Page 132 of Eldrith Manor
Sable’s hand tightens in mine. “I’m his b—” I pause, eyes flicking to the words on the gravestone. “I’m his great-great nephew.”
“Does that mean we’re family?” he asks, his head tilting to the side. He looks exactly like my baby brother.
Warmth spreads through my body as I take in the blue eyes staring back at me. It’s like Dylan is standing before me. A sign he’s okay and I can rest my worried mind.
The woman’s gaze widens. “Lincoln,no, you can’t just say that to strangers.”
Lincoln. I hold in the emotions ripping through me, glancing at the stone to read all the names of those who passed after my brother. His son was called Lincoln, and his son’s son, and every first son after that, the name passed down again and again, all the way to this little boy in front of me now.
I was a shitty brother and left him all alone. But instead of hating me for eternity, he gave me a legacy.
Sable’s hand tightens around mine as I fight to keep my emotions in check. I’m seconds from letting the tears flow.
The woman lets out a nervous laugh. “What did you say your name was?”
I should tell them who I am—a long-distance relative from hundreds of years ago. Ex-demon. Future husband and father.Taxpayer. DIY specialist. Sable’s arm candy whenever she wants to go out on the town. Would anyone even believe me?
Nah, because I can hardly believe my life now.
I could introduce myself—but that would only confuse them; they might think I’ve lost my mind.
I look at Sable, and I feel at peace.
“No one important,” I tell the lady, glancing down at the boy who looks like Dylan. “Nice to meet you, Lincoln.”
I want to tell them that I’m desperate for a family, that they can call me Lynx, since that’s the name I go by now, thanks to the girl beside me, her hand in mine, but I smile and nod, giving the kid one last glance before they turn away.
My eyes lower to my girl. I have everything I need right here.
“Where to now?” I ask once we reach the gates to the graveyard.
Sable smirks. “I heard there’s a highway to Hell.”
Despite the momentary alarming thought that she’s serious, I laugh and shake my head, then lower my voice to reply, “That’s not near here, right?”
