The Lycaetos

Chapter 20: Takes Awhile

Hunter's father looked down on me as he and Hunter's mother beckoned me into the study. I looked at them and their stony glares before quickly shuffling into the aged room. I knew the minute his eyes had fixed on me at the hall that I'd really fucked up on something. They never call for me ever since we got older; Hunter always did in their place. His never aging black hair fit in perfectly with the dark maroon and bark brown furniture that was only interrupted by some bookcases and brand new blood red couch. I stepped back and to the side near the desk in the corner to get some distance. Memories of his pale hand with the folded belt hitting me as a child reminded me never to get too close to him. Todd. 

Even then I controlled myself around them, but then I wasn't as strong as I am now. Many memories of bruises and cuts covering my skin thanks to him. Though I didn't know I was the odd one when I was young. With Hunter at my side, taking many of the punishments for me at the time, I was left naive thinking all of the kids got this treatment. Assuming it was cause we were wild and rambunctious. No not until I saw Hunter's mother with her long soft fingers coddling one of the others in a loving tight grip instead of staring them down like she did me, with those cold blue irises, that I figured it out. 

I would never fit in. 

Hunter figured it out too once we reached adulthood. Barely allowing me to continue school, and just centimeters from treating me how his father did. At least that was what I feared every time he caught me in something. His hands going to fists and tensing so much. Punishing me to do such a large amount of cleaning and the practice fighting. Giving that ever threatening gaze. Which is why as hard as it is to believe,  I tried to do my best to keep him from ever going off the edge with me. I'd seen Hunter beat more than a few guys unconscious, and honestly feared him way more than Todd, regardless of what I could do. Sometimes worrying that Hunter could do more, magic or not. Which made it all the more confusing how I still had this nagging ache in my chest whenever Hunter looked my way with even a hint of that something which still rested between us. His wishing to protect me.

Nothing like the pit in my stomach that hit me as soon as Todd crossed his arms and pressed his lips tense. Still staring me down as if I was the devil. I almost laughed. 


Where was Hunter now? 

Nowhere. 

Of course his protection would be so selective. I turned my gaze to Hunter's mother. 

"Is something the matter Mrs. Abbey?" I asked. 


She tilted her chin toward Todd. Not speaking because we were in his presence, which I always hated, especially now. It was so weird. But I remembered it wasn't as weird as it felt to me, as all the other families we associated with were the same. Yet still, I could never be that way fully. A little, because it's what I knew, but not all the way. My mouth is too smart for that. Too rude. I guess it's just another reason I don't fit in. 

I tensed my jaw. Dipping my eyes down before recasting my gaze instead at Todd. He glared even harder. I kept my stance. 

"Yeah Mr. Todd?" I questioned once more. 

Todd spat, "Your behavior, my son favors you, but it's no excuse for you to act so unrefined."


I keep staring him down. He steps closer, shifting his shoulders up and tilting his chin down so I see the sharp angle in his features. Threatening like.

Relaxing my body more casual, I try to play innocent. Though my arms fold in further trying to hide the fear etching in the back of my throat.

I question, "Clarify please?" 

"Ladylike." He specifies. 

I take in a deep breath. 

Making my voice monotone I point out what'd I learned long ago in history class.