“I ain’t got a good lie, so I’m just gonna say I’m outta here to give you all some privacy,” Death said as he stood.

My mouth unlocked in time to reach for my last escape. “Death, I have to talk to you about that job.”

Death snorted. “Kid, don’t even try it. We can talk later.” He gave me a two-finger salute and left.

“West,” Mrs. Mikhaillova said softly.

I was out of luck. I had to face them, since running from the room wasn’t a cool thing to do. Not if I wanted to keep Adrik in my life. Sweat formed on my hands and the back of my neck from nerves.

My face bright red, I turned to see an older version of Adrik and a woman who looked like a fairy with beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes.

“West, this is my father, Nicholai, and my mother, Annika. Papa, Mama, this is West.”

Tears pooled in Annika’s eyes, causing my bottom lip to tremble and emotions to rise. I cleared my throat, opened my mouth, but only a sound came out. I pressed my shaky fingers to my lips. My eyes widened again.

Nicholai’s jaw clenched. I worried I’d failed him or Adrik for a moment until he stepped forward, cupped the back of my neck, and pressed his forehead against mine. I slammed my eyes closed as they welled and a sob caught in my throat.

“I am sorry for what you have been through.”

Reaching up, I gripped his wrist and held on.

“I am sorry for the pain you have. But you are here. You have the heart of our son, so I know your life will get better. You will have a cherished life wanting for nothing. A life well deserved to you.”

My throat thickened. He didn’t know me. He only knew his son cared for me.

Nicholai pulled back. My eyes fluttered and tears dropped. Nicholai smiled and gently patted my shoulder. “It is good to meet you, West.”

I nodded, unable to speak, worried I’d cry like a little boy.

Nicholai moved aside, and Annika stepped up. I flinched when her hands cupped my face. Shivers ghosted over me, and more tears pooled at her soft expression. But I couldn’t stop the fear from rising. My breath became ragged. After all, it was a woman who did the damage to me.

“Nyet, Mama,” Adrik tried.

She didn’t listen. “It is hard knowing others have heard what happened. You are a brave, handsome man who was mistreated by people who should only love.”

My blood froze.

I didn’t want to hear this.

I didn’t want to deal.

I shook my head, lifting my hands. I pressed them against her arms and shook my head again.

“Mama,” Adrik growled.