Blood Bonds by S. F. Rae

Author:S. F. Rae [S. F. Rae]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sunset Wren Press
Published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Knock, knock.

The knock is tentative at best. I’m doubling down on the awkwardness by being here, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Garret’s going to lose his shit if these guys don’t get a move on.

“Come in, Jason,” Kaiden answers.

I open the door slowly. Even though they used my name, Creed’s little more than an animal and there’s some things I really don’t need to see.

“Dad,” Nyx grabs my attention. “I owe you an apology.” She gets out of bed, and makes her way over to me. I fight to wrap my arms around her. It’s funny, I never would’ve pictured this borderline desperation to be accepted by another person.

“You don’t owe me anything, Spitfire. You were right, I am selfish. The idea of anything happening to you, I can’t do it, darling. If it is a choice between us, I will always choose you. I couldn’t face Maria if I let you get hurt when there was something I could do about it,” I confess, and I just hope it’s enough. I need her to see just how important she is to me.

“But I don’t want you to get hurt because of me. I—” A tear runs down her cheek and I brush it away with my thumb.

“Please don’t cry. It would never be your fault, it would be my choice.”

Nyx sobs against my chest, but it seems like her anger has passed and we’re on our way to some sort of compromise. I can see why she was upset, but doesn’t she realise that it’s the parent’s job to die before their children. I won’t be here forever. I smartly keep my mouth shut. I don’t want to break whatever peace this is.

“You know, it really wouldn’t have mattered who shielded who. At that range, with that gun, it would have killed you both,” Creed adds unhelpfully.

“Not the point, Creed,” Nyx snaps, her tears all but forgotten.

Well played, you sneaky bastard.

“I’m presuming Garret sent you?” Kaiden asks me.

“He’s getting a little twitchy. I think it’s best to let him get it all out or I fear his head may explode.”

“Did . . . Was that meant to be a joke?” Creed teases.

“Oh and the shit you spout is so much better,” I reply, making sure my voice drips with sarcasm. I didn’t want to think I’m paying him a compliment after all.

Weirdly, just like that, I feel like the balance of the universe has been reestablished.

“Better go see what he wants.” Kaiden stops us from going too far, as we go in search of our resident informant.

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