Мишель Роуэн - Reign or Shine

"I just saw Robert. What's going on? Did he hit you again?"

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "He tried to, but I hit him first. He's gone. He's not coming back. It's over. Four strikes for me now. I don't think I'm going to get married again."

I went to her and gave her a big hug.

"I don't know what's wrong with me." Her voice was shaky. "Why can't I find somebody who'll love me and treat me right?"

"I love you."

"Thanks." She pulled back and smiled at me. "Just the two amigos, then, huh? You and me. Like it's always been."

I had a horrible thought then. "Does this mean we're moving again?"

I hated the idea that we would have to leave and go somewhere else to start all over again. I'd lived so many different places and finally, despite my problems with Chris, I was somewhere I wanted to stay. I valued Melinda as a friend. I liked my classes. I even liked some of my teachers.

And would I be able to get to the Shadowlands from anywhere? How did that work? I didn't know and I couldn't leave until I knew for sure.

She shook her head. "I'm sick of moving around so much. Besides, you know I grew up near this area. I think I've finally found my home again. We'll stay in Erin Heights for a while, anyway. At least until you finish high school. Is that okay with you?"

I felt a surge of relief. "That's definitely okay."

"How did things work out with Chris?"

I grimaced. "Not so well. I won't be seeing him again."

"I'm sorry, honey." She stroked the hair back off my face and tucked it behind my ear. "Maybe one day we'll both get to have our happy endings."

"I thought you said that was only in your books."

She shrugged. "Maybe I was wrong. Life is full of surprises, after all."

I wanted to tell her all about Michael. I wanted to tell her about my father so much, too, but I held my tongue. I'd respect his wishes.

For now.

Maybe someday I'd be able to share the truth with her, both about me and about him. There was a reason he had a painting of my mother on his wall-a reason he wanted to protect her from the truth about him. It was because he'd never forgotten about her. Because he still loved her. Maybe that's the reason she'd searched so hard to find love but it had never worked out. Because my father was the perfect man for her.

Even though he was a demon.

But then again, so was I. Half demon, anyway.

I'd always believed that demons were evil, but my father wasn't evil.

I wasn't evil.

However, there was one person who might disagree with that statement. Chris had seen me in full Darkling form. I was willing to bet that he'd stay very far away from me from this moment forward.

That was just fine with me.

But would he tell anyone what he saw? Was my secret safe? I didn't know for sure.

Everything was going to be okay, though. I could feel it. And if it wasn't, then I'd have to do something to make it okay because no one better mess with me or anyone I loved.

After all, mess with the demon and you get the horns.

Cute horns. But still, horns.