True Bastard: A Dark Sparrow Novel

by India Kells

  Sasha seemed to consider her options. “I don’t know what I should do. Maybe I can drug them all, so we can tie them to chairs. That way, they won’t have any choice but to participate?”

  Sam, who had sat silent until now, groaned. Surprisingly, Cary was the one who answered him. “And why are you hiding in here?”

  The man frowned and stood. “I’ve never hidden a day in my life.”

  The young boy wasn’t impressed. “You’re hiding now. Christmas is a family thing, and Ted and I wanted to celebrate with a real family for once. Maybe for the last time. I want it to work, and you have to be there too.”

  Despite their size difference, it was clear the boy’s words had affected Sam. So was Catriona, who felt the full blast of the young Paylors’ reality. Ted tugged at her hand, and she took him in her embrace. So naturally, the little boy wove his skinny arms around her neck.

  “What do you want me to do, young man?” Sam crossed his arms, looking even darker at that moment. Cary hesitated, looking back at her.

  Instead of answering Sam, she turned instead to Sasha. “How is Lazarus doing?”

  The doctor smiled a little. “Improving and stabilizing.”

  “Would it be safe to move him? Not far, just to the living room.”

  “I don’t see why not. He’s unhooked from the machines. I saw a recliner there, which could work.” And then the blond woman smiled and nodded, clearly understanding Catriona’s plan. “Sam, stand by, I’ll need you to carry Lazarus.”

  Sam hesitated. “Is it safe?”

  With a sniff, Sasha started gathering blankets. “I’m the doctor here, and I won’t have anybody tell me how to take care of my patient. Unless you want to throw me out. It’s the only way you’ll get rid of me until Lazarus opens his eyes again.”

  Darkness returned to the man and he shook his head. “We trust you, Sasha. Never doubt it.”

  “Good.” And the doctor turned to Cary and Lucas and handed them the blankets. “Boys, go prepare the spot I told about in the living room, and don’t tell the men what we’re about to do. Let’s make it a surprise.”

  Cary and Lucas scattered. Catriona half expected Ted to scramble down and follow his brother, but instead, he remained in her embrace, even putting his head on her shoulder. A child who’d seen only the worst of this world, who should distrust everything and everyone, accepted her. It was extraordinary. Unable to resist, she kissed his black hair.

  Quickly, Sasha guided Sam as he scooped his brother’s limp body off the bed and came to stand by Catriona as they opened the door wide and preceded Sam and Lazarus toward the living room.

  The doctor caressed Ted’s hair before lowering her voice so only Catriona could hear. “Well played, my friend. The brothers believe that they can’t accept the goodness of this world, but they need you to crack open their thick skulls and help them see the light.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Liam didn’t know how to react when Sam appeared in the living room and installed the unconscious Lazarus in the recliner situated not far from the still naked fir tree.

  The moment Sam appeared with his package, the brothers reacted as one, ready to defend and protect the man. One second later, reassured, they just gaped, unsure what to do.

  All the men froze in the middle of the room, as the women, Lucas, Cary, and Ted jumped into action. It wasn’t until Isabel turned up the Christmas carols that Liam shook himself and took Catriona’s arm. “What are you doing?”

  As if Catriona was the only person holding the answers, they surrounded her. Liam wasn’t sure if she was courageous or just not aware of how dangerous the men surrounding her could be, but she smiled innocently.

  She looked at the brothers like she was in the middle of a circle of teddy bears. “I want to make you all realize how lucky you are.”

  Archer snorted. “I wouldn’t call us lucky, little nun.”

  Liam hadn’t seen her so fierce and determined before and he admired her even more.

  “You overcame so much, you survived poverty, violence, and you became good men. Don’t you see what’s in front of your eyes? You have each other, isn’t that worth celebrating?”

  Laughter bubbled up from outside the circle, Cary calling her name. With a nod, she slipped under Liam’s arm and rejoined the party.

  Sam came by to his side and shrugged. “I don’t know what to think. Of this, of what she said.”

