Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

his rescue, but they were gaping at him with the same

look of horror and disgust. "You can't hate me. I can't

live through all that again, Annie. Please, forgive me.

I didn't mean . . ."

"Didn't mean? Didn't mean what? To get my

grandmother pregnant? So that's why she left Farthy

and her mother. You drove her away, just as you

drove Mommy away and just as you have driven me

away." My words pounded like nails into a coffin, He

turned white and shook his head. "You wanted to

possess me like. . . like that portrait of Mommy on the

wail," I said, nodding. "That's why you lied when you

told me you had called Luke. You never called him, never mailed the letter. You wanted to imprison me

here!"

"I only did what I did because I love you and

need you. Ybu are the true heir of Farthioggale and all

that goes with it. You belong here. I won't let you go,"

he yelled.

"Oh yes you will," Luke said, stepping between

us. My Luke, my gallant prince coming to my rescue,

fighting off the evil wizard of our fantasies. Fate had

made it all true.

Tony stopped his approach as Luke stared him

down.

"Let's get outta here, Luke honey," Aunt Fanny

said, and Luke took hold of my chair again, turning

me toward the door.

"Annie," Tony called, "please . . ."

Aunt Fanny opened the door and Luke pushed

me out.