𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝

prologue

Ariana, 9-year-old

ꨄ

ARIANA huffed and rolled her eyes behind her father's back as he corrected her brother's stance.

Her older brother and dad were currently practicing shooting in the woods. It was something they often did and she usually enjoyed it.

But today she'd rather be anywhere else. Ariana was just very aggravated so it was making it hard to enjoy.

She continued to stare at the grass beneath her feet watching as a beautiful butterfly landed on a flower near her.

"Your turn" the sound of her father's voice made her look up. Armond, her dad smiled at her waving her over.

Passing her brother, Ariana walked over grabbing her dad's hand. "Here," He said handing her a .50 pistol.

One of her personal favorites. She closed her eyes trying hard to focus. Slowly lifting her hand she started to aim.

"Sinclair you're still not doing it right" Her dad huffed calling her by her middle name.

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She just wanted to go play with her friends. Especially since one of them had gotten the new Bratz collection.

She had asked her dad for it a while ago but he quickly deemed it unnecessary. 'That shit ain't gone help you stay alive Sinclair'

She remembered his harsh words clear as day. Not understanding why she couldn't just get the dolls.

"Are you paying attention?" Armond asked bringing her focus back to the target and gun in her hand.

Fixing her posture and gun placement she slowly inhaled keeping her eyes closed for a second before pulling the trigger 3 times in a row. Smoothly hitting the bullseye.

Her dad started to clap for her while her older brother Armani whistled.

"I knew you could do it, baby girl," He said bending down to her height and placing a kiss on her cheek.

Ariana softly smiled loving the praise she was getting at the time. She was always eager to impress and one-up her brother.

Waving his son Armani over, he brought them to sit down on the log. Ariana sat down staring at the dirt and grass trying to distract herself once again.

"I know I don't say it much but I'm proud of y'all." He lipped softening his tone. Sometimes he had to remind himself that they were still just kids.

"Thank you, papa, can we go now?" Ariana asked slowly getting irritated with her father. She was tired and just wanted to go home.

"Lemme' get y'all home for I have to hear yo' mama mouth," Armond said getting up and grabbing his daughter's hand.

"Yeah cause ma be punking you out," Armani said laughing following them. Armond kissed his teeth lightly pushing his oldest.

Ariana giggled watching her brother and daddy interact. Loving these moments between the three. Where they felt like a normal family.

ꨄ

6 years later, Ari at 15

Ariana softly shut the door trying her hardest to not alert anyone. Just as she shut the door she heard her name