Blood's Fury (Deadly Beauties 1)

Chapter One

"Maybe tomorrow we can find someone to take care of the rest of your furniture," my mother breathlessly releases, as we finish heaving my far too heavy couch into the living room.

"Or we could finish now since I have to start work tomorrow," I chirp with a grin.

I know she's not tired, but she's very opposed to doing things the human way. Too bad. That's what I plan to be for as long as I can.

"I could go persuade some of your hunky new neighbors to help us out," she says while flashing me a scandalous grin.

The candles in the house flicker before rising to a flame as the fire starts to spread over her eyes, making me scowl in response.

"No magic in my house," I caution while standing up and heading back out.

"It would be a hell of a lot easier to get your stuff in using magic," she huffs as the candles stop their blazing intent without leaving a smoky trail.

"Not concerned about getting it done easily," I chuckle out. "That's sort of the point of my new start."

She follows me to the oversized truck I rented, and we start lugging out the next set of furnishings.

"It's part of you, Alyssa. The sooner you start accepting it, the better. You're so pow-"

"Don't say it," I interrupt, holding a hand up. "If you say it, I'll finish unpacking by myself."

She crosses her arms in protest, but I roll my eyes as I head back into the house while carrying my two lamps. As soon as I walk in, a growl of agitation slips through my tight lips. All of my furniture, clothes, and everything else has been put into place. Even my pictures are hanging on the damn walls.

"Seriously?" I gripe, knowing damn well she's out there laughing.

She walks in, a smug look on her face, and I roll my eyes.

"What? You can't expect me to spend all day sweating and toiling over all this unnecessary labor when I'm not going to see my daughter for months."

Guilt. She always uses guilt. Amazing.

"Fine. I'll order a pizza, and you can grab some wine out of the grocery bags I have over-" I look up to see they've also been taken care of. "Never mind. You can find the wine wherever you put it."

She lets a bit of a chuckle escape and the television turns on as she passes by.

"Really? You're so lazy you can't even use the remote?"

"Not lazy, dear, just special… like you."

Oh you're special all right.

I somehow refrain from letting that snarky comment out.

"Get your hair out from behind your ears. You know I absolutely hate that."