“Branson, the life Jeuel knew was shattered by bullets six days ago. He doesn’t have anywhere to go back to. And I doubt he would have taken the time to hire a lawyer to find and serve you if he didn’t want to come here. Mr. Paxton said Jeuel is ready to start over. In fact, he agreed to set up a video-call between you and Jeuel this afternoon.”
Branson’s heart gave a heavy lurch. “Really?”
“Yes. At two-thirty, our time.”
Goddess, that was in less than two hours. “Okay. Fine, let’s talk. But I still need one thing, Papa, to know this is real.”
“DNA tests?”
“Yes.”
“Already in progress. The hospital still had a sample of your DNA on file. It’s on an express train and heading their way. We should have the results by the start of the new week.”
Damned weekend. Not counting the day or so an express train would take to get there, all the labs would be closed for the Solstice holiday. “So, step one is talking to Jeuel, and step two is waiting on the DNA results. If the results say we’re related…what’s next?”
“We work with Mr. Paxton on a case we can present to a judge arguing why you, as his next of kin, are the best choice of guardian for Jeuel.”
“What about Charles? Chip? Whatever.Him. What if he wakes up from his coma?”
Papa shook his head. “His prognosis is bad. Given the extent of his injuries and the damage to his internal organs…he’s unlikely to ever wake up.”
Branson closed his eyes, uncertain why that made his heart ache. He had no affection for Charles/Chip; in fact, he had alot of deep-seated hatred for the violent alphahole, for all the horrible things he’d done to Dad. But he resented the idea that he’d never be able to look his sire in the eyes, never be able to tell him what Branson actually thought of him. He’d never get that satisfaction.
Not that he’d ever expected to have the chance until twelve hours ago, but now he couldn’t un-ring that bell.
“I’m impressed Jeuel is put together enough to even think to contact you for custody,” Tarius said softly. “If I lost a brother and a step-parent so violently, I’d be a mess for weeks.”
“Some people are better at hiding their trauma than others,” Papa replied. “I imagine Jeuel is going to need a lot of love and support.”
Branson grunted. “Especially if his sire was as horrible to Jeuel as he was to Dad.” Papa’s left eye twitched. “What?”
“When Mr. Paxton and Jeuel talked about his home life, Jeuel spoke very fondly of his sire and his step-omegin Dario. He said he always felt loved and cared for, even though there was often a threat because of his sire’s business. According to Jeuel, Charles or Chip, was a very good parent.” Papa’s scowl betrayed how much he hated saying that out loud.
“So what? He left Sansbury and turned over a new leaf? Stopped being a cruel rapist and became a loving father to three kids? Two of whom are dead?” Even saying the words made Branson’s insides recoil and his mouth sour. Chip didn’t deserve those kids, and it hit Branson all over again that he had two siblings he’d never get to meet. Never speak to or touch. He didn’t know how to process that, so he pushed it down.
“I don’t know how or if Uty changed, only what Mr. Paxton relayed to me.” Papa’s hands jerked, like he wanted to reach across the table for Branson, but he refrained. “No matter what happens next, Branson, I am on your side. Dad is on your side.Your brothers will be on your side when you’re ready to tell them what’s going on.”
“I know. Did you, um, learn anything else I need to know?”
“Not much more, no. I don’t know anyone personally down in Sonora, and Mr. Paxton isn’t directly involved in the criminal investigation, since Jeuel is a witness and not a suspected participant. I might be able to get Karter to make some calls on my behalf, but I can’t do that without telling him why.”
Karter Jenks was a long-time family friend and a Senior Constable. Karter’s mate Jax was one of Dad’s dearest friends. Branson trusted the mated pair with his life, but he wasn’t sure about sharing this secret with anyone else yet.
“I want to speak with Jeuel first,” Branson said.
“All right. We’ll have to do the tele-call in my office. I’ve got the video conference interface there. You’ll be able to speak face to face.”
“Fine. Two-thirty?”
“Yes.”
“We’ll be there.” He glanced at Tarius, who nodded yes. “We’ll meet you over there, Papa. Just you.”
“Fair. Take care of him, Tarius.”
“I will,” Tarius replied.
Papa left all his papers and walked toward the apartment door. Once it clicked shut behind him, Branson turned and wrapped his arms around Tarius’s waist. He melted into his boyfriend’s firm, comforting embrace and shook for a while, allowing negative emotions to roll through him in chilly waves of grief and anger and confusion.
