Page 63 of My Hunger, Your Soul

“A little at first, but as soon as I let my guard down and accepted it, I was happy, Ty. You will be too. He’s really into you.”

“Yeah. It's a big adjustment.”

“The way I see it is, there are bad people in the world who we meet everyday. They cover that evil with lies, they deceive and hurt you. People like Ivan and Noah, everything is laid bare. No lies. No deceit. It’s rare to have that much honesty. The stuff they do, that's not for us to worry about. Ivan seems to adore you and from that display in the car, is possessive. That type of personality will never let you go. They will always protect you. Let that be the comfort.”

“You’re really good at that,” I say, feeling a million times lighter.

“Thanks. But don’t think this means big family get togethers, Noah still won't socialize with them even if they are similar.”

We laugh and walk to the door where Noah and Ivan are waiting for us.

“Why don’t you two join Seb in the kitchen while me and Noah join the guys downstairs.”

I look at Chase and he smiles in reassurance.

“Denial,” he says, and I understand. That’s the world I will forever live in from now on, and I’m feeling better about it.

“Okay,” I say to Ivan, and he walks off with Noah following him, holding his bat over his shoulder. This is so surreal, I feel like I’m watching a movie.

I make my way into the kitchen and see Seb staring out of the window. I use this as an opportunity to apologize about how I judged him and Kai. I haven’t really seen him around since it happened and I really like the guy. I never meant any harm.

“Seb? Are you okay?” I ask, and he spins around to face me.

“Hey Tyler. I’m good. Just lost in thought. Are you okay? It’s been a tough night, especially for you, as I assume you haven’t been in this situation before?”

“No. Compared to everyone here I’ve lived a relatively sheltered life. But Seb, I just want to apologize for what I said, I would never judge you or any of the others. You were right, I didn’t know anything about you to make such comments and I’m sorry.”

Seb moves close to me and puts his hand on my shoulder.

“It’s all water under the bridge, Tyler. Just remember from now on that we’re a family, we look out for each other. You’ll always have us on your side.”

“I’m beginning to realize that,” I say, shaking my head, laughing with Seb. I’m relieved everything is okay with us.

The house of madness is becoming a home. Who would’ve thought.

32

IVAN

I walk with Noah in silence down to the holding pen where the guys are standing outside talking.

“Jules, I think it's best you sit this one out and stay with Kai. Simon, you go stay out front and keep guard. We don’t know yet if anyone else is part of Tim’s plan.”

They both agree, and walk away to their given tasks.

“What's the plan?” I ask Dima, as I thought we were dealing with this shit tomorrow.

“I wasn’t expecting Tim to show up tonight, and with Noah here now I think we should just finish this tonight,” Dima says.

Noah remains still and silent next to me. Totally calm and focused. Lev keeps watching Noah out of the corner of his eye, and I briefly wonder if it's a good idea having Aaron join in like I suggested. Speaking of Aaron, he joins us a few moments later, Steve the knife in hand and a face of pure joy.

“Why are we standing out here?” Aaron asks.

“We’re just talking, doe. Are we ready to get started? I don’t wanna be down here all night?” Lev says, and Dima nods.

“Let’s go,” Dima says, and takes the lead as we follow him down into the pen.

As we walk in you can't miss the stench of piss. Tim is tied up on the floor where Jules and Simon left him when we got back. Kane is still sitting in his chair with the same irritating smug expression on his ugly face.

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