Page 21 of Faithless
“But I don’tknowthat,” I protested. “I’ve never trusted in anything like this.”
“I know, mijita. Believe me, I know how terrifying this is.”
“You’ll have Torr,” Reaper reminded me from where he stood a few feet away. “He’ll have your back, no matter what. I believe you can trust Astarte, but other gods…they may try to manipulate you. So don’t trustallgods, only the one bonded to you.”
“Great. I can’t wait to hear about where that piece of advice came from.”
Reaper smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll tell you the story another time.”
“If all else fails, trust in yourself,” Gunner said. He stood tall, eyes sharp and alert like a general on a battlefield. “Your instincts, your reflexes. I didn’t train you to shoot left-handed for no reason. We’ve taught you everything you need to know, Rori. You just need to believe in it.”
I nodded, wishing I could steal his cool, controlled demeanor for myself. “Thanks, Dad.”
Gunner softened immediately, his lips quirking into a lopsided smile as he held his arms out. “Come here.”
I released Jandro and went to him, slipping into his solid hug. He was my father by blood, and while all four men played equal roles in raising me, my bond with Gunner was just a little unique, a little different. Not closer necessarily, but different. I’d never hoped so strongly that I inherited his instincts for weapons and strategy. They just might save my life on this trip.
I looked at Shadow, who’d remained silent since walking into my room. He wasn’t even looking at me but glowered at the clothes and supplies strewn on my bed. I had a feeling he wasn’t lookingatmy stuff though, but that his mind was somewhere else far away.
“Any sage advice for me, Dadow?” Like with Jandro, I used the name I called him as a child.
His gaze snapped to me, and the look in his eyes actually made me jolt in fear. I’d never seen it before in my life. This giant of a man had always made me, my mother, and my siblings feel safe and loved, but I barely recognized him at that moment.
“Don’t ever trust anyone who says they’re with the Sisterhood of Bathory. You got that?” The words came out harsh and biting, like he was scolding me.
“Yeah, Dad.” I could feel myself shrinking in Gunner’s arms.
“I fucking mean it, Ror. You see someone who claims that, you get the hell away. Keep Torr away from them too. They’ll use you to get to him.”
My eyes narrowed with confusion. He was making zero sense. “Use me how?”
“Doesn’t matter. Just stay far fucking away. I’m talking if they’re in the same town as you, go to another town. Don’t even let themtalkto you, Ror. I—”
“Hey, hey.” Reaper approached him, settling a hand on the other man’s chest. “Take it easy. You’re getting worked up.”
Shadow turned his gaze on him, his jaw clenching and pupils like pin pricks. “Reap, you know I’m not exaggerating.”
“I know, man. But it’s upsetting you, and that’s not helping Rori. She’s smart, she’ll know what to do.”
“Aurora,promiseme.” Shadow returned his gaze to me, serious enough to ignore Reaper and use my proper name. “Promise me right now you won’t have anything to do with them.”
“I promise, Dad. I swear.” Eager to reassure him, the words tumbled out of me quickly. “Sisterhood of Bathory, got it. I’ll avoid them completely.”
Only then did Shadow relax, his fists unclenching at his sides as a heavy breath escaped his chest. “I love you, Ror. I just don’t want a fraction of what happened to me, to us,” he glanced at Reaper, “to touch you. There’s rotten, evil shit out there that shouldn’t exist, but it does. And if I could prevent you from being exposed to any of it, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
“I know, Dad. I love you too.” Sliding out of Gunner’s embrace, I went to him. “But I gotta be a big girl too and fight my own battles.”
“Nooo,” Jandro whined, rubbing his face.
“Yeah,” Shadow huffed in agreement with him. “That part, you fighting battles, scares the shit out of me.”
“All of us,” Reaper chimed in. “We were all just saying earlier, your mom too, thatthisis the hardest thing we’ve ever done. Letting you go.”
“What the fuck, guys?” I blinked rapidly and wiped at my eyelashes before moisture could collect on them. “You’re getting all sappy on me.”
“Don’t tell anyone,” Reaper chuckled, kissing my brow. “Or we’ll lock you in the garage.”
“Not a bad plan.” Jandro rubbed his chin. “She’ll be safe in there, so will our reputation.”
