The Confession

“If you already know the reason, why are we playing twenty questions?”

“Because I was hoping you’d find the courage to tell me yourself, you daft prick,” Liam said in exasperation. “Clearly you’ve no intention of being honest with anyone, even yourself.”

“Don’t pull that reverse psychology crap on me. I know the truth.”

“Do you, now? Then I’ll ask question number twenty-one. Did you think less of Beck after he shared the news about killing his father?”

“Of course not.”

“What about Raine? She killed her father, too. Do you think less of her?”

“You know I don’t.” In fact, he admired the hell out of her.

“Good. Hammer and I don’t, either. We’re proud that our girl is a lot stronger than we’d given her credit for.”

“Beck’s and Raine’s pasts aren’t like mine. They killed in self-defense. I chose to dive into that cesspool of violence.”

“I remember well. I was there. I was also there when you climbed back out, haunted, broken, and barely human.”

Brutal memories flooded Seth’s brain. His stomach knotted.

“But you fought your way back to reality, to sanity, and to the love of your family and friends because you wanted to live again,” Liam continued. “Beck and Heavenly are your future. Everything that’s happened has been a part of the plan.”

Liam’s words exposed a possibility he’d never considered—until now.

White-hot rage seared Seth’s veins. Launching to his feet—and sending the heavy wrought iron chair crashing to the concrete—he squeezed his hands into fists and clenched his jaw. “You knew? You fucking knew they were going to die and you didn’t tell me?”

Liam scowled and shook his head. “No. Bloody hell, mate. Do you actually think if I had known Autumn and Tristan were in danger I wouldn’t have told you? I would have helped you move them someplace safe. Hell, I would have driven them myself—whatever you needed. I wasn’t listening to my inner voice then. Besides, decisions hadn’t been made. The future hadn’t been written. I was as blind as you.”

Panting, Seth dropped his chin and tried to force the rage from his system as he righted the chair and sat again. “Yeah.”

“I can’t explain why my gifts have grown stronger and sharper recently,” Liam said, his voice low and calm. “I think it has something to do with embracing my life with Hammer and Raine. Finally being happy.”

Seth had seen that in action. “Probably. I’m sorry, man. I shouldn’t have accused you. And I didn’t mean to lose my shit.”

“Been doing that a lot lately?”

“No.” Seth shook his head. “I’ve just been running away.”

“From what? The past, the present, or the future?”

“I haven’t exactly been choosy.”

Liam clucked at him. “And how’s that working out for you?”

“It hasn’t. That’s why I’m here, asshole.”

“Well, it’s one of the reasons.” Liam smirked.

“Jesus, man. Do you know what I had for breakfast, too?”

“Black coffee,” Liam replied dryly before pinning Seth with a dissecting stare. “I’m not convinced you’re ready to hear the truth yet, but I’ll give it to you anyway. You’ve convinced yourself that the sins of your past are unforgivable. They’re not.”

“If I tell them everything, Beck will be horrified. Heavenly will be afraid of me. And she should be.”

“Bollocks. Beck and Heavenly will understand. And they won’t love you any less.”

“That your opinion or your spidey senses talking?”