Bound To Fall

It Comes At A Cost

Isabelle

I could feel a mix of nerves as I approached the steps of the mansion. Taking a deep breath, I rang the doorbell and waited for an answer. I expected Rose to be the one to open the door, but instead I was greeted by Kaydence.

"Isabelle, thank you for coming." She had a sweet smile on her lips as she moved out of the way to let me in.

"Not a problem." I replied as I stepped inside.

She closed the door and then proceeded to lead the way. "Rose is taking care of Samuel so that we can talk without any distractions."

She continued to walk past the living room and down the hallway. She opened the door to Damon's study and once we were inside she shut it. She then went over to the desk and sat down.

I quickly followed and sat across from her. "What is it that you wanted to see me about?"

Kaydence had called me this morning and asked when I had a free moment. When I told her I had all day that's when she asked to see me immediately. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little nervous about what she wanted to talk about.

She thought for a moment, as if she was trying to figure out where to start. She took in a deep breath and let it out, then she began.

"First and foremost, I just wanted to say congratulations on the engagement." Her sweet smile returned. "It's a pleasure to have you officially joining our family."

"Thank you." I responded.

"With that being said..." Her voice trailed as her smile faded. A serious expression had taken over as she looked me in the eyes. "I know what Sterling did and I know that you know. Like you, I wasn't born into the crazy dark world of the elites. When I met Damon and I saw what he was capable of, it was new to me and I'm sure it's new to you."

"Yeah." I nodded.

"It can be alot." She continued on. "There's one thing I've learned though, these men never act unless they're provoked and have good reasoning. Sometimes though, it comes at a cost."

My brows furrowed together. "What do you mean?"

"Sometimes, the dark things can lead to people seeking revenge." I could see in her eyes that this was bringing up a bad memory. "When Damon got shot, it was out of revenge from my family on my father's side who I didn't know existed. It took a toll on him and things got really really dark for a little while."

I continued to listen carefully, giving her my full attention.

"Damon ended up with PTSD and while it hasn't been a problem for us in a long time, he still has his moments." She drew in a shallow breath and blew it back out. "All that I'm trying to say is keep an eye on Sterling. He's just as stubborn as his father and I fear that if—well when—he bites off more than he can chew, he'll end up going down a dark road. I know you love him and I know that you know him better than anyone, if you can sense something is ever off please address it with him."

"I understand." I completely get where she is coming from on this. The dark parts of the world Damon and Sterling have to be a part of does take its own toll on them and it's important to make sure it doesn't take too much. "I will make sure he's okay when it comes to things like this."

"Good." She seemed slightly relieved as she focused back on me. "When it comes to these things it's also important that you're okay. Isabelle, if it ever gets to the point where you need to talk to someone who can relate to the way you process this, please don't hesitate to come to me. I'm always here for you."

"Thank you, I really appreciate it."

I'm forever grateful for the relationship I have with Kaydence and how it's progressed. I saw her as a mother figure before, but now I feel even closer to her. She understands me, especially when it comes to the sudden change of getting thrown into the life of the Tiptons.

The serious expression fell from her face as her smile made a return. "Of course."

"Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?"

"No." She shook her head and stood up. "That's about it for now. Do you have anything you'd like to bring up?"

"Not at this time."

"Okay." Her smile grew wider. "Now we can move onto the more important and fun things."

My brow raised. "Fun?"

"Yes." I could see excitement light up her face. "Like planning the engagement party and the wedding."

I could feel the butterflies fluttering in my stomach at the word wedding. If you would have told me a year and a half ago I'd be engaged to Sterling Tipton I would have laughed and said it wasn't possible.

But now, I can't wait to become Mrs. Tipton.