168. (KAEL POV)

(KAEL POV)

Mom and Ezra had taken Nola and Huck, insisting we rest. "You all look like zombies," she said firmly. "The babies don't need to see you like this."

I couldn't argue with her logic, but the thought of this becoming a recurring issue worried me. I didn't want my children to grow up under the same dark cloud I had.

I was just starting to drift off, Skyla safely wrapped in my arms, feeling my brothers' hands resting on my shoulder and back.

The happiness of being home without Burk's shadow looming over me was enormous.

Suddenly, my dad's shouting shattered the peaceful silence. He burst into our room without even knocking. "Kael, get up! Come with me."

Reluctantly, I untangled myself from Sky and my brothers. "Stay here. I'll handle this," I mumbled as I tucked Sky in Knox's arms. She rolled into him and buried her face in his chest.

I knew what was coming as I made my way down the hall. When the door to his office closed, he was in my face, totally irate.

"How could