Page 8 of Endgame

“Enjoy your last holiday with him. He won’t be going home with you.” Tears cloud my vision, this man standing before me isn’t the same guy I knew years ago. This man is hardened, jaded and angry at the world. The Beckett I once knew was kind, loving and wanted nothing more than to protect me from the monsters that I lived with. I carefully untangle myself from Dawson and step around so I stand in front of Beck, imploring him with my eyes to not do this.

“He’s all I have, Beckett. I am begging you to not take him from me.” A gasp escapes me when he snaps his arm out, grips the back of my neck and pulls me to him. I’m forced onto my tip toes as he bends down so we are eye level. I see nothing but hatred in his gaze as he looks at me and that cuts deep.

“I once begged you to not leave me and look what happened.” He releases me with a hard shove. I stumble back a step, shocked to my core. Leah darts out in front of me facing Beck.

“Becky, you need to cool off,” she says in my defense.

“She hid my kid!” he roars. Dawson shrieks in fright.

“And you are hurting the mother of your child in front of him! He doesn’t need to see that crap. Take a walk and calm down.” Dawson begins to cry and I rush over to him plucking from the ground and holding him against me to try to calm him, he’s never been around this type of tension or raised voices before. Beckett shoots me a glare before storming out of the room. Darius and Corvin both go after him. The second the front door slams closed, I gather Dawson’s things and race from the room, taking the stairs as quickly as I can with Dawson in my hold.

I kick the door shut behind me and groan when I see there is no lock!

“Great,” I bite out as I drop the bag and place Dawson on the bed. He sniffles and uses the backs of his hands to wipe his tears away. I race around the room and gather all our things, I don’t know how the hell I am going to afford an Uber from here and especially with it being Christmas Eve but I don’t have a choice, I need to get the hell out of here.

* * *

I lay here next to Dawson as he naps with my arms banded around him. It’s early afternoon when a knock sounds at the door. I debate ignoring it but when they knock again and Dawson stirs. I decide it’s better to leave him to nap rather than wake him and have him be grumpy. I slip from the bed carefully and quietly tiptoe over to the door and open it. I frown when I see Corvin standing there. I slip out of the room and quietly close the door behind myself. We stand here awkwardly for a minute as he rubs the back of his neck and shoots me an awkward smile.

“I know this is fucked up and everything–”

“You think?” I snap, his eyes soften as he drops his arm back to his side.

“Look, I know you’re pissed at everyone and I don’t know the story behind you and Beck but I do know him. Whatever happened between the two of you must have been bad for him to leave someone he cares about.” I drop my gaze to the floor unable to handle the judgment in his eyes. “Valance?”

I slowly lift my gaze back to his. “I won’t tell his story,” I whisper.

“I respect that but that wasn’t what I was going to say. Firstly, I want to say I’m sorry about earlier. I never should have dragged you away from your kid.” I frown.

“Oh…” I’m not really sure how I should answer that. Am I pissed that he did that? Yes! But I also understand that Beckett is his friend and of course, he would believe him over me, so I can’t really be too angry at him.

“Look, we have a tree and thought the little guy would like to decorate it and bake some cookies and shit with us?” My eyes widen in surprise but then I think of Beckett and his threat.

“That’s really sweet of you but–”

He cuts me off. “I won’t let him take the kid from you, Valance.” The conviction in his tone has me stunned silent. “I’m no saint but I also know that every kid needs their mom. You have my word that I will not let that happen, but you do need to sort shit with Beckett.” I blow out a frustrated breath and nod.

It’s not like I have much choice, I get no cell service here so I couldn’t even call an Uber or Jeff to see if he could pick us up. “I have a couple of little things for Dawson in the morning, can I put them under the tree?”

Corvin beams at me and nods. “Of course, you can, we have a hot tub out back that he can play in tonight as well.” I shake my head.

“Dawson can’t swim!” I say in a panic. He reaches out and places a hand on my shoulder, and smiles reassuringly.

“That’s why he has uncles and aunts that will watch over him.” Corvin may not understand it but his words mean more than he will ever know. I never thought Dawson would have a family that would band around him and care for his wellbeing. The situation between Beck and I is shit but something inside me is screaming that I can trust Corvin.

“Okay,” I whisper.

“Where is the little guy, can I take him down?” I’m about to tell him that he’s napping when the door opens to reveal a yawing little boy that melts my heart. Corvin drops down onto one knee in front of Dawson who is still half asleep. “Hi, my dude, I’m your uncle Corv.” I cover my mouth with my hand and fight back tears. Dawson smiles shyly at Corvin.

“Hi, I Dawson.” I smile behind my hand.

“Well, little dude, we have a Christmas tree downstairs that needs to be decorated for Santa, do ya think you can help us?” Dawson jumps up and down and claps excitedly.

“Momma, I go uncool Corbin?” I fight my laughter from slipping free at the way he saysuncool, Corvin doesn’t seem to mind that he can’t say his name which is sweet. I pretend to ponder his question for a second.

“Promise to be good and use your listening ears?” He nods eagerly.

“Well, I guess so then,” I say. Dawson squeals in delight before launching himself at Corvin. He catches him with ease and stands with my boy in his arms.

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