Chapter 12: James

I took a 45-minute shower, and I can still smell her on me. I throw the shirt she gave me and my ripped pants in the trash and start to pack up my things to head back to Dark Wood. Not that I brought much. Most of it was for the kids: coloring books, road snacks, and some stupid handheld gaming systems.

What the fuck was I thinking? I’d just take a leisurely drive down to Green River, pick up my mate’s kids who I’ve never met, and have some new daddy bonding on the drive home? They’re hiding, running for their lives. Even if I could find them, why would they trust me? I’m an idiot.

I head down the stairs with my things just as Anthony comes through the front door. “James, leaving already? I thought you were looking for some missing kids?” “They aren’t here. Bad intel,” I say, trying to keep my head down. Can he smell her on me too?

“At least join us for dinner and training later. My warriors could use the challenge. I bet you could teach them a thing or two.” He hangs up his jacket