Her features were an answer in it of itself. A resounding no. “Not my kind of job.” Now Selene did say whatever it takes, but that was a line she didn’t want to cross. “He did mention the DNA connection. I didn’t know, when Joey brought me.” She nodded in agreement. It was true, she could breathe now because of this woman. But then again, she didn’t ask to be brought into the world. It was complicated to say the least. “Scientist,” that made a lot of sense. Her involvement, how her DNA was chosen to become Selene. “She sounds like a very smart woman. I’m not acting tough,” she replied, almost defensively. It wasn’t a Gabe thing, or maybe it was. But, after the event with Joey, she was on high alert. Defense mechanisms included. “Wait hold on, she knew about me?” Knew about her creation? Does that mean she was willing to give her DNA to this, or knew about her creation in general terms? “What kind of plan? Is it to dismantle your wife’s work?” Or continue it? His answer would determine her thoughts. She couldn’t fathom another having an existence like hers, or like Matty’s. “It’s not that I’m not willing, but I’m not exactly on my own. I need more information before I make a call. Whatever decision I make will affect him,” she gestured to Matty. She was going to honor her promise, about staying together.

Succession (2018 - 2023)

txt: everything's fine, well sort of. Let me just call you.

She added both of her siblings to the call before activating it. It was late, Inez knew that but she couldn't really think of anyone else to process this with. She used the small side table to adjust her phone, knowing she'd likely not be too visible. The porch light was not that strong. "Sorry about this," she waved around the empty space to demonstrate she was outside in the dark. "Rafa's moonlighting as the family electrician and the power just went out here." Which was amusing on its own, until she let curiosity get the better of her. "Have the porch light but not super strong. The 411...honestly, I don't even know if I'm completely off base here. But, he lent me his family photo albums today." Which, realistically, didn't mean anything. Baby pictures, others with friends, and the awkward school pictures. Nothing more, right? "His pictures...they're, there's so many here with with my ex." Someone her family was only half-familiar with. They never formally met him. He had never interested in it. So, her family only met him through the occasional picture.

"That's weird, right! I mean, regardless of who he is, him being in Rafa's family albums feels like some shitty coincidence. I don't want to even think about how they know each other." Inez was still avoiding saying what she found in the last picture. Because, that plainly...couldn't be. "I don't want to ask Rafa, but it's not like I can ask my ex either." He had been gone for a while now. "Guys...there's one that has a caption that says, brothers enjoying the sun...you don't think?" There wasn't any family resemblance. At least not any that Inez could think of when she thought of both of them. But, she knew that didn't mean much. Occasionally, people didn't find the resemblance between her and some of her siblings. "Please tell me I'm making a big deal out of this for no reason." Her mind went back to her earlier conversations with Rafa though. The comments she had made about her ex, the things he shared of his brother. Life just couldn't be this funny. No way.

"A job?" What the? That's not what she was expecting when he asked her to come alone, without Joey. "Not necessarily," her gaze flickering to her brother and Matty sitting together, she bit the inside of her cheek. "Things have changed." A swift change, but she was certain he was used to it. Especially after he acknowledged their presence in the corner of the room. "Joey made some things clear earlier and truthfully, we weren't aligning on those goals. You suggest a job, I assume here? Joey knows this place." If it wasn't obvious already, she did not want to encounter him just yet. "Long hours, shitty pay, that's fine. I know what I need. What are you fighting for then?" Since he sounded so sure. "My brother told me, about the resemblance to someone you knew. Doesn't that deter you from all of this madness?" Not as oblivious as before, but surely she still had a long way to go. Still, she was partly curious for herself. How did he manage to stick around near all of this? Why?

"No," he shook his head and knew she'd think that. "You wouldn't work here unless you love sex with strangers. Yeah, to my wife. Her dna is coursing through your veins right now. Thanks to her, you can breathe. And no. I am continuing her work. She was a scientist," looking at Matty. "Made the connection between him and I. We shared one important dna sequence. Primary reason why we are both breathing and neither of us are sucking the air out of each other's spaces. You don't need to act tough with me. Not needed. That front before was more so for Joey's benefit so he thought he'd have something over you." He looked down and gestured to her. "That's why you are alive and she's not. Her findings were too early for herself." Though he had every right to be angry, he wasn't. His wife actually made it possible for her work to continue. "You're the product that she wanted to see through. I do have a plan but first I need to know if you'd be willing to take on a job."

