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Watching Caden, I can see why Brea might be ogling him. He’s a handsome man. Tall and in his mid to late twenties. He has curly charcoal-colored hair that’s been loosely styled, striking hazel eyes that are more blue-green than brown, and an athletic build that would be obvious even if he wasn’t in shorts and a polo.
“I will be along shortly, Kellan. Granddad needs to wrap up a few things before I can join you all.”
My head whips back to the table at our grandfather’s words. All interest in Brea and Caden forgotten.
“You’re coming back? Is it safe?” I blurt out.
My grandparents have worked so hard to keep our family out of harm’s way, going as far as relinquishing the leadership of the Fraternitas to the Edgewoods, faking their deaths, and going into hiding.
“It’s time. Much like you, my time for hiding is over. If we’re going to put the rightful Heir back at the helm, all hands must be on deck,” he states.
Unease fills me. They’ve sacrificed so much already. I was apprehensive and angry when I first met my grandfather, but we’ve gotten closer over the past nine and a half weeks. While I may not agree with all the secrets they still keep from me, I understand some of the whys behind it.
I don’t want anything to happen to him or to them.
Sensing my worry, my grandmother’s hand rubs my back. “We need to keep you safe. You’re the future of this family, Ariah. All paths to change will be made through you.”
Well, that’s not pressure or anything.
I open my mouth to object, but my grandfather silences my rebuttal with his next words.
“We’ve been on defense for too long. Now, it’s their turn, and we won’t stop until they’re all dead.”
I could’ve sworn I left the photo on my dresser. I need that damn picture. I knew I should’ve packed it away, but seeing it each morning fortified my need to stay focused and to work harder.
“You ready to go, Ry?” I look up to see Dad standing in the doorway and smile.
Bronston has pushed the limits of our relationship. It’s been frustrating, especially when he and Granddad would pull their ‘we’ll tell you when it’s time’ bullshit. I chuckle at the memory of some of my outbursts. It wasn’t until after a few heart-to-hearts with my grandmother that I realized that just because I didn’t like their answers didn’t mean they were treating me like a child.
His throat clears, and I know I’ve been lost in my head and have yet to answer his question.
“Almost, but I can’t find the photo. I swore I left it on the nightstand for me to pack last, but it’s not here.” I sigh.
“Maybe you or one of the packers boxed it up with the other stuff,” he suggests.
Rubbing my forehead, I try to remember whether I saw it before bed last night. He’s probably right. With all the stress of the move and my nervousness about heading back, the picture is probably with the others.
I take one last look around before heading to the car. When I step outside, I see five identical SUVs.
“Is the president here or something?” I ask Reign, stepping up beside him.
He says something in his earpiece before turning to me. He’s wearing his no-nonsense face. I guess that should be expected. We rarely left the estate, but whenever we did, the jokester persona he regaled us with at home was nonexistent.
“Necessary precaution,” is his only response before he walks off to bark orders to the security team.
“There’s been a threat,” Dad states, opening the car door.
This gets my attention, but I slide inside and wait for everyone to settle before I rattle my questions. Gram, Jamie, and the twins climb in next and buckle up before Dad finally joins us.
“I can’t wait to get back home,” Kylan says.
“Yeah. Theo and Zavah said they caught the biggest frogs, and we’re going to find bigger ones,” Kellan adds. Their matching looks of excitement keep us all entertained on the drive.
We’re pulling out on the stretch of road leading to the airstrip when an explosion rattles the vehicle.
“What the fuck was that?” I shout, looking out the window and seeing smoke billowing into the sky from what looks miles away.
When I don’t hear anyone answer, I turn in time to see Dad and Gram shake their heads. It’s then I notice the fear etched on my siblings’ faces. Gone is the banter and fun atmosphere in the car.
