Chapter 0245 , 15 BONUS , Jai sighs and shakes his head. “Zaia, it’s not that. We were just concerned, Se- The Black Beast he… I don’t know. I feel we need to talk to him-” , “Do not question me. As far as I am concerned, The Black Beast is just another enemy. From this day forward, I expect you all to remember that. He betrayed betrayed me, again… It was my fault to let him in again, but I did, stupidly. But he showed he wasn’t worth it. I have screamed and screamed that we need to be honest with one another, that we needed to stick together, but… he didn’t find it important.” , “Zaia, I know you’re hurting-“I cut Valerie off, my eyes flashing, not wanting annoyance to seep into my voice with the children here. , “No. I don’t want sympathy. I messed up once and I won’t again. Forgive me for not. allowing myself to feel sympathy for him. He will meet the same end as the others. Whatever that may be.” I say, standing up and forcing myself to smile down at Sia, , who is watching me with concern. , “He’s their father,” Jai says quietly, making me pause and I turn back, looking at him. , “And?” I ask challengingly. , “Give him a chance to explain, maybe he had a reason-” Jai begins. , “I said enough! Jai. This is the last time I want this topic brought up. If either of you , wish to join his side, you are welcome to leave.” I say coldly. “Take this as my final, warning. Good night.” , Silence follows as I place my mug down and look at Zion. , “Zion, shall we head to bed?” I say, sensing Sia watching me intently. , I look down at her, smiling gently as a wave of guilt rushes through me. The , children shouldn’t sense that something is wrong. I need to do better. , “Come, let’s get you to bed,” I say gently. , She nods and I leave the room with my children and, for a moment, although I’m not alone, I feel it… , 15 BONUS , Mom was always there, but now I need to step up. I can’t keep relying on Valerie either, since she has her own life. , I was and still am a single parent… Mom managed it, and I will too. I just need to make sure I survive this war for them… , I shower them, messing around to distract them, making some bubbles from the soap and giving them soapy beards. They giggle and laugh and for a few beautiful moments; I forget my troubles, the song of laughter like a soothing remedy for the pain within me. , “Ok! Let’s grab our pyjamas!” I say after we have brushed our teeth. , “Oh, is Mommy going to sleep with us today?” Zion asks hopefully. , I smile. “Do you want me to?” I ask, crouching down in front of him and towel–drying his hair. He nods vigorously. “Then that is exactly what we’ll do,” I promise with a firm nod of my own head., “Yes! Mommy can sleep next to me!” Sia says. , “NO! Mommy has to sleep in the middle! Mommy always sleeps next to Sia!” Zion , frowns. , “Hey… you two, no fighting alright. You two are siblings and siblings don’t fight, right?” I say gently, as Sia looks upset and frowns as Zion looks upset, which is , unlike him. , Does he know something isn’t right and is playing up because of it? , “Look…” I pull them both close. “I’ll make sure I am with both of you, and I’ll sleep in the middle,” I say, trying to calm them both. , “See, I said that. It’s always Sia Sia Sia.” Zion says pointedly, rolling his eyes. , “Zion…” I reprimand gently. , He sighs and looks guiltily at his sister. “Sorry Sia…” he mumbles before he closes. the gap between them, giving her a big hug and kissing her cheek as she wipes her , tears away. , 15 BONUS , Chapter 0246, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.