Page 46 of Killaney Fire

"Yeah, better than most."

"He wanted to wait to tell everyone. You're here, so I told you first. I'm calling Declan next."

I change the subject because I'm going to lose it if I don't.

"So, I guess you're in the seat a little while longer, then?" I say.

Callum nods. "I guess so. But nothing changes. We just keep doing what we're doing. Move as a family. Pretend like he's coming back to us."

I nod, but my vision is starting to go blurry at the edges.

He moves toward me and pulls me into a hug.

My brother's arms are solid around me, strong and steady, and for a moment I let myself sink into it. I can't remember the last time Callum hugged me. Maybe when I was twelve? Thirteen?

"The three of us will get through this," he says against the top of my head.

I nod against his chest as I feel the first warm, salty tear fall down my cheek.

Then he's pulling back, his hands briefly squeezing my shoulders before he releases me completely.

"I'll let you know when I hear from him," Callum says.

I nod again, still not speaking.

He turns and walks to the door.

As he opens it, I feel another tear slip down my cheek.

Damn it.

I swipe at it angrily, but another follows, then another, my body betraying me despite my best efforts to maintain control.

I look past him and see that Octavian hasn't moved.

He's still standing in the hallway, arms crossed over his massive frame, watching me.

Our eyes meet through my tears, and he watches me fall apart, witnessing my weakness.

Something hot and sharp twists in my chest. Humiliation wars with anger, and beneath it all, comfort.

So I just stand there, tears still wet on my cheeks, staring back at him.

For a long moment, neither of us moves.

Then, slowly, Octavian shifts. Not leaving, but adjusting his stance, positioning himself more solidly between the door and the hallway beyond.

Guarding me.

Even now. Especially now.

The realization does something to the knot in my chest, loosening it just slightly.

He's not going anywhere.

Whether I want him there or not, whether I'm strong or falling apart, whether I'm the fierce Killaney princess or just a terrified daughter, he's staying.

My chest tightens again. Not from grief this time.