I'm writing another chapter in this, because I don't want to disappoint. However, I've got so many other stories going on that I can't guarantee updates to be regular.

Btw, answer to Lauren: I don't really have a time set on this. I like having wriggle room for my story timeline. = ) It probably is set just after Death Bringer with a little AU twist cause I like having my own spin on stories that I didn't write. ; )

Once again, Derek Landy owns the books and characters.

Chapter Two

I couldn't keep my eyes off her. She was talking to that Fletcher boy again. They had supposedly broken up. I growled. Supposedly. I knew he couldn't truly let Valkyrie go. At least that vampire was dead. That was a good thing. I was right to let Valkyrie continue that. It pushed a wedge between her and Gel Head. I felt my façade grin widen at the thought. Pity I hadn't been there to watch things fall apart for them. Of course, I had been there for Valkyrie to cry on my shoulder. That had been nice. She chose me, me, instead of Tanith or her pseudo family.

Tanith getting that remnant was probably the best thing that happened. Valkyrie had no one else to go to except to me. By the time anyone else comes along, she won't want to go to anyone else but me.

I watched as Fletcher grabbed her hand. I decided enough was enough. No one touched Valkyrie unless I deemed it allowed. I walked over to them. "Valkyrie, it's time to go."

She glared at Fletcher. Obviously they had a spat. That made the Vile inside me chuckle. No one could control Valkyrie. None. She was unpredictable, uncontrollable. I loved that in her.

"Fine. Goodbye, Fletcher." She didn't even look back at him.

"Lover's quarrel?" My nonexistent stomach roiled at the thought of anyone being her lover. Anyone but me. I wouldn't really call her a lover though. I would call her a queen. A goddess.

She snapped. "No. More like a stupid child arguing uselessly to get what he wants."

I chuckled. I molded her so well. She's fast with her fists and with her mind. "Let's go home."

She took a breath. "I have to get back to the house first. I haven't seen Alice or Mom or Dad in a week, Skul. I need to see them."

It took all my strength not to shout that she didn't need to see them. She didn't need anyone but me, but I would never shout at her. Never. Instead, I nodded. "Very well. Shall we see each other later? We need to go over that crime scene, don't forget."

She nodded. "Tonight. I just want dinner with my family."

"If you say so."

She gave me a sharp look, but I ignored it.

I was seething inside. Just when I thought I was making progress, her loyalty to her family gets in the way.

She could tell that I was put out about something. "Skul? Skulduggery? What's wrong? Tell me what's wrong? Please?" She didn't even realize that she was pleading with me. I smothered a chuckle. My mood mattered to her more than she realized.

"I am well. Nothing is wrong." Just a touch of coldness. Just a touch. Guide her with her desire to avoid making me upset. She would chafe against the word no. But by training her slowly to do as I wish, act as I wish, she will obey without a second thought. With Valkyrie, it is very important to let her think that she is in control.

She sighed dejectedly. "Is it something that I said? What did I do wrong?"

I turned to her as I put the car into park. I couldn't force her to choose which life she had to live, not yet. That wouldn't work. It would tear her. I didn't want her to experience mental or emotional pain. I never wanted her to cry because of something I did. I only wanted to make her mine.

However, I could make her feel unwelcome in her home. Make her feel like an outsider. She once told me that she already had such feelings. Once again, that was a foolish move on her part, but once again, she couldn't have known how I was to use that information.

"I don't think your family understands you. Your father thinks you're his helpless, little girl, but you're not. Your mother, too, prefers that stupid reflection than the real you. They don't appreciate you enough. I've seen you come to this car with an air of depression because of their silly expectations for you to be of lower quality than what you truly are. I don't want you to spend time with people who don't appreciate you." Valkyrie blinked. She thought about my words. The key to manipulation is to mix truth in with the lie. Make the lie believable.

She forced a smile on her face. "You're sweet for caring so much, Skul, but honestly, they appreciate me. I'll be alright here. See you tonight!" She slipped out of the car and into her room. I chuckled.

The seed of doubt had been planted.