Fractured (Josie) novel Chapter 129

Chapter 0129 

Chapter 103 

**Deacon’s POV ** 

Having Josie in my arms was worth every second of what I’ve been through. It’s been two weeks of hell followed by hours of being trapped between realms that really tested my resolve. The emptiness of the void is enough to drive anyone to madness. If I hadn’t had such an important reason to stay focused and get out of there I doubt if have made it out. The darkness of that place creeps quickly into your mind, trying to consume you. I had felt bones under my feet of the poor souls lost there before me. I won’t risk taking Josie there, especially not now I suspect she carries a child. I have to come up with a new plan and find a way to communicate with the other side. Right now I can only think of two options. I stay here and raise the child with Josie until we can find a way back. Or I can attempt to get back through alone to get the help of the others. The first option is the safest for everyone but it comes at a massive cost to us all. I fear Luke will attempt to come here when we dont return within a few days. He was determined to come this time but when Theo had had enough of us arguing about which of us would attempt to get here and tossed a coin for it Luke had lost. 

I sit beside Josie at the small dinner table, my hand on her knee under the table. I feel the need to touch her constantly, not just because I can now but because I need to reassure myself she really is okay. I’m glad I get to share this moment with her, to see her celebrate her birthday with her mother and best friend, although I can still sense her sadness. I wish I could fix this for her, just bring her bonds here and see her face light up at the sight of them. I will find a way to reunite them, one way or another it will happen. I just dont know how long it’s going to take or at what cost. I can barely focus on the conversation at the table, my mind is reeling from everything I’m trying to figure out and at the possibility that I may have just lost everything back home. The choice is not a difficult one to make, I’d chose her and the baby she grows in her womb in a heartbeat, but that doesn’t mean I’m not devastated about everything I’m leaving behind. 

Josie nudges me, drawing my attention back to the present and all eyes are on me expectently. “My apologies, I’ve had a very long day travelling,” I say to the table, unsure who I’m supposed to be addressing. 

“I was asking what line of work you are in,” Penny smiles sympathetically. 

“Education,” I force a smile. 

“Oh so you work with children, that’s nice,” Penny says. 

“Not children, young adults,” I correct, feeling the need to make that clear. 

“But you are a young adult yourself,” she laughs. 

1/2 

“I am, but my father recently passed away and I inherited his academy. It’s been quite an adjustment to take the role of headmaster whilst I still have classmates attending the academy,” I explain. I dont know why but I want to make it known that I’m not too old to be bonded to Josie. She doesn’t even know Josie is her daughter, but I still have this urge to make her comfortable with our relationship.