Consumed by Truths (Truth or Lies 6)

“What can I do to serve you, master? Would you like a scrumptious meal? For me to fill a bath? Does young master need a diaper change?”

I keep laughing.

“Shut up and come here, you oaf. I’m glad we didn’t grow up together, or I would have killed you. Your jokes suck, man,” Enzo says.

“My jokes are awesome,” Beckett says, walking over to stare down at the babies. “How are my niece and nephew doing?” He grins at them then looks up at us. “You really need to name them; I’m tired of calling them, my niece and nephew.”

I laugh. “That’s why you are here.”

“Even though you didn’t win against me, we thought we would include you a little in the naming process,” Enzo says.

“You’re letting me pick a name?” Beckett asks, shocked.

“No, we already picked names. We wanted to introduce you to Ellie Liesel Black. Her first name is inspired by this guy we know who sometimes goes by Eli.”

Beckett’s eyes fill with tears. “Ellie, it’s beautiful.”

“And this is Finn Beckett Black.”

“Dammit guys, I’m so tired of crying,” Beckett says as he breaks out into a full sob.

I hand him Finn to hold, and he rocks him gently in his arm. Even though he no longer has his right arm, he has no trouble holding them, changing their diapers, or anything else the babies need. He’s a natural at being an uncle. After Beckett has had his fill of Finn, he swaps him for Ellie, who loves being held by her uncle the most.

She coos softly as he holds her.

“Thank you, guys. I don’t know what I did to deserve a part of both of their names, but thank you. I’m touched,” Beckett says.

Both of the babies start crying, and I know what that sound means. They are hungry.

“Mealtime,” I say.

Beckett gives me back Ellie and then leaves. Enzo helps me get settled into breastfeeding, and then he stands. “I’m going to go talk to Beckett for a minute. Do you need anything?”

“Nope, I’m perfect.”

He kisses me on the forehead and then leaves to talk to Beckett.

An unsettling feeling washes over me because I know what they are discussing—what to do about Felix. What to do about the games Enzo and I have yet to finish. What to do about the men who want us dead.

Enzo promised to protect me and the babies. He promised he would do everything to save us. And the plan was to run until after the babies were born. Then fight.

It sounded like a good idea at the time. But now that the babies are here, I can’t imagine Enzo and Beckett leaving me to go fight.

These babies need both of their parents. They need their uncle, their friends. They need them all.

I can’t lose any of them. Not Enzo, Beckett, Liesel, or Langston. I’m done losing people. I want us all to move up to Alaska or any other town they choose. I want us to buy every house on the street and live happily ever after.

But listening to Enzo and Beckett’s hushed voices down the hallway, talking battle strategy, I remember I don’t always get my wish. The battle has to be fought, and the men are going to want me to sit this one out, for the babies’ sakes.

I agree. I don’t want to risk the babies’ lives. I would never do that. But it’s going to kill me to watch Enzo leave, and to wait, not knowing if he’s going to live or die. Whatever we face, though, it’s coming soon. Sooner than any of us want.

Felix thinks he’s stronger, smarter than the rest of us. But he’s never given birth. Never given everything you have for your children. He has no idea how strong and ruthless I have become. No idea the

lengths I will go to protect my children. Felix will regret the day he decided to mess with me or my family.

23

Enzo