Page 133 of The Echo of Forever

“Unreliable,” I repeated, hating how jaded I was about society doctors but wanting to believe she was in the best care. “How long since you’ve had this post?”

He seemed surprised by the question but answered without pause.

“Six months and I worked hard to be here.”

Mm.

“You also took more than one oath to be here, right?”

He nodded, stared me dead in my eyes, and said, “I understand your skepticism, but I assure you, your mother is receiving the best possible care. With me as her primary.”

“Is she?” I stepped closer, appreciating the way he stood his ground. “Would you gamble your life on it?”

His eyes darted past me before I got my reply, relief washing over his face. I turned to see Kai approaching, his expression caught between concern and exasperation.

“Baby sis, let’s dial it back a notch,” he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Dr. Patel is on our side, and I made sure of it.”

Kai pointed to the door, arm draped over my shoulder now.

“Can we see her?”

He nodded.

“Briefly. Try not to agitate her.”

I snorted. “Unlike some people in my family, I don’t make a habit of agitating vulnerable women.”

Kai shot me a warning look, which I ignored as Dr. Patel swiped his key card against the door sensor. Before he could push it open, however, my father’s voice had us all turning.

“Seems to be a family affair today.”

He strode down the hallway, gaze focused in my direction. I sighed, hoping he used the private entrance and Demetrius hadn’t seen him enter.

“Father,” Kai acknowledged, never calling him dad. “We were about to check in on her.”

“Were you?” Eliel’s eyes were fixed on me. “Kai, give me and your sister a minute.”

I shook my head.

“Nah, we don’t need a minute to ourselves. You’ve made yourself clear, and I feel my non-response should’ve done the same.”

He loosened the single clasped button on his tailored suit.

“I heard some interesting news from Lamar Holt,” he said, ignoring my reply. “What’s your relationship with Demetrius Cannon?”

Thank you, Destiny.

“He’s my husband.” I moved toward him, stopping just short of invading his personal space, and lifted my left hand. “Do you like my ring?”

He stared at the pretty red diamond for a long while, and I let him, wanting him to see just how against him I was and will always be.

“You married a rejector,” he mumbled, shaking his head as if he were dreaming.

“I married the man I love,” I corrected, letting my hand drop back to my side. “Your reach isn’t as far as you think, Eliel.”

“Is that a threat?” he asked, voice dangerously soft.

I smiled and shook my head.