Page 34 of Snapped
Aiyan finally got his father to see reason. “Da, please, I know exactly what you are feeling right now. But you need to let us help you.”
It took a bit more cajoling, but eventually Cirian relented. The problem was, he wanted to carry Rian but he couldn’t even stand with Rian in his arms. Aiyan watched as his father’s need to be in control warred with the primal instinct to help his husband. Letting his own husband’s hand go, Aiyan knelt beside Cirian. “Please Da, let them help. I know it’s hard—you don’t want to let go, much less let him out of your sight. But everyone here is family or a friend; let them help, let them ease the burden.” It was something Aiyan knew all too well, something he wished he’d done when Kaden was hurt: allowed those close to them to help when needed. That being said, he also knew all too well how badly it tore him apart, what had happened to Kaden at the hands of his uncle and his inability to make it all right again.
Thyago didn’t give them time to change their mind. “San, will you help Cirian get to his feet?” It was more an order than a question. He knelt and hefted Rian up then led the way back through the bunker to the lower level of the palace. Once back inside the walls of the palace, Cirian led the way back to his and Rian’s room, asking Thyago to lay him on the bed. “Gently, gently, thank you Thyago. Now, if you’ll all leave us, please.” Cirian waved toward the door but his attention stayed focused on Rian.
“I’ll send Raven down straightaway,” Aiyan said as he closed the door.
The door to the library had barely swung open before people were coming at them from every direction.
Mateo sprayed the walls with a litany of Spanish, obviously pissed off. His anger quickly changed to concern when he saw the blood soaking his husband’s shirt and his wife’s hands. Maeve rushed Aiyan and Kaden, punching Kaden in the arm when Aiyan told her what he’d done. Raven was visibly relieved to see that Tanis, Theresa, and Taryn were okay. Then he saw Aiyan and Kaden’s blood-spattered clothing and blanched. “Are you two okay?”
Aiyan nodded. “Yeah, we’re good, but you should go check on Dad; he’s hurt bad, Raven.”
“Oh, my word! Okay then, let me tell Tanis, and I’ll head straight there.” Raven spoke to his husband for a few minutes and kissed Pol on the forehead before leaving the room in a rush.
