Chapter 12
Callum lowered his weapon instantly. The terrifying apex predator vanished, replaced by the fiercely devoted father. He crossed the room in two massive strides, dropping to one knee and sweeping his six-year-old son into a tight, protective embrace.
"I am here, Ellis," Callum murmured, his deep, raspy voice burying itself in the boy's hair. "You are safe."
Nessa rushed into the room, dropping to her knees beside them. She didn't care about the sophisticated black maid dress or the soot staining her face. She wrapped her arms around the boy's small back, offering a secondary layer of profound, maternal comfort.
"Nessa is here too," Ellis sobbed, clinging to both of them.
"I told you I wouldn't leave you," Nessa whispered, kissing his tear-stained cheek.
Callum looked at the beautiful woman holding his son. In the dim, spinning light of the nursery, amidst the deafening chaos of an active siege, he realized the absolute, unshakeable loyalty she possessed.
"Boss," the encrypted comms unit on Callum's belt crackled to life. "The eastern breach is contained. We have pushed the remaining hostiles back to the outer perimeter, but they have a heavy transport vehicle blocking the gates. They are dug in."
"Will you hold them at the gates until I arrive?" Callum asked calmly, standing up.
"Yes, sir. But they outgun us on the exterior."
"Do they truly believe heavy artillery can save them?" Callum asked, checking the magazine of his weapon.
He looked down at Nessa. "Will you take Ellis to the subterranean panic suite? The access panel is behind the bookshelf in my study."
"I will," Nessa promised, her expressive brows drawing together. "Please be careful, Callum."
May you like
The use of his first name again, spoken with such raw, genuine concern, sent a sharp, electric jolt through his chest.
"I will return for you both," Callum swore softly, pressing a brief, intense kiss to the top of his son's head before turning back to the war.
