She swallowed, “the mating bond kicked into place, so I know I’m eighteen.”
He froze, his jaw clenching, “you know?”
“You knew?!” She snarled, looking enraged as I shot off a text to Atlas and Croy nearby. Just in case.
“Of course I fucking knew,” he snarled. “you are fundamental to our church.”
“I’m not going back,” she mumbled softly, her body trembling slightly. He stepped forward and she let out a small worried sound that made my brother step completely in front of her.
“Get out of my way, boy,” her father demanded.
The door opened and I watched as Atlas and Croy both took stock of the situation, noting how Maya’s face was paper white.
Atlas looked down at him. “Who is this?”
“Her father,” he snapped.
Croy let out a deep sound. “So one of the people who beat her?”
The man paled slightly. “We had to make sure…”
“You had to make sure of nothing,” Atlas stated softly, “you have thirty seconds to turn around and get into your car.”
His eyes searched them and pinned on Maya, “I’m not leaving town unless you’re with me, girl, whether that is by force or willingly. Just remember that.”
Then he was gone and Maya’s body sunk against mine, her face icy. I watched as she mumbled to herself and watched him go. My much larger hands turned her small shoulders into me and she just seemed a bit defeated.
“Clara?” Anani called out.
“Go ahead!” The woman nodded, casting a worried look at Maya.
With ease, I picked her up and carried her towards the car, her head buried in my neck. I frowned feeling like something was terribly off. Like something about his words were true. I really didn’t think he would let this go until Maya was back with him.
I wasn’t about to let that fucking happen.