Page 84 of Steel

After all, for me, that’s the Twisted Kings.

“Maybe someday, I’ll have a cape like yours.”

“If that’s what you want.” I swallow hard, not sure why his comment stirs something up.

In my family, there’s only one real tradition: passing down the cut.

I figured I’d skip that part. But with Austin looking up at me, he has me questioning what I might be missing out on.

“You ready for our final task?” I change the subject before I can think too much about it.

“Like a secret mission?”

“Sure.”

“Then yes!” He cheers, and it’s impossible to bite back my grin at his excitement.

“Here.” I hand him a tire pressure gauge.

“What’s this?”

“To check the tire pressure.” I push the front tire. “This one should be good.”

“How do you know?” His eyebrows scrunch.

“You get used to the feel of it after a while,” I tell him. “But it’s always better to double-check. Safety first.”

I help him with the gauge as we check the pressure, confirming what I thought. “Perfect.”

Austin hums, pushing the front tire.

“Whatcha doing?”

“Feeling it.”

I grin, watching him press his whole hand on the tire, trying to figure out what I’m talking about.

“Ready to check the back?”

Austin nods, moving his hand to that one, doing the same thing he was in the front. He’s not pushing hard enough to actually get a read, but I appreciate the attempt.

“What do you think?”

Austin pushes again, his whole face scrunching. “I think it’s good.”

“Let’s double-check.” I squat down and help him with the gauge. “You’re right, it’s perfect.”

“It is?” His eyes widen as he looks at me.

I nod. “Yep, you’ve got a knack for this.”

“I did it.” He smiles so big, his blue eyes scrunch closed. “Maybe it’s my superpower.”

“Maybe. Either way, I think you’ve found your calling, kid.” I hold up a hand for him to give me a high five, but he throws himself at me, wrapping me in the biggest hug.

Pure.

Unapologetic.

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