Page 8 of Absolution (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 3)

I haven’t seen my mom in person in about a year. Her light brown hair is just starting to show some gray strands near her temples. Her eyes are a pretty, clear blue, almost violet. Her skin is still smooth and pale, barely any wrinkles yet.

I share a look with Claire. We’re both equally reluctant to let her back into our lives after she left Dad and let us think it was his fault. I’m not even sure why she’s here. This is the first time she’s set foot back in the states since the day she left.

She glances over Dad’s shoulder and see us. “Connor, Claire.” She jumps up and runs for Claire. “Are you okay?” She pulls her in for a tight hug that Claire doesn’t return.

“I’m fine. I came out of everything the least injured.” Claire shakes out of our mother’s embrace.

“Connor, how’s Lilith?” Mom asks as she hugs me.

“Recovering. She was asleep when we came up, so I decided to let her continue to rest.” I give her a limp one-arm hug.

“What are you doing here?” Claire asks coldly, drawing a look of condemnation from Dad. She shrugs back at him, completely unaffected.

“I was worried about my children,” Mom replies with tears in her eyes. “You were abducted, Claire. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

“You didn’t seem to care all that much about your children when you decided to tear apart our family, so you could go to chow town on the help.” Claire delivers the truth cold with an impersonal glance at her nails.

“Claire Dinara Volkov,” Dad says sternly.

“Don’t full name me, Dad. I lost years with you and Con. I’m not just going to forget it because she pops in after a near-death experience.”

The tension between the four of us mounts as we stare each other down. Claire and I on one side, Mom and Dad on the other. I hear a throat clear behind me as Dad moves past me.

“Hello,” Lily says with a little wave. She gives Dad a grateful smile as he wraps his arm around her shoulders and leads her to the couch.

“Lilith,” Mom sits beside her while I take the other side. “How are you, sweetie?”

“I’m okay, Ciara.” Lily leans into me. “I’m still a little sore, but there’s no pain anymore.”

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Mom slips her hand over Lily’s and squeezes. “I’m also glad you were able to make it up here. Victor and I have something to tell you kids.”

I feel Lily stiffen beside me and meet Claire’s eyes from across the room. Mom stands up from the couch and walks over to Dad. He wraps his arm around her shoulders and kisses her temple. Claire’s face is screaming no. I have a feeling I know where this is going and we’re not going to like it.

“Your mother and I are reconciling,” Dad announces.

“What in the actual fuck?” Claire roars. “Are you serious? Are. You. Serious?” She shakes her head back and forth. “I’m out. I’m not doing this. I’m not playing happy family.” She stalks gracefully across the living room. “I’m going back to my apartment.”

We all watch her go.

“This is really stupid,” I say looking at Dad; I can’t even stand the sight of my mother right now. “Possibly the dumbest thing you’ve ever done.” I stand up to make my own exit from the room. Lily stands and follows me out without saying a word to them.

It feels indescribably good having her beside me right now. Especially knowing what she’s been through because of my messed-up family and me. We go back downstairs, and as soon as we’re in the hallway, I gently push her against the wall. I rest my forehead against hers, my fingers working under her shirt to find her smooth skin.

“I love you so much.” My words come out a low whisper.

“I know.” She cups my face. “I love you, too.”

This would be the perfect moment to open up to her. To explain the abuse I endured at the hands of my uncle. I just can’t bring myself to say the words out loud, to acknowledge how weak I was. How weak I still am.

“Fuck’s sake,” Levi says as he steps into the hall, “your room is down the hall.”

“Yeah, and your apartment is downtown,” Lily quips back with a sassy roll of her eyes.

“We’re safer together,” Levi says over his shoulder. “You’re too much work for just one of us to handle.”

“He’s not wrong,” I can’t help the smirk that slips out. “You’re so stubborn.”

“I’m stubborn?” she asks incredulously. “Look in a mirror.”

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