Frost Legacy: The Inheritance

Chapter 1

"You won't tell me what type of changes you're even talking about, Uncle Kalen." I shook my head failing to understand his logic as even more miles grew between me and Texas. We didn't have to return to Texas. I just didn't want to go back to Serenade Falls. "Give me some more information on this and I'll understand your decision? I can turn into a wolf. What is more life-changing than that? Shouldn't I have a say in what is best for me? Is this because I can't remember "that night"?" I desperately tried to change his mind before he smelled the fear and guilt that surrounded me. I wondered if tears would sway his decision.

"Kitra, I'd never move us just because you can't remember. Maybe one day your memory will return, who knows? Right now, let's forget about that. It'll come back when it does." His voice grew distant. My guilt swelled higher than any skyscraper. He didn't deserve any of the manipulations I was planning. Previously he had told me that I wasn't trying hard enough to regain my memory and I agreed completely with him. I was afraid of what would be revealed. "But have I ever steered you wrong or made a decision that wasn't in your best interest?" I knew he hadn't and now I felt guilty about making his normally smooth brow wrinkled in frustration. I knew I had hurt his feelings.

"No," I answered after a full minute. He had always put me first. It was for this reason that Aunt Mauve always agreed with him. Why couldn't I do this one thing for him?

For a long time, I couldn't think about my parents without spiraling down a dark hole in my consciousness. How could he be so sure that I'd be happy and at peace in the place where this all started? This move could potentially undo me. Living in our old home and resuming relationships with the Greys might tear open the scars which now covered my heart and I wasn't sure how I would handle it. Is that what he and Aunt Mauve wanted? What if the memory was too much for me? Too much for them? I just hoped that if the old wounds opened they'd finally heal.

We rode quietly for some time eating away at the miles separating me from the past that I wasn't sure I ever wanted to remember. I was lost in my thoughts about the possibility of my emotional destruction. My wolf stiffened at the certain doom sure to find us.

My need for an explanation ballooned and I pointedly stared at my uncle until he continued. His sharp jaw-line was clenched like it usually did when he weighed the options of a decision. Everyone thought he was my father because of the similar coloring of our pale complexions, chestnut colored hair, and emerald green eyes. However, there were subtle differences, if you paid close attention.

His nose was what he called the "Frost" nose, very Roman and distinct, that leads to a thin upper lip sitting on a full bottom one. My nose, however, was soft, small and delicate. My eyebrows were fuller and arched. They resembled what many women only achieved with cosmetics. My lips were full with a perfect cupid's bow, identical to Aunt Mauve's lips. I was also very tiny in stature; my uncle's bulk of muscles towered over my slim, five-foot-two frame.

Sighing, he glanced over at me and nodded once. He had made his decision.

"Kitra, give us one month with the Greys." I started to protest, but he just ignored me and continued. "If after one month you don't agree with me and won't stay on your own accord, we'll all return to Texas or go somewhere else. Until then, I'll answer your questions when I see fit. Deal?"

Sitting back I contemplated his offer, I smirked. This was too easy. I would just mope around and complain for a month; throw in a few tears here and there. This would drive Aunt Mauve insane who in turn would complain constantly to Uncle Kalen and then we'd go home to Texas. I knew it was petty and I was acting like a child, but I loathed the idea of living in Serenade Falls. He'd already lost this war.

"Deal," I agreed with a smug grin. He didn't know what he was in for.

********************************************