Page 41 of Saber's Surrender

“Go on, Saber. We’ll be there soon,” Wrecker deadpans.

An arm is slung over my shoulder which has me turning around with my fists raised in a defensive pose. “Come on, Saber. Put your fists away, nobody's here to attack you. Trust your brothers to take care of your boy,” Dragon says, all but dragging me toward the center of the yard where I’m going to be meeting my Foxy Roxy in a few minutes.

My feet drag and my head turns on my shoulders, not wanting to leave or take my eyes off of Canyon. “He needs me, Dragon,” I argue as I try to stop so I can go back.

“Canyon will need you for many things throughout his life, Saber, but for this, it’s better if we let Wrecker handle it. He’s going to help ease his fears and will put a protective shield over Canyon’s astral gifts until he’s ready to use them.”

“Astral? Does that mean—” my words drop as the reality of Canyon’s situation hits me in the solar plexus.

“He’s a time jumper, Saber. And when his gifts awoke, it shocked the shit out of him and he astroprojected. Butcher’s going to work with him on that so that it doesn’t happen again.”

“Dear God,” I stammer. “That’s dangerous, Dragon.” If he’s not careful and doesn’t lasso his gifts and telepathically tie them down, he could die. Now, more than before, I want to go back to him and wrap him in the thickest bubble wrap I can get my hands on.

Dragon pats my shoulder in commiseration before telling me, “Wrecker and Butcher are going to spend some time with him over the weekend after you explain things to him. They’ll help him learn how to stay grounded.”

“He’s going to need an anchor to this realm, Dragon. Wrecker has Harper and Butcher has Laney, but Canyon doesn’t have anyone.”

“He has his mother,” Dragon states. “Whether she was with him or not, she’s always been his lifeline. She’ll understand her role when it presents itself.”

“For fuck’s sake,” I moan. “It’s always something.”

“That’s life, Saber. I have a feeling your boy is going to surprise us all.”

“That’s what I’m worried about, Dragon.”

“I know, Saber. You wouldn’t be a good father if you weren’t scared. Being a dad is the hardest job any man could have.”

“How do I help him through this, Dragon?”

“One step at a time, brother,” he tells me as we make it to the center of the aisle where I take my place at the altar. “And trust your brothers to help you and him through it.”

“Foxy’s going to flip,” I grumble. “I’ve explained some things to her, but how do you tell the woman you love, the mother of your son and future children, that her boy is one of the strongest, most powerful beings to exist on the planet? She’ll never want to have more babies with me knowing that.”

Dragon snorts before saying, “He’s not Superman, Saber. His powers are manageable once he has some intensive training. Learning to control himself will be his kryptonite. Yes, he’ll be able to do some unfathomable and extraordinary things… things that’ll boggle your mind and scare the ever-loving fuck outta you, but he has fierce men and women around him that can, and will, help him find his way.”

“I know you’re right, but that doesn’t make learning this any easier, Dragon.”

My head’s spinning wildly, especially when I run what Dragon said back through my mind to process things. What did he mean that his mother was his lifeline? Does that mean Roxy has abilities she’s unaware of? I mean, it would make sense since so many of the brothers from Cedar Creek have old ladies with varying gifts.

“No, it doesn’t but at least now, you have a direction to follow. The only thing you can do for now is give him a listening ear and help him through his struggles. He’s got this, Saber. We won’t let him fail.”

“No,” I say, squaring my shoulders. “We won’t.”

Only a few seconds later, I watch with less burden than a moment ago, as Wrecker walks a smiling Canyon to his seat. Wrecker shoots me two thumbs up and Canyon gives me a tilted smile.

“See?” Dragon expresses. “We’ve got your back, brother. Always.” Thank fuck for the brotherhood because without them, I’m not sure I’d make it to the other side with all of my brain cells still intact. With that said, he takes his place where the officiant stands as the music begins to play and the audience stands.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

Roxy

We didn’t gowith the traditional wedding march, instead, we chose for me to walk to him with a ballad that meant a lot to us back in the day, one that was playing in the background at the school’s Valentine’s Day dance when our friendship reshaped and we became lovers.

As soon as the first note toCan’t Fight This Feelingby REO Speedwagon plays, Butcher places my hand on the bend of his elbow and escorts me to where the love of my life is waiting for me.

We lip sync the words to each other as my feet carry me to him, tears gathering in my eyes. The all-consuming adoration and devotion he has for me shines brightly for all to see. We’ve never been a couple who shies away and hides from the public, there’s never been any shame in the way we love.

---