Page 27 of Relentless (Dark Confessions 3.50)

“Antihero?” I asked, feeling like I was suddenly in the Twilight Zone.

“Yeah.” She nodded like it explained everything.

“Can you tell me more? And who let you watch Marvel movies?”

“It means he’s kind of bad at first, but then he realizes that being good isn’t so bad and that he can love himself as he is. That his family is there for him if he lets himself trust. Seriously, Mom, it’s like you’re eighty-years-old.” She rolled her eyes, and the sass was too cute to reprimand.

“Oh? Is that all?”

“Yep, and I know things, you know. Like how there are bad guys and good guys, and sometimes the good guys look like the bad guys. It’s called misdirection.”

“Seriously, who have you been watching movies with?”

She giggled, shaking her head and zipping her lips. I narrowed my eyes, raising my hands to tickle her. She laughed, falling back onto the bed, but she wouldn’t give up her source.

“I’ll find out, you know,” I panted through my laughter.

“Never!” she chuckled, the sound healing some of my anxiety. “So, are you leaving?”

I sat up, pulling her with me. “Why do you ask?”

“Hero's journey, duh.”

I was too stunned to say anything. “Wow, okay. Are you sure you’re not the eighty-year-old with all of your wisdom, missy?”

“Nope, still seven, almost eight!” she chirped.

“Don’t grow up! No! I won’t allow you to get older.” I pulled her to me, snuggling her to my side.

“Yeah, I guess I am going on a hero's journey, and I might be away for a while. You guys are safe to return home. I think Ryan will still stay at the house, but you’ll have all your toys and room back.”

“Are Beau and Knight Byron going with you?”

I drew back, looking at her. “Say what?” I blinked, not sure I heard her right.

“Knight Byron. He saved me once.”

“Okay, I feel like I don’t even know you anymore. That’s it. I’m staying back so I can be by your side at all times. I’m missing all your stories.”

“Mom, I have a life too. Don’t cramp my style.”

“You did not!”

She giggled. “I’ll miss you, but I know if you’re doing this, then it’s important. You wouldn’t leave me otherwise. You’re a good mom.”

I hugged her tight, the tears wanting to well up. “Thanks, kid. You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Plus, I bet when Beau returns, he’ll bring me an awesome gift.” She laughed, hopping off the bed.

“You little turd.” Shaking my head, I was glad she felt connected to the men I’d chosen. I didn’t get to go over everything with her today about who the Mascros were, but it was enough for now.

“Give me a kiss, twerp.” She hugged me, kissing my cheek, and I held onto her tightly for a moment, not even letting myself think it could be my last. If I’d learned anything in this life, it was how to be relentless. Now that I’d let myself dream of life, I wouldn’t stop until I got it.

Epilogue

BEAU

Shovingthe last of our bags into the trunk, I headed to the driver's door when my phone buzzed. Anxiously, I pulled it out, hoping it was news on Jude. I missed my little troublemaker and was worried about him.

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