Page 42 of Manic

The violence, the constant threat.

Is it fair to drag Tindra into this world?

Then again, danger lurked around the corner when they were hours away.

The fact of the matter is this world isn’t safe anymore.

His voice cuts through my thoughts. "Tor? You with me?"

I blink, focusing back on him. "Yeah, sorry. Just... processing."

He gives me a look that says he doesn't quite buy it, but he doesn't push. "All right. We'll talk more about the cartel situation later. For now, why don't you go help Magnus with that new shipment of parts? Might do you good to get your hands dirty."

I nod, grateful for the excuse to escape.

As I head toward the garage, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

It's a text from Meghan:

Tindra wants to know if you're free for dinner tonight.

A smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it.

I glance around to make sure no one's watching before quickly typing out a reply:

Wouldn't miss it for the world.

As I pocket my phone and push open the garage door, the scent of diesel and grease fills my nostrils.

It's familiar, comforting.

But for the first time in my life, it doesn't feel like enough.

There's a whole other world waiting for me now, one filled with homework help and family dinners and a daughter's laughter.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the work ahead.

Magnus looks up from the engine he's working on as I approach. "There you are, brother. Thought you might've forgotten about us little people," he jokes.

I force a laugh, grabbing a wrench. "Never. Just been... busy."

"Uh-huh," Magnus says, giving me a knowing look. "Busy with a certain blonde, maybe?"

I feel my face heat up, but I keep my expression neutral. "Maybe," I say noncommittally. "Now, what do you need help with?"

As Magnus explains the project, I try to focus on the task.

But my mind keeps drifting to Tindra, to Meghan, to the life I never knew I wanted but now can't imagine living without.

I've faced down rival gangs, stared down the barrel of a gun, and survived a bullet to the chest.

But nothing has ever terrified me as much as the thought of screwing this up—of losing my daughter before I've really had the chance to know her.

As I work alongside Magnus, my hands moving almost on autopilot, I make a silent promise to myself.

I will find a way to balance this new life with my old one.

I will be the father Tindra deserves, and the man Meghan needs.

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