God of Malice (Legacy of Gods #1) by Rina Kent

The terror slowly subsides the more I touch him and sink further in his presence.

I’ve been with this man for thirty years and he still causes a flutter in my chest and a dip in my stomach.

When I think about that first time I met him—or more accurately, caught his attention—at the party I didn’t even want to be at, it feels just like yesterday.

That day ended with my tragic accident, but that was also the beginning of us, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

We’ve come a long way from the teenagers we once were. Yes, it wasn’t always easy, especially with the kids, but as long as he’s by my side, I can conquer anything.

Starting with the nightmare that’s playing vividly in my head.

My babies were all caught in muddy water, black hands pulling at them from every side as smoke penetrated their orifices.

“You can only save one,” a distorted voice said and I screamed.

That’s when I woke up.

Slowly, I peel Levi’s arm from around my waist, grab my phone, and quietly leave our bedroom.

It’s almost six in the morning, so I text the early birds, Lan and Bran, first. Then Glyn—although it’ll take her hours to wake up and reply. And I do it separately.

We have a family group chat, but there’s a trick I learned early on. My kids are more prone to talk to me if it’s private. They have these internal wars where they don’t want their siblings to know about their little secrets.

Especially Bran and Glyn. They’re more comfortable talking to me and their dad one-on-one.

Astrid: Morning, baby. Is everything okay?

The first reply is immediate.

Brandon: Morning, Mum. Everything’s great. Getting ready for my jog.

Astrid: Are you really okay? You know you can talk to me about anything that bothers you or your siblings. I’m here to listen.

The dots appear and disappear, on and on as I pace the length of the hall.

Bran has always been the trickiest, the most silent, and the one more prone to self-destruction. The reason I constantly ask about him isn’t because I love him the most, as anyone from the outside would think.

It’s more due to the fact that’s it’s been a while since he talked to me, like really talked to me, and I feel like he’ll slip from between my fingers like sand the moment I don’t check on him.

Brandon: Don’t be dramatic, Mum. Everything’s fine. Gotta go.

My chest deflates with a disappointed breath, but I send him heart emojis.

Astrid: Be safe, okay? I love you.

Brandon: Love you, too, Mum.

I’m still liking his text when another one shows up at the top of my notifications.

Landon: I’m good as the devil and just as handsome. Morning, Mum.

I smile, shaking my head. My oldest will never change.

Astrid: Morning, rascal, and seriously, where do you get all that arrogance?

Landon: Hello? Have you seen your husband? Pretty sure he’s behind the genes. Honorary mention to Uncle Aiden.

Astrid: He’s your dad. Stop calling him ‘your husband.’ Now, tell me, is everything okay with your siblings?

Landon: You’re more obvious than a rookie MI6 agent. Can’t you get your hands on the intel Glyn sends to Grandpa on a daily basis? And yes, I know all about it. The little shit can’t spy to save her life.

Astrid: LANDON! DID YOU JUST CALL YOUR SISTER A LITTLE SHIT?

Landon: She is, and the caps are hurting my eyes first thing in the morning. Actually, I can hear your yelling in my ears. Tone it down, Mum.

Astrid: I’m going to pull your ear next time I see you.

Landon: Yikes. I’m not visiting for the foreseeable future.

Landon: And to answer your question, Bran has been acting weird lately—secretive, weird. I’ll let you know when I have more info. As for your baby daughter, pride and joy…

He sends a picture in which Glyn sits on some boy’s lap in a restaurant, throwing her head back and laughing.

My lips part.

That’s the first time I’ve seen her laugh so freely since her preteens. Since she started distancing herself from us and I had to take her to therapy.

Her eyes shine, reminding me of a younger version of me when I first met Levi.

Astrid: She looks so happy.

Landon: I wouldn’t start picking wedding dates if I were you. That’s Killian Carson and he’s bad fucking news. He has a history of violence in his high school, not to mention the dubious activities he’s currently taking part in.

Astrid: Language.

Landon: Is that seriously the only part you focused on? Control your child and make her stop seeing him. She wouldn’t listen to me.

Astrid: She’s old enough to make her decisions. There will be no controlling involved. Do you hear me?

Landon: You can’t be possibly picking her side on this?

Astrid: This is the first time I’ve seen her so happy in years, Lan, and I’ll not allow anyone, you included, to ruin that happiness. Now, promise me you’ll leave her alone.

Landon: I bet Dad wouldn’t be as enthusiastic as you when he sees that picture. Grandpa, too.

Astrid: I’ll deal with them when Glyn is ready to introduce him to us. Now, promise.

Landon: Fine, promise. Don’t blame me when that happiness turns to tears, Mum.

I consider what to tell him carefully, but my train of thought is interrupted when the phone’s screen lights up with a video call from none other than my youngest.