Page 121 of Speak No Claim

“Alright.”

“The protection bracelet your grandmother gave you. It was your father's.”

I glanced at my uncle as he reached into the pocket of his slacks, handing it over to me.

I grabbed it, looking at it. “She said she made it.”

“She did. She made it for him the first week he was at the lodge. She told him that he looked like a man who needed it. He never took it off until he gave it to me to give to you. I returned it to your grandmother, and you know the rest.”

I inhaled. “I’m exhausted, Mamá. I don’t know what to say to you to make this alright between us.”

“One day when you’re a mother, you’ll understand. Your father adored you, Hennessy. Our relationship had nothing to do with how much he loved you. He loved both of you.”

“Then you know about Deja too?”

“Having a sibling is the strongest connection you can share with anyone in the world.”

“She doesn’t know the truth, and I hate that things have to be this way.”

“It’s why I made sure you attended the Graves. It’s the way things should be. Your ancestors started that Academy, and it’s your right to be there.”

“My ancestors also started our lodge, Mamá.”

“Yes, and your childhood will always be here. This is your home. It doesn’t change just because you live somewhere else.”

“If my father is a legacy family, why didn’t he have an arranged marriage?”

“He didn’t want one. Your father was a wild man, and they get to choose if they want to marry or not.”

“What do you know about the Brotherhood? Was he happy?”

“He was a rebel like you. He wanted to find his own identity. Every day you remind me more of him.”

“You sure that’s not why you sent me away?”

“No, mi amor, and I know you don’t believe that.”

She was right. I didn’t.

“Anything else I need to know?”

She chuckled. “I don’t think so, but if you have any more questions, you can always call me.”

I inhaled another deep breath.

“I do have a question for you.”

“Okay.”

I could see her smiling. “Tell me all about the boy.”

It was my turn to chuckle as I looked out the window, trying to find Onyx, only to see his intense stare was already on me.

Onyx

“Onyx,” my father interrupted. Are you listening to me?”

“Mm-hmm…” Hennessy’s gaze connected with mine before I brought my attention back to him.