Faction before blood?

Chapter 23

I was discharged the next day. I'd been asleep when Eric came back into the hospital room, late at night and only woke up in the morning. For the first seconds I was confused, because I didn't know what had happened or where I was, but then I heard a little gurgling noise and looked to the chair in the corner. There was my husband, sitting relaxed with our boy in his arms.

I smiled at the sight, sitting upright and holding out my arms. Knowing what I wanted, Eric rolled his eyes and got up, walking through the room. He handed me the little bundle of blankets and I unwrapped my son to feed him.

After I had positioned him right, I turned to Eric and scrutinized him, nervously biting my lip.

"How did it go yesterday? You were gone for so long..." I asked him carefully, while trying to find out, if he was still angry.

But as usual his face portrayed nothing.

Raising one eyebrow, he folded his arms behind his back, while watching me.

He was always watching.

"Let's just say..." He started, coming closer. "He won't be executed."

I blinked rapidly, trying to figure out, what exactly he meant.

"And that's something good?" Realizing how it sounded, I hurried to explain, what I was thinking. "I mean of course it's good, but did something bad happen? What did he tell you?"

Eric scoffed at me. "So I am supposed to tell you everything now, am I? Even if you failed to inform me of something, that could help us win against the rebels?"

I knew he was right, of course he was, but being spoken to, like that, still didn't feel good, so I lowered my head in shame.

"I'm sorry, Eric. I wanted to tell you, but..."

"Your brother told you not to, I know." He interrupted my pitiful attempt to get his forgiveness. "He also lied to you."

My eyes shot up, glancing at my husband confused, I demanded to know what he was saying.

"I'm saying, that your dear brother met your mother more than once. A few times actually. And he was able to get tactics and numbers."

Staring at him dubiously, I didn't realize, that Theo stopped drinking. Eric gestured towards my chest.

"He demands your attention."

Quickly, I looked down, seeing beautiful blue eyes staring back at me. Playing with his tiny fingers, he then grabbed one of mine with his little hand, before sucking on it. I smiled, looking back at Eric, who was watching the two of us.

I extended my arm towards him and he took my hand and took a seat on the bed.

"Does he know a location?" I asked Eric, torn between wanting the factionless to be defeated and at the same time, hoping to keep my mother safe.

"Yes, there are several warehouses. They have a whole freaking compound to themselves. And a lot of guns. Where they've got them from, I have no idea, but we will have to attack soon. We will order a pre-emptive strike against them, before they attack dauntless."

Eric informed me, while keeping his watchful gaze on his son.

"When...?" I rasped out. Eric saw my distress and caressed my face, pulling it towards his.

As he leaned his forehead against mine, he was cautious of the infant between us.

"As soon as possible. Within the week." At this information, I closed my eyes, trying to hide my sorrow.