Page 5 of Dragon's Revenge

“But why?”

Oliver made an angry face, falling back on his nonverbal communication as if he’d never spoken the last few days.

“You think he’s angry with you?”

A nod.

“I don’t think he is. Hurting, maybe, but not angry anymore. But even if he was, he’d still help you.”

Yeah, he would. Oliver didn’t doubt that because Delton would never turn away someone in need. He’d even said yes to being present for Oliver’s heat when that had to have been so hard for him to watch. That didn’t make it okay now. It felt all kinds of wrong and hypocritical to turn to Delton for help when Oliver had been the one to hurt him. Wouldn’t it seem to Delton as if Oliver was doing it to get attention? Or maybe even to emotionally manipulate him—again, he might add—to focus on Oliver’s pain instead of Delton’s own?

“Good morning.”

Oliver froze.

“Hey, Delton,” Adar said. “How’s your morning been so far?”

He was making an effort. Adar wasn’t one for small talk, but he was trying with Delton, and somehow, that made everything even worse.

“Quiet, but I didn’t mind. I finished a book I was reading, then prepared for the sessions I have later today, so it’s been good. You?”

Adar shot Oliver a pointed look, and he cringed. “I’ve been on the clock, watching Oliver and the others, so nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Oliver?” Delton asked softly. “Are you okay?”

Oliver slowly turned around, peeking at Delton from between his lashes.

“He’s having some trouble using his voice,” Adar said.

Delton frowned. “Is that true?”

Oliver slowly nodded.

“I’m sorry you’re struggling. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I suggested we go see you, but he didn’t want to.”

Of coursenowAdar chose to be talkative. Not that Oliver could protest, even if he was able to use his voice. Communication was important in a relationship, and if Oliver had done a better job of it, they wouldn’t be here in the first place.

Delton stepped closer, placing a gentle finger under Oliver’s chin and tilting it up. “What are you saying to yourself right now, hmm? That we’re angry with you? ThatI’mangry with you? That this is all your fault?”

How did he know? How had he so perfectly captured Oliver’s thoughts? He was so good at his job. Oliver should’ve taken him up on the offer to help him work through his trauma from day one. Maybe if he had, none of this would’ve happened.

“He thought you’d be angry with him,” Adar said.

“Is that true, Oliver?”

Oliver had never noticed before, but Delton had the habit of using someone’s name when he talked to them. Like he was making sure you knew he was talking to you. He probably had a good reason for it, and Oliver liked it. “Yes,” he whispered.

Delton cupped his cheek. “I’m not angry with you.” He swallowed. “If anything, I’m angry with myself. I knew this would only lead to heartbreak, and I should’ve stopped it before it got this far.”

Oliver shook his head. “My fault.”

“You played a part in it, but all three of us did. None of us is without blame here.”

“I certainly wish I’d seen the truth earlier,” Adar said.

Delton let go of Oliver’s cheek. “I know. I think we all look back on it with regret that we didn’t make different choices.”

---