After leaving the hospital, Georgia Adams was still tightly holding Kayden Scott’s hand, her heart racing. Everything that had just happened felt like a dream.
She could hardly believe that Kayden had stood up to her grandmother, the powerful matriarch of the Adams family. In the Adams family, she was the queen. Everything she said was right; even if it was wrong, no one dared to speak against her.
For three years, Georgia had grown up under the pressure of old Mrs. Adams. Her grandmother’s authority had seeped into every part of her life, making her fearful to defy even in her thoughts. She had never once dared to speak out against her in person. Georgia had spent those years quietly keeping her head down, playing the role of someone merely surviving under the family’s roof.
But today, Kayden had voiced what she had been holding inside for so long. Even though it wasn’t her who said it, she felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. Kayden had surprised her, and she was amazed that someone as quiet and reserved as him had been paying attention all along, understanding her heart better than she ever thought possible.
Kayden’s boldness had stunned Georgia. He had faced down old Mrs. Adams, whose face had turned as dark as a storm cloud, without backing down. It was probably the biggest humiliation old Mrs. Adams had ever experienced in her life!
Though Georgia knew it was wrong to think it, part of her felt that the old woman deserved it.
Watching Kayden walking ahead of her, Georgia felt like a delicate, cherished woman, protected by her man. He wasn’t just her boyfriend, but her man. The thought brought a blush to her cheeks.
She had always put on a strong, cold front around Kayden, acting like an untouchable, independent woman. Even Kayden had felt intimidated at times, unable to see through her tough exterior. It was all a facade. Back then, she had to be strong to survive in the Adams family, to face her grandmother. She had no choice but to live as if she were a man, strong and unyielding.
But now, with a man like Kayden standing in front of her, shielding her from the storm, she felt safe enough to let go, to become the soft, vulnerable woman she had always been underneath.
As they walked, she gently touched Kayden’s shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. He turned around, concerned. “What is it?” he asked.
She hesitated, her eyes shyly meeting his. “About what you said to Grandma earlier… I just wanted to say, thank you, Kayden,” she said, her voice soft and sincere.
Kayden smiled and reached out, playfully ruffling her hair. “No complaints this time?”
Georgia blushed even more. In the past, she had always found fault with Kayden’s actions, blaming him even when he was right. But now, she felt differently.
“I’m sorry,” she muttered, looking down in embarrassment. “I didn’t mean to be so harsh… It’s just…”
Kayden interrupted her gently, “Hey, no need for ‘sorry’ or ‘thank you.’ I promised I’d protect you, and that’s just what I’ll do. As long as you’re my woman, no one’s ever going to hurt you.”
His words were every woman’s dream, a promise of lifelong protection and love. And coming from a man as powerful as Kayden, the “War God”, it meant more than any other vow could. Georgia would be one of the most respected women in the world.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked away, her cheeks flushing. Everything Kayden said seemed to resonate with her deepest desires. He wasn’t the same Kayden she had known before. He was even better.
But something else was on her mind. She suddenly recalled everything that had happened and couldn’t hold back her curiosity. “How did you know all those things about Jamie Adams? And Mr. Buller, he’s famous for being strict and by-the-book. Why was he so respectful to you? And was it you who did this to Jamie Adams? Also, I heard Neville call you ‘Defender’… what’s that all about?”
Kayden hesitated for a moment, clearly thinking about how to answer her. Before he could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen: it was Fletcher Atkinson calling.
Since Nathan Atkinson’s death, Fletcher had not reached out. Kayden knew it was because of guilt and fear of his disapproval. Fletcher was well aware of Kayden’s ruthlessness-if Fletcher had shown even a hint of compassion for the enemy, his life would be forfeit.
Kayden answered the call without hesitation. On the other end, Fletcher’s voice was weak and strained. “Defender, I’ve taken heavy damage… Please, come help me,” Fletcher pleaded, sounding as though he was struggling to stay conscious. Kayden even heard a faint splattering sound, like blood being coughed up.
Chaos erupted in the background, voices crying out in panic. Fletcher Atkinson, one of Kayden’s Zodiac Generals, who had been known as Firefist for his fierceness, had been seriously injured.
Firefist was one of the toughest warriors Kayden knew. In battle, Fletcher’s fiery fists could break through any enemy line, even in the most dangerous of war zones. Who could have done this to him?
Hellblazer!
That was the only answer. If Hellblazer could kill Flood, another Zodiac General, then they could surely injure Firefist too. The members of Hellblazer were some of the most dangerous foes Kayden had ever faced.
Without hesitation, Kayden turned to Georgia. “I have to go. There’s something I need to take care of. I’ll tell you everything when I get back.”
And with that, he was gone, walking swiftly down the street, leaving Georgia standing there, full of questions. She sighed deeply, turning to head home. Despite everything, her heart felt light, happier than it had in a long time.
Perhaps all she had really needed was a little bit of security, and Kayden had given her exactly what she wanted.