"But, Maggie's progress was stumped...." with her death, no? Selene stared at her brother, her eyes narrow as she analyzed his words. What Max shared and didn't share. "She's not gone," she finally landed on. Not in the life and death sense, at least. A look in Max's direction and she confirmed her suspicion. Max knew. But, she didn't push it further. If she was alive, she wasn't going to put that at risk. "I know, he's learning a lot." Humming half-happy, she smiled. "He'll soon be smarter than both of us." She nodded slowly, listening to the possibility her brother presented. It wasn't new to her mind. She knew that, from the moment, she decided to help Matty that their life would always entail disappearing and living some form of nomad life. Away from everyone else. Which, sounded difficult, but it felt like a small price to pay for his happiness. "That's fine, whatever it takes," she reiterated to her brother. "As long as you guys still find a way to visit." Her face reddened at Matty's question. This was definitely not a topic she expected her brother to talk about. It felt embarrassing, but she still found his question cute. And, had to admit, the question had crossed her mind after Joey talked about his own wife.

"I...I think that's a big piece in question. Whether we'd be making kids with abilities. I mean, I don't want to accidentally play right into her hands." Karina wanted a super powered baby, she couldn't forget that. "Maybe once we're out, and away from all of this. You'd make a good uncle," she offered to her brother.

"Recreating her, fuck. He is sick. But, I think you're right. He has his own selfish goal, meaning mom knowing will get in the way. Two selfish people can't work together." Selene sighed and shook her head. Of course Joey's help only served to get her into deeper shit with her mother. "Ugh, she can have that toy back. It was never mine to begin with. For now though, might be good to keep them apart. Wouldn't want them to find us as a common thread they can tear down. Oh, you're familiar with him then?" It wasn't a full vote of confidence but Selene did feel a bit more at ease knowing Gabe helped her brother in some way. "A tiny bit weird, but I get it. I was trying so hard to not freak out when I saw him." An exact copy of Matty. "The backup would be much appreciated." Glancing down at her watch, "okay we might still have time. Meet you there?" She wasn't sure if Matty was up for joining, to have such an impression. See his double. Being in the dark was no good, as she just learned. And, she had promised staying together so they both headed to Gabe’s club.

He raised his head at Max sitting in the corner with the subject. It was fascinating to see the subject trying to fit into the space of normalcy. Which was why he offered her an out somewhat. "Say hi to your brother for me. Drinks are on the house. I'm not here to coddle you. You can do what you please but the only thing I'd advice you on is to know what you're actually fighting for. Not because Joey tells you what you want to hear. You know what you're headed for. Just because you were created doesn't mean you'll need be a soldier."

"The pay is shit. Hours are long but," as waitresses went by, "People seem to find themselves. The choice is up to you." Gabe wasn't usually so helpful but Selene held a soft spot in him knowing that his wife would be one to help someone else in need. Even if they didn't think so.

She shook her head in response, not because she denied what he said. In fact, it was sweet that he had known this for however long and hadn't viewed her any differently. That he still saw her as his sister, and he still went out of his way to protect her, the way older brothers did. "I'm trying not to freak out," she admitted to Max. Still, after many minutes, a shaky sigh escaped her. "I can't, you're right. Have someone counting on me," she said softly, thinking of Matty. She had already let him down, couldn't do it again. "That was his whole plan," Selene said reluctantly. Fuck, how far had she gone down? "And I ran right into it too. So eager to be involved and do something. I'd suggest him moving away, but after today, I don't know that we can be apart for too long. If that could be the last option, discarding everything I know." It wasn't much, but it was important to her.

The more she heard about Joey, the more disgusted she was. Even more disgusted at her decisions the last few weeks. But, what she really couldn't fathom was who Joey was. What he had done to someone he proclaimed to love so much. The way he spoke, it had made her believe that he truly cared for her, his wife. Instead, he had been the reason for her demise. He sounded just like her mother. The search for power, the lack of consideration for consequences. "So, he killed her." She didn't die by her mother's hand, it had been him. But, how easy it was to believe Karina was the reason for it. "But, if he killed her, why is he still so obsessed with having Matty's abilities at his disposal? What is he, trying to create someone else?" That would be the cherry on top of this whole mess.

