FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions
Don't Take it Out on Them

Her eyes narrowed on him, seeing his game. “Dad’s passing took a toll on all of us!” She snapped. Seeing the light in Marcus’ eyes blink out instantly.

“But I don’t use it as an excuse to hurt anyone else or get myself hurt!” She stomped a foot in her rage.

Don’t take it out on them. Deragan winced at her cold words.

“Ouch.” Airon looked at her in betrayal.

Even William had turned shocked eyes on her.

Beth’s huge brown eyes filled with pain.

“I’m so sorry!” Nora put a hand over her mouth. “I don’t-I.” She spun her mother’s ring around her finger.

“I’ll get Marcus cleaned up.” William’s voice darkened. “Why don’t you go cool off.”

Nora gnawed her lip. “I’m sorry.” She blurted. Putting a hand on Marcus’ shoulder as she eased past him. Seeing William was right, and she needed to walk away for a bit.

Deragan peered through dirty windows to walk with her. Sensing her pain. Wishing I could be next to her. Hold her.

She wandered the foyer to peer into the many rooms on the lower level.

“Nora.” A tug at her sleeve, drew Nora’s attention from her self-loathing. She met Beth’s dark eyed gaze.

Nora spun to crouch before her. “I’m so sorry for what I said, Beth.”

“I know.” She nodded solemnly. “Marcus told us you’re just stressed.”

“He’s right.” Nora blew a relieved breath.

“He said no matter what, we’re family.”

Nora smiled and nodded.

Beth’s excitement returned as she lifted something filthy up for Nora’s inspection. “Look Nora! Look what I found!”

Nora stared at the cracked face.

“Mac Turner threw it on the rocks!” Beth looked forlorn.

“I know Beth.” Nora hugged her close. “I know how much you love it. It’s my fault it’s broken.” She swiped away a tear.

“No, it’s not!” Beth looked at her askance. “It’s Mac Turner’s! William said so.”

“The twins are always saying something, aren’t they?”

Beth nodded emphatically, beaming.

But Nora’s gaze was still morose on the crack on the doll’s face.

Beth followed her gaze. “Oh, I see.” Using a corner of her oversized pajama shirt Beth scrubbed dirt form the doll’s face. “Here Nora.” She tried again. “It’s Samantha. She made it!”

Smiling weakly Nora knelt to lift Beth. “Nobody could take better care of her than you.” Fearing Beth would see her tears Nora clutched her tight.

To hide her tears from the little girl. One of her favorite moves. Deragan had seen her do it before. But peering through a dirtied window to see her, his heart ached at her suffering.

Nora opened her eyes and met Marcus’ knowing look.

Calling Beth over he held his arms out for her.

Giving him a grateful glance, she released her vice grip.

Speaking softly Marcus led Beth to the foyer. Setting her on the marbled floor he took her doll and pretended it applied kisses to Beth’s cheek.

Giggling she stole the doll back to hug Samantha close.

Sweeping up the candle Nora went to explore.

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