Chapter 207: Deleted and in a comatose
Knox stood frozen at the door to Nathaniel’s office, fists clenched at his sides, heart pounding in his chest. The news had struck him like a bullet to the gut. They were just sharing a heartfelt talk and planning their vacation this morning, so how did everything turn out to this?
"I’m going," Knox growled through gritted teeth, his voice barely restrained.
Nathaniel, seated behind his desk with a grim expression, didn’t flinch. "No, you will not."
"You can’t stop me, father!" Knox shot back, pacing back and forth like a caged animal. "Azrael is out there with that monster. I’m not sitting around doing nothing while—"
"You’re not going, and that’s final!" Nathaniel’s voice boomed, cutting through the air like a sharp blade. He stood abruptly, towering over Knox. "Stop being stubborn, Knox. What else you can do? You’ll only be a hindrance to the others."
"But, father..." Knox’s heart ached. His father just slapped him for the truth. He didn’t know how to use a gun, and he wasn’t confident in his combat ability. On top of that, lately, his body seemed weakened, and he easily got tired even from just standing too long.
"Instead of coming with them, why don’t you just stay with your sons and console them? Earlier this day, I heard Knoa complaining and looking for his father," Nathaniel remarked. "You won’t be able to help the team with anything anyway."
Knox’s chest heaved as he struggled to calm himself. His father’s words sank in, but the desperation in his heart made it impossible to think clearly. Azrael was everything to him. The thought of Rage hurting him, or worse, sent Knox spiraling.
"Please," Knox’s voice cracked, his eyes burning. "He’s my husband. I have to be there."
Nathaniel’s eyes softened, but his resolve didn’t waver. "I know, son. But right now, you need to trust me. We’re going to get him back, but not this way."
Knox swallowed hard, turning his back to Nathaniel. He didn’t want his father to see the tears threatening to spill. Nathaniel knew him too well, though. He walked over, placing a firm hand on Knox’s shoulder.