“Well, I think it's safe to say that coming to the mess didn’t go well,” Aidan said.
15
“Is anyone going to tell me what’s going on?” I said in a harsh whisper.
I’d fobbed Kade off with a DVD, setting him up with that and a promise I’d set up a play date with one of the girl’s parents this week. He seemed fairly unfazed by what had happened. Me, on the other hand…
Aidan settled against the kitchen bench, arms crossed. His eyes flicked to Kade constantly though.
“I can’t tell Pete’s story for him.”
“The one where he’s a monster? You don’t think that was relevant to tell a mother and her child when they trusted you?”
“I’d have told you if there was any risk to you in the slightest,” Aidan said, eyes wide. “I’d never let either of you come to harm.”
“So why…?” My eyes went to Kade, slouched on the floor in front of the TV. “Oh my god…” I whispered.
Plenty of people have that dodgy uncle, or the handsy teacher that they just know is not doing the right thing with their kids, but circumstances or upbringing create an environment where everyone refuses to call them out on their behaviour. Kade… Peter had always been way more focussed on me, largely keeping out of my son’s way until recently. But if that had been a cover…
“Jesus,” I croaked out, half sob.
Don’t let me have brought my son into an environment where he has suffered more abuse, I thought fervently. Please, please, please.
“Goddess, Flick, no, it’s nothing like that. Look—”
Aidan didn’t get to finish the sentence, as the screen door opened and then shut with slightly more force than necessary. Peter—no, Monster, stood there, eyes on the door, as if by sheer will he could go back and shut it more civilly. Well, I wasn’t too fussed about that.
“Bedroom, now,” I hissed with all the force I could manage, stabbing my finger in the air. Peter looked stung, by my words, by the vehemence of my actions.
He has not done what you fear, my Tirian said.
Shut up. How would you know?
I would never allow anyone to harm the cub that way.
Yeah, because all parents of kids who are sexually abused ‘let’ it happen. Predators are sneaky and get under people’s guard.
No, because I can sense your child’s beast at all times. We are bonded. Any harm to him, and I would know. I would stop it.
“C’mon, mate, it’s time to clear the air,” Aidan said.
Peter shook his head and then stormed on into the room.
You’re gonna put yourself into a room with someone whose fists are the size of your head, I thought as I walked towards the bedroom. Good going, Flick.
Your mate will not hurt you.
Pretty sure I’m not feeling awesome right now, so there’s that.
Humans, I heard my beast sigh. You make everything so complicated.
Fine, I’ll uncomplicate it.
I squared my shoulders as I shut the door behind me with a noticeable click.
“Right, we’re not leaving this room until it's all out on the table.” Peter flinched when I looked at him. “You don’t want me touching you sexually, and they’re calling you Monster. What’s the deal? Are you a threat to Kade? Because if you are, I swear to Christ—”
“Is that what you think?” The big man’s voice cut through mine. “You think I’d hurt Kade?”