It's OK To Not Be Ok...Right?

64. It's My Life

"I want her to feel at home. Wanted. Safe and loved. I would do anything for your niece, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure she is safe." Draco said, not really knowing where his bravery was coming from. "I will always be around to help her." Tears began to streak Sloane's face as Draco finished his coffee and took her hand. He needed to make Kingsley understand. "Your niece means the absolute world to me. I will always have her back and support her decisions. I know you think she is being emotional, but I know Sloane. She is doing this to put your mind at ease and to finally stand on her own two feet. She is braver and more capable than anyone I've ever met. There is nothing she can't do if she puts her mind to it."

Draco looked to Sloane, who was blushing. Clearly embarrassed, but Draco meant every word he said.

"How will you support yourself?" Kingsley asked. He was trying desperately to come up with something to stop her leaving. This was not how he thought this morning was going to go. How had he gone from being concerned for his niece's safety to her moving away from home and not able to look at him. He had handled this whole situation badly. Saying things out of context and flying off the handle. He knew Joanna would tear him and new one when he got home. And he would deserve it.

"I already have a home," Sloane said. "Once I graduate, I will get a job and support myself the same way everyone else does. And my parents didn't exactly leave me penniless."

"That money is for your future."

"This is my future. And as I said, I will get a job. I won't spend my inheritance on parties or frivolous things. I am smart with money, and I have never asked you for a Knut. I worked in Nashville and saved every penny."

"But being responsible for yourself is a huge deal. Having to pay bills, cook, clean, and look after yourself. It's not easy."

"I know. I've been cooking and cleaning for years. And when Mum died, I took charge and kept the family going. I can do this."

"And if someone discovers your secret? How do you plan to keep yourself safe?" Kingsley snapped.

"Same way I did after dad and Sawyer were killed. I have only told those I trust with my life. I know I am safe."

"I can add extra security to her property once it's moved and ensure she is as safe as she can be," Draco said, trying to offer some solace. He knew he would do anything for Sloane, and gifting land to his love was a very small task in his eyes. He was the wealthiest man in England. This was spare change to him.

"She is safe with family!"

"Draco is family. My family. He is my soulmate. My partner." Sloane defended, and Draco's heart skipped a beat. He squeezed her hand.

"It's been a few weeks, Sloane. It's hardly even a relationship." Kingsley reminded her.

"But theirs is different," Joanna explained. "You know it, and so do I. They are meant to be. They were chosen for each other. That's the whole point of Ceangalanam. There will never be anyone else for either of them. And if I remember you told me you were going to marry me after our first date."

"But I was -"

"Younger than they are now. They are courting. They have an understanding. It's clear they love each other."

Sloane blushed. She and Draco had never actually discussed the "L" word. Thanks, auntie! But Sloane didn't even need to think about it. She loved Draco. She knew she did.

"Draco can not cope with her powers. They are dangerous. She needs to be with me so I can keep an eye on her and figure out what to do about her situation." Kingsley said, losing patience.