of looking at things,” I replied. “I promise not to bring dishonor to the clan. I don’t know what I want, but yes I could love him if I let myself.”
The door behind me opened and closed, and I felt someone’s presence.
“Maybe you should. I’ll chat with you soon. Let me know if you want anything special for a gift.” He ended the call.
Dusty sat down on the lounge chair with me.
“You can love me? That’s the best thing I’ve heard in a couple of hours.” He kissed me. “The dads are convening and deciding our fate. Lunch is being prepared. Which is great because I missed breakfast.” Dusty fake pouted. “You didn’t come and rescue me.”
