𝐒𝐲𝐧 ┃𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

29. 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒

May 6, 2023

Queen

Syn and I stormed into the house, making a sharp turn to the living room. Instead of seeing a bunch of vampires as Drake threatened, we were faced with shocked faces sitting in the living room, looking straight at us.

Abel dropped his chip, his mouth wide open as he looked at Syn and me. Cain and Iris's eyes were filled with shock at the sight of us and her grandfather chuckled as he focused on the movie playing on the television. "That man is funny!" He laughed as he pointed at the TV. When he turned to see if anyone heard him, he noticed Syn and me. "Did I miss something...?"

"Where is Saint?" Syn spoke up.

Almost everyone pointed upstairs and Syn turned around, heading towards it. I didn't give myself time to explain to everyone what happened as I followed immediately behind him. With his long legs, he practically flew to the top of the stairs while I struggled in my heels. He turned the corner, disappearing from my vision and when I reached the top of the stairs, I rushed to Saint's bedroom.

I pushed the door open and when I saw Syn lifting him from his small bed and holding him against him, I leaned against the wall and let out a relieved breath. "Shit," I breathed out, running my hands down my face. All of the tension in my body that kept me from losing it on the way here left, and the waterworks started. My shoulders shook as I dropped the gun and cried into my hands.

The thought of losing Saint was beyond heartbreaking. It made me think of Xavia and all the ways I failed in protecting her when I needed to.

Within a few seconds, I felt a strong arm wrap around my shoulders. My head rested on Syn's chest as he held Saint and me against him and I took caulking breaths, not wanting Saint to see me crying.

Syn kissed the top of my head as I wiped away my tears and after a few moments, I took Saint into my arms. "Hey, baby," I sniffled, instinctively checking him for any sign of harm as he looked up at me. He let out a small yawn as we looked down at him and I laughed softly. "Did we wake you up, baba? I'm sorry." I bounced him slightly as I moved around Syn to go to his bed.

His eyes fluttered shut as he struggled to keep them open and I lowered him onto the bed. I laid down next to him, lifting the blanket over his small body and patting his back gently. Syn laid on the other side of him, his head resting on his hand as he looked at me. His legs hung off the bed and I smiled softly, knowing that he must've been uncomfortable yet didn't say anything about it as he made sure Saint and I were okay.

I realized then that this was what he always did. Ignored his own needs and feelings to put us first. When he saw me crying, he immediately came to me without any hesitation. There was no time for him to regain his composure and experience the same relief that I felt, he was just fine.

As always.

As Saint's tiny snores filled the space between us, Syn got off of the bed and ran a hand through his hair. "Are you okay?" I questioned him, sitting up at the edge of the bed as I looked at him.

He placed his hands on his sides and let out a long breath as he looked up at the ceiling. "Ask me again in a few seconds," he replied. Not knowing what else to do, but wanting to do something. I stood up and opened my arms. His eyes moved to me and he raised a brow as he eyed me curiously. "What?"

"Do you need a hug?"

"Not...necessarily." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Come here," I insisted.

"No...?"

"Syn, you know you want one."

"No...I don't— I umm...don't think I do?"