Page 60 of The Cruelest Undead

“So, he hit the ball so hard, it broke out the lights on the scoreboard. As he was running the bases, he had everyone cheering. My son could hit a ball like no one’s business!” his father John admitted.

Barb beamed.

“He was the best kid. Flynn never did anything that would get him in trouble. We knew he was going to be a cop from the beginning. The boy was a rule follower.”

Well, that was a false statement once he fell into their world. Now, he spent his whole life in trouble.

“We’re back,” Jolie said, as if she had to announce their arrival.

As soon as they appeared, Vanth was up and hugging Flynn. She could feel his trepidation, and she didn’t like it when he was worried.

So, she kissed him on the cheek and whispered in his ear.

“Father, your Mom and Dad are just like you. They have your sense of humor. They were telling me stories about you. I like them. Thank you for letting me spend time with them. I now understand you more.”

Jesus.

He was without words on this one, so instead, he hugged her back not sure how he should feel about any of this.

It was clear Vanth got that.

She stared into his eyes, hers swirling like a normal demon’s would.

“It’s okay, Flynn. We have you. I love you. You’ve gotten us all through so much. Let us carry you. It’s going to be okay. This wasn’t Fate. They didn’t come back to hurt you. It was done out of love.”

He held her tighter.

Flynn needed that reassurance.

Right now, he was feeling anything but stable. It felt more like a freefall where he was going to hit the bottom at any second.

Thank you, Vanth.

Anything for you. You’re my father. They aren’t lying or being deceitful. They legitimately don’t know how they got here. You’re safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.

Setting her free, he knew what needed to be done. He couldn’t run from this. His parents were back, and he needed to handle it.

When he looked over, Jolie nodded.

It was clear that she would be by his side now that he needed some time with them.

Jolie took that as a cue.

“Vanth, can you check on the babies? They should be getting up soon. It’s almost time.”

Vanth nodded.

Then, without warning, she popped out, leaving them there to babysit their company.

“Son,” his mother said, trying to get his attention.

His whole being revolted at her calling him that. He knew if he opened up to this, he was going to get leveled at some point.

When he had to kill them.

Because that wasFATE.

He was going to have to mourn them all over again, and that was brutal.

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