“Okay, but I came back.” I defend myself. “Look, baby, I can’t always tell you everything, but I’ll be as honest as I can with you. As for Ahriman, we’re going to get him. For now, you are safe. You basically have been erased, just like all of the men in our unit. I have alerts on your name and facial rec software. You can’t run from me, and he can’t find you without me knowing.”
“I’m safe?” she asks, and I see the hope in her eyes. “I can go home. Is my family safe?”
“Yes, to all of it. When I erased your file, I put alerts on the family too. I’ve always had alerts on K and R, but now it’s even more secure.”
She wraps her arms around me, and I wrap mine around her.
After explaining more to my brother why I did what I did and why I’ve kept it a secret from him, I take my wife to our apartment and make love to her.
She and I discuss our ideas for the future, and she tells me she doesn’t really care to have children right away, if ever. I concur, and we fall asleep wrapped around each other.
There’s a loud boom before our bedroom door is busted open. Stormy screams, and I come up naked with a gun in my hand. Gurgi is growling and standing between me and the intruder, ready to attack.
“Drop it,” Cronus bellows. “It’s just me. Where is she?”
Cronus tries to push around me to get to Stormy. I know what he’s talking about. I faked that I was asleep when I heard the girls talking early this morning. My lovely wife doesn’t know that yet, though.
“I have no idea,” Stormy deadpans without batting an eye. I turn to see her on the other side of the bed, the sheet wrapped around her body. “Now get out.”
“Don’t make me regret letting you in on our secrets,” Cronus says sharply, and I stand up to him.
“Don’t make me make a choice, brother.”
“I’m just worried about her.”
“Then you shouldn’t have tried to force her back to the people who sold her to Andrus.” Stormy shrugs and walks to the bathroom after dropping that bomb in the room.
“What?” Cronus moves to follow her, but I hold a hand up to stop him.
“Don’t even think about it, Cronus.”
He storms out, bumping into Klay as he goes.
“Everything good?” my brother asks.
“Yep. Maisy took off.”
“Shit. Don’t blame her, though. He’s been an ass to her.” Klay turns and walks away, and I chuckle because he’s right.
Chapter Fourteen
Stormy
The plane touches down in Fairbanks, and I’m nervous. We called my father and brother yesterday after we woke up again after Cronus burst into our bedroom. I know where Maisy is, and she’ll be here soon to stay with me. I wanted her on the plane with me, but she was worried Hermes would tell Cronus. Atlas said he wouldn’t tell him, but that keeping her hidden was going to be hard. It will be even harder once he finds out the full truth, but I’m going to do everything I can to help my girl.
The door opens and the stairs drop to the ground. I can’t stand up. I’m scared. We didn’t tell my family about getting married. It was my idea, and I know Atlas is pissed about it.
I want my family to get used to me being back before I explain that Atlas and I are together.
“Come on, baby.” Atlas holds out his hand, and I take it.
As soon as we reach the door, I let go and stare out into the cold February air. There they all are. I’m already overwhelmed.
Looking out, I see my brother break away and start moving toward the stairs, but I can’t do this. I’m not the same girl who was kidnapped from here.
“I don’t know if I can do this.” I lean back against Atlas. “I’m scared.”
He wraps his hand around my hip and holds me close. I watch my brother’s face as he notices, but I ignore him.
