I tried not to show my surprise. “How did you find out?”

            “I saw William pull you to one side yesterday evening and I’m guessing by the way your sitting that it’s the back this time.” she answered “someone has to do something about him.”

            “When you find someone who has the guts to stand up to him let me know.” I answered bitterly. I instantly felt bad about saying that to her. Considering that her own father had died doing exactly that. “I’m sorry Keri.”

            “Don’t apologise Alex. It’s not your fault. If I was strong enough I would have taken his place. As it stands he could easily beat me in a fight. It’s not the best way to become leader.”

            She poured out two coffees and carried them both into the study with me following behind. I locked the door after I entered and then removed my top.

            “Shit!” Keri gasped and I guessed that there was a huge bruise on my back “you sure it’s not broken?”

            “I don‘t think so, it hurts a lot but I think that’s just the bruising. anyway there is nothing I can do about that if there is. Our kind cannot go to the hospital it would be too risky. I’m going to my mother’s tonight so she will sort it out anyway.”

            “Your leaving her alone with him?” she asked

            “I don’t want to. But I don’t want her to see this either. Will you watch over her?”

            “I won’t take any of the damage but I will try to talk him out of It.” she responded “besides he acts completely different when she is around. Almost like a real father.”

            I nodded again and drank half the cup of coffee.

            “have you ever thought of moving out?” asked Keri suddenly

            “All the time. But with me here the rest of the clan is a little safer. I’m the only one who can divert his attention away from everyone else. Without me here William would have killed Tabatha for convincing Lyxis to climb up to the roof.”

            “True. But then I don’t think the rest of the clan would stay here either if not for you.”

            I wasn’t so sure about that but I nodded anyway and then winced as she rubbed the cold cream over my back. “Thanks” I said.

            I downed the rest of the coffee and then left the study. Time to find Lyxis and find out why she had been in the garden this morning.