Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

?Right around the time you were born, the Houses were going

through a period of intense fighting that was thought to be the final

confrontation. There were a lot of deaths,? Castor said, looking

down at his hands.

Helen turned her back on Castor and Cassandra and tried to

breathe her way through the tears, but still it took a few moments

before she knew she wasn?t going to start sobbing. She didn?t even

know why she was so upset. She?d always thought she hated her

mother.

?Helen, we understand that you might need some time before we

continue. We still have a lot more to talk about, but we?re not going

anywhere and we can finish this conversation when you?re ready.

In the meantime, please know that we really do want to help you,?

Castor said gently from somewhere on the other side of the room.

Helen heard them get up to leave, but she couldn?t bring herself

to say good-bye. After they?d left, she opened up the French doors

and went out onto the patio. The sight of the pristine beach and

rolling blue water blunted the sharper edges of her emotions and

before she knew it she was shuffling down the beach.

?Are you okay?? Lucas asked from behind her.

Helen just nodded, not surprised that he had appeared. They

both looked down the beach, watching a big, hairy dog jump in and

out of the surf with glee. After a moment Lucas moved and stood

beside her.

?I?m relieved,? Helen said. She turned her head to look at him.

?My whole life I thought my mother hated me so much that she

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didn?t even want me to know what she looked like.? A pained expression

darkened Lucas?s face, but Helen continued before he

could interrupt her. ?I?m not saying an ancient blood feud is a good