Chapter 51

The second I hear Nessa's voice, I step out of the small building. I do not want her to see this and do not want Kai to be around it. It is bad enough he knows where and what this is.

Evie walks past me with a worried expression, but I let her make her own choice here. Nessa, however, I pull to the side of the building.

"I do not think you should go in there."

She nods, Kai staying right by her side. The kid looks between us. "The kids in there were considered weak because they still wished to go back to their families and tried to escape by hiding instead of fighting."

My chest aches knowing the calls we will have to make the following days. I try to change the subject in order to distract us from what is happening on the other side of those walls.

"The boys' bus arrived at the house, and they are getting settled in. The chef is there making meals so they can have something if they wish. Kai, Nessa can take you as soon as the car arrives."

We had almost everyone covering the kids for fear of losing them again, now two of my guys are headed back to get Nessa and Kai while Cillian and I plan to retrieve my car.

Nessa hugs me, her body releasing a long breath.

"We got them."

Equal parts sadness and joy are reflected in her tone, and the feeling is mutual.

"We will protect them."

Kai clears his throat after a minute.

"Is he your dad?" he asks Nessa. I expel an exasperated sigh as Nessa laughs.

"No, he's my… mine, I guess."

I place my arm around her shoulders and kiss her on the head. The boy shrugs and then looks at me.

"What about the other guy?"

He shoots his thumb over his shoulder towards Cillian, who's walking out, his face nearly green.

"He's mine too," Nessa says with a broad smile.

"Cool," the kid states before turning around, like the idea of a throuple is no big deal. I guess to someone like him it isn't.

Bright lights flicker in the distance, drawing Kai's attention. We called Doc to have some ambulances with stretchers and body bags brought out, wanting to give those who have passed as much dignity as possible.

So, as the stretchers roll into the building, I step up to help. Nessa tries to go too, but I can see the nausea already on her face. I shake my head and she huffs, crossing her arms over her chest.

But the moment the first body is loaded into the ambulance, she turns around to face the trees.

"Watch out for her," I tell Kai as I step forward to help. Cillian comes over to give Nessa a kiss and whisper that they did it, the joy of saving so many helping ease the ache of the ones we lost.

If this experience here has taught me anything, it's that Nessa is going to be an amazing mother. She's fiercely protective and has a heart big enough to go around. And so does Cillian.

"Little Fox," I say before I get too far. "We need the whole team here."

She nods, knowing exactly what I mean. Cillian and I share a look. I cannot believe we got these kids out and no one was hurt. Maybe the universe is finally deciding to give us the life we deserve.