Machinations and Sacrifices by L. S. O'Dea

Author:L. S. O'Dea
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: dystopian, genetic engineering, fantasy, epic fantasy, young adult fantasy, monsters, human-animal hybrid, horror, science fiction, urban fantasy, mutants, ya, young adult science fiction
Publisher: L. S. O'Dea
Published: 2022-07-07T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 34: Jethro

Jethro’s carriage stopped in front of his mom’s house. He stared at Stella who sat across from him, hands folded in her lap. None of this was her fault, but for some reason he felt manipulated. He didn’t want her staying here. His mom would see this as a sign that he was serious about Stella.

“Are you sure this will be okay?” She glanced up at him. Her voice was quiet, as if afraid to ask the question.

His eyes landed on the bruise on her cheek. She had no one and nowhere to go. He smiled. “Yeah. It’ll be fine. My mom will love having you stay, and you and my sister will get along great.” He hesitated. “Uhm...I should’ve told you that her mate is a Guard. If that bothers you, I can see about finding a room to rent for you.” If Conguise was right, she might not be safe, but she should be fine for one night. He could figure out something else tomorrow.

“It doesn’t bother me.” The words seemed forced and knowing her grandfather and father’s predilection for the other classes he understood.

“Jackson and my sister are both adults and both consenting.”

She flushed slightly. “Of course. I never—”

“I know you didn’t.” He took her hand. “I just wanted you to know.”

She nodded, staring down at their clasped hands.

He dropped his hold and opened the carriage door. “Shall we?” He jumped out, offering his hand to help her.

She climbed out of the carriage and stared up at him, her blue eyes filled with gratitude. “I-I...Thank you.”

He nodded, feeling even more like a Grunt’s ass for scheming to get rid of her, but she’d be happy with Hugh, and he’d be happy with Trinity. He headed for the house. He should go inside first and warn everyone, but he wasn’t going to ask her to stand outside alone. He opened the door and walked inside, Stella behind him.

Jackson sat on the couch next to Jethro’s mom. Kim came out of the back room followed by Tee who shot him a quick friendly smile. He winked at the young Servant and her smile widened. At least he’d done something right. She was happy living with his mom and sister.

They all stared at him, the expressions on their faces ranging from curious to confused. He glanced at Stella who stood with her head bowed.

“Jethro?” His mother looked at Kim, but his sister only shrugged.

“She was attacked.” The best way to get his mom and Kim on his side was to play to their sympathy. He placed his finger under Stella’s chin and raised her face to the light. The bruise was darker now, a sharp contrast to her pale skin. It looked perfect.

“Oh my! You poor thing.” Kim hurried over to Stella, taking her hand and leading her to the couch.

Jackson stood, giving Stella his place on the sofa.

“What happened?” Mom examined Stella’s face. “Who did this to her?”

“Servants.” He stayed by the door. “They broke into her house looking for something and then kidnapped her.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.