Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

359. Olivia - 'Surprise' II

I

Ansel and Mose enter the house carrying three large pizza boxes and put them on the dining table, next to the potato salad Jasper and I made. Tyson made crispy onion rings. "I thought you were making burgers?" I ask, confused, while I finish setting the table. Mose puts on an apologetic face while Ansel shrugs. "Change of plans."

Rueben puts a six-pack of root beer on the table. "I bet..." From the couch, Tyson and Jasper watch him intensely. Rueben's eyes narrow to slits. "I'm sure Mose burned them."

give Mose a peck on the lips. "He's doing the best he can. After all, cooking is not that easy, especially since he has little to no experience."

Rueben rolls his eyes at me. "He's Mose's demon, for fuck's sake. He should know how to make simple dishes but he can't even fry some eggs without burning the kitchen."

I press my lips together, not wanting to laugh with Mose present. Rueben is not wrong, but he shouldn't be so direct. "You should be more considerate of your elders," I say, and everyone gives me strange looks. Well, Mose's demon is older than dirt. He must have seen the Big Bang and the formation of our universe."

Jasper can't help himself and says, "His fart was the Big Bang."

"Shit. Don't give him beans! Who knows what will happen if he farts again," Tyson continues the joke.

fun and burps. "Boom!" he says before wrapping his arms around my waist and spinning

me dizzy!"

"Love." He still hates talking more than a few words at a time, but I don't need long conversations to understand him. Or to care deeply

know when I stopped wanting to die or when I started living again. My heart is not fully healed; it will never be, but each day is better than the other. I never once dreamed of a life

time, I was scared that my father and Jason would take away from me everything that I love. It has been like this all my life. Each time I would receive something from my grandparents, Jason and my father would quickly snach it away, especially if it was money. This is why Grandpa Jon set a trust fund for me. At school, Jason would try to isolate me from other students. I had a hard time making friends, especially in middle school. It all changed when I met Camila. She never let Jason bully her. Maybe this is what

out there, those who I love are in danger. These days, I keep the dangers and a firearm nearby. Tyson and Rueben are positive that no one will find our new house, but Ansel and Mose's constant vigilance has me on edge. Jasper is

I whisper. It's all I can say for now. One day, when all the threats have been eliminated,

is no more. It was immature and most of the time, impatient, as there had been moments when I wanted to be with him in ways I was yet not ready. It's better this way, as back then, I was still living in my own world, thinking that once I finish high school, Tyson would take me away on a white horse or some shit like that. He was the first man who respected me and told me to love myself more than I loved him. That's something I was

are much stronger than the ones from six years ago. I am not

Mose and me. Ansel steps behind me and kisses my neck. "How about we eat and then

shoulder, I ask, "What kind

sinister grin appears on Ansel's face. "I

surprises?" My attempts to make Ansel speak

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