Before I can process this revelation, the conference room door opens.Xavier emerges, looking exhausted but composed in his clean scrubs.He stops short when he sees us, eyes widening slightly.
“Dad?”
Chief Blane moves immediately to his son, pulling him into a tight embrace that Xavier returns without hesitation.I step back, giving them space, suddenly feeling like an intruder on something private.
“You okay?”Chief Blane asks, holding Xavier at arm’s length to examine him.
“I’m fine,” Xavier assures his father, though the slight tremor in his voice betrays him.“Just tired.How did you?—”
“I was at the station when the call came in.Came as soon as I could.”Chief Blane’s eyes flicker to the small cut above Xavier’s eyebrow, his expression darkening.“The bastards who did this?—”
“Have been dealt with,” I interject quietly.
Xavier’s eyes find mine over his father’s shoulder, something warm and complex passing between us.“Zach was here.He… helped.”
Chief Blane turns back to me, his assessment more thorough now, taking in details he missed before.The barely concealed weapon beneath my cut, the fresh scrapes on my knuckles.
“I see,” he says finally.Then, surprising me, “Thank you.”
The simple acknowledgment carries weight.I incline my head slightly, accepting it.
Xavier steps away from his father, moving closer to me.Not touching, but near enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his body.“Zach’s taking me home,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Chief Blane looks between us, something knowing in his gaze.“Your mother’s been calling.She’ll want to see you.”
“Tomorrow,” Xavier promises.“I just need…” He glances at me, then back to his father.“Tonight, I need some space.”
Understanding passes across Chief Blane’s features.He nods once, decisive.“All right.”Then to me, his voice dropping slightly, “Take care of him.”
It’s both his permission and a warning, wrapped in four simple words.
“I will,” I promise, meaning it more than he could possibly understand.
Chief Blane squeezes Xavier’s shoulder once more, then steps back.“Call your mother in the morning.She won’t relax until she hears your voice.”
“I will,” Xavier agrees.
As Chief Blane walks away, he pauses beside me, voice pitched low for my ears only.“We should talk sometime.About club business and… other things.”
I meet his gaze steadily.“Whenever you want, Chief.”
He nods, satisfied, and continues toward the elevator.I watch him go, processing this unexpected encounter.Xavier’s father, a police chief, just tacitly acknowledged his son’s relationship with a Devil Soul.The implications are staggering.
Xavier moves closer, his shoulder brushing mine.“That went better than I expected.”
“Your father knew who I was,” I observe, still watching the elevator doors close.
“I told my parents about you,” Xavier admits, a slight flush coloring his cheeks.“Apparently, they weren’t surprised.”
I turn to face him fully, taking in the exhaustion etched around his eyes, the way he holds himself carefully as if everything hurts.“Ready to go?”
He nods, relief evident in the slight slump of his shoulders.“More than ready.”
As we walk toward the exit, I place my hand at the small of his back, a gesture both protective and possessive.The warmth of him beneath my palm centers me, reminds me what matters.What I’m fighting for.
Outside, the afternoon sun is setting, casting long shadows across the parking lot.My brothers have formed a loose perimeter, their presence both a comfort and a statement.Xavier falters slightly at the sight.
“They’re just making sure we get out safely,” I explain quietly.
