Mark of the Dagger (The Marked Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

mind that he just couldn’t grasp, something that’s been bothering him since Dani received her Dagger.  But for the life of him he couldn’t figure it out and it was driving him insane.
    She was in pain and there was nothing he could do about it, and he hated it. He could tell her to just quit if she wanted. He wouldn't think any less of her. But she would never do it and truth be told it would disappoint him if she gave in. She was a DuPont, strong both mentally and physically, and he would do anything he can to help her succeed.
    As the only person she had here he felt the need to talk to her about what the other kids have been saying.  One way or another he was going to get her to talk about this because the last thing she needed was keeping it bottled up inside her until she exploded.  Unfortunately, there has never been a more stubborn person on this planet, a trait she got from her dad Jake, so he knew the task of getting her to talk would be difficult.  He would make her listen at lease, even if he had to hold her down to do it.  With that thought he set his shoulders and headed for battle.
    "Hey kiddo, looking good out there," he called when he was close. He saw that her cheeks were wet and her eyes were red and puffy. "Take a break. You've been working hard this week.” He handed her one of the coffees. The small smile she gave him broke his heart. He saw the fight to be strong waging inside her and gave her a minute to compose herself while he watched the struggle it took for her to square her shoulders, and look like her normal self. She was more upset than he thought, and he hated himself for not seeing it sooner.
    "You are up early," Dani said in the brightest voice she could and it took all Joe had not to laugh at her attempt.  He wasn’t the only horrible liar in the family.
    "Had some business.” He shrugged, “want to take a walk?''
    "Sure." They headed to the North Trail that led into the woods parallel to the entrance.
    They were quiet for some time as Dani was lost in her own thoughts and Joe didn’t quite know how to broach the subject they needed to discuss.  Talking about feelings was never something that came to him easily but he decided that being outright was probably the best thing for her.
    "Dani..." he started. “I know things have been a little tough-"
    "I'm fine Uncle Joe," she said firmly.
    “I know it sweetheart, but listen to me for sec ok?  You may be fine but you are not ok.  There is a big difference.  I haven’t seen you cry this much since your dad died, Dani.  It hurts this old man’s soul to witness.  Talk to me, let me help you work through what you’re feeling so you don’t keep anything bottled up inside you.  It’s best to get it all out now anyway instead of waiting for something to set you off later, with your temper who knows what would happen.”  He tried pulled a smile from her with his joke but it fell flat.
    Dani's eyes filled and he could tell that she was debating with herself and he finally got it. "Dani, Damn it,” he said in exasperation. "Do you think that I would think less of you for wanting to talk about it? Do you think that full-blooded hunters don't have emotions or feelings that can get hurt? We all do. I've been watching you this week and I've seen how strong you have been.  No, that isn’t right.  I’ve seen how strong you are.  You have walked around with your head held high despite everything and I am incredibly proud of you. But there comes a time when you have to stop shouldering it all and talk to someone, to trust someone and Dani I thought you knew that you could always trust me."  Joe thumped his chest to emphasize his point.
    "I do trust you. I do, it's just..." she said and threw her hands in the air helplessly. "I didn't want you to think I couldn't handle this life. I didn't want you to start agreeing with everyone else."
    "I don't, and I can't believe you would think that. That is the only thing that