Under His Dark Wings (Dark SBI)

Chapter Four

"You're so fucking awesome, Mum," Tommy declared for what felt like the hundredth time that day, his voice filled with an affectionate warmth that made Kristin's heart swell.

"You're my favorite woman, along with the queen, of course," he added cheekily, flashing her a grin that was both mischievous and endearing.

It had been a week since the incident with law enforcement, and Kristin had been adamant about keeping Tommy home from school. She knew the risks of isolating him, of pulling him away from the life he was used to, but her mind screamed at her to protect her son, to shield him from the world that had so cruelly judged him. So, as soon as they had arrived home, she had practically carried him into the nest in her room, a comforting cocoon of soft fabrics and pillows that held the familiar scent of their little family.

They had spent the past week cooped up there, lost in the comforting embrace of their elytrian instincts. It was a time for healing, both physical and emotional, and Kristin had devoted herself entirely to her son's care. Every day, she gently preened his wings, her fingers moving with delicate precision to encourage the new feathers to grow in faster. But each time she brushed against a missing, ripped out, or injured feather, her eyes would narrow into dangerous slits, a low growl rumbling in her chest. The sight of her child's pain, the visible proof of the cruelty he had endured, ignited a protective fury within her that only intensified her resolve to keep him safe.

Tommy, for once, didn't resist her ministrations. There were no complaints about her treating him like a baby, no protests when she braided gems from her jewelry and sparkling gold twine into his hair from her prized collection of shiny things. Usually, he would have grumbled or made some snarky comment about how she was "fucking suffocating" him, but this time was different. The incident had clearly shaken him, and it seemed that seeing his mother unleash her full wrath in his defense had left an impression on him too.

So he sat contentedly in her lap, letting her fuss over him, responding to her chirps and coos with happy cheeps of his own. The sound filled the room, a symphony of love and reassurance that soothed Kristin's frayed nerves. She would nuzzle him gently, pressing soft kisses to his temple as she worked, each one a silent promise that she would always protect him, that no one would ever hurt him like that again.

Kristin had never been more aware of how quickly time was passing. Her little boy was growing up, becoming taller, stronger, more independent. But in moments like this, when he was curled up in her arms, all traces of the tough, bantering teenager were gone. He was just her Thomas, her sweet boy who still needed his mother, who still found comfort in her touch.

The past week had been a reminder of that, and Kristin cherished it, even as she knew it couldn't last forever. Soon, he would have to return to school, and the world would intrude on their little sanctuary once more. But for now, she was content to stay right where they were, nestled in the warmth of their nest, savoring these precious moments of peace and closeness.

As she finished braiding the last of the gold twine into his hair, Kristin leaned down to press another kiss to Tommy's forehead. "You're my favorite too, Tommy," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with fierce love. "And I'll always be here to take care of you. Always."

Tommy looked up at her, blue eyes shining with something unspoken but deeply understood. He nodded, snuggling closer into her embrace, and together they remained there, mother and son, wrapped in each other's warmth.

Yet, despite the cocoon of safety they had built, a few visitors had managed to breach their bubble of solitude.

Usually, Kristin wouldn't have bothered answering the door. Nest time was sacred, a period where nothing else mattered, and anyone who interrupted was unwelcome by default. But this time was different. Her instincts were on high alert, the primal urge to protect her fledgling screaming in the back of her mind. Words like danger, protect, and kill the threat flashed in her thoughts whenever someone dared to ring the doorbell. Her heart would race, her talons flexing in anticipation of a threat that she would do anything to eliminate before it could reach Tommy.