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Cody had already warmed up to Xaiden and me. Olivia was different, which wasn’t surprising. She stayed by Cody often. We were seeing peeks of the girl she was though. A smile here, a chuckle there. A full laugh. Xaiden lit up every time he heard it.
Today we were bringing Corbin home. Finally. Our friends and family wanted to be here to welcome him. Instead of having them come today, we’d invited everyone over for dinner tomorrow night. Greer and Xaiden would cook. There was plenty of room outside and in for people to mingle and talk.
It felt like there was a part of me missing while Corbin was in the hospital. We visited when the hospital hours allowed. When we weren’t there, we—along with our friends—packed Cody’s home and moved his belongings to Xaiden’s. We also reached out to Pia’s ex-husband about getting into her house to pick up Olivia’s things. He met us there and helped us pack what little she’d brought. He was still shocked by what had happened. He also had some choice words to say about her when Cody and Olivia weren’t in earshot.
It was in the past though, at least for now. There were still internal demons to slay, but they were pushed to the back to focus on the fact our missing piece was in the SUV with us on our way home. Cody insisted on coming along, which meant Olivia did as well.
I nudged Xaiden’s arm. “C’mon, Grandma. The doc can handle a speed over thirty-five.”
Xaiden glared at me in the rearview. “Are you seriously giving me grief for being cautious?”
“Yes, considering the speed limit is forty.”
“We’ll be home in a few minutes.”
We eventually turned down the driveway, slower than ever before. Olivia was seated behind Corbin. Her brown hair had the same curl her brother’s did. Olivia wore hers longer, past her shoulders. It was currently pulled into a low ponytail. She looked out the window, watching the scenery go by.
Cody sat between Olivia and me, his fingers dancing over his phone, texting one of his friends. I thought Perry could pack food away, but he had nothing on Cody. I also knew Cody hadn’t been eating well since he lost his parents.
We were near the house when I heard Xaiden curse. “Val, call the police.”
I peered through the windshield and saw that fucking blue Challenger. I wasn’t letting Xaiden confront him alone though, so I grabbed my phone, quickly called 911 and told them there was someone trespassing on our property, who also threatened me previously, and ended the call. The police weren’t right down the road from Xaiden’s home, but they’d be out patrolling. Since it was more rural here, it might take five minutes or more before they showed up. Xaiden didn’t keep a gun on him anymore, not in his cars, not anywhere in the open where Cody or Olivia could get to them, so we were completely unarmed.
As soon as Xaiden pulled to a stop and shut off his SUV, my uncle was out of his car, charging toward us. I threw open my door and jumped out. Xaiden was there with his hand catching my wrist. I heard the other door open and glanced over my shoulder to see Corbin gingerly get out. He had his phone lifted, partially behind the door, focused on us. He nodded to let me know he was recording us. Smart man. I had to be careful now. Not be the one to throw the first punch. Oh, how I wanted to hit this motherfucker.
Corbin whispered something to Cody and Olivia. I hoped he told them not to get involved. Xaiden would be able to handle my uncle on his own, though I wanted a piece of the action.
“Tell your parents they made a mistake,” my uncle said with his finger pointing at Xaiden.
“Get off my property. We’ve already called the police.”
“Good, because I know everyone on the force.” Of course, he did. Where we lived wasn’t too far from where I grew up. Different towns. It wasn’t surprising the cops knew each other. “Until they get here, we’re going to talk. I want your family’s endorsement back.”
“You won’t get it. Nor will you be getting a single dime from us. I told you to leave.” Xaiden was barely containing his anger. I could hear it seeping through into his voice and saw the way his jaw clenched, the muscle ticking on the side.
“My career is ruined. You did that because of your fucking boyfriend. You’ll pay for what you did.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“You’re damn right I am. Ask Valiant how good I am at doing whatever I want.”
I fought to pull my hand from Xaiden’s grip. The use of my full name was like waving a green flag on race day.
“Get off our property,” I seethed. I couldn’t keep calm if I wanted to. Not when he was standing in front of us, spouting shit. “No one ruined your career but yourself, you asshole.” I had to remember there was a lot on the line. I couldn’t start and land the punch I wanted to, not with Olivia and Cody staying with us. I couldn’t jeopardize them being taken away. If my uncle hit me first, I wasn’t holding back.
My uncle stepped closer to me, trying to use his height as intimidation. Xaiden moved into his path, but I quickly went around him. I loved Xaiden; however, this was a battle I wanted to fight on my own.
“Go,” I told my uncle again. This way there was no doubt we gave warning after warning.
“I’m not listening to the faggot son of my brother.” He spit in my face.
I was fucking vibrating, shaking with the need to unleash on him. But a glimpse of metal caught my attention. The next thing I knew, a gun was pointed at my face, close enough there was no way he’d miss.
Two guns pulled on me in one week. I should buy a lottery ticket with the kind of luck I was having.
Xaiden suddenly moved so fast that my uncle hit the ground hard, the gun jolting from his hand, hitting the pavement. I didn’t hesitate to reach down and pick it up, turning the tables and pointing the barrel at the piece of shit family member of mine.
Xaiden quickly brought my uncle’s hands behind his back. “Cody, use the button on the visor to open the garage door, then go inside and get me zip ties. They’re on the shelf on the back wall in a tall plastic container.”
