Chapter Fifteen
Davian looked at Verena, who was peacefully sleeping in Praxis's arms. Praxis had fallen asleep as well, yet still held Verena in a protective hold.
She became this mentally ill because of them. They fucked up her childhood with constant neglect that took a significant toll over the years. The older brothers passed the hate to the younger brothers so Verena had no love from anyone in her family.
Davian felt so stupid. Verena had no control of how she got here. Taking their anger out on a child was ridiculous. Now look at the damage they had done. She could hardly function. She was terrified of them.
Praxis's eyes fluttered open to see Davian looking at them. He immediately noticed his brother's tense posture and how hard he was clenching his jaw.
"What is it?" Praxis asked quietly, being careful not to wake his sister up.
"Lycus wants her," Davian replied bluntly.
Davian expected Praxis to immediately get upset and swear not to let Lycus near her, but instead, he sighed.
Davian looked at Praxis incredulously. "Don't tell me you actually agree about handing her over to the Nicolette's."
"I don't know Davian, but maybe she would do better there," Praxis said as he unconsciously rubbed Verena's back.
Davian couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was coming from the guy who went behind his back to get her out of that psychiatric ward. Now he was willing to just hand her off.
"Are you fucking with me right now?" Davian snapped.
Praxis hesitated. "It's just maybe they can give her more than we can. I highly doubt they have any interest in hurting her. She won't have Riven lurking around waiting to pounce."
Davian scoffed in disbelief as he turned his head away from his siblings. "You brought her back and now just want to give her away."
Praxis felt his anger rising as he shot Davian an icy glare. "I want what is best for her. She clearly isn't doing well here. You were the one who had her locked away in the first place."
"I had no other choice!" Davian's voice rose but he still attempted to keep it low and not startle Verena. It was the first time he has ever seen her sleep so soundly.
"You had many choices! You chose to lock her away without even trying to understand why she did it!" Praxis seethed.
Verena flinched in his arms, and Praxis cursed himself for disturbing her. He ran his hand gently through her hair. "Shh, go back to sleep, sweetheart. Sorry for waking you up." He whispered.
Verena opened one eye to see Davian's brooding figure at the door. She immediately closed her eyes and buried her face in Praxis's t-shirt.
Praxis's eyes softened at her actions. Maybe she was finally starting to feel comfortable around him.
"Maybe at least let them meet her. A fight is the last thing that needs to happen right now." Praxis sighed.
Davian knew Praxis was right because Lycus would one way or another try to get to their sister, even if it meant violence. They needed to avoid that as much as they could for her sake. Getting both families to compromise is the biggest challenge.
"Well, they sure as fuck aren't coming to the house. I am not going to their house either." Davian crossed his arms over his chest.
"Maybe a restaurant or something?" Praxis proposed.
"Fine. I'll call that asshole back and hope he agrees." Davian turned and walked down the hallway irritably.
Davian dialed Lycus's number and waited for him to pick up. He picked up on the second ring.
"Calling back already?" Lycus antagonized.
Davian rolled his eyes. "We'll meet at a restaurant. Have it cleared. This is about her, not us. We can't overwhelm her."
"That's fair. Where at then?" Lycus hummed.
"I don't care. Just don't bring all of your brothers, it will be too much. It will just be Praxis and me."
"Well, look at you being such a considerate brother. I'll just bring Leondias. He's the most...calming. Oh! Let's go to Red Lobster! They have killer pina coladas."
"Whatever. When and what time?" Davian groaned in annoyance.
"Tomorrow at noon. I'll deal with the restaurant." Lycus then hung up the phone.
Davian plopped his phone on his desk before rubbing his temples. He had to admit he was thankful for Praxis being the voice of reason. Hopefully, he would be useful as a mediator if it came down to it.
His door then swung open, revealing Cyprian. Davian shot him a glare at his abrupt and rude entrance.
"The hell are you doing barging in here like that?" Davian growled.
"I was eavesdropping," Cyprian replied bluntly. "I'm offended that I am not invited to lunch tomorrow."
"You would cause World War III by being there. That's the last thing I need to happen. It will be tense enough without your presence."
Cyprian palmed his chest in mock offense. "I'm hurt."
"Why are you here?"
"We need to discuss something about our dear sister."