MALACHI
This is how it’s always been. From the moment we became a family, and every step of the way since then, Ronan has been there—at the forefront, bearing and carrying all the hard and difficult emotions, making all choices none of us dare to make.
It tears me apart to put this on him, but it…it is what it is. I had told myself I became better at hiding things. For all he’s done, it wouldn’t kill me to give him one less thing to worry about.
Still, looking at Jaxon, helpless and unconscious, hits me harder than I expect. Ronan is the only person who can listen, who can understand.
I pull away from him, unable to look my older brother in the eyes.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I just…”
His warm hand squeezes my shoulder gently, urging me to look up at him. And I do.
Ronan offers m
