Her Forbidden Mate

“Lizzy, Ian time for dinner,” their mother Delia Monroe announced as she happily placed three plates on the table. Lizzy ran into the room carrying her pooh teddy bear. Her long curly brown hair was placed in two ponytails following after her. “First,” Lizzy called as she happily sat in front of an empty plate. Her older brother Ian causally walked to the empty seat near the kitchen door, ignoring his sister’s antics. This race to the chair closest to their mother had been a game the two children had been playing ever since Lizzy turned 4. Ian would usually yield to her because she was his younger sister and he didn’t really care where he sat. That day was no different. Plus it was Lizzy's 8th birthday, so he figured there was no need to rush. “Yeah you win again,” He said, unenthusiastically. He then looked at his mother and said, “Mom, did you sign my permission slip? The field trip is next week and I don’t want to be the only fifth grader that didn’t get to go.” Delia only smiled as she placed a salad on the table, next to some mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. She then looked at her son and said, “Of course I did, the permission slip is in your book bag. Don’t forget to bring it with you tomorrow.” “Yes,” Ian said, as he happily grabbed some bread off the bread tray. The main course was chicken which was Lizzy’s favorite, but Ian always went for the bread first. Delia shook her head and then began issuing out the dinner. “Where are you going?” Lizzy asked. “Oh, to the Kennedy Space Station. I can’t wait,” Ian said, as he happily danced in his seat, just thinking about his upcoming field trip. Ever since Ian could remember, he wanted to be an astronaut. He loved everything space-related and even believed that aliens were real. “The Space Station? That sounds lame. I’d rather go to Disney World,” Lizzy said. She then shoved a fork full of mashed potatoes in her mouth. “We are going to Disney World tomorrow for your birthday, I don’t need to go again,” Ian said, matter-of-factly. “Why not? It’s the happiest place on earth?” Lizzy proclaimed. “Is it though?” Ian asked. Lizzy nodded, then declared, “Of course, what’s better than Disney?” “Lots of places. Plus, they don’t cost as much and you don’t have to stand in long lines just to get on a 30-second ride. The price for Disney is more than half the bills in this house,” Ian said, sounding like an aggrieved adult instead of the ten-year-old boy he was. Lizzy shook her head pitifully then said, “Someone must have really hurt you if you don’t understand the magic Disney brings.” “What are you talking about?” Ian asked, confused about where the conversation was going Delia laughed, shook her head, then said, “Ok children, that’s enough. Lizzy just because Ian doesn’t like Disney doesn’t mean that he has been hurt. And Ian you are too young to be worrying about bills. I am the parent you just be the child,” She then stroked Ian’s chin and said, “But thank you for looking out for me. Dig in then I will bring out the cake,” she ordered. For the next 20 minutes, the family of three sat talking and eating happily over their meal. When they were all finished, Delia stood up and walked into the kitchen, with Ian, while Lizzy played with her toy. A minute later the lights went out and Delia returned with a cake covered in eight candles in hand and Ian next to her smiling happily at his little sister. “Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Lizzy. Happy Birthday to you,” the mother and son sang in unison. “Make a wish,” Ian ordered as soon as their mother placed the cake in front of Lizzy. Lizzy quickly closed her eyes and clasped her hands together, she was just about to blow out the candles when they heard something shatter in the kitchen followed by the sound of a howling wolf. Terrified, Lizzy opened her eyes and hugged her mother. “Mommy, what’s that?” Lizzy asked as tears strung down her cheeks. Delia grabbed both her children’s hands and pulled them towards a door. She pushed them inside and then turned around looked at the children and said, “Stay here and stay hidden. I will check it out.” “But Mom?” Ian said, fighting back the tears that threatened his eyes. He wanted to be strong for his sister, so he made it a point not to cry. “No buts. Stay here. Protect your little sister.” Delia kissed both children on the head and then closed the door. As soon as the door closed the lights cut on and the room was filled with men. Both children watched through a tiny hole in the door as the men surrounded their mother. “Please don’t hurt me. I promise I will do whatever you want. If you need cash just take it,” Delia said, trying to remain calm, but her voice was trembling. She then moved to grab her purse but was slapped so hard that she fell to the ground. The man who slapped her was tall with broad shoulders and eyes so dark they looked black. He had an army-style cut with a goatee, was very handsome, and seemed to be the man in charge. “Please,” Delia cried. But the man didn’t listen. Instead, he tossed. Delia to his men and watched as they took turns beating her until her face was almost unrecognizable. Unable to watch anymore, Ian turned his sister towards him and whispered, “You stay here, I’m going to go help Mommy,” his eyes were full of unshed tears, and anger. Lizzy shook her head, “You can’t,” she cried. “Don’t worry. I will be back. I am just going to help mommy. If I don’t go she’ll die,” he informed her. “Stay here and be good.” He ordered. She nodded and watched as her brother quickly exited their hiding spot. Outside, Ian quickly ran towards the kitchen to grab the gun but was caught just as he went to reach for it. “Let me go,” Ian said before the entire room went dark and he passed out. The man who was in charge slowly walked over to Delia who was barely breathing and squatted down. He then lit a cigarette, stood up, and followed the men out of the house with Ian in tow. Before leaving, the man threw the lit cigarette at the house causing the place to catch on fire. Seeing the flames, a shaking Lizzy slowly made her way out of her hiding spot with her teddy bear in tow. When she reached her mom she dropped to her knees and grabbed her hand. “Mommy. Please get up?” She begged. Delia opened her swollen and bloodied eyes, then slowly brought her hand towards her crying daughter, biting back the pain the movement gave. She then gently touched Lizzy's face and said, “I love you. Don’t forget about me ok?” “Mommy please don’t die. Please don’t die, Mommy,” Lizzy cried, as the house burned down around her. Her mother touched Lizzy's forehead, smiled then closed her eyes and her hand dropped. Lizzy let out a loud hurdling cry and then passed out next to her mother.