Chapter 308 - Baby, lets get away (2/2)

Rin rushed over to her. ”What are you doing up? He hadn't started crying yet, and I was coming with a bottle.”

Shelly giggled lightly as she nodded to the blanketed baby. ”Crying or not my bȯȯbs knew he was hungry... I had to change nightgowns.”

Realization dawned as Rin's eyes widened. His eyes moved to the bottle in hand. ”Well, I guess I'll not need this...”

Shelly laughed again as she made her way over to the sofa. ”Alright, so what's this secret middle-of-the-night meeting all about?” Her gaze moved around the three anxious faces, and her smile fell. ”Oh lord, what now?!”

Rin let out a heavy sigh as he sat down beside her and began explaining what Russ has said in the message. Arei filled in what Ry had told him. ”I see...” She said, her gaze moving from the anxious faces to the baby in her arms. ”And you want us to leave?” Her eyes darted back and forth between Rin and Jos.

Jos swallowed hard. ”You know I don't want you guys leaving... but it's the safest thing right now.”

”You don't even know that there will be a danger.” Shelly argued.

”Are you willing to bet your child's safety on that?” Arei asked. He walked over and sat on the table in front of her, placing a light hand on hers. ”I don't want to see you guys go either, but keeping everyone safe is my main focus right now. The truth is Jos will be much safer if she and I have less to focus on if something happens.” He nodded toward Rin as he noted the tears beginning to form in her pale blue eyes. ”Besides, don't you think it's time to rekindle your relationship with your in-laws? I bet it's been tearing them apart not to be able to a be part of this little guy's life except over calls and video chat...”

Shelly nodded, unable to fight back the silent tears that streamed down her cheeks.

Jos carefully wrapped her arms around Shelly and the baby. ”I promise this isn't goodbye! I love you!”

Shelly wrapped her free arm around Jos. ”I love you too!” Her teary eyes moved over to Rin as she rested her head against Jos's shoulder. ”When are you wanting to leave?”

Rin frowned. ”Ideally, as soon as possible. We have no idea when or what the man will do now that he's free. He could go into hiding or try to make a move before he's caught. I'd rather have you out of harm's way as quickly as possible.” He ran a nervous hand across the back of his neck. ”Tonight would be best...”

Shelly moved her questioning eyes to Jos, and Jos nodded, tears streaming down her face. ”Alright...” She said as her attention moved back to Rin. ”I'll pack our things as soon as the baby's finished eating...”

Rin shook his head. ”I can come back for them.” He glanced over at Arei and Jos. ”You guys wouldn't mind gathering Shell and the baby's things would you?”

”No, not at all.” Jos said, her voice breaking with emotion.

”Can I at least change clothes?” Shelly said in frustration.

”Yes, of course.” Rin said as he pushed up from the sofa and held his hand out to her. ”I need to call mom and give her a heads up anyways.”

Arei moved onto the sofa beside Jos as she watched them leave the room. ”It's for the best, kitten. I honestly wish I could talk you into going to dad's until Marcus can be located, but I know you'll not go willingly.”

She shook her head. ”I can't leave the people unprotected. I refuse to see them endure more punishments because of me.”

Rin and Shelly were emerging from the bedroom in no time. Rin was placing his phone into the pocket of his sweats. Shelly gripped Cam against her ċhėst as her teary eyes met Jos's. ”The only reason I'm willing to leave is for him... nothing else in this world would force me away from your side...”

Jos nodded as she ran toward Shelly and Cam and pulled them into a tight hug. ”I'll see you guys soon! Don't worry. Give Jamilla a hug for me.” She forced a smile as she held Shelly out at arm's length.

Rin patted Jos on the shoulder. ”I wasn't kidding earlier, you're more than welcome to either come with us or come there later. You'll have our protection.”

Jos shook her head. ”Thank you, but I can't...”

He nodded. ”I understand.” His attention moved to Shelly. ”Ready, love?”

Shelly nodded, a whimper slipping from her lips as his arm wrapped around her. ”Jos!” Her words were cut off as they vanished from the room.

The overwhelming sadness Jos had been holding back came crashing down on her the second they had vanished. Her body crumpled, but strong arms caught her. Arei scooped her into his arms and carried her back to the sofa. ”It's for the best, kitten.” He placed a kiss on her forehead as he gently brushed away the tears with the pad of his thumb. ”We'll get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible. You're not fighting this battle alone this time. No one else will be hurt, I promise.”

”You can't promise something like that... It's not within your control...” She whispered against his ċhėst.

”No... you're right... but I can promise I'll do everything within my powers... and so will my brothers....” He silently prayed to the gods for the strength to see his words through as he continued to hold her in his arms long into the night.