  Liam looked down, but words failed him. “She’s right.”

  Amidst the general merriment, gloom stuck the brothers.

  Sam didn’t seem to agree. “There was no luck, we fought our fucking way out to survive.”

  Liam didn’t wholly disagree with him. “She wasn’t saying we didn’t work our asses off, just to appreciate what we have. If only for tonight, we can do that. She’s right, we have a lot to be thankful for, if only the fact we’re alive and found each other.”

  Each of the brothers looked at the women and children sorting the decorations at the foot of the Christmas tree, a happy dog barking, and their brother looking as if he were sleeping in the middle of it all.

  Liam’s eyes went to Catriona, as she talked to Cary, helping him untangling a string of lights. It was the first time he saw the little boy for what he was, a child, and not one forced to act as the responsible adult.

  In the middle of this mayhem, Ted didn’t say a word, but smiled, which was so much more than Liam had hoped for the little tyke. So often, when he’d walked the streets of the neighborhood riddled with violence and poverty, kids looked like frightened animals in the best cases. The others had a look in their eyes as if they’d seen a monster.

  Like Cary and Ted, the bastard brothers had experienced and seen too much as children. Images popped in his mind, even as Liam tried hard not wallow in the past. One tiny hand sliding inside his big one made the visions disappear.

  Ted was there looking up at him, tugging at his hand in a determined and silent plea.

  So, as an example to his brothers, he followed the little boy’s lead. Ted dragged him beside a big box and pulled him down.

  From the corner of his eye, he saw his brothers slowly thawing to the idea of Christmas.

  Kai went to Isabel and took her into a twirl, making the blond beauty giggle.

  Archer, who didn’t like to be second, reached for his red-headed wife and baby girl. From the way he acted, his brother had found his purpose in the family he was building for himself and how he wanted it to be for them.

  Aleksei, brooding as usual, grabbed a cookie on the coffee table and offered it to Deva, who took a bite out of it, and gave him a wink.

  Sasha returned with her book and a coffee, smiling at the small assembly before resuming her seat by Lazarus’s side.

  Only Sam remained alone, stranded in the middle of the room by himself, hesitant. Lucas went to him, and Liam was thankful for the insightful teenager.

  Trimming a tree had been so foreign to Liam, to all his brothers, it was clear that they needed to work that rust out.

  It was a discomfort, like soreness after a workout, and the only way out was to move it. Stretch and experience the pain until it faded away.

  So, they stayed in that room for the rest of the day. Liam started to relax, as the women, especially Catriona, Cary, and Ted, included each and every one of them into their small celebration. It was his family circle, among the larger one that included his brothers.

  After the tree had been decorated, Zoe suggested some games, and soon, laughter filled the space, clearly surprising each brother and delighting the women by their side.

  Cary made it his mission to be as silly as possible, making not just his little brother smile and giggle, but the entire assembly too.

  Ted didn’t follow suit, preferring to remain either by Catriona’s side or on Liam’s lap.

  It humbled him, as a man, but also as a cop, to have a little boy who’d suffered so much from society, but still had enough in his heart to trust him. Liam had ne
ver been close to children but accepted this gift and welcomed it.

  Cary approved, although the boy stayed closer to Catriona and Ted. Liam understood it as he couldn’t help touching her.

  Each time the connection was made, she turned to him and smiled, reciprocating with a touch, or leaning into his arms.

  The day passed, the sun being replaced by the colored lights of the tree, and the many tea lights glittering all around the room. They ate in a circle on the floor, including Lazarus in his chair. It was the first time, for as long as he could remember, that Liam felt part of a family, a real one. There, in that circle were the most important people in his life, those he’d lay his life down for, and knew they would do the same for him. The circle had increased over the years, maybe making him more vulnerable, but also much stronger than he’d ever thought possible.

  And an angel brought it all together and was still by his side. His hand lingered more and more on every part of Catriona he could touch.

