She stares at me unblinking, taking in my words like she already knows and expected this reaction from me.
“And my wrath is much worse than anything you might have heard about the notorious Omen.”
With that, I turn on my heel and walk out of the room, confident my dad is in good hands.
It’s time for Tawny Olin to meet her end.
41
Malia
Theskymirrorsthegloominess of the atmosphere. The Olin family and those closest to us are gathered around my brother’s grave. My dad stands facing the crowd in front of him to send his son away with an impassive expression, despite the pain I know is ripping him apart inside.
Hazel stands next to him, tucked into his side as she sobs uncontrollably. Liam holds me from behind, offering me his comfort, not knowing he’s the only thing keeping me from falling to my knees.
“I appreciate everyone understanding I wanted a small burial ceremony for my son today,” my father begins. “Those of us closest to Donovan deserve this time while we lay him to rest far too soon.” He pauses to clear his throat. “Donovan Antonio Olin, my youngest of two very opinionated children. A soul who wasn’t made for our dark world, but stuck it out in the end because it was still in his blood. It came naturally all the same.
“Donnie Boy was too good for this life and I wish I understood that better before it was too late. He cherished his sister, Malia. Since the day he could walk, he would follow her around relentlessly, no matter the trouble she led him to. He loved his beautiful girlfriend, Hazel, and he found the future he dreamed of in her.
“There was a newfound fire in that boy once he found out he was going to be a father, The Olin fire he kept tucked away. A fire that brought out a protectiveness I had never seen in my son. A voice that was hidden.”
A sob escapes me, as I’m no longer able to contain the emotion while my dad bares his soul to everyone. Liam pulls me in tighter and I allow myself to break, baring my own alongside my father.
My dad reaches out and grabs my hand, squeezing it tight before he continues.
“We say goodbye today, but one day we will meet again, my boy.”
I squeeze his hand back, silently encouraging him.
“I promise to protect your daughter better than I was able to protect you. I love you, Donnie Boy.”
Liam and I retreat back to our bedroom after the ceremony. Mingling with family isn’t anything I want to do right now. My body is exhausted, and I’m overwhelmed by everything that’s happened in the last couple days.
“We can go back to the condo if you want, Little Warrior,” Liam says, placing a kiss on my head and pulling me into his arms as I stare out the window at all the people who love my brother.
“I’ll be fine,” I rasp. “I’ll just start shooting if it becomes too much.”
He huffs out a laugh. “Maybe you should give me your gun.”
I lean into him, dropping my head back on his shoulder and giving him a tight smile.
“I love you,” I say to him. “It’s a weird time to say it, but thank you for being there for me. Coming to Italy and staying after.”
He squeezes me, silently hushing me like that’s the most absurd thing he’s ever heard.
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t have done to bring you back to me,” he says, dropping another kiss to my neck. “And I love you, too.”
Liam releases me and kisses my lips before leaving me to gather my thoughts, sensing that I needed to be alone for a bit.
I stare out the window, losing track of time. Cars are beginning to leave, and the sky is darkening.
“Malia…” an unfamiliar woman’s voice calls to me from my doorway and I turn.
Alya Avery Turner stands staring at me with sorrow in her beautiful eyes.
She’s stunning, and I notice immediately how much Akila resembles her.
“Alya?” I rasp.