Page 52 of Endlessly Raphael

“Probably not.”

“I’m still going to. He deserves it.”

“I won’t talk you out of it. That’s not my role in your life. I’ll back you up whatever you decide.”

I huff a laugh, wiping away the stray tear that escapes from my eye. “Maybe you’re my karma. Did I suffer enough that I finally got something good?”

“Maybe you’re mine too, Haven.”

NINETEEN

Raphael

Hours later, after ensuring Haven is fed and sleeping, I exit my apartment on a mission. In the common area, I find the person I was looking for.

“Thorn.”

He turns his head to me, the phone in his hand playing a video of people jumping off very high buildings. “Have we ever tested how high we can jump from without injury?”

“I’m sure Yves would know.”

Thorn nods, a crease in his brow. “Hmm. I’m into it.” He closes his browser. “What’s up?”

“I need your help.”

His face lights up. “Do I get to murder someone?”

“No. In fact, it’s important you don’t cause any harm.”

He pulls his head back. “Then why the fuck are you asking me?”

“Because I can’t do it, the others are tied up with their mates, and you’re appropriately terrifying for the task.”

“Oooh. I get to scare the fuck out of someone?”

“Yes.”

“Sweet. That’s almost as good. Who’s my target?”

“Haven’s father.”

Thorn raises an eyebrow. “What’s the plan?”

“I just need to put the fear of Hades in him. Or whatever god he believes in. I met him earlier and there’s a rift in the family driven by him.”

I sit next to Thorn, checking over my shoulder to make sure Haven is still out of earshot.

“He’s acting out of fear, and I got the strong sense that he could go too far. He could harm Haven to get his way.”

Thorn narrows his eyes. “And we don’t want to kill him for this? Strike first?”

“No. He doesn’t want to hurt Haven, but in his desperation, he could. In fact, he loves his son, but…” I shake my head as earlier impressions revisit me. “You know how far panic can drive a man.”

“Yeah. This is about his inheritance?”

“It is. It’s not going to be easy.” I put my hand on his leg. “I don’t want to be in a position where I have to harm one to save the other. I’m not sure Haven could forgive me.”

“I get it. Make sure Daddio understands the consequences for fucking with us.”