Sweet pursuit.

PROLOGUE






LIGHTINING GLISTENED across the sky shortly followed by the loud clap of thunder that reverberated in the distance. The angry grey clouds had finally opened up and released the downpour that I had been eagerly waiting for.
With newfound determination, I moved to the open balcony not caring about the heavy rain that struck against my skin. The smell of wet earth had started to become my favorite these days and I didn't know why but there was a strange tranquility in it that melted my soul.
The night sky was void of stars because of the rain. Right ahead of me was the vast land my father owned. He was so proud of the wealth we acquired. He gloats and flaunts too much and now many people hate us. We have enemies everywhere and because of it, I can't go to college any longer. I'm stuck in my room.
"Beverly?" my mother's high-pitched voice echoed from behind my bedroom door. I knew she was going to grow mad if she ever saw me standing there so I ran inside and shut the balcony doors quickly while pulling a blue towel from the corner.
The loud click-clacking of her heels resonated in the hallways and I braced myself for what she had to say. I never had a close relationship with my mother because she was strict and straightforward. She said she had been preparing me for the future. My father was so kind to me that even in the afterlife I would pick him over and over again.
The door to my room was slammed open and my mother in her beautiful glory stood there with an elegant sequin dress. Her high cheekbones were dusted with some blush and her long Auburn hair was fixed into an elegant bun. Her dark brown eyes landed on my figure with a frown on her heart-shaped face.
"Why are you wet young woman?" her steel voice cut through the air and I stood ramrod straight just staring at her. She had a very intimidating aura that made me crumble whenever I was around her.
I froze when she walked over to me. Her hands landed on my shoulders and I stiffened as I stared down at my baby blue painted toes. Her slim fingers curled under my chin as she lifted my head to meet her piercing gaze.
"Relax, Beverly. You're not talking to a monster. I am your mother. You shouldn't act like I'm going to hit you every time" Hurt flashed across her eyes before it disappeared. I've always known my mother as a woman of steel. She was a strong woman and I have never seen her falter. She was a woman of valor and her presence was too uptight and you couldn't blame me because she never gave me freedom to be close to her.
I stifly nodded to her and she took a step back away from me.
"Now go change those clothes and come downstairs. Your father and I want to talk to you" Her straight face never gave away a thing and just like that she walked out of my room with her electrifying presence still fizzling around me.
Descending from the spiraling stairs, Josh, our butler directed me to the living room where my parents were seated on a two-seater sofa, and across them sat an unfamiliar man dressed in a grey three-piece suit. He had a well-trimmed beard and a good haircut. I would pin him in his early fifties and I must say he's a handsome man-
"Take a seat Bevvy" my father pointed at the sofa the unfamiliar man sat on and I made my way to it wondering why we were gathered here that night.
My father cleared his throat and looked at me with the same blue-gray eyes we shared.
"Bevvy, meet Sebastian Alconte. He is a very good friend of mine" he introduced and I looked over to Sebastian who had a straight business face on.
"Good evening to you Mr. Sebastian" I greeted with a warm smile and he returned it
"Just Seb," his smooth voice said and I nodded while looking away waiting for my father to tell me why a good-looking man was sitting next to me in our house.
"Honey, you know the problems we're facing right now, right?" he leaned forward and spoke with the voice I always admired.
"Yes Dad"
"Well, that's why Sebastian is here" he continued but before he could utter another word, my mother rolled her eyes and held her hand up.
"Because of your father's bad habits, we're sending you away to the north to live with Sebastian" In her straightforwardness, she broke the news and I creased my brows in confusion. I did not want to go that far away from my family. I knew that people had been sending threatening letters to my family but I still didn't want to leave.
"I...don't think I want to leave, Dad" I voiced my opinion in worry. I loved them and I felt like if I left something bad might happen
"We're not asking for your opinion, Beverly. It's a command" my mother snapped
"You know the situation we're in and we don't want to risk it any longer. Your safety first and the rest can come later" She stood and sauntered over to the window.
I looked down at my white palms in wonderment.
"I hope you understand, Bevvy" my father tried to coax but I didn't want to look up
"Your things have already been packed in Sebastian's car. You're leaving now" My mother was stern about this and she didn't bat an eye.
I knew I had no say and I couldn't fight against them. If the situation was dire, the best I could do was ease the stress they were both in now.
"Okay," I quietly said still looking down at my palms.
Josh came running into the living room with sweat trickling down his forehead.
"Master, they are here" he stared at my father in horror and my mother gasped loudly
"Shit!" Dad muttered under his breath and I stared at both of them in confusion. What was going on?
"Who is here?" I looked at Mom and Dad but none of them dared glance at me back
"Josh, instruct the guards to hold them down for a little while" Dad rushed and Josh didn't waste time running back out.
"Seb, you have to take her out now" My father walked over to a short cupboard at the corner and pulled out a pistol. I stood up while feeling the tension growing in the room by the second
"Dad, what's wrong?" I asked in worry but all he did was walk over to me and kiss my temple
"I love you Bevvy but you have to leave with Seb now. I'll call you when all this is over" that was all he said before going out of the drawing room.
I looked at my mother who had a grim look dressing her face. She walked over to the tall bookshelf and pushed some books and before we knew it, a secret door opened up leaving me in shock.
"Sebastian you know this route don't you?" she asked with uncertainty while eyeing Seb.
"Of course I do Caitlin" he reassured her.
Mom gestured with her hands for us to enter into the dark tunnel. Seb got in first but I hesitated. I stopped and hugged my mother with everything I had. She stiffened under my touch but after a while, I felt her arms wrap around me.
"I love you, Mom" A tear slipped down my cheek for the fear that they may not be safe.
"You should go now Beverly" She pulled away and I wiped my face while giving her one last look.
The shelf closed after me and I ran down to Seb who was waiting with a flashlight in hand. Calming my heaving chest and reassuring myself that everything was okay, loud gunshots were fired and I froze in the darkness.
It was obvious that the shots were fired in the drawing room.
MOM!!
What if...what if...mom was shot? I trembled with fear at the possible realization.
"We have to move Beverly," Seb said but my mind won't work.
"C'mon Beverly they will be alright," he said while holding my arm but I was stuck to the ground only regaining my consciousness when the shelf door opened.
"Fuck!" Seb hissed and pulled me down the narrow path. Tears leaked down my face in fear. We had to run. We had to save our lives. We were in danger.