Taking His Place

"Don't... go to my father!" Vance panted, clinging to the pain just to stay lucid for a few moments. "Tess, listen to me. You... go back home. I'll handle my father myself..."

"Even if I don't go to him, he'll come looking for me. Besides—" Tessa paused, her fingers gently tracing his brow. "I never planned to leave you to handle this on your own. Since I chose you, we should face everything toget