Read Online Retribution by B. C. Burgess - Free Book Online Page B

wouldn’t be much better than watching her life drain away. He couldn’t acquire satisfaction if he wasn't satisfying her, and while she may find contentment in hiding, she wouldn't be able to reach the level of happiness that made her shine like a star. He’d be lucky to catch rare glimpses of the woman who made his heart soar.
    His path was clear now… terrifying, but clear.
    He pulled her closer, wanting to carry her back to dreamland where she could forget about the heartbreak and stress plaguing her life. “Layla Love.”  
    “Yeah, Vegas probably isn't a good idea. Maybe somewhere with less people. Karena has a computer downstairs. We'll do some research on the internet.”
    “Please let me see your aura.”
    “No.”
    The flat refusal felt like a dagger to his heart, but she didn’t notice the sharp edge on her tone and kept brainstorming.
    “I don't want to go back to the Bible belt, so that's out of the question. I guess somewhere along the Gulf of Mexico might be okay, but the humidity’s hell on my hair. I don't know. What do you think? Anywhere you want to live that's not swarming with covens? Maybe a cave on a distant mountain top…”
    Quin took a deep breath and looked at his dad – a man who never failed to give him good advice. What Quin was about to do would be a first for him, and he needed to know he wasn’t crazy for doing it.
    Able to read his son without a mind-search, Kemble gave a sad nod, and Quin looked back down, wondering if he was strong enough to follow through.
    “How about some input?” Layla mumbled, her voice monotone. “Where do you want to live?”
    He didn’t answer, but returned his gaze to his parents as he sent them a mental message. ' I'm sorry it has to be like this. '
    Cordelia shook her head while touching her heart, but it was Kemble who responded. ' We live for you, son. You and Layla. This is a sacrifice we're prepared to make. '
    “Quin,” Layla demanded, scowling up at him.  
    He met her stare, struggling to endure the twisting of his stomach and the cracking of his heart. This was the biggest decision he'd ever made, and a lot of lives could be lost as a result. Steeling his nerve, he finally gave his terrifying reply. “We're not leaving.”  
    “Yeah we are,” she disagreed. “I'm not going to do anything to Agro, and neither is anyone else. We can't stay and hide from him, because I'm not going to watch him destroy my family while I remain out of sight. Nor am I going to stand there and face him while my family falls around me, so only one option remains. We'll show our faces somewhere far away to get him out of Oregon. Then we'll hide. That's the only way to keep everyone safe, so that's what we’ll do.”
    Quin braced himself. “No, Layla. We're staying, and when it’s time to face Agro, we'll do it with allies.”
    She straightened, finding the energy she lacked in her depressed state. “Why are you fighting me on this? You wanted me to hide, and I know you don't want your family hurt.”
    He kept his voice even and undeterred. “I'm not fighting you. The decision has been made. I want to protect you from the danger, but not at the price of your happiness. And no, I don't want my family hurt, but walking into the lion's den alone is certain death. That leaves one option. It's a sad choice and a hard one to accept, but you're going to have to figure out how, because I've made up my mind. As long as we have people who are willing to help, we'll stay and face our enemy.”
    “I'm okay with hiding,” she argued, but with little conviction. “I'll have you with me and that's all I need. I'll adjust to a life in hiding fine. I'm flexible. I can be happy, Quin.”
    “You're lying, Layla, but it doesn't matter, because this is non-negotiable.”
    Her eyebrows furrowed as she leaned back. “What do you mean it’s non-negotiable?”
    He hesitated for a short moment then cursed himself for doing so. “It’s not up for debate. I've made up my