What did they mean? I knew who I was, didn't I? I was Rosalia Mallory, a girl left on the doorstep of our town's foster agency to find a new home. From there I went through three homes before at the age of 16 instead of having to live in the group h...
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Rosalia's POV:
A tense silence follows after the initial introductions - neither side choosing to move - and I find myself ridiculously picturing a chess game. Behind me, Hunter snickers softly - clearly having read my mind - and gives an exasperated shake of his head. Silly. He mouths. If only it was that ridiculous.
I smile. But the tense atmosphere nags at me like needles under my skin and I feel oddly exposed. Even though I'm stood with the others. Keeping my eyes to the floor as was instilled in me by Ash I can feel a hot flush creeping over my cheeks at the absurd thought that someone's watching me. Don't be ridiculous Rosa. no one's watching you. Calm down. I try repeating the words in my head like a mantra but the feeling won't go away. Almost like a prickling feeling between my shoulder blades that makes me uneasy. I maintain a calm composure but inside I'm rattled by the idea.
On the other side of the room, I can hear a low laugh and I dare move my head a fraction of an inch upwards so I can look covertly towards the other gathered group. The Laurier girls are stood quietly conversing with the Starr twins but I can see that the others are all looking in odd places. One son in particular - I think it's Haydon or Kazimir - is watching me closely and the hot flush deepens to a blinding scarlet. "Pretty one you've managed to acquire there Ebony," He remarks, making a gesture in my direction. "Whose is she?"
The Queen spares me a sideways glance before she notices where I'm stood. "She belongs to my youngest I believe. First one I've seen him have in years." She looks at me again for longer this time and I place my hands behind my back in the proper respectful manner I've been taught, searching for something to ground me. Seconds later I feel Hunter's hand clasp mine and I tighten my grip once. I'm scared.
It's ok. I'm here. I hear his reply but I know he spoke to my mind since no one else looks like they heard. They can't do anything here. Not with all these people.
I feel faintly sick. Can't or won't. There's a very clear distinction between the two. I reply faintly and he sighs. I know he doesn't have the answer and that makes it feel worse. Add to that the strange scrutiny from the Queen and our visitor's strange remarks I feel on edge. Like I'm waiting for something bad to happen.
"Can we persuade you to share?" Haydon addresses Hunter directly and I can feel his anger ripping through him, an echo of it racing through me. Desperately trying to stop an argument I tighten my grip again momentarily before I relax my hand. Don't. He's not worth it.
You don't know that Rosa. He's dangerous, they all are. Why else do you think everyone's so worried. Covertly scanning the rest of the room I can see that all the vampires gathered on our side are stood tense and I frown to myself. An air of menace radiates off of the newly arrived group but it seems that whatever argument they were involved in it has reached a stalemate for the time being.
They haven't done anything Hunter. If you attacked them now it would reflect badly on you not them. I try to reason with him but he's still angry. Hunter, please. Don't do this, it'll make whatever's happening worse. I plead and he sighs.
