The Tasks of the Moon Goddess

Chapter 18

Author's note: The picture is Alpha Russell Johnson

I can't believe Viktor deserted me to deal with my parents alone. This has to be Simon's doing. Who else would do? This is going to be a long fight.

"I apologize for your inconvenience Mr. Johnson but I will not marry you," I said.

"Joyana, what are you talking about?" My father asked.

"I still have eight months to find my own husband," I said.

"And you've been doing a terrible job with that," my mother said.

"No I haven't. I found someone who I want to choose and thanks to you that's messed up," I said.

"What are you talking about?" My father asked. "You didn't tell us you found someone."

"Simon said-" my mother started.

"Of course it was Simon. He just doesn't like who I chose," I insisted.

"It's not a problem. I can wait eight months," Russell said, leering at me.

"As I said before, I will not be marrying you, Mr. Johnson," I said through gritted teeth.

"Joyana, your attitude is uncalled for," my mother said. "Apologize right this minute."

"I will not," I said. "Everyone is allowed to choose their own partner, why can't I? Because Simon says so? This isn't right."

"You sound like a child," my mother said.
"And what is that on your neck? A tattoo? This place has completely changed you

"That's it. I'm done with this conversation," I said.

Simon smirk and I slapped him as hard as I could.

"Joyana!" My mother shouted. " What has gotten into you? You're embarrassing yourself."

"I am two steps away from abdicating," I said. "Do not test me."

"I think we all need to calm down," my father said. "It's been a long journey. I, for one, could use some rest. We can discuss this in the morning with cooler heads."

"I'm not changing my mind, Dad," I said.

"Go get some sleep," he said.

My dad took out his phone and dialed a number. "We're going to need lodging for the night, and somewhere for a private discussion. Okay. Yes. Will we see you in the morning? That's a shame. Alright. Talk to you later.

"Alpha Viktor said he is out for the night. He said that you could show us to our rooms, Mr. Johnson in your old room and us in a room on the fifth floor," he said.

"I will show you, your highness," Simon said. "If you'll follow me."

Russell looked me up and down as he walked past. I was disgusted with the look he gave me. As if I were ice cream on a summer's day. Where could Viktor be?

Tessa, is there any way I can force the link?

I'm sorry Joyana, there is not.

I could feel tears pooling in my eyes. I pulled out my cell phone and tried calling his number. No answer. I went to find the liquor cabinet behind the bar in the rec room if there were a time to drink, this was it.

I took a bottle of vodka to my room drinking it straight from the bottle it was disgusting but it got the job done. When I started to feel good and before the room started spinning, I got in bed and went to sleep.

That night I dreamed of record players and old timey movies

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