An instant later, he let them take him in Urian’s place.
Xyn fell to the ground with Urian on top of her. She wasn’t sure which of them was the most shocked as they stared at each other. All she knew was how delighted she was to have him here.
Urian couldn’t believe he was still alive or that he was cushioned by his dragon. But his relief was short-lived.
Panic replaced it as he remembered what Stryker had done. Pushing himself up, he quickly surveyed the battlefield, which was now eerily quiet. Shadow and Xander were turning around, looking for more enemies. Brogan was holding Blaise. Simi was …
Well, she was snacking.
And his parents were heading for …
No.
Urian couldn’t breathe as he saw Stryker on the ground. In that moment, he forgot all the anger and hate he bore the man. Forgot the fact that he’d wanted him dead and had plotted his murder.
All he saw was the man who’d held him when he was a boy. The one who used to chase monsters from under his bed. His father who’d taught him to tie his sandals. To walk with pride and integrity.
The one who’d thrown himself to his enemies to save his life.
“Baba!” Urian ran to him. “Baba, no!” Tears filled his eyes as he fell to his knees by Stryker’s side and gently rolled him over.
He was covered in blood. His breathing ragged, he was barely alive.“Eisai oti kalutero uparxei, m’gios.” You are the best thing on earth, my son.“I’m so sorry I ever hurt you.”
Urian grabbed him by the shirt with both fists. “Don’t you dare die on me, you bastard! Don’t you do this to me or Medea!” Summoning every bit of his determination, grit, and fire, Urian heated his arm until it glowed bright and burned like wildfire. By the gods, he was not going to let Stryker go. The gods and fate had taken enough from him. He was not going to let them rip another fucking thing from his life.
Not again!
Not like this!
He was done with it!
Blinded by tears, he sent everything he had into his father. His strength. His powers.
Most of all, he sent his love. In spite of everything that had happened between them, they were still family. “Please, please, Baba.” Weeping, Urian laid his head down on his chest.
But there was no heartbeat.
Damn you gods! Damn you all!
And then he felt it. His father’s hand in his hair. The softest beat of his heart against his ear, followed by a deep intake of breath.
Urian let out a nervous laugh as he lifted his head to meet Stryker’s gaze.
He smiled at him the way he used to when he was a boy. “Goodness, child. Does this mean you’re talking to me again?”
Unable to speak past the pain and relief he felt, Urian nodded.
“Well hell, son, if I’d known this was all it’d take to make you forgive me, I’d have killed myself a decade ago.”
“You’re not funny, Baba.”
Stryker wiped away his tears and kissed his forehead. “And I’m not your only father, either.” He jerked his chin toward Styxx and Bethany.
Xyn helped Urian up while Styxx helped Stryker to his feet.
Styxx let out a deep sigh. “Again, Stryker. We are family.”
Stryker nodded. “We are. Now where’s Phoebe?”
