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“I love you.” Just saying the words makes me cry harder. For the first time in forever, though, there’s nothing behind my tears except joy. “I love you, Ren.”
He lifts his head and looks me in the eye, a tiny smile stirring his lips. “I love you, Angel.”
So why do I feel sort of anxious? What am I looking for when I stare into his dark, familiar eyes? I’m looking for River. Waiting for him to show up and ruin things the way he always does when we’re happy together.
There’s none of that now. There’s only Ren, and I’m grateful for that.
I just wish I didn’t always have to wait for the other shoe to drop.
22
REN
Asense of normality sets in as I take my seat at the long dining room table. My parents and Luna sit beside me while Xander sits at the head of the table and his family across from us. My mom is finally back to normal now that Luna was returned to us unharmed. She is smiling brightly at me, the spark in her eyes returned.
Ella also seems unusually happy today, probably because she feels like the family is finally whole again. She’s always seen me as a bonus kid, at least that’s what she told me many times. I wish I could share their joy without restrain. Unfortunately, there is still so much darkness surrounding me. It’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Rebecca and William are finally dead, though I still feel like there is unfinished business. New Haven still exists, and though their once leaders are gone, the Russian mob is simply going to appoint someone else to do their bidding. I know it’s not my problem, and I shouldn’t feel responsible for them, but I also can’t just let it go. Young kids are still being picked off the street just like Luna and I were randomly chosen. Those kids are still going through hell every day just to be sold off to the highest bidder when they’re grown up.
The maids bring the first course out to the table. A bowl of savory smelling creamy soup is set in front of me. As I reach for my spoon, my father clears his throat.
“Now that Luna is back safely, Sophie and I were thinking about returning to our home. We were also hoping to take Ren with us.”
I drop my spoon on the table. That’s the first I’ve heard of it. Shocked, I look over at my father, wondering why he didn’t ask me first. I guess he just assumed I’d want to go home. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Scarlet shake her head profusely.
Before Xander has a chance to answer, I blurt out, “I’d rather stay here if that’s okay with you.” I meet Xander’s surprised expression.
“Is that so?” Xander asks, looking between my father and I. “I’m surprised you want to stay.”
“Dr. Stone is here, and I doubt she would make the drive out to our house every day.”
“I want Ren to stay here as well,” Scarlet chimes in, making her father scoff in annoyance.
“Is that the only reason you want to stay?” Quinton questions.
No. Is the short answer. I want to stay because I still want to take down New Haven, and I know I need Xander’s help to do so. I also know it’s not going to be easy to get his help with this. He won’t just start a war with the Russians, without a good reason.
Instead of bringing up my real reason now, I go for another half lie.
“I also want to stay here because it’s safer. If I turn into River there are guards and a cell downstairs.”
“Or I can just kick your ass,” Quinton jokes.
“You can try,” I snap back, making us both grin.
“I don’t mind you staying,” Xander finally announces, though the tone of his voice is hesitant.
Relief washes over me. I wasn’t sure if he would be okay with this. Especially not with Scarlet here.
“I’d rather have you home with us, but I understand why you want to stay,” Mom explains. “I’ll be happy as long as you are happy.”
“I think it’s a good idea that you are staying,” Ella chimes in. “It will be good to have you boys back together. Just don’t try to burn the house down again.”
“That was one time, Mom.” Quinton laughs. “And it was by accident. When will you let that go?”
“When you promise never to try to cook on your own again.”
“I swear we’ll let the cook prepare all food from now on,” Quinton promises, making everyone at the table laugh.
