Chapter 1 #5
He nodded. “I wanted you to stand your ground when you knew you were right. For the record, I made that investment for you, regardless. It has been generating a lot of profit since then. The funds will be transferred back to you by the end of the day. I always meant for it to be your present once you achieved Ghabrak.”
I stared at him, my mind reeling. Then his words further poked my curiosity. “You said it was my first test?”
His smile broadened as he nodded. He took another sip of his drink, pulled my mother against his side, and kissed her temple before returning his attention to me.
She leaned against him, the love that radiated from them warming me from the inside out.
I prayed Zhara and I would share the same type of deep connection.
“There were quite a few over the years. The main ones were pretty much the same as today. Five times before, you tried to go to the Western Quadrant to see Zhara. Each time, I came up with one excuse or another to prevent you from going on that journey, whether for a short visit or for a permanent relocation. Mercy went there so many times, she could have been your guardian. And as per the Eastern Quadrant laws, you no longer needed our blessing or permission from the day you turned sixteen. And still, you caved to any pressure from us, and especially from me.”
“It’s because I respect you, Father,” I argued.
“I know, and I truly appreciate it. But you’re an adult now.
The future that lies ahead of you is going to be fraught with danger.
You’re a natural leader. People love and respect you.
The way all Braxia wanted you as their new Magnar speaks volumes about the man you’ve become.
In every way, you are the man I wish I would have been. And I’m so fucking proud of you.”
My throat constricted as he cupped my nape with his hand, his obsidian eyes locked with mine. Although he’d never been stingy with his affection, today, his words rang different, deeper, and more powerful.
“You’re just too sweet, son. Observing the rules, respecting hierarchy, and maintaining order are all important.
But following your instincts when you know you’re right can be even more important, especially if it can avert a serious wrong or disaster.
Don’t be shy to tell people to fuck off, no matter who they are, no matter what their rank is.
People need to be able to rely on you making the right choices, even if that means defying authority, expectations, or rules.
Believe in yourself like we all believe in you. ”
“I love you, Father,” I said before pulling him into my embrace.
“I love you, too, son.”
Although he was big and muscular—almost a giant by human standards—he was smaller than me.
Not by a huge amount, but noticeably. Still, he had a way of making me feel safe and sheltered.
It was all the stranger that most people on our homeworld believed me to be the strongest Braxian alive—except maybe for former Magnar Ravik.
I personally thought that Keran could potentially defeat me as well, but it would be a close call.
My father released me before taking on a teasing expression.
“It hurts my heart to let you go, but I rejoice at the happiness that awaits you. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about your Zhara.
She, her brothers, and the galaxy need you.
Just remember to be kind to your mate. No matter how angry you get, whatever the reason, always treat her with kindness and respect,” he added softly.
“I will. I’ve had a great role model,” I replied affectionately.
To my shock, his face closed off. He cast a sideways glance at my mother, a sliver of guilt and shame fleeting over his rough features. She smiled at him in a way that meant ‘It’s okay’ but that didn’t seem to fully appease him.
“You’re a better man than I’ll ever be, Gavin,” my father said in a subdued voice. “Before I got my head screwed back on right, I did terrible things to your mother, and—”
“Stop, Father,” I said in a tone that brooked no argument, stunning both my parents.
“I heard some of the rumors. The rough past you both had is no secret for anyone. But all that matters to me is what awesome parents raised me and my siblings. I see how you treat Mom, how she looks at you, and how you look at her. You say that I’m the man you wished you could have been, but you already are.
My whole life, I strived to be just like you.
I’m a good man because you are. Whatever you see in me is just a reflection of you. ”
Seeing tears well up in my father’s eyes wrecked me.
The prickling sensation in my own eyes hinted that emotions were also getting the best of me.
He pulled me into his arms and gave me a bone-crushing hug.
I returned it then pulled my mother into our collective embrace.
We held each other for a moment longer before letting go.
“Don’t you get yourself killed over there, you hear?” my father said in a grumpy tone.
I snorted. “My Zhara is a healer and a soul whisperer. I’ll be fine.”
“See that you are!” my mother echoed in a playfully severe tone.
“Come on. Let’s get you on that ship,” my father said.