Broken Hands

12. Danger is here

Grayson and Russell made their way back home, their breaths coming in hard and fast as they finally slowed to a stop. Russell glanced at Grayson, raising an eyebrow with an impressed smirk. "You know, you could be an athlete with lungs like that," he teased, trying to mask his own fatigue.

Grayson just shook his head, brushing off the compliment with a half-smile. "I'll pass. That kind of thrill isn't my thing. Sports are your territory."

Russell rolled his eyes in mock disappointment. "What a waste of talent," he muttered, earning a faint scoff from Grayson.

They'd barely stepped through the gate when Russell caught sight of Alex's car in the parking. Without warning, Russell bolted towards the house, grinning back at Grayson, who followed at a more casual pace. Inside, they found Julian sprawled on the couch, half-watching a K-drama on TV while absentmindedly patting Stray.

Julian glanced up as they entered, his eyes narrowing. "Oh, nice of you both to return," he called sarcastically, crossing his arms. "Guess no one thought to tell me they were going on a little adventure."

Grayson and Russell shared a look, barely containing their amusement then Julian rose with dramatic flair, squinting at them. "Well?" Julian demanded. "Go on, spill the beans."

Grayson tried to keep a straight face, though a hint of a smirk tugged at his lips. "Figured you were happier with your snacks," he replied, his tone deadpan but teasing.

Russell stifled a laugh, eyes wide with amusement. Julian glared at Grayson, his indignation barely hiding the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Oh, I see," Julian shot back, hands on his hips. "So you abandoned me because you're jealous of my relationship with my snacks?"

Russell finally let out a laugh, his shoulders shaking as he tried to contain it. Grayson just shrugged, feigning innocence. "Relationship goes both ways. Pretty sure the snacks don't appreciate being eaten. So, yeah... that's not a relationship."

Julian stepped up, glaring at Grayson with a mock intensity. "So, by your logic, you and Stray don't have a relationship either. Because what tells you she wants to be stuck here in a human home instead of living in the wild like her ancestors. Right, girl?" He looked at Stray, who perked up with an eager woof, tail thumping.

Grayson rolled his eyes, a reluctant grin breaking through. "Fine, fine. You win. Happy?"

Julian grinned in victory, leaning back with satisfaction. Grayson reached over, ruffling Julian's hair, earning a groan of protest. "Don't let it go to your head," Grayson muttered.

Russell was already heading up the stairs, and Grayson followed, Julian and Stray tagging along. They made their way to the study, where they found Alex, who was just ending a call. He looked up as they entered, gesturing for them to sit.

"So, how was the day?" Alex asked, his tone casual, but his gaze keen.

Russell sank into a chair, his posture tense. "Good. Not exactly relaxed, though," he replied.

Alex nodded, understanding. "I know you all have questions about Damien," he began, his voice softening. "The shooting happened three days ago. Damien got hit, but it wasn't in any vital area. He'll be alright, and he should be out soon."

Russell shifted in his seat, his hand gripping the armrest tightly. "When is he coming back?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Alex glanced at him, his expression gentle but firm. "Soon. You know him—he's not one to leave a task unfinished."

Russell swallowed hard, forcing a nod. "Guess I'll call him later then."

Alex offered a reassuring smile, which Russell returned, albeit anxiously. Grayson felt his phone buzz in his pocket, and he glanced down, frowning at the unknown number on the screen.