Ascending Darkness (Shattering the Darkness) Read Online Free PDF Page B

night that he works, and I am actually moved that he cares about me enough to make a threat on my behalf. I feel the- now all too familiar- stinging behind my eyes and work at pushing it back.
    I interrupt Mark, “He didn’t do anything, Mark. Calm down. Everything is fine. I promise.”
    Wow, biggest lie ever .
    “We don’t believe you and we are still keeping an eye on you ,” Rory says.
    “Okay, keep an eye on me then ,” I let a small smile curve my lips as I look between the three of them standing across from my desk with arms crossed and looking rather unhappy.
    “All right. We’ll see you Saturday at The W ,” Kole says as they turn to head out the door.
    “How did you know about that?” I ask before they make it out into the hall.
    “Your friend, Avery, came by and invited all of us,” Mark answers.
    “Oh … Okay, I’ll see you guys there.” Avery has been rather busy.
    “See ya.” They each say and walk out.
     
    *****
     
    On Thursday, Kara Sullivan, Nikko’s girlfriend, comes in and takes a seat at the bar in the late afternoon.
    Kara is a journalist for Leaders International Magazine and is a really sweet woman. Nikko and Kara have made several stops in the evenings when they know I’m alone. We usually sit and just talk about our days. Nikko never brings up Breccan when Kara is around.
    Thank God for small mercie s .
    They’re always so happy and ‘ coupley’ and it makes me a bit sick. Always touching and kissing, not that I could really blame them. Nikko is a good looking guy and Kara’s red hair and beautiful brown eyes make her a knockout. I know I shouldn’t be jealous, but I’m crabby and can’t help it. I never let it show to them that I’m bothered. They shouldn’t be miserable just because I am.
    That afternoon I assumed she was there to see Nikko, who was out running errands at that time. I walked up to her and told her he was out.
    “Oh, that’s okay,” she replies with a genuine and warm smile.
    “Can I get you something to drink?” I ask.
    “Um, how about a water?” I pour her water and set it down in front of her. “So how are things going?” she asks.
    “Fine. Business is good, which is nice ,” I answer.
    “Well, I was wondering… Saturday is your birthday party…” Kara trails off and she looks uncomfortable.
    “Yes. Brynn and Avery are planning a party. Are you coming?”
    “Oh, yes. Of course. I wouldn’t miss it ,” she smiles brightly.
    “What is it you want to ask, Kara?” I pull my lips up slightly into a friendly smile , knowing she is feels a bit uncomfortable asking me for something.
    “I know you have so much already, but I really want to get you something and I always hate asking people because they never really answer. I just feel like you need something great ,” she says rushing the words together.
    I can’t help but laugh at her nervousness, but she does make sense. I would have just told her nothing, but now I’ll have to think of something.
    “Hmm… I’m not sure. Let me think on it for a bit. Okay?”
    “Sure. I’ll just wait here.”
    I go about work and before long I have a great idea of something that should be an easy gift for Kara to get me. I walk over to her and sit on the seat next to her. “I’ve got an idea.”
    She turns toward me in her seat. “Okay.”
    “I have some pictures of Nikko, Brynn, Avery and I and I’m not very crafty and I remember Nikko saying that you are and I was wondering if you could maybe do some kind of collage with them?”
    “Oh my gosh! That’s a great idea! I would love to!” she squeals and wraps her arms around me.
    I can’t help it, I let out a giggle at her exuberance. It’s the first time I’ve laughed since Breccan and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Kara leans back and gives me a huge Trademark Kara Smile.
    I realize at that moment what I have put everyone through with my miserable attitude. She barely knows me, yet she has been so worried. I feel sadness wash over me