Page 58 of From the Shadows
“Hiding out from people,” Ranna reminded him. “You’ve missed out on a lot of our personal lives. Our loves. Our… losses.”
The words were said so softly, but they hit Diego like a hammer. He’d been a shitty leader. “I’m sorry, Ran.”
“No, don’t. You had your own things to work through. We had Empatia, and she helped us to deal with stuff. The thing is? We’re all working through it, plugging along as best we can. But thanks to Em and Shay and Jeremy, we’ve become more… I dunno. A real family.”
And Diego knew it was true. Thoughts of Shay helped him break free of Cristobal’s sway, allowing him to remember who he was. He was the leader of this group, and it was damned time he stepped up and did his job.
“Look, Jakar. If one of our people wants to be with you, our door is always open. Stay or not, if Hal has feelings for you, you’re welcome. Now, tell me something. Is Ranna right? Will losing you hurt your tribe?”
He chewed his lip. “Maybe? But?—”
“No buts. You can’t leave others high and dry for your own needs. What you can do is go home, find someone to take your place, then come back to see if Hal still feels the same.” He flicked his gaze to Ranna. “And you need to get in touch with your parents and let them know you’re okay and what you’ve chosen to do. When we contacted the tribe to come help you, they sent Jakar, even though you ran from them years ago. If they didn’t care, they wouldn’t have bothered. You’re not a kid anymore, so deal with your issues like an adult. Got me?”
She gave him a smile. “Yes, sir.”
“Okay, good. Borne? You good to make a portal?”
He knew it wasn’t something the demon enjoyed, because shunting between dimensions led him through his own home world, where he was sure to be executed if they captured him.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” he replied, his voice trembling.
Diego knew the truth, though. “Okay, you’re not. Good to know. Don’t lie to me, because I will always figure it out. Everyone help the others outside. I’ll call Shay and have him get us a ride home. Martin? You good to torch the bodies?”
“Feeling a lot better now, so yes.”
“I can help,” Jakar said.
“No need. I got this,” Martin said a moment before he ignited, the flames intense enough to force Diego back a few steps. Arcs of fire flew from his hands, immolating the bodies of the vampires and reducing them to chalky ash. Jakar called on the winds and scattered the dust that had been humans once. It hurt to see them like this, but they’d been left with no options.
Diego sighed. “There’s been enough death here today. Let’s go home and get a bit of life.”
They all agreed and made their way out of the warehouse and into the sun.
“So how’d they get you?” Ranna asked.
“Grabbed a girl right in front of us. We took off after them, only finding out as soon as we entered, she was also a vampire and we were trapped.” He called Shay.
“Are you okay?” he demanded.
“Right as rain,” Diego answered. “We need a ride home. Think you can coordinate one?”
“Yeah, no problem.” He was quiet a second. “You’re really okay?”
“Yeah, I really am. Can’t wait to see you and Jeremy. After he goes to bed, I’ll tell you all about it, if you want to know.”
“I do. While you tuck him in, I’ll run a bath and you can soak and tell me all about your day, dear. I’ll text you to let you know the ride is coming.”
“Shay, I?—”
But he was already gone. Probably for the best. He’d tell him tonight what had happened, and then take him to bed and ask him for help in regaining his energy, then fall asleep with Shay in his arms, his heart beating against Diego’s chest, reminding him that life was good.
As long as he had his family.
And Cristobal lay dead at their feet.
Chapter 18
Shay pulled the covers up,smiling as Diego snuggled in. Last night when they’d gotten home, Shay fed them all, noting that Jeremy coiled around Diego’s neck until he was taken to bed and tucked in by his father.
