Page 99 of Praying for Thunder

Dio got in his face. “What about it?”

Grims grabbed his cut and shook. “It was a fucking message, and you know it.”

Dio started panting, his expression filling with pain. “No. You’re wrong.”

“Brother, you pulled him from that nightmare, just like you will again.”

“I already have. Tonight.”

Not letting go of Dio, Grims looked at me. “What’s that Voice saying now, kid?”

I was already standing, my heart shredding to agonizing pieces. “That tonight’s not the night.”

Dio seethed, shoving his Prez off him. “I don’t care.” His eyes went manic. “I don’t care what any message says.”

“May you forgive me someday, Diablo.” As if what he had to say was making him ill, Grims called out to beyond the tent walls, “I need help in here.”

Men rushed in, while Grims wrapped his arms around Dio, trapping his arms. “I’m so sorry, brother.”

Justice had followed, confused but giving out instructions. “Help Grims.” To me, she asked, “What happened?”

As the man I loved so much was restrained by many, I needed him to know, “Thank you so much for not giving up on me.”

Dio ignored the men helping Grims. His jaw locked as he told me, “If you, for one fucking minute, think your ass ain’t coming with me—”

“Oh, shit.” Justice stood there, paling.

I could barely breathe as I told Dio, “I figured you’d given up and moved on with your life.”

Men fighting his growing strength, his face went crimson. “Never. Including now—”

My vision swam in tears. “Knowing you’re in this world, waiting for me, fills the void right here.” I patted my heaving chest. “Do you understand?”

Justice rushed from the tent.

Veins bulged from Dio’s forehead and neck. “You are to stay with me.”

I hoped his madness could be reasoned with. “I need you to let me go.”

His next words weren’t even audible, men forcing him to the ground.

I got on my hands and knees and laid my face on the ground so he could see me. “There are innocents out there, Dio. I have to stand in the fire with them. It doesn’t want me to win, is what it means. You’ll pull me free again—”

He went ballistic, forcing more men to climb on top of the pile.

Spotting his balled fist, I grabbed it. “Dio…” The men were losing the battle. “Dad.”

The pile went still.

I squeezed his fist. “I am so proud to have you in my life.”

His fist opened and snatched my hand.

“You may doubt who you are at times,” I had always sensed his struggles with Diablo, but was too young to comprehend the meaning. Not anymore. “You are the gift that gives balance.” Staring into the eyes that were changing to red… I begged, “Don’t ask me to not be who you taught me to be.”

“Thunder.” His burning eyes began to fade.

I was reaching him. “Let me honor who you are to me.”