Page 168 of Deceived Wrath

“But you’ll have to be quiet when we get there because everyone will probably be asleep,” Fiona adds.

“I’ll be like a ninja!”

I exhale a shaky laugh, even as the weight on my chest feels crushing.

This is our life, little glimpses of normal layered on top of danger. The only problem is, one misstep, one wrong move, and it all collapses.

I try to keep my voice calm. “Scout, you need to stay close to Fiona and me tonight. You’ll help out, yes, but you don’t make the rules. We do. Understand?”

I glance in the mirror to see Scout nod, though his shoulders slump a little in disappointment.

He doesn’t understand the world he’s been pulled into, and it’s up to me to make sure he survives it.

By the time we reach Kieran’s estate, Scout is practically bouncing in his seat, every trace of sleep burned off by adrenaline and excitement.

The gates slide shut behind us with a low, mechanical groan, but I don’t relax for a second, not even with Kieran’s military-grade security.

“Do not move until I say,” I tell Fiona and Scout once I kill the engine.

I step out of the car and quickly scan the drive, tracking the tree line and the perimeter lights. This place is fortified, but tonight, it doesn’t feel like enough.

Ronan pulls in beside me and gets out, Leo and Jace flanking him automatically as they pull out their guns.

“Anything?” I ask.

Ronan’s hand slips back into his jacket as he tucks his gun away. “All clear. Brennan called. The scene’s been wiped clean.”

“Good.”

“Come on, let’s get everyone inside. Brennan’s en route so we can discuss our next move.”

I walk around the car, still scanning the surroundings before opening Fiona’s door, making sure to block her from view with my body.

“Are you doing okay?” I ask her.

She looks up at me with wide eyes.

She’s deathly pale, accentuating the dark purple rings beneath her eyes, but she nods.

I tilt my head toward my oldest brother. “Ronan’s going to take you inside the house. I’ll follow behind with Scout.”

“Okay…” she whispers.

I glance over my shoulder to find Ronan watching me closely.

With one jerk of my chin, he moves to take my place so I can get Scout.

When my son is safely in my arms, the four of us move quickly and silently up the front steps and into the house where Riley and Ciara are already waiting for us in the foyer, both looking pale and terrified.

“You’re here. We’ve been so worried.” Ciara exhales as she throws her arms around Fiona, who looks a little taken aback.

Scout looks around. “Where are my cousins?”

Riley smiles. “They’re sleeping right now.”

“Can we go and wake them up?”

Ciara shakes her head. “Trust me, Scout. You do not want to deal with an overtired Addison and Nico.”