Hidden Joy

Six

Zsadist had no idea what he was going to say. He didn't even know where to begin with Phoenix. At least with Nalla he learned as he went. Why hadn't he known? What was so hard to grasp? She was his. the paperwork showed it. The blood test told them. As he walked to her room holding onto Bella he was scared. He knew she seemed strong. Looked like him even. Could he talk to her? His own past was hard to deal with. What was hers like? Should he have Vishous look into it? Did he really want to know. He knocked on her door and Nalla answered it. He went in.
"Phoenix, our father, Zsadist. My mother Bella." Nalla introduced them.
"Pleasure." Bella said.
"Is all mine." Phoenix said.
Her long dark hair was in a pony tail over her shoulder. She was playing with it. She looked at him in shock. He had expected fear, but not shock.
"We came to see how you were settling in." he said softly.
"Very well. Nalla was about to take me to the gym so I can see where I can workout. Possibly even train." She said.
That shocked him, "Train? Oh no, I'll train you."
"I hear Darius is a good trainer, what's so wrong with him?" Phoenix challenged.
"It's just what if..."

The look on her father's face was one she hadn't expected. He had to be thinking about something he dreaded. What was it? Could he be thinking about her falling in love with Darius? He had to know there was an attraction there. She was not going to let him stop her. She had loved through too much, learned too much. She wasn't going to give that up. For years she went through he'll. Years she dealt with pain. The abuse and the neglect are things she remembers. Her dear friend Sage had befriended her years earlier and she adored her friend. She would get what she wanted.
" We need to go before they clear out. I want to introduce her to the staff." Nalla said as she pulled Phoenix behind her. " What was that about? The air changed and you suddenly looked sad."
"Maybe one day I'll explain." She answered.
She followed her new found sister through the house. Down into the underground tunnels that led to the hospital and the training center. Through the double doors she saw Darius walking around. He seemed to be monitoring something. Someone shoved him and he fell. She watched as he sprung into action and attacked the person. Without thinking she pushed Darius back and pinned the other guy to the ground.
"Wait! Phoenix, we were kidding around." Darius said as he pulled her off the man.
"Kidding around? You were after his throat. He was after yours." She said.
"Ooh protective. Send some my way would ya?" The other guy said.
A growl sounded and a smell of dark rich spices filled the air. She felt calmed by it. Even felt attracted to it. It seemed to be coming from Darius. His eyes were glued to her and she felt a blush coming on. What was all that about?
"Oh my god. No freaking way!" said Nalla, " Darius, you've bonded with her? Haven't you?"
"Oh no he better not have. That smell is not what I think it is. Is it?" Her father walked in. "Girls leave. Darius and I need some one on one time."
"Let's get one thing straight. I do not want or need your protection from the suit of a man. I have every right to be happy. For once in my life I deserve to be happy. I expect you to accept that." She said.
" No I won't allow this..."
"Who are you to allow anything? You were not in my life for twenty five years, despite my trying to find you. Where were you when I needed you? Where were you when I was hurt? What gives you the right to think you can come in here and tell me I am not allowed to be with Darius? I am twenty five years old. An adult even. If I decide to be with him. There is not a damn thing you can do about ir?" She said.
The room was silent as she stared at her father. She hadn't meant to go off like that. Hadn't meant to say what she did but it slipped out.
"I... Phoenix, I want to make that up to you." he said softly.
"Well it's way too late for that." She said, "I don't want lost time."

**********
Ah ha what a chapter? I loved this one. It shows so much into how Phoenix grew up. Can't wait to write next chapter. Had to share early!!

As always you know what to do!