𝐒𝐲𝐧 ┃𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

100. 𝐹𝑎𝑖𝑡ℎ

Xavier

Syn was at his widths end.

The last thing we all needed right now was for him to direct his justified anger at his parents, toward James. A sudden need to protect his feelings overcame me, and I stepped in front of the boy— blocking Syn's path of anger. "He had to come," I defended him. "He won't bother you, but please..." My eyes pleaded with Syn's, willing him not to make James the victim of his lashing out and his eyes returned nothing.

Before I could speak up again, James walked around me, stepping to my side and looking up at Syn. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting a small breath out before feeling Cleo pull me to the side— away from the two.

I looked at her in confusion for a moment and she placed a hand on my chest. "Have a little faith in him," she said, tilting her head toward Syn. I looked at her in objection and she raised a brow, knowing all too well that I'd let her have her way. After a few moments, I shook my head at her in defeat, looking back toward the two as she wrapped an arm around me.

Syn looked down at James, crossing his arms before giving him a single nod. "James."

James smiled up at him. "Hi, dad. How have you been?"

I saw the shock fill Syn's eyes, his jaw clenching as he looked down at him and I held my breath. He blinked a few times, swallowing a breath before cursing under his breath and pulling James into his arms. Immediately, James wrapped his arms around him as if he had been waiting an eternity for this moment and Syn bent down, shutting his eyes as he rested his chin on his head.

After a few lingering moments, Syn pulled away and crouched on the ground, looking up at James. His eyes were shining with tears I knew he wouldn't dare let fall, and he let out a small laugh, sniffling as he wiped his nose with his sleeve.

"I-I've been alright. How about you?" He asked, his eyes watering as he smiled up at him. "Last time I saw you, you were like...right here." He held his hand up, palm down as he leveled it with James' arm.

"I got a little taller." James grinned at him.

"A little?!" Syn raised his brows. "You're a fucking giant now!"

"You need to put money in my swear jar."

"Oh, come on." Syn raised a playful brow, adding some life to his tired expression. "It's been almost two years, give me a pass."

"Okay," James nodded. "Just this once." He wrapped his arms around Syn for another hug and I felt my own surge of emotions threatening to escape me. Genesis and Cleo were already past holding back their tears, Lucifer was trying his hardest to hold back a smile, and Paris was— well, Paris. As Paris as I could describe from meeting him less than five minutes ago.

I looked past them to the large dining table to see Drake drinking a glass of liquor, his eyes on Syn and James. He had a dark look in his blue eyes— a sadness, maybe even longing as his eyes flickered away from the two. He looked miserable, but I didn't trust him. Not after his multiple attempts at getting rid of Syn.

I focused my eyes back on Syn to find him studying James' arms and pinching him. Concern was painted on his face as he ignored James's 'ouch' and lifted his arm. "Are you eating well? Drinking enough blood?" He asked. "Have you been sleeping okay?"