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CHAPTERNINETEEN
ETHAN
Home. Family.
They were the two things I had that night and were thankful for. Despite the fact that I had cuts all over my body, I sat at the dining table and did not go upstairs to my bedroom.
When Vanessa and I returned to thehouse, I had her taken to her room despite her protests. I knew she'd defy me, but I had more pressing matters to attend to after what had happened.
I avoided her gaze as I approached the dining table, knowing I would feel guilty.
"We can talk in the morning," Dylan said as he examined me. Even though I sat upright in my seat, I was in a lot of pain.
"Since you and my uncle are here, we should talk.I'm sure you both have a lot of questions for me," I said, turning my gaze to my uncle. His expression was as neutral as I remembered it, masking his emotions.
I was never very good at it because I was different from him. It was always hard for me to keep my feelings about people hidden. However, after taking on a new role in the family, I hadimproved.
My uncle extended his hand. "I'm not hereto fight you, justto make sure you're okay," he said concernedly.
"I am. There's no need to be concerned about me," I told him reassuringly.
"Who got youtonight?" my uncle asked, his tone slightly sarcastic.
I wanted to respond, but I didn't have the strength, and I wasn't in the mood for a fight. I was enraged at not being able to kill Mullen, exhausted, and in pain. The only thing that came out was a scoff.
"It was Sean Mullen," Dylan said. I returned his smile, knowing that I had someone on my side.
"What ofTristan?" Luke said.
"I senthim home," I explained.
"I don't think you did," Dylan said as I turned my neck to look behind me. I couldn't without exacerbating my injuries, so I gave up.
"He’s right behind us, isn't he?" I asked loudly enough for him to hear.
He approached, standing next to me."You should sit as well since you're here disobeying my orders," I told him.
"I apologize," Tristan said, puffing out his chest. It was an elaborate display of pride to hide his shame for not protecting me.
"Tristan, it wasn't your fault. You did everything you could to protect me,"I reassured him and motioned towards one of the seats. Tristan bowed his thanks and sank into the chairwith a sigh.
"I'll be more cautious next time," hesaid, his gaze fixed on Dylan. My uncle and cousin did not react, but I did. Tristan stayed in the house not only to protect me from the Mullens, but also because he suspected my uncle and Dylan.
I thought it was ridiculous, but having him here right now felt good.
"I should call the doctor," Dylan said, pulling out his phone and pushing his chair back from the table, "He should be here already."
"You shouldn't bother. I'm sure he'll be heresoon,"Tristan intervened quickly to prevent Dylan from leaving the table. "I want to thank you on behalf of all the men for saving us out there tonight."
Dylan made a dismissive motion with his hand, shifting his gaze from me to his father. "I'm glad I could assist. Anything in the service of the head of thefamily, who also happens to be my best cousin."
"How did you know aboutthe attack? The men at the mansion only found out when we returned," Tristan went on.
When I noticed my uncle raise an eyebrow, I knew Tristan was becoming too obvious.
"True, but we're still alive because he found us earlier. If not, Sean Mullen would have gotten tous and come for the rest of the family too,"I tried to avoid Tristan's questions.
My words were sufficient to dispel the brewing tension at the table. Tristan sank in his seat and backed away as I scolded him with my eyes.
