Page 41 of Juniper Unraveling

“No. He’s not dangerous. He’s not going to hurt anyone.”

“Get away from him!” Papa’s fingers dig into my arm as he yanks me away, before steadying his gun, and Six jumps to his feet.

With his chin propped in the air, Six reminds me of a dog backed into the corner, his lips peeled back into a snarl.

“He saved my life today.”

“I’m sure he did.” The air of disbelief in Papa’s voice angers me, and teeth clenched, I tromp across the kitchen, nabbing the set of tongs set out beside the stove, and lift the long body of the snake that I’ve been boiling.

“It nearly bit me. He killed it.”

With a frown, Papa’s eyes slide from me to Six. “He could’ve easily taken your life, as well. You’ve no idea what he is.”

“Then, tell me. What makes him so dangerous that you’d take his life?” Setting the snake back into the pot, I keep my attention on the gun and take slow steps toward Six. “You told me never to kill unless threatened. He’s not threatened anyone.”

“How did he get here?”

“I brought him.”

“What?”

“I went into the forest. There was a hole in the concrete. That’s where I found him. That’s where I saw the hospital. And the Ragers. And the Legion guards. They hurt him.”

“I forbade you to go into that forest, Wren! You disobeyed me!”

“You lied to me! You said there was nothing outside of those walls! But there is. Look at him! Look at what they’ve done to him!”

“He’s not what you think. He’s … not a victim.”

“How can you say that? How can you tell me those scars weren’t inflicted? Look at them, Papa. They’re no different than mine!” I shove my scar into his face—the one that seems to settle him whenever he gets worked up, and like always, he turns his gaze from it. “What is it about my scar that affects you so much?”

“I’ll return him. Finish supper, and I’ll be back before dark.”

“No!” Once again, I stand in the line of the barrel, acting as a human shield. “You will not return him to that place of torture. I won’t allow it!”

“You have no choice.”

“If he goes, I go.”

“You don’t even know this man, Wren. You don’t know what he’s capable of, to sacrifice yourself for him.”

“I know enough. I promised him I wouldn’t let them hurt him. And I intend to keep that promise.”

Papa’s cheek twitches with the anger that he’s undoubtedly fighting back. “If they find him here, he’s dead. We’re all dead.”

“They won’t find him. I promise you, I’ll not let them find him.”

His cold eyes settle on me, lips pressed to a hard line, as if he wants to argue, but won’t. “He’s not to sleep anywhere near this house. He can sleep in the pole barn. And if they catch him, God help him.”

He relents too easily. It’s a thought that eats away at me, as I fight not to let my emotions take over. Papa never gives up so quickly, and in those seconds that ticked by, I’d mentally prepared myself for a fight.

A fight that never materialized.

Relief washes through me, when Papa lowers the gun, and it’s then I notice the small bit of gauze at his arm.

“What happened?” I nod to his wrapped arm.

“It’s none of your concern,” Papa says and hobbles out of the room.