Page 168 of This Blood that Bonds Us

“We’re here!” Thane came crashing into the room, effectively ending our conversation, with another familiar face. Dom.

“Dom had something we needed.” He held up more blood bags.

“Thane. You’re not dead.” Zach’s voice stayed at an even level with no excitement.

“We’re going to fix this. Remember what we talked about.” Thane was instantly pleading. “The Legion came just like I said they would, and we can help them.”

“There’s nothing to talk about anymore. You’re too late. I’m glad you’re alive, but . . . if you’re trying to get to Her, I’m going to fight you.”

“Zach. Come on, dude. It’s me.”

“Move out of my way, Thane.”

Thane panned to me, and I shook my head.

“Go, get Kilian his blood. I’ll keep him busy,” Dom said, staring down my brother. “Then you need to go get the injured and start helping them to the chopper.”

“I’m not leaving you. I’m fighting,” Thane said.

“They need someone that can fly the chopper.”

Thane hesitated, then promptly ran into the battle filled with screams and anguish. I was happy he would avoid my brother’s wrath, but Dom—

“Dom. Don’t. He won’t listen.”

“It’s okay. Not much for talking.”

Dom shed his shirt, and Zach loosened the collar of his.

Zach tilted his head, with his eyes darkening. “You saved my family.”

“I did.”

“There’s still time for you to run.”

“Not much for running either.”

“Then let’s not.” Zach readied himself.

“The sad thing is . . . a couple more years in this place and I think Her words might actually be true. You’d be unstoppable,” Dom said.

“Flattery won’t stop me from fighting you.”

“It’s not supposed to. I’m going to fight you. And I’m going to do it for my sister.”

Zach nodded. “I respect that. I’ll make it quick.”

“Dom, please.”

Dom’s stance was set. There was no convincing him. “Aaron, you have your own job to do. Go do it. Keep your promises to your loved ones, and I will keep mine.”

He was right. I hated that he was right.

“May fate guide you.” Zach lowered his head briefly for a bow.

Dom bowed without skipping a beat. “May fate guide you.”

They moved at the same time and collided in a flurry of fists. My brother didn’t have a scratch on him and neither did Dom, which meant their fight would be even. I needed to hurry.