Page 20 of A Dragon's Miracle (Fires of Fate)
“You promised to play more,” the child whined.
“After dinner,” Finn said. “Now run and sit with Eric. I'll get you later.”
“My car!” The toddler insisted. If he wasn't Eric, he had to be Taryn.
“After dinner,” Finn insisted.
Taryn huffed. I sensed a toddler tantrum coming on, but Finn defused the situation by saying, “I'll let you into our practice room to play with the drums if you're good.”
Taryn's eyes widened. “Really?”
“Really.” Finn patted the young boy's dark hair. “Now run.”
Taryn grinned and ran over to his brother, probably to share the news.
Finn set the car on the table with an expression of victory. I wasn't sure what he was happier about--that he'd convinced Taryn to go eat his dinner or that he got to keep the car for now. One thing I was sure of, though. He was going to make a great dad one day.
* * *
As soon aswe were done eating, Taryn was back. This time with his brother in tow. Thank God they were wearing different color suits tonight, so I could still tell them apart. Taryn was in blue, while Eric was dressed in red--a rather daring fashion choice, but completely adorable on the three year old.
“We want to play the drums,” Eric said.
“I ate my greens,” Taryn said, as if Finn should take this into consideration when making his decision.
Eric looked at his brother and shook his head. “You didn't.” He looked at Finn again. “I ate his peas.”
Taryn whacked him. “Don't say that!”
Finn sighed and pulled Taryn away from his brother. “Now, now. Play nice, boys.”
I used the moment of distraction to slip away from the table without Finn noticing.
Before I knew what I was doing, my feet had carried me up the stairs and into the hallway on the second floor. This was where Finn's bedroom was. And his parents' bedroom.
I'd decided not to steal anymore, but somehow, I'd still ended up here. If I wanted to get the object Jin desired and exchange it for medicine, this night was probably my last chance. I couldn't wait much longer before I had to get a refill.
But this wasn't right.
It's never been right, but you've still done it.
Because I had no other choice.
You still don't.
But what if I did? I leaned against the wall, sighed and stared at the ceiling. Truth be told, I'd always had the choice to say no to Jin. Go without his magic and let things run their natural course.
Perhaps it was time.
I turned as I heard someone else come up the stairs. Finn's mother.
“Ryan, darling, is everything alright? You look a bit pale.”
I stepped away from the wall. “I'm fine, thank you. Just needed to get away from the noise for a bit.”
She laughed. “Oh, I get that. The twins can be a bit much, can't they? But I'm glad you came tonight. You know you're always welcome here, don't you?”
She put an arm around my shoulder and gently led me back down the stairs.
“I know that, Mrs. Fireclaws. Thank you.”
“Oh, how many times have I told you to call me Serena? Now go grab some dessert or all the best food will be gone. I'm especially proud of the cheesecake, so try that!”
She went upstairs again before I could get another word in. I looked after her for a moment. How could I keep stealing from someone who welcomed me into their home so openly?
The answer was that I couldn't, and I wasn't going to. Not any more.
My mind made up, I went into the kitchen and cut myself a large piece of the cheese cake. I was too numb to really register the taste, but I kept eating anyway, until it was all gone.
And then I left.
