Chapter 33
Jules
I expect them to push me away, maybe get mad that I never told them who I really am. Instead, the moment I tell them everything, it’s the opposite. They’re being nothing but sweet and protective.
“We’re gonna need better security,” Sawyer says. “Keep the gates closed.”
“On it,” Cash declares, radioing to one of the hands to take care of it.
“Do they know about Genie?” Oak asks, watching me carefully.
My heart throbs painfully in my chest. After Sawyer gave a breakdown to the other two about who the Wards are, Oak has been watching me carefully. I’m so close to losing my shit, I can’t breathe properly. But the way they’re holding my hand makes me feel a little better.
“No,” I respond. “I had her with a midwife, and I never registered her. If I do, they’ll come after me, after her.
I’ve done everything under the table so far.
I figured I’ll take the chance and then take care of things when she’s older and he stops hunting us.
Maybe when Augustus grows tired of insisting I’m his fiancé. ”
“That guy has a very punchable face,” Cash growls.
“I agree,” I nod. “He’s a terrible person.” I sigh heavily and push a hand through my hair. “Anyways, now you know why we have to leave—”
“Leave?” Oak repeats, frowning. “Who said anything about leavin’?”
“He’s going to tell my father and they’re going to come,” I argue. “It isn’t safe.”
“Let ‘em come. You belong to us and we to you, darlin’. They can’t take you,” Oak replies, his arms crossed over his chest to let me know he means business. “We protect our own out here, and you can’t run forever.”
My face twists. “I don’t know if you missed how powerful my family is, Oak. Or if you even know who the 27 Foundation is—”
“Actually, we know exactly who the Foundation is,” Cash points out. “They’re the ones that attacked the city a few months ago.”
“What?” I gasp. “You didn’t say that!”
“We aren’t supposed to talk about it much,” he shrugs. “Lawyers and stuff. But yeah. They’re a bunch of overzealous assholes with too much money.”
I shake my head. “I should still leave. Augustus’ ties combined with my father’s pull, things could get really bad. And if they find out about Genie—”
“We can protect you if you let us,” Oak insists. “Let us help.”
I hesitate, realizing that I’m not going to change their mind. It’s easier for everyone for us to just leave, but they’re not understanding just how dangerous this all is.
So I agree with a soft nod of my head. And when they pull me into a hug, I start to work on the best way to leave the first chance I get.
They’ll wake up and we’ll be gone.
I try not to think about how they’ll feel when they discover it.
My heart starts to break before I ever end the hug.