Page 11 of Iced Out

“And him?”

“I hope it’s real for him, too.”

“I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t,” Rodriguez said, his words a comfort to Tae’s heart.

Talking to Rodriguez was kind of like talking to John and Donald—his big brothers. He was glad for the conversation; it took his mind off the terror of what had happened… and what almost happened.

Tae’s heartbeat jumped when they pulled up in front of his house and his dad, Kane, rushed out. Tae had barely opened the car door before Kane was right there, sweeping the boy into his strong arms and crushing him in his embrace. Tae broke down and clung to him, sobbing quietly.

Kane nearly matched Cochise in size, but he was softer around the edges, which made him the glue holding their growing family together. He had a love and tenderness that could soothe even the wild beast within the Egyptian. Right now, that love and tenderness poured out through his hug and into Tae.

“I knew your dad would save you,” Kane whispered, his voice thick with tears. “I knew you would come back to us.” He raised his head and looked at Rodriguez, standing on the driver’s side of the car. “Thank you for bringing him home.”

“I was glad to,” Rodriguez said quietly.

Still holding onto Tae, Kane invited the young man to come inside.

“Thanks,” Rodriguez murmured. “But I should get back and help the men.”

Kane nodded. “Thank you again.”

Rodriguez nodded, glancing at Tae. “I’m glad you’re okay, kid. And… remember what I said.” He gave a small smile, slid back into the car, and pulled away from the curb.

The others inside the house came out in a hurry as Kane walked Tae back to the porch. Luke nearly knocked him over, hugging him fiercely and crying.

“I was so scared. I didn’t know what to do.” Luke squeezed him harder.

“I’m okay,” Tae whispered, his throat tight. He hugged the younger boy, more like a brother than just a friend. “I’m okay.” Tae drew back and looked at Luke’s bruised face. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Luke swallowed and wiped his eyes.

Zoe, John, and Donald all hugged Tae at once, smothering him between them. Axel appeared behind them and took his turn to welcome him home. He touched Tae’s face and shook his head. “Someone’s going to pay for this,” he murmured. “Am I right?”

Tae sniffed. “Yes.”

“Good.”

Tae noticed someone was missing from the small horde on the porch. “Where’s Ash?” He looked at his dad. “Is he okay? I saw that man hit him.”

“In the bedroom,” Kane said softly. “Ash is a little shaken. And worried about you.”

Entering the house, Tae passed through the living room and down the hall to the bedroom he shared with Ash. The other boy, a few years older than Tae, lay on his side, facing away from the door. The oversized hoodie he always wore was pulled over his head as he hugged a pillow.

“Ash?”

Ash tensed, then turned over and sat up. Blond strands poked out from beneath the hoodie, and tears streaked his flushed face. “Tae…” His face crumpled.

Tae went to the bed, crawled onto the mattress, and hugged him, sobbing.

“I’m so sorry,” Ash whispered. “I should’ve helped you. I should’ve stopped them from taking you. I’m sorry…”

“It’s not your fault,” Tae cried softly. “You tried to help me. There was nothing you could do. I’m okay.”

Ash lifted his head, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Did they… do anything to you?”

Tae swallowed, a tremor running through him. “They tried,” he whispered shakily. “But Dad and the others stopped them.” He touched Ash’s scuffed face. “They’ll never hurt anyone again.”

Ash stared into his eyes for a moment, then hugged him again. “I’m so glad you’re home.”