He gritted his teeth. "I get the message. No more running away from our problems. We're going to find out who this kidnapper is, we're going to find them, and we're going to take my brothers back."
"Of course." Keegan didn't utter a word of protest, though he knew what going home and facing the criminal might mean for him and Jaron.
Jaron knew it too. They were hurtling toward the fulfillment of their fate at full speed.
Sadly, the brakes had been disabled.
CHAPTER 23
As they approached the Tymera mansion that night, Keegan clenched his fists, knuckles turning white. Jaron might be blaming himself, but Keegan knew who had really brought all this misfortune upon this family, and he was going to set things right.
One way or another.
The door opened, revealing Jaron's parents, both of them looking distraught. Their eyes darted to Keegan, and Mrs. Tymera sneered.
"Do you really think this is the time to be parading your vampire boyfriend around, Jaron?" she spat, an icy edge to her voice.
Ignoring the barb, Jaron stepped forward. "Keegan is here to help. He's a seer."
Jaron's father crossed his arms, distrust evident in his posture. "You think this bloodsucker can be of any use?"
Keegan swallowed the reply he wanted to make. He was here for Jaron and his siblings, not to engage in petty arguments.
"Listen," Jaron said, voice firm. "Keegan's visions can lead us to Casca and Fei. We have nothing to lose by letting him try."
"Nothing to lose?" his mother snapped. "Our reputation?—"
"Means nothing if Casca and Fei are dead!"
Silence followed that truth, thick and oppressive.
Keegan glanced at his mate. Jaron might not be able to breathe fire, but he wasn't a dragon to be taken lightly, and Keegan was so proud of him.
Stepping forward, Keegan addressed Mr. and Mrs. Tymera. "I just need access to their rooms. Their belongings can help me focus my visions."
Another strained moment passed before Jaron's father sighed heavily, shoulders slumping. "Fine. But if this backfires?—"
"It won't," Jaron interrupted. "Keegan, let's go."
They made their way up a grand staircase, Jaron's parents following. Keegan felt their scrutiny intensely, but he ignored them.
He didn't give a fuck what those stuck-up dragons thought of him.
Jaron opened the door to Casca's room first, and Keegan stepped inside.
It was the typical space of a pre-teen boy, with Lego blocks scattered across the floor, some finished and some half-built creations standing proudly on shelves. A soccer ball rested in the corner. On the desk, a laptop sat closed, surrounded by a few gaming controllers and a stack of comic books.
Turning to Jaron's parents, Keegan cleared his throat. "I need some time by myself. Please leave the room."
Jaron's mother opened her mouth to protest, but his father placed a hand on her shoulder, looking at Keegan. "You had better not be messing with us, you hear me?"
Keegan shot him a look. "You want me to find your sons or not?"
"Of course." Mr. Tymera didn't look pleased, but he took his wife and stepped out of the room.
Jaron stayed with Keegan. "What's your plan?"
"I think the kidnapper made a fatal mistake," Keegan said.