The Unholy Trinity

The Thortons

Joey’s POV

“Don't be nervous.” Marsden whispered.

“I can't help it.” I sighed. “I've never been interrogated by a boy’s mother before.”

“She's not going to interrogate you.”

“So what is she going to do?”

“I don't know.”

We entered their living room and there were two women. Both were stunning and had dark hair. The younger one had the same eyes as Marsden.

“Marsden.” Sabrine Thorton smiled, before hugging him. I could see her body relax upon seeing her son was okay. “Darling you look so thin.”

“Probably stress.” Marsden muttered. “Anyways, this is my amazing girlfriend, Joey Rosaria.”

“Rosaria?” His sister Brielle asked. “You guys meet in a group for Dark Vampiric Warlock kids?”

“They had great snacks.” I shrugged.

“I see why he likes you.”

“Brielle, why don’t you get your brother a snack while I talk to Joey?”

“Come Marsden. Mother is right, you look thin. Do they not feed you at Stormine?”

“Please, sit.” I did as I was told. “I’ll get straight to the point. How much do you know?”

“How much do you want me to know?” I questioned. 

Sabrine smiled slightly. “You’re a smart girl.”

“Thank you, I don't get that a lot.”

“Do you love my son?”

“More than I should. I would die for him.”

“That’s what I was afraid of.” She sighed. “This life that we’ve gotten Marsden into isn't a good one. I have made so many mistakes in regards to him, trying to serve some duty. And now my son is in the hands of the most dangerous man in the Witching Domain. Do you know about his task?”

I nodded. “Yes, he told me everything.”

“Why didn't you leave him?”

“That was my first instinct but then I looked into his eyes and I knew I wasn't going anywhere for the rest of my life. How do you let go of someone you love that much?”

“I find myself asking that question all of the time.” She whispered. “I love my husband so much but I'm worried all that has done is put myself and my children in danger. It's too late for me to leave. But it's not too late for you, Joey.”

“Actually it is.” I stated. “Your son is the best thing that's ever happened to me and I can't let him go. So if this is the life I have to lead in order to have him, I'll do it. I'll be by his side every step of the way.”

Sabrine smiled. “I don't know whether to be so ecstatic Marsden has found someone who truly loves him or to be so terrified for you.”

“Why not both?”

“Things will only become harder from here. I am giving you one last chance to back out of it. I know Marsden will understand even if it hurts him. But being with my son is dangerous. And it will be even worse when Count Killoran finds out. Are you prepared to suffer the consequences of being with Marsden?” 

“I am.” I said. “I have nothing without him. So if my life is in danger now that's okay. It's worth it if he's with me.”

Sabrine smiled and squeezed my hand. “Then you are now a part of this family. I will do what I can to protect you. It might not be much, but you have my word, Joey.” 

“Thank you Sabrine. I promise Marsden is safe with me. I love him.”

“I know. I can tell just by looking in your eyes. I am glad he’s found you.”

“That makes two of us.” I smiled.

“I also must warn you at some point you will see your father. He’s doing something very important right now, but he will be back. You need to have your feelings under control when that happens.”

“I will. I love Marsden more than I hate my father.”

“Good to know.”

“Well, we’ve stayed away long enough.” Brielle said entering the room once more with Marsden in tow. “So what do you pick dearie? Are you going to stay with Marsden or run?”

“I’m not running.” I said firmly. 

Brielle tackled me onto the couch. “Oh, yay I always wanted a sister!”

Marsden looked around at all of us. “Mother, did you tell her to break up with me?”

Zoey’s POV

“Tate, wha-what are you doing here?”

“I wanted to check on you. And apologize for what Raina did.”

I stepped outside and closed the door. “I’m fine.”

“Good.” He smiled. “And things with Zander?”

“Are over.” I looked at the floor. “I had to end things with him, considering I feel things for other people.”

“Other people?”

“Another person.”

“And this person is…”

“A total dick.” I grinned. 

“Sounds familiar.” Tate smiled, taking a step closer to me. “You’re beautiful, you know that Zoey.”

“Just shut up and kiss me.”

He quickly obliged. I sighed happily. Kissing him felt so right. He wrapped his arms around me tightly before pressing me against the door. I wonder if he felt what I felt and realized that there was so much going on between us.

He pulled away and pressed his forehead against mine. “I’ve never felt like that before.” He admitted. “When I kiss you, everything feels just like it’s supposed to be. Like you and I are meant to be together.”

“I feel it too.” I admitted. “I have since the beginning.”

“I’m sorry. I should have broken up with Raina the moment I fell for you. I was awful to you. But I swear I will treat you so much better as my girlfriend. You can trust me, Zoey.”

