Page 33 of Claiming What's Mine

But the one thing that stood out the most was how I felt; I felt happy, I felt proud, I finally felt like he knew that I wasn't his damn pin cushion to prick and stab when he felt like it.

I felt like a real man.

Laying in that hospital bed, I smiled, drifting off to sleep to have pleasant dreams for the first time since before my mother passed away.

I slept through the night. I slept without worry and fear. I slept peacefully.

Because he was behind bars and my sister was safe.

We were both safe.

Chapter Eight

Jayden

––––––––

Ifelt a light pressureagainst my forehead and the warmth of a hand as it ran down the side of my face.

“Wake up, Jayden.” Her voice was a distant whisper in my ear, soft and gentle.

Blue? Is that my Blue bird?

Opening my eyes, the light from above was blinding for a moment, but only a moment. Blue leaned over, her shadow dimming the brightness, her smile weak but perfect all the same.

“Are you alright?” she asked, taking a seat next to me on the bed. “I heard what happened, I came as soon as I could.” Brushing the tips of her fingers across my jaw, she cupped my face, her eyes filled with terror.

Taking her hand, I pulled it away from my face and placed it on my chest. Pushing up in the bed, I gave her a half smile. “I'm fine, it's not that bad.”

“Not that bad?Gee, that's not something I've heard before.” Her mouth hung open, brows scrunched up tight against her hairline. “He's your father, I get it, but he shouldn't have done this to you, he should never put his hands on you like this.”

“I'm fine, Blue.” Taking her hand, I squeezed firmly to reassure her. “I need you trust what I say.”

“Fine—” she scoffed and rolled her eyes, pulling her hand away. “You're always fine.”

Picking myself up higher, I sat tall. “Because I am.”