Page 233 of Gift from the Source
If anything, it’s more shocking that his views never changed, only got worse. He blamed Persley Vito so much, that hatred brewed into a sense of seeing all women as worthless. It blinded him.
You’d think the number of times the generations before Willow escaped him, throttled his current plan, or whatever they did to interfere, he’d see them as equals if not above him.
Instead, he saw the power that flowed through their veins as a commodity rather than the threat it truly was to his grand plan.
That cost him dearly.
So much wasted hate and anger.
“How did the plant end up at my mom’s? And what exactly is it you’d like Tillman to do with it?”
“I took it there after they passed. It was in Sean’s indoor garden in a concealed and confined area. Your mom’s greenhouse is spellbound and flourishing on its own at this point. I knew it’d be safe there along with her Willowrries. As for what he’s to do with it, well, that’s completely up to him. My favor was just that he go and see it, read his father’s research. If he’d like to do more than that, that’s completely up to him. I wanted him to know that his parents embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey alongside yours. I’ve been patiently waiting for the perfect time to tell the two of you this story.”
His tone has Willow and me side-eying each other. It’s as though he’s trying to say we’re the ones who took so long to give him the time of day.
Granted, his timing was perfect.
I lay my lips to Will’s shoulder as she leans against my chest. My fingers trail circles around her mark and she hums happily.“We’ll be spending time out there soon. Thank you for telling us this. This was a much-needed happy story.”
“Of course, Tillme. I know the aftermath can be a little crazy, but it’ll all be over soon enough. Enjoy each other.”
“Always,”Willow and I say together.
A sigh breaks free that signals he’s gone from her mind and chill bumps race across her arms.
My fingers chase them away and I create a blanket big enough for both of us as she snuggles deeper onto my chest.
We’re lifted from the ground by the hammock I create, and she calls forth a breeze that has us swinging slowly with the wind.
The two of us sway.
Embracing the peaceful silence.
Our eyes close, and I doze off into the first nap I’ve taken since I was a kid.
Twenty-Seven
Draken
“One more run through,” my dad says as his eyes scan and count the vampires gathered in front of us.
I cock my brow at him. That would be the damn fourth round. “Do you really think there’re more in the forest or are you salty I beat you around the forest?”
“We can never be too careful. And you didn’t beat me. I tripped over a tree stump. They’re everywhere in this blasted place.”
Yeah, okay. He’s full of shit.
“If you say so.” I roll my eyes, and he does it right back. “Guys, we’re going around one more time.”
My brothers all groan and Willow shoots Keeper a knowing smile. Well, both of us.
His is about his blatant attempt to claim I didn’t win fair and square. Mine is because…I’d run around this forest all day every day for however long he wanted to if it meant he wasn’t about to leave us.
Nope. Can’t get emotional again.
“One, two, go!”
I take off through the trees and laugh as I hear his muttered curse from somewhere behind me.