Her? What. A success without abilities, Max and their mother had very different definitions. "I know. I've known from the moment I said hi to Matty, that I would end up on mom's list." It felt inevitable, looking back on it now. She would do it all over again. "That was Joey's shit too. Well, one of the ways he saved my ass last time we were at the lab. Well, thought he was saving my ass. He was probably just trying to get a rise out of mom." She nodded slowly, a consequence she knew was coming: their mom being upset. Selene, irrationally though, still feared it. Like a scolded child. "Well, it's nothing of concern. Just trying to sift through everything he said - what's true and what isn't. Rumors that mom is after too though, according to him." Unable to say his name now. "I know. It's been all hands on deck on finding Matty since he escaped." Some of the other agents had mentioned it, in a mocking manner, the agents finding it silly that her mom was so hyper fixated on this one thing. "Joey knows. Where our cabin was. That's where we just came from. Matty, he's found more control over his abilities and he protected us. He's somewhere in Ontario now, but as soon as he makes his way back, he'll tell her where we are. I know that....Matty, he's saying we can stay, but I think we need to move. If him and mom are on the same side, that cabin might as well be on fire right now. Speaking of Gabe too, I had a meeting with him later tonight. He was specific in requesting I didn't go with Joey. I was going to let that meeting go to shit, but maybe worth salvaging?"

Looking over to Matty who had focused on the sky, he nodded. "Yeah, you do. He won't always be like this though. Not if Maggie's progress means anything." The childlike wonder would be part of him but it would not make him think like one. "Well, moving away and also a change of identities. I know you don't want to think of that but after all this, witsec would be the best option. A chance to live a normal life." Matty heard that and smiled. He'd love a normal life, in their small cabin. "Could we have a baby?" he asked as his head snapped up to look at Max. "Really."

Max glanced at him and sighed, "I'm not sure. Honest answer is I don't know. There's never been a case where two people who aren't human got together. You're a first. I assume everything is the same so technically yes you could make a baby." Then turned to Selene. "You can do everything anyone else can do. The only issue would be that if the kid would be with abilities or not. But, if you should want that in the future, your baby would be safe."

"It's fine, I promise. I will owe a lengthy snack time but those are better anyway." She hummed in thought, smiling proudly when he said that. "You think so? She is a pretty great kid." So, being loved by her was a point of pride. "Uh, yeah. They're longtime family friends. Wally, who you met, we've been friends since we were kids and somehow ended up befriending the whole family." She nodded a yes, "Nope, I'm an only child," had they really not even gotten through the family conversations? How much did she not know about Shawn? "Think my parents wanted more, but timing just didn't work for them. You have siblings?"

"I'm fine." A small smile overtook over his features as he looked at her. "I'm just thinking she's a cute kid. Looks an awful lot like her father or is that just me?" He hadn't met anyone who took to genes quite like the child and her father. "No problem. Is that really your favorite flower? He didn't believe her so he narrowed his eyes at her.

"Oh, you poor thing." Ximena continued to coo at the doe as she held is head in her lap. She had been heading home after some blind date Órlaith and Briggs had set up for her, which to no surprise, did not end well, when she saw the poor thing in the middle of the road. Pulling over her little old Volkswagon rabbit, a hand me down from her dad, she set up some flares and assessed the creatures. Someone had hit it and it it seemed like one of its hind legs was broken.

There was no way that she could take it in her little car to Sunburst, so she called the nearest person she thought she could depend on. As headlights began to to make their way towards them, she recognized the truck right away. Petting the doe's head on more time, she spoke it again. "I'll be right back, that's my friend, we'll get you somewhere safe okay. We'll help you get better."

Laying its head gently back down to the ground, she ran over to Declan's truck and began to talk rapidly as he got out. "I need to get it over to Sunburst and I can't pick her up on my own or fit her in my truck. I'll really sorry to bother you this late but I really needed your help. I called Amelia and she said she'll open up the clinic and get it ready to exam her but I really need your help to get her there."

"Stop it. I meant it when I said anytime and anywhere. Just as long as I wasn't asleep. I got you. I will hear none of your aplogy. It will fall on deaf ears. Okay, so Amelia knows and she's gonna be ready by the time we get there. Great, do you think the chances of survival are good?" he asked as his feet got closer to the animal. "Should I pick up the legs and you the head?"

Selene sat down as he asked and, as she did so, she observed his movements. Everything he communicated silently before a word was even said. "Wait, hold on - what do you mean?" This whole time, she thought he was deep in their mom's work. Which, of course, didn't keep her from telling him about the shit she was in. She trusted him as her brother, the agent piece was usually left at the door.

