Page 107 of Between Passion and Revenge: Part Two

“No, I’m not just your mom’s friend.”

I take Raiden’s tiny hand, and his eyes widen.

“I’m your dad.”

TWENTY-THREE

SHAE

There are very few instances in which I have no clue what to do. I’m usually able to figure out anything and think my way out of any problem.

But with Tempest wearing a defiant look and Raiden looking at Storm like he’s hung the moon, I’m at a complete and thorough loss for what to do.

“Mommy, is he telling the truth?” This comes from Tempest. Her jaw tightens as she screws her mouth into an angry pout.

He couldn’t even give methis. One moment of control. One second of grace. Storm’s just being Storm: Making decisions that impact everyone, leaving me to be the one sweeping up the pieces.

Think, Shae.

I look at Storm, who seems the most open he’s been since finding out about the kids’ existence.

He doesn’t look stressed at all, but why would he be over this? He’s already told me who’s in charge, and it isn’t me.

He declared war in that airplane bedroom.

Not just on my boundaries, but on my role as a mother. Now he’s staking claims in front of my children.

That’s not protection. That’s performance.

I center myself and say, “Yes, baby.”

I’m surprised my voice is as clear as it is. Tempest looks at all the adults in the room before climbing off my lap and rushing to her grandma.

“Gigi, I want to go home with you,” she says, her face planting into my mom’s stomach. Mama looks at me with a bewildered look, then at Storm with a narrowed one.

“Okay, baby,” Mama says, but then Storm stands, still holding Raiden’s hand.

“Actually,” he says with zero remorse, “you can’t leave.”

The silence sucks all the air from the room, and it’s my mom who speaks first.

“Wanna run that one by me again?” she asks, thoroughly meaning,Boy, have you lost your mind?

“Ms. Rivers, I don’t know how much Yennifer or Shae have told you?—”

“Well, my daughter has been disappointingly silent about recent events.” She could cut me with how sharp her side-eye is, and I really do deserve it. I didn’t even tell her Storm was in town, much less about the danger that’s made itself known in the last several days.

“I understand,” Storm says, and I can tell he’s trying to be respectful to my mother. “But for safety reasons, everyone needs to stay here.”

More silence.

“Yeah, no. If anything, I’m gonna stay with my brother,” Yennifer says to Storm.

“I ain’t leaving my house for nothing or nobody,” Mama says, and I know she means that with her whole chest.

Storm looks at her, and I can tell by the set of his jaw what he thinks of that statement.

“Ms. Rivers,” he starts, but Mama cuts him off with a sharp, “Boy!”