  They ate a mix of sweets, sandwiches, and snacks that was anything but festive, but nobody seemed to mind.

  Archer surprised them all by playing Santa Claus, minus the costume. He had ordered small trinkets and silly knickknacks for their amusement.

  The boys were amused by the games they received and loved the books too. Unwrapping gifts was a distant memory to them, so much that they hesitated at first, but were quickly caught up in the moment and tore at the colorful paper with glee in their eyes.

  Their life was so similar to his own, being alone, fighting for survival in a world without mercy. It was a miracle they’d survived for so long without being taken by gangs, let alone sold as slaves. That thought only brought the darkness back to his mind, and he promised himself to talk to Archer about it.

  Zoe and Isabel distracted the assembly by talking about some hot chocolate and s’mores by the fireplace. Ted jumped to his feet, pulling at Cary’s hand, who did the same with Lucas. The parade continued until only Catriona remained by his side. Sasha was napping beside Lazarus, who was still as a statue.

  Liam couldn’t resist bringing Catriona onto his lap, being surrounded by her heat and the sweet smell of her tawny hair.

  How her body yielded to him made his gut tighten, imagining what new sins he’d teach her tonight.

  “Thank you.”

  The words seemed so out of sync with what was in his mind that he thought he’d misheard her. “What?”

  Her gaze slid over his face, soon followed by her fingers. There was so much warmth emanating from her, he wondered how he’d be able to live without it.

  “Thank you for showing the way with your brothers. I prayed they wouldn’t resist too much. It was a real joy to see you all together. You’re lucky to have such a family.”

  He ran his fingers through her silky strands. “You’re the one who brought us all together.”

  “If I had been faster in cutting off your father’s assets, you wouldn’t all have to hide here on Christmas. This is my contribution and an apology.”

  “No, it was a mess from the start. I should’ve been more open with you. If you’d trusted me more quickly, none of this would’ve happened.” He paused and then smiled. “And after all, I’m happy this happened. This has been a blessing in disguise, and I wouldn’t have missed it. With you.”

  This time, she was the one who initiated the kiss, and it seared a path from his lips to his heart, almost scaring him in its intensity. He could warm up by the fire of her kindness, but he had to remember that she was probably returning to her life at the convent, becoming a nun for good this time, once this was over.

  Laughter and footsteps came from the corridor, so he ended the connection with one last kiss on her forehead.

  However, she didn’t move from his lap, even as the group returned to the living room. Nobody said anything, but he knew his brothers too well. They noticed everything.

  As soon as the tray loaded with everything for preparing the treats was spread, Kai and Sam were put in charge of making the s’mores.

  Ted was the very first recipient, and as soon as the little boy had the hot, gooey delight in his hand, Liam was certain he’d shove the entire thing in his mouth, but instead, he went to the other end of the room. Carefully, he took Lazarus’ hand on the armrest and turned it upward before putting his treat in it.

  Sasha smiled at the little boy, coming to his side. “I’m sure Lazarus would love it, but he can’t eat right now. Not like this. But when he wakes up, you can make him one. Is that okay with you?”

  The little boys seemed to hesitate, and naturally, Catriona went to him, crouching at his level. “Ted, darling, let Lazarus rest. Sasha is right. And I promise too, you can feed him all the chocolate you want.”

  The boy didn’t seem happy about and pouted a little but took his s’more back and instead offered it to Catriona.

  “Mine.”

  The entire room gasped, all eyes turning to the man who’d remained silent for so long.

  Sasha was the first at Lazarus’s side, just as he groaned and opened his eyes. Air returned to the people in the room, and Liam got to his feet, quickly followed by Archer. Kai, Sam, and Aleksei, who finished the guard around their brother.

  Sasha did her best to shove them aside as she examined him. “Hey. How are you feeling?”

  The black beard split into a grin. “Okay. Just give me the chocolate.”

  The voice was rough, but the familiar silver eyes were becoming clearer by the minute. Someone clutched at his leg, and Liam saw Ted had found a path through the men and was still clutching the s’more in his hand. Slowly, he came forward, and put the treat back in Lazarus’ hand.

