Page 17 of Beast: Part Two

Damn, that cat analogy must be still in effect, because I’m still using up lives. It’s like I owe death something and he keeps trying to collect. It’s even more alarming that I was shot in the same shoulder my dad hit. This is the most unlucky shoulder ever.

Scrunching my brow, I ask. “Who shot me?” I want to add ‘this time’ but I leave that part out.

“Our other brother.”

I’m so confused. “I thought Gabriel was close to all his brothers?” I remember the stories he told me about Hawk, Zel, Seth, Lucien and Many. Every story led me to believe they were a tight group.

Maksim shakes his head. “Not those brothers.”

For the next twenty minutes, he fills me in on their father and his other siblings, along with the excommunication order on Beast and his brothers.

I feel like I’ve missed a lifetime of information rather than the four days he says I’ve been out. Even though there has been a lot going on, and I should be more concerned about the fact that I was shot and nearly killed, my only concern is Gabriel.

“How is Gabriel taking all of this?” Like his son, Gabriel also doesn’t do well with too many changes. Finding out that not only does he have a father and a bunch of siblings, but they’re also trying to kill him, is probably messing with his head.

Maksim scratches his chin. His gaze bouncing to the wall over my head. I’ve only known this man for a few minutes, but I can already tell whatever he’s about to say isn’t exactly the truth.The way he looks over my head and avoids eye contact is a dead giveaway.

“He’s doing fine.”

I didn’t have to see the lie on his face to know it was one. I know Gabriel enough to know he’s not alright.

Before I could respond, the room door opens, and I see the sweet face of my baby boy.

“Mama!” Gabe shouts before running into the room.

I prepare myself for him to leap onto the bed. However, just as he gets close, the deep voice that has my heart beating and my thighs squeezing calls out his name.

“Gabe. Easy. Mama’s still hurt.”

I look up toward the open door and my eyes connect to Gabriel’s. Every time I see him, it’s as if the air in my lungs is being sucked out. Seeing him now feels like the time I first saw him at that restaurant after five years. I can’t take my gaze off him.

He stares back at me just as hard as I look at him. Gabe climbs up in the bed and gently wraps his arms around my neck. I shut my eyes, basking in the joy of my son hugging me without me asking or hugging him first. He leans back on his knees and smiles up at me.

“You were sleeping a lot.”

I hold back the tears that are fighting to fall. “I know. I’m up now though. What’s been going on?”

He smiles as he starts to tell me about his papa Priest and his uncles along with his cousin Emory.

The entire time he’s talking, my eyes keep going back to the doorway where his father is still silently watching me. He has not once made a move to come into the room.

Finally, Gabe takes a break in his conversation. “Wow, seems like you’ve been having fun.”

He smiles at me.

“Yeah, I have a lot more family now, mama.”

My heart cracks open at his words. Even when he was spending time with my mother and sister he never once referred to them as family. He knew who they were. He understood that my mom was his grandma and Raina was his aunt, but he never called them family. Hearing him say this about Gabriel’s brothers and father really warms my soul.

“You’re right,” I say, my voice cracking. “You do.”

“Hey, nephew,” Maksim says getting Gabe’s attention. “How about you and I go find papa Priest and let your mom and dad have a few minutes.”

Gabe nods before climbing off my bed. Maksim stands and holds out a hand for Gabe. Gabe takes the outstretched hand and they both walk side by side to the door. Maksim stops in front of Gabriel. Although nothing is said, they stare at each other for a moment letting me know something is being communicated. Finally, Gabriel moves aside, and Maksim and Gabe walk out the room.

Gabriel still does not enter. I study his face. A sinking feeling hits my gut. I know that look in his eyes. He’s scared. Gabriel and I have had many conversations about his fear of losing me and Gabe. He always feared he would be the one that would hurt us unintentionally. Even though he didn’t pull that trigger, I already know he is taking the blame for it.

The look on his face tells me he wants to run. But he won’t. He can’t, because he promised me he would stay.

---