Page 6 of Requiem & Reverie

I want to smack the smug look that appears on his face, and when he rubs his jaw to hide his smile, I want to smack him twice for it.

“Really?”

“Really? That’s all you have to say? Really?” My attempt to mock him is poorly received, evident in the grin that stretches his lips that only goads my anger. “He could’ve hurt that kid.”

And just like that, his face screws up into something more serious. “Well, if it’s the same little shit who gave him the black eye, that kid had every intention of hurting him. He threatened to rip his tongue out.”

A flicker of anger rushes through me at the thought of someone saying something so cruel to my son, but I tamp it down for the irritation of him trying to justify himself. “There’s a huge difference between threatening, and actually doing something.”

“It’s a shitty world, Nola. You’re either a victim, or a victor. Better to strike first.”

“First of all, this isn’t the Colosseum and Gladiator. Second of all, I’m his mom. I decide whether, or not, he gets thrown in the pit with the other contenders.”

Shoving his hands into his pockets, he shrugs. “That’s not how it works out there. The world decides for you.”

“Oh. Okay, Doctor Spock.” One hand at my hip, I give a quick wave for him to continue. “Allow me to step back and let you enlighten me with your brilliant parenting advice.”

“I never claimed to be an expert on parenting. But I do know a thing, or two, about living on the streets and getting my ass whooped.”

Brows winged up, I tip my head. “Oh. You had to crawl your way to Wall Street first? Funny, I thought you’d have a prestigious finance degree, courtesy of your parents, like every other successful wolf.”

“I’m not doing this with you, Nola. You can try, but I’m not biting.”

“Then, do me a favor and stay the hell away from my son.”

His eye twitches, and he crosses his arms again. “I was trying to help him. That’s all.”

“When he needs help, he comes to me. Me!” I thump my finger against my chest to make the point.

“You’re not always going to be around. You can’t protect him from everything. He needs to learn how to protect himself.”

My anger is at its height, and before I can stop myself, I’m standing inches from him, teeth grinding in my skull. I draw my hand back and strike hard across his cheek, hard enough that I almost regret it.

All he does is tighten his lips in response. “Feel better now?”

“Fuck you!” I scream, as his face blurs behind my tears.

Before I can back away, arms grip tight to my shoulders, holding me in place. I wriggle and squirm, hiking my knee up to kick him, but he pulls me tight to his body, turning me around until my back is against his chest.

He squeezes tighter. “It’s true, Nola. You teach him to rely on you, and you might as well feed him to a pack of wolves.”

“He’s my son, goddamn it! I’d do anything for him!”

“I know you would. Because you’re a good mom. But you’re making him weak.”

“He’s not weak, you son of a bitch!” I snap my head back, hoping for a connection with his nose, but my skull thumps against his solid chest.

“He’s not weak.” He twists us around, pressing my chest against the wall, places his lips at my ear. “He’s a strong kid. And he took care of himself today. You should be proud of that. He proved to all those other kids that he’s something to be feared and respected.”

“I don’t want him to be feared.” My hands get loose, but he quickly pins them to the wall at my sides, using his hips to anchor the rest of me.

“You do, because nobody fucks with someone like that.”

“Is that how you climbed the ladder, Voss? By making everyone fear you?”

“Yes. That’s the only way to get what you want in life.”

“Well, I’m not afraid of you.”