Page 180 of Deceived Wrath

“How bad is it?”

I exhale a breath as I drag a hand through my hair, frustration and guilt tangling together in my chest.

“I…found out some things today about Fiona. Things she didn’t tell me.”

Brennan’s expression doesn’t change, but his stance does. “What kind of things?”

“Nothing you need to worry about, at least until I confirm them. And until I know for sure, Scout isn’t to be left alone with anyone. Not even Fiona.”

Silence stretches between us.

“You think she would hurt him?” Brennan asks finally.

“No,” I say without hesitation.

Brennan raises his eyebrows. “Then why?—”

“Because if I’m right…” I stop myself.

I exhale a long breath and force myself to try and stay calm. I can’t afford to be fueled by my emotions right now, not when there is so much at stake.

“Because if I’m right, she’s not in control of what she’s involved in, and that makes her dangerous without meaning to be.”

Brennan nods slowly. He doesn’t agree or disagree, he simply accepts the reality of the situation. “All right. I’ll stay and watch him.”

“Thank you.”

“And Cormac? If this blows up…you need to be ready for that.”

I don’t answer because we both know I’m not.

I stalk out of the kitchen and into the living room where Scout is lying on the carpet, lining up his toy cars with military precision.

I crouch down and ruffle his hair. “I need to head out for a bit, Scout. You’re going to stay here with Uncle Brennan.”

Scout looks up and grins. “Can I stay up late again tonight and watch Star Wars with Uncle Brennan?”

“We’ll see.”

The normalcy of us nearly cracks me open.

Thisis what Lorcan threatens with every breath he takes.

I glance over my shoulder to find Brennan watching us from the doorway, silent and observant.

When Scout goes back to his cars, I straighten and jerk my head toward the hallway.

Brennan follows without a word.

The moment we’re out of earshot, I lower my voice.

“I’m serious, Brennan, not a second alone. Withanyone.”

“You have my word.”

I’m halfway out of the front door when hurried footsteps sound behind me, and I look over my shoulder to see Fiona half-sprinting down the stairs, looking a little panicked.

“There you are. I was starting to think you had disappeared.”