Bound by Duty

Chapter Eighteen

I stepped across the threshold of Derreck's home and was surprised by what I found. I was surrounded by sleek black appliances, dark granite counter tops, exposed piping, black leather furniture, and modern art. I stood in the center of the very open floor plan and turned in a slow circle.

"You were expecting animal heads and an old brown recliner?" There was a hint of smile playing on Derreck's lips as he put a tea kettle on to boil. I looked away, embarrassed to realize I had expected just that.

"It's...um, nice. Really nice." I fumbled for words and was glad when Cole stepped quietly through the door. Just having him here, realizing that I wasn't the only one people had been holding out on, gave me strength. The last few weeks had been hell and I was ready for it to end. I just didn't feel like tonight was the night. No, tonight was just the beginning.

I paced the length of the living room and back. Charlie and Onyx sat on opposite ends and I let my hand drop to absently caress their heads as I walked past. I chewed on my lip, deep in thought about what it all could mean. What would happen if I sat down and let Derreck speak? Would he be the one who could tell me the truth? Or would he only tell me the parts he wanted to share like everyone else had done? Would I find out exactly what it all means? Or would he just lead me down another path I hated more?

Aidan's face flashed in my mind and the ache in my chest deepened. That sent me down a whole other line of thinking.

I could walk away. Right now. I could walk away, find Aidan, and do what my mom had done. I could leave the truth and the drama behind and be happy. I could live the life I chose.

But, could I?

"You're going to wear a path, Amelia. Sit down."

My head flew up and I realized that both Cole and Derreck were sitting on the black leather couches in the living room. Cole's jaw was locked, a muscle ticking in frustration, as he struggled with his own emotions. Derreck simply sat back, sipping his tea, not really looking at either of us directly.

I took quick steps to the overstuffed chair and pulled the blanket from the back over myself, suddenly needing comfort of any kind. As the thought entered and left, Charlie appeared beside me, whimpering as he licked my palm. I scratched behind his ears and left my hand on his scruff as he sat beside my chair, his big head sitting taller than the armrest. I threaded my fingers through his course fur, preparing myself for what was to come.

I couldn't walk away. I had been waiting for the truth for longer than I could remember. My mother lived with the truth her whole life. She got to make an educated decision. If I wanted to do the same, I needed all of the facts, however I could get them.

"Okay. Go." I wanted to get back up and go sit by Cole; I had a feeling I would need him. But, someday I was going to have to be able to handle this stuff myself, so I stayed in my chair.

Derreck set his tea cup on the table and put his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands in front of him. He looked intently between Cole and I, but his gaze returned to Cole.

"Cole, before I start, I want you to understand that I was trying to help you. To make the right choices to protect you. I never got to be a part of Amelia's life and honestly, I wasn't supposed to be part of yours. That was the agreement we all made. So, please, listen to me before you judge me. That's all I ask."

Derreck sat and waited. Cole eventually lifted his eyes and met Derreck's. So many emotions and unspoken words traveled between them in mere seconds but even I could see the pain and apology etched in Uncle Derreck's features. Finally, Cole simply nodded and Derreck's face relaxed in relief, some of the tension visibly draining from his rigid posture.