"Wait, sorry...Maggie didn't have abilities? Joey was pushing for her to obtain them?" Add that to the list of lies she had fallen for. But, Joey had said that his wife had passed away? "She was human," what kind of psychopath had she been hanging out with? "What's Gabe got to do with it? Joey took me to him earlier today, his method..."is that what Joey wanted out of him? And, why they had gone there today? The sinking feeling in her chest was just growing, the feeling of failure was the greatest it had ever been. It only subsided momentarily upon hearing he had helped her out. To know Joey wasn't successful. But, it only confirmed what Joey's insanity entailed. "So, you've been at this a while. He was, well he wanted Matty. With what you just told me, his abilities more like. I was just the method to get to him." Which, made her feel worse. She stared at her brother dumbfounded, how did he know that she questioned her connection to Matty? She never did, not in the sense of her feelings towards him. However, Selene did question how and why she had bonded with him so quickly upon meeting him. How quick they were to dedicate themselves to each other, to risk their lives for each other. "What do you mean? Why would anything change that we're siblings?" Her brows furrowed in complete confusion.

At a loss. Max's words felt heavier by the second. Heavier and completely non-sensical. There had been a point in her life when Selene had questioned if she had been adopted. If that was the reason she couldn't find her place in their family. Why her mom always seemed to be annoyed with her, couldn't be bothered to help her advance the way she did her brothers. Adopted crossed her mind, created? Not so much. "Created, like Matty was? Wait, hold on, she wanted me to have powers?" As she processed, it became clear for her. Why there was a disinterest in her. She was human, nothing special to offer her mother. It all lined up, why she wouldn't have a chance. "I'm not related to you?" He said she was still his sister, but it hit her somewhere in her gut - to know she was created on a whim. At her mother's wish, and was a disappointment from the jump. What even was her life? How did creating make sense? She didn't remember labs or experiments. Not the way Matty described it. "You think there's actually a way out of this Max? I get mom wants this super powered person, but surely after two attempts...what more could she try?" It was then that she remembered something Joey said, and she wondered if it was also part of his lies. Still, worth a shot to bring up. "Joey had said something, about a baby. Rumors of a baby born from someone with abilities. Is that her next goal? Raising someone right, this time around?"

Max wanted to make sure that Selene didn't focus on the things she couldn't control. "I need you to not freak out on me okay? You are my sister. You are so much more than what you think you are. You cannot focus on this side. Feel the feelings but don't give into the dark deep hole of destruction." Max sighed and nodded. "It is possible to get you out safely but now that Joey has thrown you into it. It is going to be more difficult. Not impossible. The thing is with this it won't be easy to have you two just move away. You'd have to shed all you've known. But that's something to pin. We've got bigger fish to fry."

He stayed quiet for a second as his sister processed everything he had just told her. A few glances at Matty and he could tell he was learning and adapting to life. Something he had seen with Maggie. "She was human but had the dna sequence to be a match. The thing was that joey didn't wait. He thought the most viable was the first option. Laurie. Except Maggie couldn't take it. Joey tortured her all under the guise of trying to do good."

It was her turn to go over to Kooks Coffee for the office coffee run but she wasn't focused on the task itself. More about the drinks that she was getting. Theo and herself were getting their usuals but not her boss. Which had her mind running a million miles a minute. Though she was pretty suspicious of her boss seeing as she was ordering a Hibiscus drink instead of her usual pleasure the Party Wave – they all knew of Wally's allergies and it was a guilty pleasure of her boss to have the honey'd drink with cinnamon when she knew he wasn't around – the reason behind why she might be was what really made her mind run.

They were about to get married and with the wedding around the corner she seemed a little more suspicious than normal about her bosses changing patterns. She could chalk it up to her being nervous about their big day, or being stressed with the twins, or her number one suspicion that her boss –

The thought died as the drinks in her hands came crashing against her chest covering in her hot and cold caffeinated, and one non caffeinated, drinks that she was sure would be a sticky mess soon seeing how Theo liked the sugary drinks. Shoving her sunglasses to the top of her head, she looked at the mess before turning her attention to the man that had run into her. Now she'd have to go change and still have to come back for coffee again. It didn't matter that he was pretty to look at, right now he was target of her ire.

So, as he walked in and got met with the rush of people, he half groaned to himself thinking he picked the perfect time to get that hankering for coffee. He weasled himself between the crowds and excused himself when he reached the counter. Task one was complete. Coffee was ordered and minutes away from melting in his mouth. The next feat was the desserts. Now, that he couldn't figure out why the window was on the other side of the shop. It seemed absurd but he wasn't a coffeehouse owner so what did he know. He heard his name being called and half sighed as he sped walked over trying not to bump into anyone but of course, that was not something he'd be able to do. Next thing he knew he heard a loud splat and then came a voice, a voice who if he didn't know better was full of irritatability.

