Chapter 27- Meeting
Emma’s parents led Julian and his group into a private room inside the shelter, a modest but cozy space with old couches, a small table, and some sleeping bags neatly arranged. Julian accepted the offer with a polite nod.
"Thank you for bringing us here," Julian said to Luke, offering a rare, small smile.
Luke waved him off. "No problem at all. Glad we could help reunite you."
As Luke and his patrol headed off to their own quarters, Emma’s father, a broad-shouldered man with streaks of gray in his hair, stepped forward. "I’m Randoff Leight," he said, voice deep but warm. He looked Julian up and down, eyes narrowing slightly. "Thank you... for bringing my daughter home."
Julian inclined his head. "I should thank Emma. She’s saved me more times than I can count."
Randoff barked out a surprised laugh, slapping his knee. "HA! That’s my girl!" But his amusement faded as his gaze shifted between Julian and Emma, who was now fidgeting behind Julian. "So... Emma. Will you stay here with us?"
Before Emma could answer, Julian’s calm voice cut in. "That won’t happen. She’s already... involved with me."
Time froze. Emma’s mother, a kind-looking woman named Eliza, covered her mouth. Emma herself went redder than a tomato, eyes fixed on the floor. Clarissa, Veronica, and Aya shared a collective oh no expression.
Randoff’s smile vanished like a candle in a hurricane. "Involved? INVOLVED?! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!" His voice boomed across the room as he took a step forward, fists clenched.
Emma squeaked, "D-dad! Calm down!"
Randoff’s face was crimson. "Calm down?! How am I supposed to calm down when this guy says he’s involved with my baby girl?!"