  “Thank you.”

  The boy smiled. “You’re welcome.”

  Another miracle.

  No words could describe what he was feeling right now; the joy, the fear, the gratitude, the astonishment all mixed into a storm that took his breath.

  A warm, feminine hand slid into his, and he clutched at it like a lifeline as Sasha took over and had Sam bring their brother back to his room. For the first time in his life, his world was right, and Liam decided to keep it that way.

  Chapter Twenty

  It had been hard leaving Liam behind, all tangled up in warm sheets, his face adorned with that wicked smile she adored when he was sleeping, but Catriona had work to do.

  Yesterday had been the most amazing Christmas Day she’d ever experienced, but time was against them. This family wouldn’t be able to stay in hiding forever, and each and every one of them deserved to be protected.

  She was surrounded by dangerous men who’d fought all their lives. Now, it was her turn to protect them.

  After leaving a note for Cary and Ted, still snuggled in bed, their bellies full of cookies and chocolate, she headed to the kitchen and indulged in coffee before tiptoeing through the sleeping house toward the office.

  All her notes had been brought here, and she’d spent some time putting them back in order, reacquainting herself with the finer details.

  Rarely had her mind been so clear and sharp, and her first point of order had been to reopen the software she’d used the first time, the one using the algorithm. She’d stopped at the early findings, but she had to dig a lot deeper now that she trusted them and knew where the real danger was coming from.

  In the file, as expected, she saw Lazarus King’s name on several accounts, but this time, she looked deeper.

  Over and over again, his name was linked to suspicious accounts, but why? When she looked at where the money was coming from, it was sketchy. Catriona almost slapped herself in the head for jumping to conclusions so quickly.

  It wasn’t that obvious, it took some doing, but she found that the money was coming from very shady accounts.

  She started to push even further, but her talents stopped at a certain point, where she couldn’t dig deeper into what the internet had to offer.

  Leaning back in her chair, she let her brain process the data u
ntil she found herself on her feet. Sitting there wouldn’t unlock that door.

  Her first stop was the bedroom, but she wasn’t surprised to find Liam was no longer in bed.

  The mansion was calm, and one quick look at the clock told her that it was well into the afternoon. Her stomach growled as she hadn’t had breakfast or lunch. However, she pushed forward. There would be time to eat later.

  In the living room, she saw Kai half-asleep in front of the TV, but as soon as she approached, he woke with a start.

  “Sorry, Kai. Do you know where Liam is?”

  Blinking a few times, the man scratched his head. “Last time I saw him, he went to see Lazarus.”

  Lost in her thoughts, Catriona nodded, and turned, heading to the wing where Lazarus was, not noticing that Kai followed her until she knocked at the bedroom door.

  Sam answered, and she saw Liam inside sitting by Lazarus’ bed, Lazarus looking even healthier than the day before. The only one missing was Sasha, which seemed weird, but Catriona had other things to sort out first.

  “Catriona. I’m happy to meet you finally. Officially, I mean, because my brothers are raving about you.”

  He may have been weaker than usual, but meeting the brother who’d rallied the others revealed how charismatic he was, the power he exuded way beyond the limitations of his body.

  Lazarus extended his hand, and her emergency took a backseat for a second, glad he was recuperating. His hand was steady and pulled her to sit by his bedside. He was still pale, but steadier, his eyes a mercury fire mixed with curiosity and high intelligence.

  “I’m glad you’re awake. Your brothers were worried about you.”

  “I do not doubt it, and I’m sorry. It was weird. As if I were floating, both aware and sleeping at the same time. My first memory was hearing Sasha’s voice. My second was feeling your hand.”

  “Me?”

  Lazarus nodded. “I hadn’t felt my body until you touched my arm. Then, I heard your voice. I didn’t know it was you, until you spoke last night. I recognized your voice. I don’t know what you did that day, but I owe you and Sasha my life.”