He felt selfish for not realizing how much his mom needed someone to care for. He followed Leila into the alpha residence and up the stairs. She headed straight for the bathroom and started the shower. He wondered if killing Stevens was catching up to her. He watched her strip and step into the tub before slowly taking off his clothes. He climbed in behind her, watching as she quietly soaped her arms. “Leila, it is okay if you feel sad about killing Stevens.” She turned to stare at him. For a really long time. “Um, okay, but I don’t feel sad or bad about it. I did the damn world a favor. We need to make sure the Council takes care of Kano and Lewis properly.” “You’re just in shock; when it wears off—” “I don’t feel as if I’m in shock. I’m angry. They let these men get away with hurting people, like if they just ignored them, the problem would go away. I’d kill him again so he couldn’t take any more sprites, any more Taras.” She cupped his face with her hands.
