"Doubt it. I mean, if it was to be then he would have been here when the time came. It's long come to pa.s.s and still, no male has knocked on your door. Next door, Julie's fifteen and he is literately waiting in the shadows for her to be old enough so he can court her, then there is good old me. I don't see anyone lurking in the shadows hoping for my hand, do you?"

"Not in the shadows, in plain sight is much more appropriated." Aunt Selene added flas.h.i.+ng me a sly smiled. "You'll see how powerful we are."

That was new. Interesting, she was up to something big. I started to panic inside but tried to act calm and cool.

"Interesting, is there something you want to tell me."

I will myself to sit still, trying to control my temper.

"Now dear we trust you and you've proven capable but things can become complicated. I mean Diana just tried to sell a small hand mirror." Aunt Belladonna intervenes.

"I know I'm smarter than that, I use Beth for trade and the internet. I don't go out looking for trouble. Don't even start on security, she lives in a flat and I live in a big strong vault."

All three of them glare at me. They never liked it when I remind them I didn't live at the manor anymore. The worst dispute had happened when the time came to leave the nest and fly. My aunts insisted that I should continue to live with them and do my courses online.

So I had fought long and hard to follow my dream. Not that it was easy. Things were hard for a while because for the first time I had to take care of myself. I had no choice but to succeed. It was the whole sink or swim situation and I made it barely but I did. I was happy knowing that if I had to stay at home it would have been different. My aunts just wanted what was best for me and to them, it was for me to reach my full potential. Sadly it wasn't what I wanted. So after a long talk, they let me go because they love me but not without conditions.

The deal was I had to find a secure place to live, enough food to keep me well nutria and money to put myself to cla.s.s. I was to stay home until all the conditions were met.

"Your mother helped." Aunt Morgan added never letting me forget.

A little fact I like to forget. In an act of desperation, I called my mother for help. This time the old girl and her old husband came through for me. But not without cost. Years later, the devil appeared to collect and the price was steep, so steep that this time he'll be paying me. And then thanking me for letting him help me.

"I called for it and she's my mother."

"Please, she paid for it and kind of bought you love." Aunt Belladonna added she never been subtle.