Shackled (The Lord Series) by Carlos

Jasper parks the car close to the lake.noveldrama

The cabin is in sight. Diva is waiting for us on the porch. Why did Wasp leave her outside? Spencer presses his palms and face to the window. "Wow!"

I chuckle softly, remembering the first time I saw the lake. I was about the same age as Spencer, some months after Camila was born. My uncle brought me here. He has always been the strange one in the family. That day, he gave me my first beer. It started a bit bitter, but I liked it. We never told my parents. I don't think my mom would have been happy.

"Do you like it?" I ask as I unfasten my seatbelt. I hate using one, but Tyson and Olivia would disapprove of me teaching Spencer bad things. Ansel and I will slowly teach him the ways of a Lord. "Yes!" Spencer replies excitedly.

I open the front door and get out of the car. Diva runs to me. She barks and wiggles her ass, happy to see me. I told Spencer all about Diva, so he wouldn't be scared when he meets her. "Wait until you meet the horses," Jasper says.

We mentioned Artax, Speckles, and her filly during the flight. Spencer didn't stop asking about them until we landed. I shake my head and wait for Spencer to start a new set of questions. "When can I see them?" Spencer asks almost immediately.

"Yes," I reply. To Diva, I say, "Stay!" I open the back door and help Spencer with his seatbelt. Next to him, Olivia and Ansel are asleep. After the fight with Asa, they became more tired than usual and needed to nap during the day. The doctor assured us it was expected because of all the blood loss. He tried to find out what happened, but an envelope full of cash made him realize it was best to mind his own business.

Tyson stops his car behind Jasper's.

I help Spencer get out. "Let Diva sniff you so she gets familiar with your scent." Spencer does as told.

Tyson, Jon, and Mose start to get the luggage out. Khloe glances at Spencer and me. Content that he is in good hands, she goes to look around. Jasper tried to get Ansel up.

After sniffing Spencer for a while, Diva licks his hands before I can stop her, making him giggle. A pack of wipes is on the dashboard, and I grab it. After cleaning Spencer or Diva's droll, I ask, "Do you want me to show you around?" Spencer looks at Olivia. "What about Mommy?"

I pick him up in my arms. He is surprisingly light. "Mommy is tired. So is Daddy Ansel. Your other daddies will get them to bed while I show you the horses. What do you say?"

Spencer looks at me with weary eyes. Jon and Khloe only taught him about Olivia and Tyson, not knowing that Tyson has blood-brothers. Spencer is still getting used to having five fathers. His little arms circle my neck. "Yes, Daddy Rueben." A knot forms in my throat.

I have never seen Spencer as mine until now. In the back of my mind, I was more like an uncle. Olivia accepting me as her bonded is still new to me. I never thought she would love me. I was ready to walk away if that was what it took for her to be happy.

"I'll show our son around," I inform the others as I head toward the stable. Diva walks next to us.

We informed Wasp that we were on our way and didn't want her to be on our property when we stepped on it. I don't like that woman, but the Lords will be forced to work with her.

I glance at the sky.

It's already May.

Lords from many cities will soon gather in Veross City to discuss the imminent danger. Wasp and Olivia will be present. I don't like it. I don't want Olivia to be in even more danger. Her getting hurt by Asa took away ten years of my life. Why does Olivia have to be the heir of Pandora? Isn't there someone else who can use the daggers?

We have not only the daggers but also two Nephilims swords. Ansel insisted we bring them with us, claiming they were important. He promised to explain everything during the gathering.

Spencer and I reach the stable. A small pasture is next to it, and the horses are inside it. I stop in front of the fence and put Spencer on my shoulders so he can see the horses better.

"They are so big, Daddy! And so beautiful!" Spencer exclaims.

"The filly belongs to your Mommy," I let him.

He lets out a small gasp. "Mommy has a horse? She is rich then!"

His innocence warms my heart, slowly healing old wounds.

"Do you want to learn how to ride a horse?" I ask.

Spencer hesitates before replying, "Do you think I can?"

I put Spencer on the ground and squat in front of him so I can look into his eyes, "You can do whatever you put your mind to."

A big smile appears on his face. "Then I want to learn how to ride."

I ruffle his hair. "I'll buy a pony for you."

Spencer hugs me. "I love you, Daddy Rueben."

My arms come around him. "I love you too, buddy."

"Daddy, why is there a goat on the roof?"

**Rueben being such a good dad took me by suprise. Well, all the bad parts are mostly gone. From now on, it should be a smooth sailing until the end. I still have some characters so eliminate, and that will happen soon. I will update in 2-3 days**