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Kane rubbed his temples and sighed. “At least I’ve met them, and our mothers like each other. That’s a plus. I’m sure your parents will have questions, too, so be prepared.”
I gave a half shrug. “I don’t think I’m the one who needs to be prepared. I don’t have many memories from back then.” I worried my bottom lip with my teeth. “Honestly, I’m not sure it’s important to remember. I think my brain is protecting me from the abuse, and since you’ve explained where we came from, it’s enough. I think I’m finally at peace with it.”
Kane pulled me in for a kiss. “You know I’ll answer any questions you have, but I hope you never regain your memories. It’s safer that way.”
ChapterForty-Six
Kane
The week had passed painfully slowly, with only a few texts from Sutton that they were in touch with the FBI concerning Wagner. The bastard hadn’t shown up at Whitmore, but every fucking second of the day, I looked over my shoulder and held my breath. The one good thing? I was with Brie every night, holding her while she slept.
“Kane!” Coach called after me as the team jogged to the locker rooms.
I slowed, waiting for him.
“Hey, son,” he said quietly. “I wanted to see how you and Brie are doing with everything going on. Honestly, your game is spot on, so I can’t really tell if it’s messing with your head like it is mine.”
I swung my helmet in my hand, glancing at Dad. “I won’t lie. It’s hard. I’m paranoid as hell. One thing I’ve appreciated is how discrete Vaughn and Zayne are. I rarely see them, so I doubt anyone not looking for them would even realize who they are. It helps not having to worry about the news getting out.”
Dad patted my back. “Pierce and Sutton were very understanding of us trying to keep this out of the press.”
“Do you think the NFL would pass on me if they found out about Wagner and the cult?” Even though I asked the question, I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear the answer.
“It’s a possibility, Kane. If they think you’re a danger to the rest of the players, then yeah, I think they would have to make a tough call.”
“Guess I’ll ensure that they don’t find out and pay to have security forever.” I clasped my helmet tighter, talking myself off the ledge. Brie was the most important thing in to me, but football was a close second. They had both saved my life and kept me sane, and I couldn’t handle it if I lost everything again.
* * *
I glanced over at my beautiful girlfriend, curled up at the other end of the couch, studying. She looked sexy as hell in my grey hoodie that hung off her petite frame. When she got home from classes and cheer practice, she changed into sweats and found a blanket to curl up under.
We’d somehow worked out a good study routine and kept our grades up despite our stress. With the extra time together, I’d fallen even more in love with Brie’s strong spirit and drive to move forward.
My phone rang, pulling my attention away from her. Reaching for my cell on the coffee table, I checked the screen before answering.
“It’s the Westbrooks,” I said to Brie before I answered.
“Hey. Hopefully, you have good news.” I paused. “Sure, she’s right here. Hang on.” I muted the call. “Babe, they want to talk to both of us.”
She closed her psychology book and set it on the floor. “Okay.” Brie scooted closer to me, then I unmuted the phone and placed the call on speaker.
“We’re here,” I said.
“Hi, Brie,” Sutton said. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m all right. I’m hoping you have some good news.” Brie stuffed her hands into the pockets of the sweatshirt, shivering.
I pulled her closer and set the phone on my knee.
“Pierce has some information, so I’ll let him talk.”
“Hey, guys,” Pierce said. “I’ll jump right in. Brie, the reason Wagner was released was because when he was arrested, some of the charges didn’t stick because no one testified against him. One of the big ones that didn’t hold up was kidnapping across state lines.”
Brie frowned. “He kidnapped kids?”
I swallowed hard, not realizing that the elders had snatched children, but it didn’t surprise me.
“Brie, do you know who your biological mother is? Franklin explained that you have amnesia, but I wanted to double-check,” Pierce asked.
