Page 1 of Unbreakable Bond

Chapter One

“My shoulder,” Sky mumbled, shaking from another haunting nightmare. “It burns, Macklen.”

Hearing my government name forced my eyes open. Sky was one of the few people that could call me that and get away with it. A sharp, terrified cry pierced through the stillness.

“I’m slipping!”

Sky’s body trembled, beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, and her breaths came in uneven gasps. Without hesitation, I reached out, gently shaking her awake from the tendrils of the haunting dream.

"Hey, you’re safe," I whispered, kissing her forehead. Her eyes flickered open, clouded with fear. “I got you.”

I could feel the rapid thud of her heart beneath my fingertips. I waited patiently, offering a comforting presence as she gathered her bearings, transitioning from the nightmare's grip to the safety of our shared reality.

“Sorry, I woke you.” Sky groaned, sitting up and massaging her shoulder because it felt real despite being a dream.

“Don’t make me fuss when I’m supposed to make you feel better.”

“What did I say?”

“It doesn’t matter. Daddy’s got you now.”

“Thanks, Daddy.” A lopsided grin manifested on her perfect face. Sky didn’t think so, but she didn’t see herself like I did.

“You’re welcome.”

The weight of her past trauma lingered in the air as Sky rested against my chest. Her shoulder had healed from the bullet, but that night was still alive in her mind. I hated that Sky had to pay for the sins of my reckless uncle and that Morgan Cassidy was still breathing.

“Hey,” Sky’s hand gently stroked my face. “I’m okay.”

“Are you?” I asked.

“Daddy’s got me. How could I not?” She smiled.

Despite the ghosts that occasionally visited her dreams, I couldn't help but marvel at Sky's strength.

Pulling Sky closer, I gently stroked her back. While she fell into a comfortable slumber, I was wide awake. I wanted to slither out of bed and make Morgan suffer again for the pain he caused. A few times, I’d even thought about how it would feel to put the barrel of my gun to Uncle Lucas’s forehead. After all, he was the catalyst behind Morgan’s dumbass decision.

The sun crept through the blinds, signaling the time. I was exhausted, but it was a small price to pay for her peace as I sat up and reached for the ceiling so I could get up and start the day.

I had a meeting at Gi’s office this morning, so going back to bed wasn’t an option. I quickly dressed and headed out the door, so I had time to stop for coffee because I wouldn’t make it without it. Thankfully, there wasn’t any traffic, making the commute swift and easy.

“Wake up nigga.” Tyson chuckled, flicking a piece of paper across the room.

“Fuck you,” I fired back after a yawn.

“Old bitch. Should’ve gone to sleep last night like a responsible adult.”

“It’s all fun and games until I get started, so you might want to leave me alone,” I warned.

“Aite, leave him alone,” Gi interjected, steering the meeting back on track.

“The casino was short,” Tyson shared.

“How short?” I asked.

“Short enough.”

His office fell silent, and Gi replied, “Can’t let that rock.”

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