Page 72 of Devotion

I’m focused on some of our children playing on the playground when the door opens behind me and bodies silently fill the room, finding seats around the conference table. Once it’s silent again, I’m certain everyone’s here, seeing as how they’re all well aware that tardiness is never tolerated.

“Thank you for rearranging your morning to be in attendance,” I say, hearing the distraction in my own voice when I speak.

“Of course, Sir, you said this was urgent,” Darwin speaks up, concern heavy in his tone.

“And it is.” I turn from the window, facing the Circle of Six. “It’s time we make preparations.”

Vera tilts her head, rocking back in her seat as a curious look crosses her face. “Preparations?”

I nod, knowing she’ll perhaps be the most adverse to what I’m going to propose to the group, but my mind is made up. I won’t stand for Layla being out in the world alone, without protection.

Withoutme.

When I got in from her place last night, I couldn’t rest, so I went to the screening room, intent on watching her sleep. The sight of her resting peacefully was supposed to settle me, but about half an hour into watching, none other than Diego-fucking-Martinez showed up, and I got the feeling he intended to hurt her. So much that I left home, speeding toward Layla’s to intervene, but by the time I got there, he was gone. Seeing that his car was no longer in her driveway didn’t bring me any relief. It wasn’t until I checked the video feed from my phone, and I saw that the argument ended with Layla locking herself inside her apartment, that I finally drove off. But I’ve seen Diego’s type before, and the fact that he didn’t hurt herthistime doesn’t mean he won’t try somethingnexttime.

But that’s where I come in. Because if there’s breath in my lungs… I won’t let therebea next time.

“Sir? Preparations for what?” Vera repeats.

I blink away the memory and focus on the present, bringing my council up to speed.

“Before I continue, it should be noted that the topic isn’t open for discussion. That doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to share your thoughts and concerns, but itdoesmean I won’t change my mind.”

Grave silence inches its way around the table until it becomes deafening.

“In the very,verynear future, Layla Bennett will be residing at the compound.”

“You’re bringing her here?” Vera speaks up, her eyes widening. “Pardon me for questioning you, Sir, but we supported you when you wanted to start keeping tabs on her. We supported you when you wanted to get closer and had Mira install cameras in the Bennett home. We even stayed mostly silent when we noticed that yourotheractivities began almost immediately after you let her into your head—activities that put this entire community at risk, might I add. But, Sir, you can’t possibly be suggesting that she come to live…here.”

Vera finishes her very spirited speech, and my eyes stay trained on her, feeling my jaw tick as a result of that blatant display of insubordination. I respect her like a mother, but I pray she knows my kindness toward her has limits.

“Thank you for sharing your concerns, Vera, but I’m notsuggestinganything. As I stated before, this is as good as done.”

“She’s agreed to this? Does she even know about this place?”

Heat creeps up my spine, but I hold my composure, even managing to smile. “I appreciate your questions, but please, leave the details to me, Vera.”

Her eyes are hard set on mine, and she doesn’t blink. Redness blooms in her cheeks, and I can guess she’s holding her tongue and secretly has much more to say.

“Sir, if I may?” Timothy speaks up, pushing dark-framed glasses up his nose.

I nod, granting him permission.

“I’m merely concerned how the people might react should Ms. Bennet be brought here. Yes, we bring new members into the flock every now and then, but I can imagine your affections toward Ms. Bennett will be rather obvious. Don’t you worry that will seem a bit…”

His voice trails off, and I sense fear and hesitation.

“You’re free to speak your mind here, Timothy. Please, continue.”

He studies my demeanor a bit after I speak, then he finishes his thought. “I only wonder if the people might feel that it’s hypocritical of you. Taking on a partner outside the flock whenthey’reprohibited from doing so.”

I let out a sigh.

“You’re right, Timothy. This could very well be a thought that passes through the minds of the people. However, you’ve failed to remember two very important facts.” I pause and sip my water. “One, I’m fucking in charge here. I’m the one who makes sure this flock is safe when they lay their heads on their pillows at night, the one who makes sure every mouth is fed, and I make sure justice is served swiftly and evenly across the board. And second, while the people may never know this, Layla’s not some… random newcomer. She’s a part of me, a part ofus,and this is where she belongs. That hasalwaysbeen true.”

The silence returns, and I’m guessing they’re recalling my history with Layla and the entire Bennett family. Some of the facts are dark and soaked in blood, but the one truly good thing that’s come from that whole sordid alliance was that I found her, the only person on the planet with which my soul aligns.

Amelia raises her hand and doesn’t speak until I point at her. “Sir, doesn’t her affiliation with the police department concern you? Don’t you worry she’ll compromise everyone’s safety?”

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