Chapter 26
There was already a meeting scheduled for today, but moving it up two hours is my doing. The latest item I’ve added to the agenda can’t be put off.
Not after what I witnessed last night.
I’m focused on some of our children playing on the playground when the door opens behind me and bodies silently fill the room, finding seats around the conference table. Once it’s silent again, I’m certain everyone’s here, seeing as how they’re all well aware that tardiness is never tolerated.
“Thank you for rearranging your morning to be in attendance,” I say, hearing the distraction in my own voice when I speak.
“Of course, Sir, you said this was urgent,” Darwin speaks up, concern heavy in his tone.
“And it is.” I turn from the window, facing the Circle of Six. “It’s time we make preparations.”
Vera tilts her head, rocking back in her seat as a curious look crosses her face. “Preparations?”
I nod, knowing she’ll perhaps be the most adverse to what I’m going to propose to the group, but my mind is made up. I won’t stand for Layla being out in the world alone, without protection.
Without me.
When I got in from her place last night, I couldn’t rest, so I went to the screening room, intent on watching her sleep. The sight of her resting peacefully was supposed to settle me, but about half an hour into watching, none other than Diego-fucking-Martinez showed up, and I got the feeling he intended to hurt her. So much that I left home, speeding toward Layla’s to intervene, but by the time I got there, he was gone. Seeing that his car was no longer in her driveway didn’t bring me any relief. It wasn’t until I checked the video feed from my phone, and I saw that the argument ended with Layla locking herself inside her apartment, that I finally drove off. But I’ve seen Diego’s type before, and the fact that he didn’t hurt her this time doesn’t mean he won’t try something next time.
But that’s where I come in. Because if there’s breath in my lungs… I won’t let there be a next time.
“Sir? Preparations for what?” Vera repeats.
I blink away the memory and focus on the present, bringing my council up to speed.
“Before I continue, it should be noted that the topic isn’t open for discussion. That doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to share your thoughts and concerns, but it does mean I won’t change my mind.”
Grave silence inches its way around the table until it becomes deafening.
“In the very, very near future, Layla Bennett will be residing at the compound.”
“You’re bringing her here?” Vera speaks up, her eyes widening. “Pardon me for questioning you, Sir, but we supported you when you wanted to start keeping tabs on her. We supported you when you wanted to get closer and had Mira install cameras in the Bennett home. We even stayed mostly silent when we noticed that your other activities began almost immediately after you let her into your head—activities that put this entire community at risk, might I add. But, Sir, you can’t possibly be suggesting that she come to live… here.”
Vera finishes her very spirited speech, and my eyes stay trained on her, feeling my jaw tick as a result of that blatant display of insubordination. I respect her like a mother, but I pray she knows my kindness toward her has limits.
“Thank you for sharing your concerns, Vera, but I’m not suggesting anything. As I stated before, this is as good as done.”
“She’s agreed to this? Does she even know about this place?”
Heat creeps up my spine, but I hold my composure, even managing to smile. “I appreciate your questions, but please, leave the details to me, Vera.”
Her eyes are hard set on mine, and she doesn’t blink. Redness blooms in her cheeks, and I can guess she’s holding her tongue and secretly has much more to say.
“Sir, if I may?” Timothy speaks up, pushing dark-framed glasses up his nose.
I nod, granting him permission.
“I’m merely concerned how the people might react should Ms. Bennet be brought here. Yes, we bring new members into the flock every now and then, but I can imagine your affections toward Ms. Bennett will be rather obvious. Don’t you worry that will seem a bit…”
His voice trails off, and I sense fear and hesitation.
“You’re free to speak your mind here, Timothy. Please, continue.”
He studies my demeanor a bit after I speak, then he finishes his thought. “I only wonder if the people might feel that it’s hypocritical of you. Taking on a partner outside the flock when they’re prohibited from doing so.”
I let out a sigh.
“You’re right, Timothy. This could very well be a thought that passes through the minds of the people. However, you’ve failed to remember two very important facts.” I pause and sip my water. “One, I’m fucking in charge here. I’m the one who makes sure this flock is safe when they lay their heads on their pillows at night, the one who makes sure every mouth is fed, and I make sure justice is served swiftly and evenly across the board. And second, while the people may never know this, Layla’s not some… random newcomer. She’s a part of me, a part of us, and this is where she belongs. That has always been true.”
