Punished by Samantha Stone

Author:Samantha Stone [Stone, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Published: 2015-03-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

What’s up? Leila signed.

She looked happy. A smile played at her mouth, and a secret glinted in her eye.

“First, tell me what’s up with you,” Mary said. One of her favorite scents wafted toward her; on the counter were two pieces of toast liberally spread with peanut butter. “Those had better be for me!” she exclaimed, grabbing the plate.

Raphael fixed it for you, Leila signed.

Mary sighed around a mouthful of toasted brioche. “This is why we like him,” she said. “Your day?” she prodded.

Leila hopped on the counter and swung her feet, her toes habitually pointed. One of my dance professors pulled me aside after class, she signed. Apparently Richard went to the arts counsel and asked them to rescind my scholarship. Mary’s heart sank, but Leila beamed. They told him no—they think I’m the best dancer for the award, and they’re renewing it for my senior year!

Mary put down her toast and pulled Leila into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she said. “Look how your hard work has paid off; dance companies are going to beg for you after you graduate.”

Another weight had been lifted. Mary had expected Richard to try and take away Leila’s scholarship, but she hadn’t known what to expect of the counsel, the ones who had the real power. She wanted to kiss each and every one of them. People can be good. Things really were looking up.

Even so, Leila had to move from the house. Mary already spoke with Wish, who agreed to let Leila stay at his home right near Tulane’s campus. He wouldn’t let any harm come to Leila or Molly. Mary had had no idea he was a professor—still didn’t understand how he taught, considering his undead status—but it was apparent he was very educated. Maybe someday I’ll finish my degree. First, she had to get her sister somewhere safe.

“I need you to go live with Wish for a while,” she said. “Please, trust me. The same people who hurt me before may attack here.”

Leila slammed her palms on the counter, causing the cabinets to shake. I can help, she signed. I’m not a child.

No, she wasn’t. Mary shook her head, putting her arm around her sister.

“You’re a student, and your studies have to come first.” She squeezed Leila’s shoulder. “The firehouse is going to be a distraction for a few days, not to mention dangerous. The semester ends in a few weeks anyway. Finish strong.”

You’ll come by and let me know how everything’s going, right?

“I’ll keep you updated on everything,” Mary promised. “As soon as you can, you’ll be back here.”

Leila nodded. Thank you, Mary, she signed, for everything.

Tears stung Mary’s eyes. Everything they’d gone through had been worth it. She’d made mistakes but the fact was her goal was being met. Leila would be okay. Better than okay. She’s going to live her dreams.

“Let me help you get your things together,” Mary said. Leila nodded, wiped away her own tear. They left the kitchen together, arms linked.

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