Page 56 of Tainted Hearts

Chapter 15

Zed

“Do I have to?” Abbywhines as we get to the bottom of the stairs.

“We only have to be here long enough to please the parents, and then we can go to my place.”

“I wish one of my powers was to speed up time.” She gives me an adorable pout. I chuckle and suck her lip into my mouth, giving it a little nibble. She sighs, leaning into me.

“Come on, you two.” Leo laughs from behind us. “Any more of this and we will be going for round two.”

“I don’t mind.” Abby gives us a sassy grin.

“I love how naughty you are.” I grin, wrapping my arm around her. We head into the kitchen, following an amazing smell.

“Hey,” Noah says when we walk into the room, giving Abby a big smile.

Abby detaches herself from me and heads over to Noah. “Merry Christmas,” Abby says, leaning over to place a kiss on Noah’s lips. When she pulls back, Noah looks stunned. I’ve never seen a man blush as much as he does, it makes me wonder how he was ever one of Abby’s tormentors. He doesn’t seem to have a mean bone in his body.

“Get over here.” Luke snatches Abby around her waist, pulling her down into his lap. He wastes no time pulling her in for a kiss. I roll my eyes, a small smirk finding my lips. I ignore the two of them going at it like animals, and Leo sits next to Noah, starting up a conversion.

“Hey,” I say to my little brother as he flips pancakes.

“Hey,” he murmurs, not looking up at me.

“How are you feeling about today?” I ask, knowing it must be bothering him.

“Can’t wait to be stuck sitting at a table with the man who loves to beat me behind closed doors,” he huffs out a humorless laugh, giving his head a shake.

“Hey.” I place my hand on his shoulder. He looks up at me, and I hate the pain I see in his eyes. “He won't hurt you. We won’t let him. One of us will be with you at all times.”

“He’s not going to be happy. I’m sure he’s found out about Heather by now. And I’m sure she told him about Abby being my mate.”

“Doesn’t matter if he has. Hell, we can tell them all at lunch just to get it out there. They can’t do shit.”

Isaac plates the last few pancakes and turns to me, a haunted look in his eyes. “The thing is, he can if he wants. Zed, next to God, he’s the most powerful being. As are the guys’ dads. If he really wanted to make my life Hell on Earth, he can, and no one can stop him.”

“We’ll find a way. Maybe one of the cameras we set up will pick up something useful. We can use it against him.”

“Well...” Isaac grabs a plate and a few pancakes. “I’m not putting my hope into anything. I’ve learned it only hurts more when everything comes crashing down around you.”

My heart breaks as anger rises. I should have been there for him, I should have protected him. He’s my fucking brother, and while I was living my own life, he was being abused by our sperm donor. Isaac might not have faith, but I do. We might not be able to fight him, but we can blackmail him. We just need something on the fucker.

Isaac brings a plate of pancakes topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and sprinkles and places it in front of Abby.

---