The silence returns, and I’m guessing they’re recalling my history with Layla and the entire Bennett family. Some of the facts are dark and soaked in blood, but the one truly good thing that’s come from that whole sordid alliance was that I found her, the only person on the planet with which my soul aligns.
Amelia raises her hand and doesn’t speak until I point at her. “Sir, doesn’t her affiliation with the police department concern you? Don’t you worry she’ll compromise everyone’s safety?”
I don’t blame her for asking. Hell, if I hadn’t seen for myself how Layla has grown to accept me, my dark nature and all that comes with it, I would have the same reservations. But rather than going over the many scenarios that have arisen to prove my point, I answer Amelia’s question with one word.
“No.”
She seems taken aback by my short response.
“And what of my niece?” Vera chimes in. “It wasn’t that long ago that we talked, and you seemed on board with the idea of settling down with Aria.”
A laugh slips out of my mouth, and the look on Vera’s face almost makes me feel guilty. “I think you’re confused. One of us was on board with me settling down with Aria, but it wasn’t me.”
“But you heard me out, and you didn’t object when I mentioned bringing the idea to her,” she protests. “I’ve already spoken to her, Damien. She’ll be devastated when she sees you walk someone else through the door on your arm.”
I’m stone-faced, trying to figure out what part of what she just said is my problem.
“Vera, I believe your main point was that our people need to see a version of me that’s centered, settled down. Was it not?”
“Yes, but—”
“Then, I intend to give them that.” I shoot her a stern look when I finish. She fumes in her seat but doesn’t speak. “Any other thoughts?”
I glance around the room, studying each of their faces as I take another sip from my glass.
Clay raises his hand, and I point at him, giving him the floor.
“Sir, I only wonder if this decision will postpone your mentoring my son?”
I blink slowly, having nearly forgotten I’d made that promise. JD—Clay’s nineteen year-old problem child—has potential, despite his tendency to do the opposite of the right thing. When Clay came to me a few months back, asking for help, I assured him I’d work with the boy, take him under my wing.
“Of course, not. My word is my word, Clay. In fact, let’s meet in a week or two to go over a plan of action.”
Relief sweeps over him. “Thank you, Sir.”
I offer a gracious nod, then look to the others. “Anyone else?”
Vera’s hand goes up, and I pause with my glass to my lips, hoping she knows not to keep pushing.
“Vera?”
Her eyes stay trained on me, and my gaze narrows when she slowly rises from her seat. “With all due respect, Sir, it would be remiss of me not to say what everyone else is thinking, but they’re simply too scared to say the words out loud.”
I nod slowly, resting my hands on the table as my glare settles on her. “Then, perhaps you, too, should tread lightly. Seeing as how even your peers have the good sense to be afraid.”
She swallows audibly, but the old woman is far too stubborn to back down. It’s what my father loved and hated about her.
“My final thought is that I believe you should take a step back before making any sort of final decision. I mean, after all, had it not been for you getting word about that ridiculous book being written, you would’ve gone the rest of your life never thinking twice about Ms. Bennett. You still haven’t said whether she’s even agreed to come here. I mean, don’t you think this is all a bit… impulsive?”
Slowly, and making a point to hide any ounce of fear from me, Vera settles back into her seat.
I feel my jaw tick again, and I think we both know I’m losing my patience. Yes, Vera knows me well, but she has no idea how wrong she is. While I’ve hidden my curiosity well over the years, not a single day went by that I didn’t have some sort of thought about the unusually kind girl from my past. The first to make me feel seen.
The first to make me feel human.
Vera stares, waiting for further explanation, but I’ve already said enough, indulging their concerns to the point of annoyance. So, without offering her any sort of response, this meeting is officially adjourned.
“I’ll see you all next week. Thank you for your time.”
Amelia, Cole, Darwin, Timothy, and Clay quickly stand and file out of the room, but Vera is slow to gather her things, passing a lingering look my way as she finally trails after the others.
She’s gotten bold. Too bold. Just like her niece. But perhaps that’s my fault, letting Vera think she’s above reproach. As I rock back in my seat, staring at the doorway she’s just exited through, I’m forced to consider there might be even more change on the wind than I realized.
If I were Vera, I’d get my fucking act together. Because if she can’t do that, if she can’t accept Layla and the role she’ll fill here… I’ll do what I have to do.