Page 41 of In the Monster's Wake
He was talking to Cullen and getting to know him.Jasper hadn’t been surprised to find out that Cullen was alone in the world.When his mother had passed away, he’d lost the only person who could’ve protected him from Kester.
Archibald doubted that Kester had cared about Cullen’s mother.He doubted that Kester cared about anyone, even his son.If he was looking for Cullen, it wasn’t because he’d suddenly decided to act like a father.No, there had to be something more, although Archibald couldn’t begin to guess what that something was.
Maybe Kester was just curious.After all, he went after what he wanted without hesitation all the time.Maybe he just wanted answers or to see what his son was like.There was no way to know what he would’ve done if Cullen hadn’t managed to run away, but Archie had a good imagination, and he suspected that Cullen did, too.
A knock on the door got everyone’s attention.Cullen glanced around as if trying to find somewhere to hide, and Jasper was on him right away, reassuring him that everything would be all right.Archibald wasn’t sure if he was right, but he hoped so.
He went to open the door.Braith’s expression was grim, and he asked about Jasper as soon as he was through the door.
“He’s fine,” Archibald reassured his friend.“A little banged up, but he’s survived fighting Kester twice now.It’s pretty impressive.”
Braith nodded.“It is, but it doesn’t reassure me.We both know he wouldn’t have survived if Kester hadn’t wanted him to.”
“I agree.I’m hoping we can get answers out of Cullen, but something tells me he’s already said everything he knows about his father.”
Braith rubbed his face.“I can’t believe Kester has a son.I thought for sure that he killed every person he was with.”
“He probably doesn’t care enough to do so.”
“I don’t know if I can keep this kid safe if Kester finds us.”
It was a chance they’d need to take.They couldn’t send Cullen away with no protection, and even if they did, Jasper would still be in danger.“We have to try.”
Braith nodded.“You keep Jasper safe, and I’ll worry about the kid.”
“It’s all we can do.”Archibald wished that wasn’t the case, but until they found Kester, what could they do?Hopefully, Cullen would be the key to finding his father.
Archibald led Braith into the living room.Cullen and Jasper were softly talking, but Cullen’s attention went to Braith as soon as he walked in.He pressed his body harder against the back of the couch, and Archibald’s heart hurt a little for him.He was clearly terrified, and it was all because of his father.
“I’m Braith,” Braith introduced himself.“I work with Archibald and Jasper.”
“He’s going to kill you if he finds me with you,” Cullen answered instead of introducing himself.
Braith blinked, then shrugged.“I won’t be going down without a fight.”
“How much you fight isn’t going to matter.”
“Maybe, maybe not.We’re working on stopping him, though.Besides, would you prefer to go back to the streets?I can offer you a comfortable couch and as much food as you can eat.”
Cullen stared at him for a moment before nodding.“I guess I’d rather spend the last few days of my life comfortable than sleeping outside.”
He had no faith that he’d make it out alive.Archibald wasn’t surprised, but he didn’t like it.Cullen needed to hope and to fight.
“Now, what do you say if we leave these two lovebirds alone?”Braith offered, gesturing at Archibald and Jasper.“I’m sure they want to reconnect or something.”
Cullen looked vaguely disgusted, which was offensive.“They’re together?”
“They are, and they’re right here listening to what you’re saying,” Jasper grumbled.“You should go with Braith, though.That way, even if your father finds me, he won’t find you.”
“He’ll find both of us eventually.”
“Maybe, maybe not.We’re not going to make things easy on him, though.Go with Braith and let him take care of you.He’ll protect you enough that you can run again.”
Cullen didn’t argue.It was like all the fight had leaked from him, leaving only a husk without any hope behind.He got up and moved closer to Braith, who gave him a smile.Cullen didn’t smile back.
Braith turned his attention to Archibald.“I’ll let you know if anything happens.”
“Same here.Keep an eye on him, please.”
