Ruffle My Feathers (The Seven - Book 2) by Ciana Stone Page A

front of the window, staring through the glass.
    "Hey there, Nate. How're you doing today?" Nevaeh had learned not to address him as Dad. Every time she did, he got agitated.
    "Oh, hey … uh, sorry, do I know you?"
    "It's me, Nate. Nev. You remember? I was here a few days ago and we had ice-cream outside and played checkers?"
    "Pistachio. I like pistachio ice cream."
    "Yes. And maybe we can get some later. I want to introduce you to my friend, Elysia. Elysia this is Nate."
    Elysia walked around to stand in front of Nate. She leaned down so that her eyes were even with his. "It's such an honor to meet you Nate."
    He smiled uncertainly. "It is? Why?"
    "Why because you're you."
    He smiled again and offered his hand. Elysia took his hand in both of hers. Nate gasped and tried to pull his hand away but she was too strong. She pinned her gaze with his and started chanting words Nevaeh could not understand.
    Whatever the words were, they must have frightened her father. He went white as a sheet and started to shake. "Elysia, stop." Nevaeh tried to pry Elysia's hands off her father but her grip held fast.
    "Please. Elysia, stop."
    Elysia did not pause. She continued her chant. Nevaeh watched her father. His breath was fast. Too fast. And his body was shaking as if he were having a seizure. When his eyes rolled back in his head and he went limp, she threw herself on Elysia, knocking her back against the window.
    "What the hell are you doing to him? You're supposed to help him, not kill—"
    Her sentence ended abruptly at the sound of her father's voice. "Nevie?"
    Nevaeh whirled around. Her father gazed up at her. Her father. Not a man who'd lost his memory, but her dad.
    "Daddy?"
    "Nevie, honey, what have you done?"
    Nevaeh was stunned. She didn't know what to say or do. She looked up at Elysia to see her smiling. "Uh, would you mind if I had some time alone with my dad?"
    "Sure. I'll be outside. But, remember you don't have long."
    "I know. I'll meet you outside."
    The moment Elysia left the room, Nevaeh dropped down in a crouch in front of her father. "Dad?"
    "Nevie, oh honey, what did you do?"
    "I can't explain, Dad. I just – I just had to see you and talk to you. I need you Dad. Elysia brought you back and she said she could do it permanently. I need you Dad. I need you."
    "Nevie." He leaned over and gathered her in his arms. "I love you, honey. More than anything. You have to listen to me, honey and do as I say. Okay?"
    "Okay."
    She waited for him to speak again and when he did not, she pulled back. Her dad was gone. In his place was a man who looked uncomfortable and confused. She released him and stood. "Is there anything I can get for you Nate?"
    "No. No. I'll just sit here and watch the birds. Thanks young lady."
    Nevaeh nearly lost it. "You have a good day, Nate. I'll see you soon."
    "Yeah, soon."
    Nevaeh ran. From the room and through the facility and didn't stop until she was outside. Then she lost it. She sat down on the step and sobbed until her throat felt raw and there were no more tears left.
    She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up. Elysia sat on the step behind her. "You don't have to put yourself through this Nev. I can make him well. With help."
    "I…I don't…I…I have to think. I just need to think."
    "Take all the time you need. I'll drop you home and then check into a hotel."
    Nevaeh nodded and got to her feet as Elysia stood, then followed Elysia to the car. They climbed into the back seat and Nevaeh directed the driver to take them to Nevaeh's.
    Nevaeh was silent the entire drive. When they pulled up in front of her duplex, she opened the door. Elysia reached out and took her arm. "I'll come by in the morning and we'll talk."
    Nevaeh nodded and got out. She watched the car drive away and then turned toward the door of her duplex. It was then she realized she didn't have a key.
     
    *****
    Gabriel stood staring at the still figure of the man in the chair. Nevaeh's father stared blankly at the