Chapter 21 #2
I roll my eyes, refusing to let his words affect me, or at least not in an obvious way for him to gloat about for the rest of eternity, then head towards the bedroom to wake Hudson.
He’s sprawled across the bed, his heavy breaths revealing how deeply he’s sleeping.
I quickly change his diaper, shocked he doesn’t stir from being jostled around.
My eyes skate over him, a smile quirking my lips at how peaceful he looks.
It takes a bit more effort than it did a few weeks ago, but I manage to lift him on my own.
Things that were simple last month now require a warm-up stretch, so I hate to know how difficult life is going to get during the final stretch of this pregnancy.
I take a seat on the edge of the bed, soaking up a few extra minutes with Hudson.
I snuggle him closer, wondering how it’s possible to get such an endorphin high from cradling a sleeping toddler.
I was never exposed to babies before Veritas, but even then, kids this young were born at the compound, not snatched off the streets.
We never crossed paths with them, not until a Claiming took place and they were officially given a position of power, continuing their parents’ twisted legacies.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, placing a gentle kiss on Hudson’s cheek.
When I finally pry them open, Briggs is standing by the door, hands in his pockets and feet crossed, leaning against the dresser as he watches me closely.
“This sucks.” I can feel my chin start to wobble, so I tuck my bottom lip between my teeth to distract myself from the tears stinging my eyes.
“What does?” he asks, his calm demeanor unmoved by the emotion clogging my throat.
“I have to give Hudson back, but I’m not convinced that Seth is actually well enough to take care of himself, much less his son.
It’s not my place to say anything, and I’m scared if I question him, he won’t bother to call next time.
Or worse, he’ll cut me out of their lives entirely.
I’ve had to bite my tongue so many times over the past decade, I’m surprised I still have one.
And yet, none of those instances were as difficult to pull off as this is going to be.
” I tilt my head back and stare at the ceiling, refusing to leave this room red-eyed and visibly upset.
“Angel,” Briggs coaxes, his voice much closer than it was just a moment ago.
I drop my gaze, finding him right in front of me, his hand reaching out for mine.
My fingers graze his as he twines them together and helps me to my feet.
“I’d like to state for the record that I wholeheartedly disagree.
If anyone has the right to call Seth’s parenting into question, it’s you.
He can’t rely on you as heavily as he is and not make some concessions.
But–” He places a finger over my lips when I start to protest, cutting me off before I have the chance to say a single word.
“I also respect your decision to say nothing at all. It’s an odd position to be in, and whether you realize it or not, your mama bear instincts are starting to kick in.
Some things are instinctual, and it’s very obvious that nurturing comes second nature to you.
” There’s a scoff on the tip of my tongue, but I reel it in, knowing it’s pointless to argue with Briggs.
“Andi?” Raiden calls from the other side of the door. “Seth is here.”
“Be right there,” Briggs answers on my behalf, his gaze tracking the way my arms tighten around Hudson imperceptibly.
“If you walk out there holding him like you are, this secret of yours is going to be rather obvious.” His hand cups my stomach, the curvature of my bump on full display when I glance at the mirror behind him.
Hudson is practically propped up on it, and anyone with eyes is going to notice if he stays in this position.
Reluctantly, I hand him to Briggs, giving his cheek another kiss before we exit the bedroom.
My eyes find Seth immediately, homing in on the way he refuses to look up, his attention focused on the floor.
His lips are pressed in a grim line as he shuffles from foot to foot, the act completely out of place on such an imposing man.
He takes Hudson without saying a word to anyone, but stops beside me, still refusing to meet my eye, and rests his hand against my head.
I imagine a thousand different scenarios of what he’s thinking about at this very moment, of what he’s trying to convey but can’t get his tongue to form what he needs it to.
Shame rolls off of him in waves, and as much as I want to lash out and berate him for being so irresponsible, the last thing he needs is to be scolded.
Especially in front of everyone. It’s obvious his tail is tucked between his legs.
I take a steadying breath and grip his wrist, leaving him to interpret my touch however he sees fit.
I refuse to tell Seth that his actions are okay, or even justified, in the midst of everything he’s going through.