“Diablo?”
“This isn’t easy to talk about,” I disclosed, swallowing hard before I continued, “but I think you need to know about my Thunder and his Ani. How they meant everything to me.”
Telling her this story would open wounds I covered long ago.
“You loved them both. I can tell.” Her palm rested against the side of my face, fingers lightly scratching the scruff. “I think it’s important. Mostly because I want to understand you, Diablo. All the parts of you.”
Damn. What a woman. She brought out the protective beast in me—no doubt about it. But also the carnal, wild, lust-driven Reaper who wanted to claim her in every way.
So dangerous. Utterly addicting.
“I met Anita and Thunder when she came into my tattoo shop. Little guy was only four at the time. The sweetest, wisest kid I’d ever met. An old soul in a young body.”
“He sounds amazing.”
“He is,” I agreed. “This story isn’t an easy one.”
“None are when it comes to life warriors.” Gina shrugged. “We live through trauma and learn to make peace in the aftermath. It’s the life we choose that makes all the difference.”
Such wise words.
“So right, honey. You understand without me having the whole story. Fucking love that about you.”
She smiled. “Then tell me the rest. Tell me about your Thunder, Diablo.”
Chapter 12 Diablo
Eleven years ago—
Redemption. Miami.
The two words the Reaper latched onto after I touched Thunder’s blood. The mystery of my little dude’s biological father was solved with that piece of information. Thunder’s parents met in Miami.
I took Thunder outside for a walk alone, leaving Anita to rest. She was locked in the grieving process after losing her friend. I knew she needed time, and I didn’t interfere.
In front of him, I knelt. “Thunder.”