Keepers of the Flame (Trilogy Bundle) - By Melissa F. Hart Page 0,45

was younger, when I still had my parents and my little sister. It was a period of my life I'd tried hard to forget about, but I couldn't stop the memories now. I saw my dad with his hair like Katrina's, a light auburn. He smiled at me and chucked me beneath my chin.

My little princess. You remember that I'll always be with you, my dear. No matter what happens, don't forget that.

The image faded and I saw my Mom. We were sitting in my room and she was brushing my long hair before tucking me in to sleep. She had the same soft, blond hair and beautiful green eyes.

Lulu, you are beautiful. But remember to keep the flame of your inner beauty, don't let it go out.

How do I do that, Mom?

She smiled at me and dropped a kiss on top of my head. Well, for one, don't forget this moment.

I opened my eyes and came out of my trance. It probably had lasted only a few seconds because Keenan the creep was still tapping his foot in impatience. I was not sure exactly what both scenes had meant, but I had a vague idea. I closed my eyes again and this time, I saw my little sister.

We were much younger then; she was probably around five or so. Her curly red hair spilled over her head and around her shoulders and she looked up at me with big green eyes.

Lu, what are you doing?

I'm reading.

Will you read to me?

I sigh. All right, hop onto my bed.

We're both snuggled against the headboard together and I'm about to begin reading.

I love you, Lu.

I open my eyes and the picture faded. I lifted a hand to my face and felt moisture. I missed my family so much it was a physical ache.

“I love you, Claudia.” I whispered. I had not said it that day, but I knew I hadn't needed to. She'd known that I'd loved her. I felt the stone emit warmth, but it was a different quality from the heat of a few minutes back.

I let love for my family course through me. I thought of Dylan and how much I loved him and how he made me smile. As those warm feelings went through me, I felt my fear recede and peace take over. I moved back from the wall and directed the feelings of security I'd felt as a child towards it. There as a faint click, and then is slid open.

I turned to look at Katrina then and she had tears in her eyes. She looked at me with approval and such joy, that I couldn't help the smile that came.

“What are you so happy about. You're about to meet your end.”

For one brief second, I'd forgotten Keenan was there, but his snappish tone certainly reminded me. I gave him a knowing look and turning away, walked into the vault, closely followed by Katrina.

If the living room had been unrecognizable, the vault had been exactly as I'd last seen it. There was a tiny living area which contained a huge sofa bed, a rug and two bean bags. A coffee table was pushed to one side of the wall and it had an assortment of games and magazines scattered on it. Where there should have been a TV set was a bookshelf with several of my favorite titles. To the far end of the room was a small kitchenette. I glanced at one of the bean bags and was startled to see the book I'd been reading that day. I moved toward it and picked it up. For the first time since my family was murdered, I was able to think back to that day without the despair and desolation that normally accompanied such thought. Instead I felt sad and nostalgic. But I also felt the love and presence of my family.

“What the hell do you think you're doing? Drop that book!”

I dropped the book at Keenan's command. This guy had some serious control issues, I thought.

“Well, we're here, now what?” I queried.

“I'm going to secure you, then I'll go get the rest of my team.” He replied with glee and brought out the platinum bonds. They were made like a big roll of tape, but I knew how deadly they could be.

You can't let that happen.

I turned to Katrina and she was looking at me with desperate eyes. What do I do, grandma?

Activate the security lock. We've got to keep the automatons away.

As grave a