“You got that right, Mrs. Fuentes.” I forced a smile. “Have a good day.”
“You too.”
I made my way out of the building, trying to act normal and not like it was the end of the world.
Since the day Nova was born, I’d tried to imagine what it would be like for Abe and everyone else to know about her. I never in my wildest imagination considered he still loved me or that he hadn’t cheated.
I’d fantasize about us battling in court for custody, him with his woman by his side. Maybe they had a couple of kids of their own. He always had a massive network of people and family supporting him while I was alone.
My reality had turned out a lot different—a lot better.
Maybe Abe and Tara were right, and everything would be okay.
Yeah, let’s go with that.
Why borrow trouble, right?
I’d find out soon enough if everything went to shit after he told his family.
15
Cobra
Family meetings were always held in the living room of my childhood home. My siblings and I had our favorite spots on the sectional. Lady M and my dad had their special chairs beside each other. Whoever had called the meeting usually stood in front of the fireplace as I was doing.
My hands were shoved into my pockets to keep from fidgeting. I was ready to defend my woman instantly if someone made a snide remark about Karma after I updated them.
My parents were eerily quiet.
My brothers and sister stared at me with stunned expressions.
It felt like the room’s walls were closing in on me. The air had turned stale and thick, choking me out and making me want to run out the front door.
But I wouldn’t.
“I don’t have time to hang around here. I need to get to Bastion,” I told them, unable to hide the irritation in my voice.
“I’m ready.” I’d drop off Piper at Storm’s compound before going to Karma’s. “So, are you actually getting back together with Karma?” Piper tucked her legs under. “I mean, I understand if you are. I’m just asking.”
“Yes, we’re getting back together.” Although I hadn’t officially discussed it with Karma. I wouldn’t accept it any other way. “She had my baby. We should’ve always been together.”
“I don’t know what to say, Abe.” Lady M dabbed a tissue under her eye. “I knew Nova might be our grandchild from the other night. But having it confirmed has me feeling all kinds of emotions. Anger is one of them.”
“Well, keep your anger in check.” If my mom lost her cool, it would be ugly.
“I’m not making any promises.” She blew her nose. “Her betrayal isn’t something I can overlook.”
“Try, Mom. I get it. It’s a lot to digest.” I couldn’t sleep last night knowing I’d be meeting my daughter today. My biggest fear was Nova’s rejection. What if she didn’t want me to be her dad? It would crush me.
“A lot to digest?” Spectre got to his feet and paced, dragging his hands down his face. “It’s totally messed up. How could Karma keep your baby from you? She should’ve told me. I would’ve helped her after what you did.”
“She isn’t the only one to blame,” I said through gritted teeth as I cut my gaze at Bone. He stared out the front window with a stone-cold expression. “If you fools hadn’t pressured me to prove myself, none of this would have happened.”
“You’re the fool for doing it. I hope Karma doesn’t take your cheating ass back.” Spectre flexed his hands like he was preparing to punch me. He wouldn’t. Not in front of my parents, and if he did, I wouldn’t go easy on him.
Spectre, my youngest brother, didn’t know the whole story. It was time he knew the truth.
“Silas.” Lady M shook her head disappointedly.