like the only way I ever could is with the resources of the VRC.
Chapter Eleven
MARCUS
Once in Finn’s childhood room for a moment alone with him, I turn to him. “I’m sorry you were alone.”
“You can’t just do nothing with your life because of me. This can’t rule our lives, alright?” Finn asks.
He seems very adamant about this, and I know that he feels like he wasted years of his life because of that man, so I understand why he wants things to be this way. But I also understand Orin’s side of it. I love Finn too much to let him walk into danger when I could do something to protect him from the perils of this world. Would giving up a part of his freedom really be the worst thing when it could save his life?
Finn gives me a devastated look, like he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Marcus… not you too.”
I take a deep breath before gathering him in my arms and holding his body against me. I know Finn hates it when I see him as anything but strong, and I don’t think he’s weak, but I still want to protect him. I think he’s amazingly strong. The issue is that his body, because it’s human, is weak compared to a vampire’s. I’ve seen so many humans in my life die. Death comes too easily for them.
“I’m not. I just need to think. I’m going to go get the dogs and I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Can I go with you?”
I shake my head, knowing Orin wouldn’t allow it. He needs Finn at home with him where he can do everything in his power to keep him safe. “Just stay here for Orin. I’ll be back shortly, okay?”
Finn nods. “Okay.” He takes a deep breath, then looks up at me, blue eyes defiant and strong. How is he always so damn strong? “When you threaten them, please try not to get in trouble.”
I give him a grin. Of course Finn knows what I’m up to. He’s all brains, but it’s also because he can just read me unlike anyone else has ever been able to. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
He snorts before patting my cheek. “Of course you don’t, Cujo. Just don’t get in trouble over this. It’s not worth it.”
I don’t know what Finn’s talking about because it’s most definitely worth it. I would tear this world apart for him. Does he not know that? Then I suppose I’ll just have to show him. Anyone who dares to mess with what is mine will realize that life will turn into an absolute hell for them.
When I walk into the holding area, I’m surprised to see a familiar face there.
“Brooks?” I ask, more out of confusion than anything.
He looks over at me. “Church.”
We stare at each other for a moment. I’m sure he’s questioning why I’m here and has to know I’m questioning why he’s here.
Then he says, “I am here on… official business.”
“Hmm… does this official business have anything to do with Finn?”
He folds his arms over his chest. “Maybe.”
Finn’s reminder to not get into trouble makes its rounds in my brain. “I would… like permission to ask the men and women who assaulted Finn a simple question.”
“Just a simple and quick question?”
“Very quick.”
“I was hoping to ask them a quick question too.” He’s quiet for a moment before catching my eyes. “I suppose we could ask them together. Like old times.”
I smile at the thought. “Yes, like old times.”
Brooks gets us permission to enter, so we head inside to wait. We’re quiet as we do so, probably because we both know we shouldn’t be here and feel slightly guilty about it.
“Do you know who the man was who helped Finn?” Brooks asks as I glance at my phone to see what time it is.
“I didn’t hear much about him. What was his name?”
“Claude… something. Real flashy guy. Tried getting in Finn’s AND Karsyn’s pants.”
My hand instinctively squeezes, crushing my phone. Pieces drop to the ground and blood drips from my fingers as I stare at him. “Did you say… Claude?”
Brooks looks up from my crushed phone. “Do you happen to know him? By your reaction, I’d have to guess you’re good pals!”
“I might happen to know someone by that name,” I say. “But surely there are others by that name. Please… Please describe what this… disgusting creature might have looked like.”
“Brown hair swooped back.”
I growl even though the logical part of my brain