Sebastian cradled Henry in the crook of his left arm while he held Ethan against his leg with his right. Ethan was hugging his thigh, his head resting against Sebastian's hip as he rocked them slightly side to side. Henry had settled back down and Ethan just sniffed and rubbed his eyes.
Sebastian heard a female voice snap at someone and lifted his gaze to the front door. A gorgeous blonde walked in with a fierce expression on her pretty face. Her light hair was parted on the side and pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck. She was wearing black dress pants and a tailored white button down blouse. Her badge and gun were clipped to her belt. Sebastian had a flash of deja vu. His eyes widened as he realized who she was.
" You've gotta be kidding me," he muttered and hung his head. This was the bitch who bent his finger back at the bar over a year ago.
The gorgeous detective moved further into the living room. Her shrewd gaze taking in everything. Finally her eyes settled on him. He saw the flicker of recognition in her eyes before her gaze swept over the kids. Surprisingly, her gaze softened and a small smile lifted her pink lips.
" Mr. Beck, I'm Detective Reynolds," she said, holding out her hand.
Sebastian eyed it warily. " You going to actually break my finger this time?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
She rolled her eyes at him. " Not if I don't have to."
Sebastian snorted and shook her hand. Before she could ask any questions, Sebastian heard Henry's frantic voice just outside the front door.
" This is my house! What the fuck do you mean I can't go inside?! My kids are in there!" Henry shouted angrily.
Sebastian glanced at the door then back at Detective Reynolds, who had turned and walked to the door. She stepped outside and Sebastian could hear her ask Henry for ID. He snapped at her that this was bullshit, but must have shown her his ID. She stepped back inside with Henry and Claire on her heels. Both looked terrified.
" Sebastian! What's going on? We pulled up to see tons of cop cars," Henry said roughly, rushing over to him and the kids.
Claire sobbed in relief and took the baby from him, clutching him close to her chest. Ethan wrapped his arms around her waist. She held him to her with one hand. The weight of what just happened seemed to hit him out a nowhere and he just stared at Claire and the kids. Jesus Christ, what if it had been Christian here watching the kids? What if he hadn't woken up in time?
Henry's strong hands grabbed his shoulders and shook him. " Sebastian?!"
Sebastian flinched, his gaze flicking to Henry who was right in front of him all of a sudden.
" I...uh...someone broke in the back door. I shot them," he whispered.
Henry's eyes widened in horror. He let go of Sebastian and started for the kitchen. Detective Reynolds was right behind him, calling for him to stop, not to go in there. Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut, and waited. Henry's horrified shout came no more then a few seconds later. Henry stumbled back into the living room. Detective Reynolds in tow, a grim expression on her face. Sebastian looked at his brother, who had turned deathly pale.
" Sebastian," he choked out.
" I'm sorry Henry..." Sebastian started. He knew Henry had to be disgusted that he killed someone in his house. But he had no choice.
Henry gripped him up by the front of his t-shirt and shook him hard. " Don't you dare fucking apologize to me!" he shouted in Sebastian's face, his nostrils flaring with the force of his panting breaths. Sebastian frowned, confused.
Henry clasped the sides of his neck, tears welling up in his eyes. " You...you killed someone to protect my kids," he said, his voice trembling. Claire gasped behind him. Henry blinked and the tears rolled down his face. " I don't know how I will ever be able to thank you," he choked, dropping his forehead to Sebastian's.
Sebastian felt his own eyes well up. Goddammit. He clasped the back of Henry's neck. " You know I would never let anything happen to those kids. Not as long as I'm breathing," he rasped.
Henry wrapped him up in a tight hug. They both tucked their faces into each other's neck. Sebastian just let the tears slid down his face, not really caring who saw.
Once they broke apart, Henry gave him a pat on the face. " I love you, brother."
" I love you too." Sebastian nodded.
Claire moved forward. Henry took his sleeping son from her arms and kissed him softly. Then he crouched down and pulled Ethan into a hug, kissing him on the temple. Claire cupped Sebastian's face, her eyes full of love and adoration. She gave him a kiss on the cheek then hugged him. Sebastian wrapped his arms around her.