“I gather you’ve been reading the journal entries, and I’m sure you know how much your mom despised her. Your aunt was very jealous of Theresa and hated how much people loved her. Keep reading those entries. It will help to give you more answers,” he says.
“Okay, I will. And yes, I will do the bathing with Haven even if it kills me,” I say, and he chuckles.
“It won’t, but nice try. Keep the traditions alive is all I ask. Kane will be back in town soon. Then I will need you both home for the council meeting. Please stay safe, and stay away from Teagan. Don’t underestimate her capabilities,” he warns.
“I know and I will. Talk soon.” I say.
“Love you, mo pháiste,” he says.
“Grá agat freisin,” I say, and the line goes dead. I remove the filled bottles and take off the attachments, putting everything to the side as I stand, walking over to Jamie.
“I’m going to go bag this milk up and put it in the freezer,” I say, and he nods. Before I walk away, he grabs my wrist gently, pulling me towards him.
“You know I love you, Princess, right?” he asks as I look down at him. I hate seeing sadness in his eyes. It’s not a look I am used to, and it breaks my heart.
“And I love you too, Jamie,” I say, and he takes a deep breath, letting go of my wrist. Slowly, I walk to the elevator, pressing the button, and the doors swing open. Stepping in, I hit the button for the main level and wait for the cart to descend. My mind is a mess, my heart is completely shattered. I don’t know how much more I can take before I snap.
The doors swing open, and I step out, heading for the kitchen. Once there, I put away the milk and go into the living room and stare out of the front windows. I’m not sure how long I stand here but my eyes must be playing tricks on me because I could’ve sworn I saw someone outside, just beyond the trees, but there’s no way. Jamie made sure the alarm system would detect anyone coming within fifty feet of the property, on top of alerting us if someone was trying to tap into the system.
An arm wraps around my shoulder, causing me to jump.
“It’s just me, Jade. Why are you standing down here like a weirdo in the dark?” Ryder asks, and I laugh.
“I’m not sure, brother, but here I stand,” I say, shaking my head.
“You good?” he asks, and I shake my head again.
“No, and I’m not sure I will ever be,” I admit, as he gives my shoulder a little squeeze and places a kiss on my head.
“One day you will be, and the same goes for the rest of us,” he says, and I nod.
“I’m ready to put everyone down, Ry. One by fucking one. I just need time to heal some more and then I’m coming to collect,” I say, looking up at him.
“And we will be right beside you. Always,” he assures me as I rest my head on his chest.
“Promise?” I ask, and he chuckles.
“You’re just as needy as Spade. It’s funny as fuck.” He laughs, and I elbow him in the ribs.
“But you love us, so there’s that,” I say.
“I do.” He sighs.
“What’s wrong? What are you not telling me?” I ask, and he laughs.
“Nothing that can’t wait.”
“Are you sure?” I say, elbowing him again.
“Ouch, would you quit it,” he scolds, and now it’s my turn to laugh.
“Pussy,” I say.
“Whatever. Go to bed sis, Hazel will be awake soon enough,” he says, and I nod, stepping away.
Walking back to the elevator, I turn to look back at my brother, who stands just like I was only moments ago staring out the windows. It seems we are all a little broken as of late, and it’s time for it to come to an end.
Chapter 9
