“We could use the help. I’ll mention it to Kit.”
Kelan led her down the secret stairs from the den to the bunker. He chose that entry point because he knew it would put Fiona in mind of where she’d been held. Hair of the dog that bit you, sort of thing, he figured. She did not resist his lead. Her hand was tiny in his, soft, so goddamned tender, he didn’t know how she existed in this world.
They walked out of the stairwell and into the long conference room. The guys were all around the table, already at work. Greer killed the stuff on the big smart screen.
“Kelan, what the hell?” Kit asked.
He pulled Fiona in front of him and crossed his arms in front of her, holding her body fully against his. “Tell them. Say it to these men—and woman—who fought for you, the ones who will fight for you again and again. Tell them you’re going to leave, and why.”
Fiona’s body tightened, like a great ball of rubber bands stretched too tight. Her hands held his forearms, her nails digging into his skin. He felt the splash of a tear on his skin. The sound of her swallow echoed in the silent room.
“I can’t be with Kelan. I am to blame for everything my father’s done, everything he might yet do. I cannot risk Kelan. Or you. Or anyone. I have to leave.”
There. It was spoken aloud, into the burning light of these warriors’ eyes, eyes that only knew truth and honor.
Owen was the first to speak. “Fiona, you’re conscious of the mark your footprint makes in this world. That’s extraordinarily rare.” He bowed toward her from his place by the wall. “I honor that awareness. But you cannot bear the burden of others’ footprints. You can only lead them with the integrity of your own.”
Fiona sniffed.
“Who knows what will come of your time with Kelan?” Blade said. “Maybe that one small act of defiance against King will change the world.”
Max stood. His face was tight with anger, his expression war-like. He marched over to them. Kelan narrowed his eyes in warning, but Max never looked at him as he touched Fiona’s cheek. His thumb wiped a tear away. Kelan thought he was like Frankenstein’s monster wiping dew from a flower.
“No.” Max’s nostrils flared. “You will not live your life in response to the madness of your father. You will not deny yourself, your heart, your future, all the fucking awesome experiences life has to offer.”
When he stepped away, Rocco was there. He stared at her a long minute. “There is sunshine, Fee. I do believe it.” He moved beside Max and folded his arms.
Then Kit was up. “You are a little sister to me. I reject your fear. I see only your courage.” He took his place next to Rocco.
Angel was next. He smiled at her, in as gently a way as possible for him. “I will slay your dragons, if Kelan leaves any for me to fight.”
Kelan felt more warm tears spill to his forearm as Fiona looked up at Greer. “Eight brothers and a warrior sister. We all veto your decision. If it backfires, we’ll carry that burden, not you.” He kissed her cheek, then took his place in the growing circle around her.
Blade lifted Fiona’s chin. “I know how debilitating a cage is.” Fiona sniffled and drew a ragged breath. “I couldn’t break free without Kit’s help”—he looked around at the team—“without everyone’s help. Kelan knew to bring you to us to bust you out of your cage. We will break those fucking bars, and break them again, and burn them down if we need to. You, Fiona, must be free, because if you aren’t, no one is.”
He moved aside, and Val stepped in front of them. For once, he had nothing to say, either sassy or serious. There was no humor in his eyes. Kelan had long suspected he’d never had much of a childhood, but that he’d chosen to see life from the joyful eyes of a kid in an unending effort to experience it. But now, looking at Fiona, there was no mask in place. He lowered his head and let it hang there a long moment. When he straightened, his eyes burned with an unholy blue heat.
“I will lay my life down for you, Fiona.” He looked around at the team. “In the same way I would give my life for my warrior family.” He looked at her again. “I don’t do it in vain. I do it to give you the freedom to thrive in any choice you make. I do it selfishly to know that my life mattered.”
Fiona nodded and sniffled, then broke from Kelan’s hold to reach for Val. He hugged her a long time, rocking her a little. When he stepped to the side, Selena was there.
“Whatever you need to feel safe, Fee, ask me. Training. Weapon drills. Someone to stand at your door at night while you sleep. I’m here for you.” Fiona hugged her too.
Owen joined the circle, standing across from Fiona and Kelan. “King be damned. Your future is your own to make.”
Fiona choked on a laugh. She sniffed and nodded. “Okay. I will.”
Kelan grinned. A long sigh broke from him as he hugged her. He kissed her head. “I’ll take you upstairs.”
They went back up the way they’d come down. The symbolism was important to Kelan. Just as she’d been held in darkness—physical and mental—she also had the power to walk up out of it. He didn’t let go of her hand until they’d crossed the room, the patio outside, and half the upper yard. When the sun poured down on them, he faced her.
Her life was her own, and what she chose to do with it mattered.
“You’ve heard from everyone. They care about you. They are your tribe. You’re not alone. You don’t exist in a vacuum. None of us does. You matter to the people who matter to you.” He put his hand flat against her chest. “What does that feel like in your heart?”