Darkness Returns | Darkness #2

9.

"I like Michael," Aiden grins.

He's holding hands with me and Seb while we walk home from Michael's house. I told him about Dominic being away for an hour now, and he agrees to set up the team. I know Dominic's strong as hell, but something about this doesn't feel right.

So, even if Dominic still has time, I decided to call everyone already so they can get to it the second he's not home in time. Time's crucial right now. 

"Mommy?" Aiden asks, and I hear the rascality in his voice. Oh no. "Can we run home?"

Hesitating, I look from him to Sebastian on his other side. The boy gives me a shy smile before ducking behind Aiden. 

The distance between us and our house is still a lot, and I don't want them crossing any streets. They're not used to do them alone, and they wouldn't look after cars. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, not yet. I'll tell you when you can, okay?"

Aiden starts frowning. I know he's about to have a tantrum because he always frowns this exact way. So I immediately pick him up and place him on my hip. He'll just throw himself on the floor for five minutes if I don't.

"Mommy!" he shouts. "No one is nice to me! I don't like you anymore!" he yells. His tiny hands are curled into fists. I ignore his cries and look at Seb, offering my hand for him to hold. Watching Aiden with wide eyes, he takes my hand and stays close to my side as we walk.

"I hate this!" Aiden keeps on screaming. He tries to call me ugly names, but a glare from me and he reaches for the next best thing. The people passing us watch with judgement, but really, what's a mom life without a daily tantrum? 

At least Seb doesn't join in, like Camilla sometimes does. I think he's scared I would treat him like his dad did, but I wouldn't. 

"So, Sebastian," I start. He looks down in fear. "Since Aiden clearly doesn't like me, you can choose what we eat. I can stop for groceries, if you want?"

He looks at the side. I can see a slight tremble in his hand, so I squeeze it a little. "It's okay, there are many things to choose. We could eat lasagna, or maybe you like pizzas?"

His unsure eyes meet mine as he just nods. Nothing more. He gives me a nod and lets me figure it out. I twist my head to catch a better sight of him. "Or maybe," I whisper sneakily, "you want to eat pancakes?"

He gasps. "Pancakes?" I nod, letting go of his hand to brush a curl behind his ear. He grabs my hand back again before nodding. "I love pancakes!"

"Really?" I fake surprise. It makes him giggle. "I never would have thought! But you're lucky, I have pancakes left at home! Let's alk faster, than we're home soon and we can eat pancakes before the others can."

He grins and takes bigger steps. The pace of our walk hasn't risen much, but it's the thought that counts. "I love pancakes," he tells me, finally opening up a little. "I sometimes eat them when miss Adams brings them to class! But I always eat them with ice cream, while Aiden eats them with sugar. Right, Aiden?"

"No."

"But . . . I thought you did? Then maybe you eat them with Nutella?"

"No."

I frown and squeeze Aiden's leg, giving him a glare. He's ruining our fun. He glares right back. 

"Oh," Seb whispers. I think he's upset and am just about to have a better look when movement behind us catches my eye. I bend down to talk to Seb, but actually to look around. Two men with dark clothing are in the street behind us, eyes set on me. 

"Okay," I whisper to my boys, "we're going to run home now. But I'm running with you, so grab my hand and whoever's first gets the first pancake."

Aiden gets happy again and giggle, taking my right hand while Seb takes the left. I count along with them. "Three, two one, go!"

And we're running. The men behind us didn't expect that, but are quick to follow our pace. I turn back to hear the giggles of the children. "I'm gonna be first!"

It's only one more street. I have to get this. "Go! Go!" I shout to my kids, encouraging them to run in front of me. The house is already in sight, with no streets left to be crossed. But this way, I'm sure they'll be safe. 

I keep running with them, but my heels are an obstacle. I might not get home in time. 

So I reach for my purse and grab my phone, calling the first person in my contact list and that's Asher. "Hi? Why are you—oh my God, no, Seb just fell—"

"Asher," I pant. His breath hitches in the phone at my desperate tone. "Please go outside or send Easton. Someone's following me and I might- I might not get home in time."

"Easton!"

There's panic in Asher's voice. I want it to disappear, but I can't do that unless I'm safe. So I keep sprinting, hearing heavy footsteps starting to speed.

I see our driveway. Only a few more feet, come on, then I'll be safe.

Then there's the sudden impact of a body crashing into mine, arms around my waist. I gasp, my breathing getting worse in a second. My body starts trembling with adrenaline.

Easton squeezes my waist, silently telling me I'm okay. He's here and he's got me. I'm safe.

He glares at the men, who have come to a stop on the opposite side of the road. They're slightly panting too, not as bad as mine. I'm met with their angry faces because they couldn't get me.

Easton's body goes stiff before he looks away and pulls me with him. I stay close to him, not wanting to risk a chance of disappearing just like Camilla. The arm around my waist clearly agrees because he doesn't let go of me and only pulls me closer, until I'm resting my head on his chest. 

"It's okay," he whispers, a frown still on his face. "I've got you."

We walk inside, where Sebastian is placed on a chair while Asher looks at the wound on his knee. The poor boy doesn't even sniffle, but he does look awfully sad. "He said we won't get pancakes!"

Asher sighs. "Mommy would never—"

I send Easton a wink and am about to give Asher the shock of his life when Easton beats me to it. "I just saw Father's right hand running after Daisy."

Wait a minute.

Asher raises an eyebrow, giving Seb an all clear. The boys run upstairs. "You know that can't be. We killed Father five years ago."

Easton shakes his head, frowning and hitting the table on a rhythm in his head. "This doesn't feel right. Uncle has never done anything too bad to us, and all of a sudden he's able to kidnap Camilla? And then he supposedly finds Father's right hand, sends him with a mate after Daisy and thinks he can play us like that? It just doesn't feel like him."

Asher's eyes slightly widen. I wince. "So-so you think . . ."

Easton looks me dead in the eyes. "Father's still alive."