Page 23 of Jack

“Would your family actually do it?”

She’s quiet for a moment and chooses her words carefully.

“Let’s hope no one ever becomesthatstupid.”

I cover my mouth with my hand and tremble a little. Oh, it most definitely would happen if someone tried to hurt one of their children.

“Look.” Nanny reaches across the table and covers my hand with hers. “I know we’re a lot to handle most days. Bad things happened to us, but we aren’t bad people. You don’t have to go to the party. Just stay here and rest. Let us help you. We’ll figure out your next step tomorrow.”

There’s not really much else I can say. They’ve helped me for six days and haven’t asked for anything in return. I’ve come too far to walk away now. I have no choice but to let them help me. I nod, easing her mind. Tomorrow, I’ll decide where I want to go next. At least I get a say in my next step.

Chapter 10

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Jack

I woke up in theTwilight Zonetoday. It’s the only way to explain what just happened. My mom wouldn’t let me inside the guest house. You’d think she’d be happy to see me. But nooooooo. She stepped out, turned me right around on the porch, and told me to go find Dad. I'm not sure what good it will do, but I march straight to Dad’s office.

Another sign I’m in theTwilight Zoneis I actually find Dad in his office. Most of the time, I have to spend hours tracking him down somewhere on the property or in town. Surprisingly, Worley Bird, Jay, and Shepherd are here, too. I storm across the room right up to Dad’s desk.

I jab my finger at him. “You need to do something with your wife.”

The room goes deathly quiet and still.

Dad stands and crosses his arms. “Mywifeisyourmother. You might want to rephrase that,son.”

Oh, I most definitely want to rephrase that. I’m not afraid of many things. My father, when he’s angry, is at the top of that list. I quickly regroup and do the only thing I can—apologize and change my words.

“I’m sorry, Dad.” I hold a hand up between us in surrender. “I shouldn’t talk to you that way or ever refer to Mom like that. It won’t happen again.”

He nods, sits back down, and motions toward me. “Proceed.”

“Mom.” I pause when he raises an eyebrow. How do I say this respectfully? “Will you please talk to Mom?”

“Son, your mother has her reasons for not letting you inside this morning. I suggest you try again later this evening.”

The other three snicker. I can only stare at Dad in disbelief. He didn’t even ask why. He holds up his phone and smiles.

“Uh.” I swipe a hand over my mouth and beard. Of course, Mom called him.

“Have a seat, son.” Dad motions to the chair next to Jay.

I ease down into the leather chair next to my cousin. I love him. We were raised more like brothers than cousins. Right now, I wanna smack the grin off his face.

“Can I see Lily’s file?” Asking for it feels like an invasion of her privacy.

Thousands of angels have come through our doors. Seeing their files didn’t spark these emotions in me. Naturally, I wanted to protect them all. I wanted all the details. If I ever found the monsters who hurt those angels, I’d make sure he felt what they did and more. This time is different. Lily isn’t just another angel passing through.

I lean forward to take the file from Dad’s hand. He doesn’t release it and holds my gaze for a moment.

“What’s your interest in this girl, Jack?”

He’d see through me if I lied. So, I don’t. “I don’t know, Dad. She’s different. I just feel very protective of her.”

One corner of Dad’s mouth lifts. He glances over at Worley Bird. The two men share a silent conversation. Worley Bird grins and nods once. Dad and Darin Worley are second-generation Viking Warriors. They’ve been best friends practically since birth. It’s why Darin is Dad’s Vice President.

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