Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

377 Olivia - Punch I

Spencer's little arms circle me, and he buries his little face into my neck as I sit in my grandparents' car. A few seconds later, his breath evens, letting me know he has fallen asleep. My emotions are all over the place. The day I found out my son was alive, his entire life blew up because of me.

For a moment, I thought I could be happy. I thought I could have a family with my men, Spencer, the baby, and my grandparents. But life has a funny way of reminding me that everything I love will be taken from me sooner or later. I don't even know why I keep trying.

Because there's no other way for me. I have to keep fighting or die trying.

Mose puts his palm on my thigh. His touch offers me some comfort.

After Grandpa Jon took us to the airport, Mose remained with me in the car while the others are arranging things so we can leave Malta tonight, if possible. Grandpa Jon has copies of all the important documents in a small safety box in the car, and they are trying to find out if it is enough to let them and Spencer board the airplane.

I glance out the window. Valletta is quiet compared to Veross City-no wonder my grandparents moved here.

Jasper is returning with a bag full of snacks. He looks lost in thought. Learning the truth about Ansel took all of us by surprise. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. For better or for worse, I know that Ansel is not the enemy. He's nothing like Azael or Carlos. He even bought us time to get away from the other Nephilim. He tried to warn us, but we didn't listen.

I turn my attention to Mose. "We should have listened to Ansel."

Mose's shoulders tense. "Ansel is not even his real name. It's Samael. He lied to us for years about who he is. He even tricked you into believing he is your Guardian or some shit like that." He almost sounds like he hates Ansel. Jasper opens the front passenger door, and without saying anything, he enters the car.

"Ansel or Samael, it's the same to me. Names are irrelevant. What is important is that we know who he is!"

Mose scoffs. "But do we know, Olivia? He is a Nephilim! He is the general of Ophyr's army. Think of how many he killed. He will destroy this world as well. He will kill Spencer."

of what Ansel said earlier, I ask, "So what if he's a Nephilim? You are wrong about one thing, Mose. Ansel loves us and would never do something to put Spencer in

broke your ribs,"

a bottle of water

the events of the night they found me. I took all my frustration off what happened back then on Ansel. "Malaky kicked me several times before Rueben punched me. My ribs were already hurting by the time Ansel

his water before turning around to look at me. "I forgot

you," I say to Jasper, "were patient with me." To Mose, I say, "So how can I hate Ansel when he loved me when those around me

even made Rueben think I

between my brows. "So all the talk about using me to take down my father was a

did. Not that I blame him. I would have done anything to ruin my

knocking the air out

wrong?" Mose asks,

Another wave of pain hits me hard. "Ansel. We

we are returning there,"

I give Spencer to Mose. "I'll go by myself,

the car and start running. I was never a fast runner, but I need to get to Ansel so I force my legs to move faster. Jabs of pain make my stomach churn, letting me know that I need to get

now.

The bond with Ansel starts to fade away. Tears blur my vision.

but my voice

love him? Truly love him despite what he is?"