Page 38 of Cerberus's Branding

I don’t want to tell her that shit. She doesn’t need to know the violence that’s within me. But if I know anything about Ember, it’s that I can’t hide anything from her. She’s the type of woman who, when she’s in, she’s all in. If I don’t tell her, then it could come between us. I do tell her, it also puts her at risk if the cops end up getting involved. I don’t want them to use her against me.

It’s a possibility.

However big or small it is, she has a right to know.

Fuck.

“You shouldn’t be told any of this.” I sigh,watching her closely, making my decision. “You need to know that if I tell you anything, it could make you an accessory.”

“You don’t have to tell me everything, just something. You were covered in blood, Jase.”

Yeah, I had been.

“I killed Jon Coleman, Em,” I tell her, not dropping her gaze as I explain the reason and she listens. Not once does she flinch or look horrified at what I did. The only thing she does is give me a look of worry when I finish telling her the parts I’m allowing her to know. “What I’ve told you, Ember, you can’t share with anyone, not even the ol’ ladies.”

Ember nods and curls herself into me. “I grew up in this life, Jase. I’ve seen more than any of my uncles wanted me to. But more than that, I wouldn’t speak of it to anyone because it’s not mine to share. I learned the differences in justice and know that the best course to take comes with a price. The judicial system is faulted in a big way. You can trust me to keep what you share to myself.”

Nodding, I tuck her tighter to me. “You have a good time with all the ol’ ladies in here?”

“Yeah,” she answers with a small laugh. “I understand them all more now.”

“Why’s that?” I thought she was already friends with them.

“Because over pizza and wings, we all got to know each other. They shared their stories, and with them sharing, I found out they would get me better than any therapist ever could. My uncle told me weeks ago that I needed to find someone I could talk to, and now I have.” The last of her words were no more than a whisper.

“That’s good, baby,” I murmur and plant a kiss on the side of her head.

Lying together, I hold her until she falls asleep. Her breathing steadies and her arm around my waist goes limp. If I could, I’d stay right here in this bed with her and sleep like I haven’t slept since before she was shot. I’d slept in that chair next to her bed in the hospital, though I don’t think anyone could actually claim what I did as actual sleep. I dozed off and on, that’s about it. I could easily lie here with Ember and sleep.

Unfortunately, that’s not something I can do.

Not yet.

Soon.

I will soon enough, I’ll be able to do so without thoughts of her being in danger haunting me. Until then, I won’t rest.

Needing to get back to the others, I press another kiss to the top of Ember’s head. I move without waking her from the bed and tuck the covers aroundher to keep her from getting cold. One thing I noticed is that she gets cold easily, and with it getting colder out, I don’t want her to be uncomfortable, even if the heat in the clubhouse is on.

The thought of it getting colder out reminds me Christmas is right around the corner, and I need to do something to make this one special for Ember. It’s our first one.

Moving to my dresser, I quietly pull everything out that I need and dress. Once I’m ready, I glance back at the bed, wanting nothing more than to rejoin her.

After this is done.

Releasing a heavy breath, I look away from her, shove the rest of my shit in my pockets, check my gun clips, holster both guns, grab my knife, and head for the door. It’s time to get this shit handled once and for all.

I want to be able to tell my woman when this is over that she’s got nothing to worry about.

Making sure not to wake her, I open the door, step out into the hallway, and come to a stop directly in front of Azrael.

“What’s up?” I ask.

“Was just coming to get you. Everyone’s ready,” Azrael remarks, eyes watching me assessing.

I nod, answering his unspoken question. “I’m good, brother, let’s get this done with.”

Azrael nods at me. “Let’s go burn these fuckers.”

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