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“Thank you for sharing,” I tell him. A million emotions flood my brain, warring for the top spot. Anger, grief, frustration, overwhelming sadness, it’s all so much at once.
“Please try not to dwell on it too much,” Dr. Thornton says. “It was a long time ago now. Whatever happened, it's in the past. The wounds will heal eventually.”
“It just sucks that they threw away all those years because they blame you for their girlfriend’s actions,” I say, squeezing my fingers into my palms. “They had to know that it wasn’t your fault. You tried to help.”
“Maybe one day they will find a way to forgive me but for now, I understand how their trauma has led them down this path. You’re a kind-hearted person, Sienna. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”
“I should get going,” I tell him, glancing out the window again at the figure lurking under the tree. “I’m sure Bastian wants to get out of here and he’s my ride.”
“Understandable,” Dr. Thornton agrees. “Keep up the good work, and don’t let my mistakes cause you any issues in your research. You can handle this.”
I pause, my hand on the door handle. “Who was the girl?” I ask.
“Her name was Emily,” he says. “Emily Newberry.”
I nod, turning to leave. Each step feels heavy with the weight of our conversation. What am I going to do now that I know the truth?
16
DOMINIC
“We’re back!” Bastian calls, the screen door smacking shut as he and Sienna come into the house. “Hope lunch is ready cuz I’m starving.”
“I made meatballs,” I tell him, stirring the bubbling pot on the cracked stovetop. “It’s almost done.”
Sienna enters the kitchen, Bastian hot on her heels. She gives me a quick look but then turns away, heading for the living room.
She seems subdued and I almost reach out, but she brushes past me and I turn back to my brother instead.
“How was it?” I ask him, watching as he opens the cupboard doors to find a mug.
He shrugs. “Fine. Whatever,” he says, attention already shifting. “I didn’t have to see him if that’s what you’re asking.”
I nod, turning my focus back to the sauce. “Taste this sauce for me.”
He opens his mouth and takes the spoon, testing it out. “Needs more pepper,” he declares, handing it back. Bastian clears his throat. “Any news?” he asks, voice tense.
I reach for the grinder to adjust the seasoning. “Caleb delivered the message. Made sure it was loud and clear. Any Serpents in our territory from here on out will be dealt with immediately and without mercy.”
Bastian's frustration bubbles to the surface. "I’m not dealing with their bullshit anymore," he growls.
I shoot him a warning look before telling him, “The Serpent Syndicate are like vultures. They’ve been circling for years, just waiting for an opportunity to scavenge. They saw a weakness and exploited it.”
“Do you think it’s because we’ve spent so much time in the bike shop?” Bastian asks. “We should have been expanding when we had the chance.”
“We said it wasn’t going to be like that,” I counter, hackles rising. “Remember? We vowed it wouldn’t be like the old days.”
“The Crimson Blades drove the Serpents out of town before, and they can do it again,” Bastian argues. “But they have the numbers we don’t.”
“It’s not about the numbers.” I glance at the living room to ensure Sienna isn’t listening in. “The three of us promised that we wouldn’t handle things like they did in the old days anymore. But we’ve gone back on that, haven’t we? We’re no better than the Serpents and we’re the thugs that Sienna painted us out to be.”
“We’re not like those slimy Serpents,” Bastian hisses. “We’renothinglike them.”
There’s a heavy tension in the air between us now, the two of us too stubborn to back down. I know Bastian is in charge, but as the oldest, I still have a responsibility to rein him in when he’s going off.
“Hey,” Caleb swings into the kitchen and opens the old fridge, creaking noises filling the room. “I’m starving. Can we eat yet?”
“Yeah.” I step back, suddenly aware of how close Bastian and I are to each other. “It’s all ready. Go get Sienna, we’ll eat in here.”
