Bloodlines

Chapter 17- Unconditional Love

WARNINGS: Mentions of Child Neglect

Lake and Dominic stayed silent as their parents scolded them.

"I am so disappointed in you," Bonnie scolded.

"Do you have any idea how worried sick I was," Peter added.

"I had to get a call from Rowena," Bonnie said.

"You're fortunate that Ace cared enough to come back," Peter said.

"This is like the time we stole a car in highschool," Lake whispered, making Dominic snort.

He coughed to cover up his laugh. Then his face was stoic again.

"What you did was reckless and, and, and," Peter said, stuttering over his words.

Dominic made eye contact with Lake, making both of them laugh uncontrollably. Their parents' looks of disapproval increased by the minute.

"You were saying," Lake said, regaining her composure.

Peter dropped his head and walked away. Dominic sighed and got up to follow him.

"Dad..."

"I'm trying so hard to be there for you. And every time I try, you do everything you can to throw it back in my face," Peter said.

"I was trying to save my friend," Dominic said.

"At the cost of your life," Peter asked, "Dominic, you would've gotten yourself killed!"

"Oh, please. I'm sure you'd be so relieved," Dominic blurted out.

"You really think I would be joyful over that," Peter scoffed, shaking his head.

"It's not like you're joyful with me still alive," Dominic said.

"Dominic, I would burn this world to ashes to protect you," Peter said.

Dominic was taken aback by this statement.

"Don't you ever think for one second that there is anything I wouldn't do to keep you safe," Peter snapped.

"You say that, but you're never there," Dominic said.

"I was always here! I never went anywhere, Dominic," Peter shouted.

He calmed himself down with a few deep breaths.

"I want to be in your life. I want to help, but I need you to let me in," Peter said.

"How can I? Every time I ask for a simple apology, you try to buy me off. Like I'm some kind of employee that you could just bribe," Dominic said.