Page 18 of The World She Never Knew Existed

“This is none of your business. This is between me and my wife,” John said.

“I believe the lady has made it clear that she is no longer your wife,” Dillon replied. “I think that it’s best that you just leave.”

Dillon hadn’t moved a muscle, and still seemed to be very relaxed. However, there was just something about his demeanor that made John pause and consider his next move. Then, John decided that Dillon wasn’t a threat. He puffed up his chest and took a step toward the tall, brawny shifter in the door.

Immediately, Dillon stood up straight. He towered above John. Dillon looked John straight in the eye.

“I think that it’s best that you leave,” Dillon said in a low voice, laced with deadly warning.

John turned back toward Clara and snarled, “This isn’t over, not by a long shot.”

Then, he pushed past John and left.

Clara released the breath that she hadn’t realized that she was holding.

She looked at Dillon, her cheeks flushed red. She was completely humiliated that Dillon had witnessed her drama.

Jamie brushed past Dillon and hugged Clara.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I’m okay. Just embarrassed,” Clara said.

“You have no reason to be embarrassed,” Jamie said. “It wasn’t you who was acting like a horse’s ass.”

Zeke slipped out of the table and rushed over to his mom and hugged her legs.

“It’s okay, son,” Clara said, tears forming in her eyes.

Clara looked up at Dillon and Jamie and said, “I’m sorry, guys. I have no idea why I stayed with him for so long. I guess it was because I thought that it was best for Zeke, although he seems to be more relaxed since the separation.”

“Like Jamie said, you have nothing to be sorry for,” Dillon said.

Nodding, Clara said, “Thank you.”

Dillon grinned and said, “That’s what I’m here for. If you need me, I’m here for you.”

“Mom, is Dad going to be coming back?” Zeke asked.

“Not today,” Clara said.

“Do I still have to go with him this weekend?” Zeke asked, worry in his eyes.

Clara knelt down so that she was eye level with Zeke.

“Yes, you do have to go with your father this weekend. It’s the law. We have to follow the law,” Clara said.

Zeke studied his mother’s face for a second and then nodded.

“Okay, I will go with him then,” Zeke said, and then headed back to his table to play with his trucks.

“I don’t think that I’ve ever seen a kid as laid back and easy going as Zeke,” Dillon said.

“He’s always been that way – ever since he was born,” Clara said. “Nothing seems to bother him. He just takes everything in stride.”

“That is a good trait to have,” Dillon said. “Are you okay?”

“I am. Thank you again for coming to the rescue,” she said.

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