Page 111 of King of Tides

“He said something about going to church, but he didn’t go into Master Kenji’s temple,” Beck says with a frown.

I snicker. “It’s not that type of church.”

“Oh, so he didn’t tell a lie?” he says, looking at me cautiously.

“No, he didn’t. He went to meet with the other kings.”

“He doesn’t lie to us anyway. You have to pay attention. Master Kenji took him some place. They walked off talking while you were messing with your shoe,” Bourne says and rolls his eyes.

“Oh, I missed that.”

“It’s okay. We’ll catch up with him later.”

I’m a little disappointed but we’ll catch up with him when he’s not busy. It’s been a while since Kenji has been a part of my trainings. I haven’t thought much about it but for some reason it sticks out to me now.

“Can we go to church next time? We want to see King Bradan,” Bourne says, pulling my attention.

“No, maybe when you get older and become Iron Brothers you can, but for now you will see your uncle Bradan when we go home.”

Bourne’s eyes light up. “I can’t wait to become a prospect.”

“Are we going home soon?” Beck asks, hope filling his eyes.

“I think we are.”

Suddenly, a bone-chilling roar fills the air. I lift my head and jump to my feet. Intikam lifts its head. I hold out my hand to my side as I call for my weapon.

“Get behind me,” I command.

“But we can fight,” the boys say and take a stance.

“I said, get behind me now,” I demand with more force.

They quickly run behind me and hold hands. Power hums through me as I feel the glow of Intikam surging through me.

“Mom, you’re glowing blue,” Beck says in awe.

“What was that?” Bourne whispers.

“I don’t know. Just stay behind me. I will keep you safe,” I say.

My eyes widen as Ardan enters the courtyard with all six of our guards. He looks pissed, but the moment he sees me, his face contorts with so much fury and rage, I take a step back.

Vengeance Denied

Ardan wasted no time bringing us all back home after he reported in with Kendrick and the others. He didn’t even bother searching for the real Kenji to say goodbye.

I know he’s upset. Not just with Kenji or about the missing stone. He knows. He knows I’ve been keeping a secret from him.

We haven’t had time to talk, but I can feel his anger even now. He spent enough time with me to get the boys settle in their new room he created for them and then he was off to handle club business without a word to me.

So much has happened since we arrived. I’m still numb. When we stepped through the portal, Kendrick informed me that Candido was killed.

A part of me feels robbed. I will never get to look him in the eyes and tell him why I hate him before I get to watch them cart him off to a jail cell where he could suffer. Death was an easy out.

Someone stole the revenge that was mine. Yes, he’s dead, but this feels wrong. This feels like a disservice. Kendrick says Ray is torn up over this.

She would be. That bastard was some type of father to her. While I have no sympathy for the man, I can’t help sympathizing with her plight.