Free Dark Days (The Childe Series, #2) by C.A. Kunz

I’ve hurt you all the most…I’m sorry.” Cat saw her mom was about to speak and shook her head. “No, Mom, let me finish. When I found out I was adopted, I felt like my life had been a lie. It’s hard to explain, but in my head I became an outsider, belonging to no one. I felt alone. I’m sorry it took me this long to figure out what you’ve done for me. You’ve given me a home, and so much love, and I’ve been selfish by shutting you out. All I want is your forgiveness.” Cat watched as a tear rolled down her mom’s cheek, and her dad swallowed hard as if something was stuck in his throat. The room was quiet and the grandfather clock in the foyer seemed unusually loud. Aided by a gentle shove from Sam, Rachel stood up and put her arms around Cat, hugging her close.
    “We love you so much, Cat. There’s nothing to be sorry for.  I wish we had told you the truth sooner. But the real truth is, you’re our daughter and always will be.” Rachel held her, gently stroking her hair.
    “I guess I even like you a lot. Ow, what was that for,” Taylor said looking at Sam after he elbowed his son in his side.  “Okay, but you know I hate all that mushy stuff.  I guess I love ya too,” he said, grinning at Cat.
    “Cat,” Sam began, then took a deep breath, “Oh hell, come here and give me a hug,” he demanded, to which she promptly obeyed. They all began laughing as she fell onto her dad’s lap and everyone piled on top.
    Several minutes later, with Cat sitting between her parents, she cleared her throat. “I want to stay with you. But if it means that it’ll put you all in danger, I’ll go with Ròs and Trevor. I couldn’t bear the thought of any of you getting hurt because of me.” Sam sighed, looking at Rachel over Cat’s head.
    “We don’t want you to go, and don’t worry about our safety. We’ll be just fine. I’m so happy. I could just eat a gallon of ice cream,” Sam shouted.
    “Now Sam, you know it’s bad for your cholesterol.” Seeing his unhappy expression, Rachel said, “Well, maybe half a gallon.” Cat giggled as her dad jumped up and did an impromptu dance in the middle of the floor.  The three looked at one another and rolled their eyes as he danced out of the room on his way to the kitchen.
    Taylor asked how Cat’s friends had reacted to her apology, and she eagerly told them all the details from when she called Julie until she came home.
         
    The following day, Cat sat in her dad’s stud y with everyone gathered . All eyes were on her as she stood in front of them.  “I’ve made my decision.  I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I can’t come with you, ” she said looking at Ròs and Trevor. “I thought long and hard about this, and I belong here. I know by staying I could place myself and my family in danger, but this is where I feel I belong. Please don’t be mad at me. I’m so glad I got to meet you, and now know where I come from. Of course it’ll take a while for me to accept the whole vampire thing, but for right now I’m just plain old Cat. I have a rare blood disorder, and that’s how I want it to be. Do you understand?” Her eyes pleaded with them as she waited anxiously for their answer.
    “We knew what you were going to tell us today. I cannot say that we’re not deeply disappointed, but we understand. The Colvins have taken such great care of you, and for that we will always be grateful,” Ròs said glancing at Sam and Rachel. “I know if William and Erika were here today, they’d be very proud of you, Catherine.” Digging in her dark green, leather coat pocket, “I brought something with me that I want to give to you.” Ròs handed Cat a small wooden box. Inside she found an ornate gold locket.
    “It’s beautiful, Ròs,” Cat said as she examined it.
    “Try opening it,” Ròs said. As Cat popped the clasp open, she found a picture of an extremely handsome man and a beautiful woman inside. 
    “Is that-”
    “Yes, it’s