STORM - (Intersex)

CHAPTER 23

TYLER

We rushed home, where Patrick and Marco were already waiting. Moments later, Lee arrived with Nat and Fran in tow. Patrick sat down, and immediately, Elijah ran over to him, climbing into his arms with a yawn. Patrick gently rocked him, and within minutes, Elijah was asleep. He quietly carried him upstairs to put him in his crib. A few moments later, he returned to the living room.

The silence in the room hung heavy until Patrick finally broke it with a sigh. "My men had him," he began, his voice serious. "But on the way back, they were ambushed. Mark escaped. It looks like this was planned. I suggest you all find somewhere safe to stay for a while. Work from home if you can."

Clara, who had been listening quietly, cursed under her breath, her British accent slipping through. "That slimy bastard!" she spat, her frustration palpable. Lee started to giggle, but the tension quickly swallowed the sound. Without another word, Clara stormed upstairs.

I stayed seated, my head in my hands, trying to process everything. Fran nudged me gently, and when I looked up, she gave me a knowing look. I followed her outside to the garden, where we sat on the swings in a moment of silence.

"When we were in high school," Fran began softly, "you protected me a lot. Even after everything you went through."

I shook my head, smiling. "Fran, you're like my little sister. Blood or not, I'm always going to protect you."

She turned to me, her hazel-green eyes filled with determination. "Well, now it's my turn. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you and your family," she said, her loose raven hair falling over her face. Her words were filled with sincerity, and I smiled, feeling the warmth of her support. She hugged me tightly, and I held on.

"I'm in too," came a voice from behind us. We turned to see Lee standing with a smirk, her arms crossed like she was trying to look tough. "I'm not leaving you guys hanging."

I stood up, towering over her, and couldn't resist pinching her cheek. "Aww, you're so cute when you try to be serious," I teased, giggling. Lee pouted, her tough façade cracking, but her presence, like Fran's, was a welcome comfort in the chaos surrounding us.

Nat kisses Lee's cheek and whispers something in her ear. I watch as Lee's eyes go wide, and a slow, lazy smile spreads across her face. The kind of smile that tells me everything I need to know without a single word.

That dirty little freak.

I head into the kitchen, the silence of the house wrapping around me as I wash up. Everyone has left now so it's just the water is warm, but it does little to ease the tension that's settled in my chest. After finishing, I pour a glass of red wine for Clara and a glass of white for myself, hoping it might help her relax after everything. With the glasses in hand, I make my way upstairs.

When I step into our room, Clara is sitting on the bed, knees pulled up slightly, her face soft but clouded with a mixture of thoughts. She looks up at me, offering a weak smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. I hand her the glass of wine, our fingers brushing momentarily, and I feel the familiar spark between us.

"Thanks," she murmurs, taking a sip.

I move to sit next to her, but before I can get comfortable, she holds up a hand. "Hey, hey, hey! Go take a shower! No outside clothes in the bed!" she says, her tone light but teasing, with that familiar playful glint in her eyes.

I raise an eyebrow, surprised, but a smirk creeps onto my face as I see the deviousness in her expression. I put my glass down and start stripping off, feeling her gaze on me as I head into the bathroom. The water is barely warm when I hear the soft click of the door and feel her presence behind me. Before I can turn around, Clara's arms wrap around my waist, her skin warm against mine, contrasting with the cool tiles underfoot.