Page 99 of Back In the Shadows

Could have fooled me. You should have never let the Pied Piper talk to Ella. Whatever was said in that conversation fucked her up. I’m not sure you have what it takes to keep her and the kids safe.

I arched my brow. “You underestimate me.”

Maybe, but you also underestimate me and what I’m willing to do for my family.

I sighed, weary from the long night of driving. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Neither am I, so how is this going to work between us?

“I hate to admit it, but you come in handy at times. I don’t know that things would have turned out like they did if you hadn’t helped.”

Death’s surprise at my words bounced throughout my body.

I guess you’re okay yourself … sometimes. Well, Ella seems fond of you so that leaves me in a bit of a bind. If I kill you and take over, she might not forgive me.

I rubbed my chin before I replied. “Yeah, same. I’m beginning to think she really does love both of us. In my eyes, we have no choice but to make this work the best that we can.”

Silence was his only reply for a full minute.

He snarled.Agreed.

“Guess it’s settled then.”

Not quite. There’s something else.

The rest of the ride home was quiet except for the voice in my head. I parked the van and stared at my wife, overcome with gratitude for her. Not just any woman could put up with me, both sides. Yet here she was. She’d put her life on the line to save me and our children. I wasn’t sure it was possible to love someone as much as I did my beautiful Ella.

51

ELLA

The moment Sebastian opened the penthouse door for me, my heart skipped a beat with joy. Alaric and Verity were sitting on the floor playing with Dope and Cami. But even the familiar comfort of home couldn’t stop my instinctive scan of the corners, looking for eight-legged shadows. I’d done the same thing at every stop on our drive, checking every room before I could relax. Sebastian had noticed but hadn’t said anything, just quietly checked the spaces with me.

“You’re back!” Cami yelled and jumped off the floor, nearly barreling me over with her hug.

I stiffened at the sudden contact, my body betraying me again. Dark spots danced at the edges of my vision as memories of being restrained flooded back. Cami immediately stepped away, understanding dawning in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I should have …”

“No,” I cut her off, forcing myself to breathe normally. “I want hugs. I want normal. My brain just … forgets sometimes that I’m safe.” I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “Try again? Slower this time?”

The second hug was gentler, and I focused on the familiar scent of her shampoo, on the present moment, on being in a safe place. The flashback receded, but the tension in my neck remained.

A smile pulled at the corners of my mouth with her embrace. “It’s super good to be here. Hopefully for a while too.”

Cami released me but held on to my shoulders. “Does that mean what I think it does?”

I nodded, a silly grin slipping into place. “We’re staying for a while, which means we will have more time together. I don’t think I would be able to sleep at the house in New York.”

“Shit, I wouldn’t be able to sleep with you there either. I would be worried about you and the kids every second of every day.” Her eyes cut over to Sebastian. “You on the other hand, I wouldn’t worry about since you uh …” She cleared her throat. “Ya know. Jekyll and Hyde your way through situations.” She gave him a small grin.

Relief washed over me. Maybe we were making some progress with Cami accepting Sebastian and Death.

“Ma Ma!” Verity squealed and lifted her arms.

I hurried over to her and scooped her off the floor, peppering her sweet little cheeks with kisses. Her infectious giggles warmed me as I held her closely. “Mama’s home, baby girl.”

Alaric released a wail, and I set Verity down and picked up my son. “Hi, baby. How’s my boy?” He laid his head on my shoulder and grabbed my shirt in his little hand. “I love you too.” I rubbed his back as he buried his face in my neck.

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