Hunter

New life

Hunter

Mason gave me space to get my bearings. I wandered around the house, trying to figure out where everything was.

Luciana found me in the hallway. "You seem lost."

"I'm not used to a massive house."

Luciana smiled. "It takes a while, but it will become second nature to you." She patted my forearm. "Mason allows family access to the entire house."

"I'm not family."

"Not yet. But you will be." Luciana raised her finger. "Come. I will give you a tour."

I nodded and followed Luciana while she showed me around the house and explained each room. We reached a room that looked like an office.

"This is Mason's office. Sometimes, he has meetings here."

"What kind of meetings?"

"Business meetings. Mason oversees his family business."

"I didn't think a family business needed men with guns." I arched my brow.

"Mason prefers extra security. Come. We'll have tea." Luciana waved me to follow her.

So, I did.

We walked into the kitchen. I took a seat at the kitchen table while Luciana made tea. I didn't know why I was here. I have nothing to offer Mason and Luciana.

The kettle whistled, alerting them water was ready. Luciana poured the boiling water over the tea bags, then brought the cups to the table. She sat down and joined me.

"So, tell me about yourself, Hunter." Luciana blew on her tea before taking a sip.

"There's not much to tell." I shrugged.

"Let's start with your age."

"I'm thirteen."

"What grade are you in?"

"Eighth."

"Where's your mother?"

"I don't know. My mother was a whore, according to my father."

Luciana arched her brow.

"Sorry."

"I'll excuse your language once since you referred." Luciana raised her finger.

"You don't like swearing, do you?"

"A gentleman shouldn't use foul language. It's how my parents raised me."

"Is that why Mason yelled at me when I tried to leave the table?"

Luciana smiled. "It's a sign of respect."

I knitted my brow together and squinted my eyes. I didn't grow up in a home with respect. I endured beating and names. It's not like my home reflected a Rockefeller painting. It's more like a bomb exploding with you taking cover.

"Why am I here?" I questioned.

"I told Mason to bring you here."

"Why? You don't know me."

"You need help."

"I can survive on my own. I've done it for years."

"You shouldn't have to survive on your own. You're a child. Children should have someone who loves and protects them."

"No one loves me. I was a mistake."

Luciana gave me a concerned look, then leaned forward. "Then we'll change your outlook."