“I do. But if you start acting like a d**k for a second, you’re gonna regret it Tate. I’m not going to let you get away with anything like that.”

Tate grinned. “You got it babe. So you’ll be my girlfriend?”

“I will be.” I kissed him again.

“You sure move on fast.” We broke apart and saw Joey and Marsden approaching the door.

“How did the interrogation from Mrs. Thorton go?” I questioned. 

“Better than I thought it would. She really likes me.” Joey smiled. 

“That’s good.”

“Hello Tate. I see you’re kissing my sister again. Isn’t it so much nicer when you don’t have a girlfriend?”

“Yeah, I suppose so.” Tate replied. “So you met Mommy Thorton. You two are getting serious.”

“We sure are Highmore. Get used it.” Marsden said. “Come on Joey, let's go make love.”

“Ew.” I said. 

“Don’t be jealous, Zoey,” Joey teased me as they walked by. “Marsden has a high s*x drive. Maybe you’ll get lucky and Tate will too. Catch you later. Don’t forget to mind your own business.”

They went inside and closed the door.

Tate groaned. “She really hates me, huh?”

“Yeah…she really does.”

Chloey’s POV

I was so disappointed in Zoey.

Tate treated her like utter dirt and now she was dating him? She had given up a great relationship with Zander for him. Usually she was so good about making decisions, but this was by far her worst one. 

I glared as Tate came in the living room, behind Zoey. No one else seemed particularly happy that he was here either, especially Joey.

“Hey guys,” Tate waved at us. 

“Hey,” We responded dully.

Mom walked and looked surprised to see Tate. “Oh, hello. You’re here again.”

Zoey winced. “I totally forgot to tell you mom um…Tate and I are dating now.”

“Well, that was quick!”

“Well, life is short right?”

“Apparently,” Mom stated. “Marsden, I heard Joey met your mother the other day, I expect things went well.”

“Went perfectly,” Marsden smiled. “Mother adores Joey and my sister is crazy about her.”

I could see Zoey frown. She was angry that Mom really liked Marsden. 

“What can I say? I make good first impressions,” Joey smiled. 

“That’s wonderful. You let your mother know if she needs anything, she can let me know.” Mom grinned.

“Like what?” Zoey asked before she could stop herself. “Visitations to see her husband in prison?”

“Zoey!” I exclaimed. “What’s wrong with you? Did you get another hate curse?”

“Um…excuse me,” Marsden got up and walked out. 

“Real nice, Zoey,” Joey spat before running after him. 

“I didn’t mean to say that, I’m sorry.” She whispered. 

“Can I talk to you Zo?” I questioned. 

“Yeah, okay,”

We went to the kitchen. I wasn’t sure why since this is where awkward and bad things occurred. 

“What is wrong with you? Why are you being mean to Marsden?”

“Why does Mom like him so much?!” She hissed.

“Why does it bother you that she does so much?” I shot back.

“Because…he’s probably evil and she’s fawning all over him like he’s not leading Joey down a dark path!”

“Not this again! That’s not the real reason! Don’t make me tap into your mind and find out.”

“Fine, I’m jealous! Why doesn’t mom like my boyfriend better? He’s the future of the Witching Domain! He’ll probably kill Count Killoran. So why doesn’t she like him?”

“He kissed you in our kitchen on Yuletide and his girlfriend gave you a hate curse. Maybe give her some time to warm up to him?” I suggested. 

“Oh…guess I didn’t think about that.” Zoey frowned .”But why does she like Marsden so much and why does she want to be nice to his mother?”

“Because they’re similar! They both married bad men and were left with their kids alone. And that’s probably why Joey and Marsden connected. They’re hurt and the other makes them feel better.”

Zoey chuckled. “You really are the smart one.”

“One of us has to be,” I smiled. “Just give them a break, huh? Our sister is in love for the first time. This should be fun.”

“Yeah, you’re completely right,” Zoey nodded. “I’ll do better.”

“Good. I mean, we just made that oath. Can’t ruin it this soon.” I reached out and hugged her. 

We went back to the living room, where Joey and Marsden were now back.

“I’m sorry, Marsden,” Zoey mumbled. “That was a mean thing to say.”

“It’s okay. I know it’s easy to make those kinds of comments about my family.” Marsden shrugged. 

How was he so forgiving? And how could Tate and Zoey think he was evil when he was like this? 

“Well, dinner will be ready soon. I know it's New Interval Eve tonight, and you want to go to that club of yours, but this dinner is important.” Mom informed us.

“Why?” I asked.

“The Chancellor and Director Magnus will be having dinner with us.”