“She’s additionally scared,” he says. “She’s cornered however she gained’t admit that. She’s not considering clearly and she or he’s going to make some unhealthy selections. I can solely achieve this a lot, Arch. I would like you to be there after I blink.”

I take a step again. As a lot as I believe I do know Lilah, I’ve solely identified her for a short while. Dante’s her huge brother. He is aware of every thing I do and extra as a result of he was there when it occurred. He’s been there for the reason that day she was born. I’ll by no means know her or perceive her or love her as a lot as he does however he’s placing his belief in me that I’d sometime.

I nod. “All proper.”

Dante research me. “Do you actually care about her?”

“I do.”

“Then, show it.” He turns away. “Preserve my child sister alive and I’ll by no means query you once more.”

“That’s one tall order.”

He smiles to 1 facet. “Effectively, for those who weren’t up for it, why are you even out right here?”

I take a second to let that sink in as he walks to his automotive. Lucy stares again from the entrance seat and smiles, trying relieved that we managed to work together with out him placing me once more. Progress is progress.

“We’ll be proper behind you,” I say.

Dante nods at me earlier than decreasing himself into the driving force’s seat.

He’s proper. I made a selection the second I set foot out right here, one not simply taken again. Loving Lilah Hart gained’t be easy. Embracing her means accepting all of her, from Snake Eyes to her brothers to the advanced lives they dwell. They’re prepared to make a spot for me right here and that’s greater than I can say about anybody else whose come and gone in my life thus far.

Lucy Vaughn mentioned it finest.

Welcome to the household.

I stroll down the dock towards Lilah, taking mushy steps to attempt to sneak up on her however she calls me out earlier than I even get shut.

“Did he provide you with a scary huge brother speech?”

“Slightly tame, truly.” I smile. “I dare say, he would possibly like me.”

She glances over her shoulder with amusement. “You’d be the primary.”

I stand behind her and wrap one round her waist. Opposite to her brother’s perception, this lady wants no protector. If she did, it actually wouldn’t be me, however I really feel greater than slightly protecting of her anyway. I lay my different arm over her shoulder to relaxation my palm on her coronary heart, feeling the delicate faucet of her pulse beneath my fingers.

Lilah lays her hand over mine and grips the sleeves of my jacket to carry it slightly tighter round her.

“I gained’t ask you once more, love, however I would like to simply this as soon as,” I say. “Are you all proper?”

“Yeah,” she solutions, her voice robust and heat. “I simply needed to take a final look.”

We stare out throughout the lake collectively. A mild breeze whistles via the intense inexperienced bushes. The water sits undisturbed, save for the occasional fish poking his head out and sending small ripples throughout the floor.

My coronary heart skips. It actually is kind of stunning right here.

“We’re coming again,” I inform her. “I promise.”

Lilah turns her head and I kiss the sting of her mouth.

I’m unsure if she believes me or not however I couldn’t be extra critical. That promise wasn’t simply to her. It was to Dante and Lucy. To myself. And to Elijah, particularly.

Lilah Hart deserves a future past this bloody mess.

I gained’t cease till I give it to her.

I flip her round and take her hand, entwining our fingers collectively as I kiss her brow. “Prepared?” I ask.

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