“He is not Vytln. He is J’tll! And heisfrom Rik-Vane!”
“Perhaps you haven’t seen your brother in so long you’re confusing him for someone else.”
“I know that is J’tll! I gave him those scars!”
Kldyn’s voice, louder and louder, rang out in the room. Evidence that couldn’t be denied. A confession that said a great deal about their relationship. About the torture Vytln faced at hishands before he’d finally been taken to Rik-Vane. There wasn’t any way to dispute that.
Yet-
“Maybe they’re just similar,” Tanin said, his voice still calm. His claim was ludicrous but spoken with such simple confidence, it actually gave Kldyn pause. Like maybe it was possible that Vytln really was a different person with identical scars.
Then, reality caught up with him and Kldyn snarled, pulling back his arm, claws at the ready to tear through Tanin’s face.
“My love,” Yl’ln finally spoke, her voice low and husky and seductive. Exactly as Vytln remembered it being. Though, strangely, it didn’t seem to have the same effect on his body that it once did. She reached out, touching Kldyn’s arm. “Let’s not resort to that, hm?”
It sounded sweet, almost pleading. But it was actually a steely reminder that this was not a safe place for him to lose his notorious temper. Lest they all get in trouble.
Kldyn’s jaw tightened, but he lowered his hand. Gathering himself, he straightened his black suit before fixing a smile back on his face. Though, this time it was noticeably strained.
“Forgive me,” he forced himself to chuckle. “I sometimes let my temper get away with me.”
Yes, that was why Vytln was meant to lead the family. And would have if not for Kldyn’s trickery and the others’ willingness to turn against him.
“I’m sure you’re just stressed,” Tanin said, not a single hint of understanding in his dull tone. “We’ll leave it at that, shall we?”
He wasn’t asking this time as he got to his feet. And none of his crew waited for Kldyn’s response or permission to get up as well. Vytln stood, still holding onto Haven who giggled as she made herself comfortable against his chest.
Kldyn didn’t attempt to stop them this time. He sent Vytln a smile that promised pain and retribution for this and any other perceived insult he had. “I’ll be seeing you soon, my dear big brother.”
Vytln still didn’t bother with giving him a response as he turned and followed Tanin and the others out of the room. His old family remained behind; their message having been delivered. There was no doubt that they’d come back again. Even with Kldyn basically promising him that he’d do so, the fact remained that, to the family, Kldyn was right. J’tll had been given instructions to go somewhere, and he had abandoned his post and therefore disregarded his orders. In the family, that was worthy of maiming or death – maybe even worse.
None of Vytln’s crew talked as they returned to their ship. That same female dock worker was there, and she smiled at them, yelling across the open docks that they were cleared to go, their payment already transferred, before returning to her tasks. The moment they were all inside, the large ramp began lifting, closing them back inside. No doubt, Alred was already preparing for lift off.
“He seemed nice,” Garnet said, turning to Vytln with a grin. The rest of the crew, aside from the captain, were already dispersing, heading off to complete their take-off procedures.
“He’s being a hothead,” Haven said, patting Vytln’s chest – a silent order to put her down.
One he ignored as he said, “He’s always been like that. Hot headed? That’s a good way to put it. Lets his temper get the best of him and acts before he thinks.”
“He’s going to make himself a problem,” Tanin said – it wasn’t a question.
“Sorry, captain,” Vytln said, lowering his head to him.
Tanin waved his words away. “That’s his choice to make. We’ll deal with it when he does. For now, we have another job already lined up. Get back to work.”
“Aye, captain,” Vytln said. Not at all afraid or concerned about his brother and what he might do. He didn’t really care about his old family, and the captain would deal with them if they wanted to force this issue.
And they would force the issue.
Until then…
He turned, still holding onto Haven. Enjoying the way she fit in his arms. Liking that she was trapped there, against him. She had been out of his trap entirely too long. He needed to get her back in there. He needed to punish her for her pestering.
He needed to claim her.
“I am seeing now why she is choosing your brother.”
Haven’s soft, mocking voice made him frown. Not just at her words, but at the pain. The way it struck at his chest. Hard. Like he’d just been knocked down, the breath punched out of him as though for the first time.
