Betrayal 2012 Read Free Page B

clan when I ascended to the leadership position that I wouldn’t let them down. Plus, I had a barrage of “counselors” and “advisors” at my beck and call so there was no way that any decision would be made alone.  At least not for a while.
    Kain had faced a similar distrust in his leadership status at first, too.  We were both so young and inexperienced in politics and life, that it seemed natural for our clan members to be leery.  It was natural, but it was also slightly disrespectful and very annoying.  And now that Lucian was in my backyard, directly threatening me, I had a feeling more and more merfolk would be interested in my affairs.
    Someone began shouting from the foyer and the remaining protectors rushed from their posts to provide assistance.  Marisol and I stood without saying a word to each other and listened.  It sounded like a man’s voice although it was a little high, no doubt due to the presence of the guards.  He was saying something about being invited and then finally yelled at them to check with me.
    Palmer led the group into the living room, his hand firmly grasping the back of a boy’s neck.  “Boy” probably wasn’t the right word, but that’s what he looked like.  His tiny frame and soft skin would forever let people underestimate his age.  I smiled at the way he glared at the protectors like he could take them all on and win.  In reality, he’d probably rather play fashion show and dress them all up in tight jeans and tiny tank tops.
    “Daniel!” I shouted while running towards my friend.  Palmer immediately stepped away and allowed me to throw my arms over my guest’s bony shoulders.  With only a little hesitation, Daniel returned my hug and gave me a big kiss on the lips.
    “Did you forget that I was coming?” he said sarcastically.  Actually, I had forgotten but I didn’t want to tell him that.  I didn’t want to upset him after being pushed around by my personal protectors.
    “No…well, not totally.  Something terrible just happened, so everyone’s a little on edge.”  Daniel already finished school, so he’d asked if he could spend a few weeks in sunny California with me.  I first met Daniel at the syrenka’s Cotillion earlier this year and we had become instant friends.  He was comfortably gay with an amazing personality and even better fashion sense.  I’d been nervous about that whole weekend but Daniel’s natural charm comforted me and we’ve been good friends ever since. 
    When Brendan almost died, Daniel came to Maryland to help. Along with the rest of us, he’d been captured and tortured in the process.  Even though it was ultimately my fault, Daniel never once blamed me and he didn’t seem to hold any type of grudge.  He also bonded with Brendan and I was tempted to see if he’d heard anything more recently than I had.  But now wasn’t the time so I made a mental note to check with him later.
    “What’s going on?” Daniel studied the serious faces and vast expanse of protectors now surrounding us.
    “Come on in and I’ll explain,” I wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him further into the living room.
    “My suitcases are on the porch,” he yelled back over his shoulder to Palmer.  My cousin rolled his eyes.  I had no doubt the suitcases would still be outside by the time we finished with our conversation.  Protectors did just that…protect.  They didn’t act as butlers.  Especially not Palmer.
    My sister left us alone and I filled Daniel in on the day’s events.  He asked about my life and how I was handling my new leadership role.  In no time at all, we were laughing about my training stories and his tales about nearly missing the prom.  It was a much needed distraction.
    About twenty minutes later, Kain returned and gave Daniel a quick hug.  They chatted about random topics until we couldn’t avoid the real issue any longer.
    “So, what did Andre have to say?” I asked Kain.
    “We’re going to