Her belief in him was intact and that part of her trusted his words, but belief in herself was fairly slim and that part still didn’t trust entirely that her mother wouldn’t gain the upper hand at the slightest mistake. “Stronger,” she replied, finding it was all she could say before nodding and reaching for his hand, gently squeezing it. “Far enough, he’ll have a hard time getting back here.” Not impossible, but Selene could guess his back was against the wall. Crossing the Canadian border without his passport meant finding a way to sneak in or calling in a big favor. Which would mean explaining why he ended up there in the first place. “You see me in a very positive light,” even after everything. “I trust you,” she shook her head, declining the offer to see herself through his eyes. He had used enough of his energy today. “you’re practically my moral compass.” She knew how heavy that could sound. Her connection to him, it was strong. Stronger than she’d ever been connected to another person. But, she also couldn’t help but think of Joey and his wife. The lengths he was going to for her. How she understood that, at the thought of losing Matty. But, she never wanted to break her promise to Matty, to hurt people. “My brother,” she said half-hesitant, unsure how he’d react to being near someone from her family. She didn’t hesitate, however, to run into his arms and hug him tightly. Her safe space was always him.

After finding the tracker Joey implanted, Selene drove them to the place Max had sent her. It’d be a while before he could get here, but her paranoia was at an all time high. Even higher considering she had Matty with her. The extra time she had, she used to ensure their surroundings were safe. Hearing her brother's call pull into the parking lot, she couldn't help her smile. "Yes, my big brother Max," turning to Matty, she squeezed his hand once more. "I need to talk to him for a quick minute, but you don't have to get out of the car. Your decision," she reminded him.

Her eyes closed as her brother's comforting embrace. "Yes yes, I'm okay," she tried reassuring him, spotting his gaze falling on Matty. Of course, her brother was still an agent. "She had you away for a long time. When'd you get back, today?" She did have questions on her mother's debrief, but she hadn't seen Max in so long. And, Selene had missed him more than she realized. She wanted to catch up with him before the shop talk. Her words were quiet when she finally allowed herself to ask. "So, what was mom's debrief about?"

He guided her over to the small shop and gestured for her to sit. As he took a seat, a long exhale escaped him. He sat for a beat trying his best to figure out how to best put it to her in a way she'd understand she wasn't being babied into submission to sit in the corner. "First off, I don't work for mom. I mean I do but I don't. She thinks I do but in reality, I've been helping subjects, like Matty, find their way and a new life. I guess I should go back to the beginning." With that Matty scooted closer, he could see the woman in his head, the one he helped, the one he saw in Joey's mind. "Maggie was Joey's wife. She was human, an innocent that got roped into the latest tech evolution brought upon by Joey. He wanted to recreate Gabe's method." He didn't tell her about his sweetheart since he knew that Selene wouldn't be ready to hear it yet. Though, he knew Matty already knew. His features made it obvious that he understood why he had a connection with Selene and why she could see what he saw. She was one like him.

"He thought that recreating the method would give him something powerful. Instead what it did give him was nothing. No results. An empty vessel that just begged to be put out of her misery. The result of someone who just couldn't stop. Sounds a little rapey, doesn't it? She was the first one that I could get out. Of course, the play was to have her killed which is the story everyone knows and believes. With you getting involved, I'm sure he's trying to test your limits. As for why? I know you question your connection with him. This doesn't change the fact that you're my sister and that I love you and have done so since you came home."

"Well, you exceeded all my expectations...as a partner and a parent. You could never be bad at this, I don't think you've seen the way our Tavo looks at you. He adores you." And even that didn't encompass it all. She looked around in the directions he did before chuckling. Joking about sneaking away from the hacienda was amusing to her, a callback to their kid days. "See, you spoil me too much. Makes it impossible to go back to work," she teased. That wasn't the reason she was still home. She hadn't really been a full-time nurse in some time, instead focusing her efforts on the new hospital wing being built. But, she knew the topic of work had to be discussed at some point. "Yes! Zeke was telling me about it, sounds like we might be able to skip dinner prep if we go to the festival." Hearing their son's cries, she chuckled at the nickname sticking. "I'll meet you out front, love you."

He smiled softly as he rubbed his nose against her. "The only reason I'm half as good is because of you baby. You're the best mom there is. There was never any doubt on your abilities." His hand caressed her cheek and poked her nose. Getting Tavo up and ready was easy enough, the boy was ready to be up and head to adventure. His gummy smile bright as he saw his father walking in.

Selene half-expected the push back. Today's events called her judgement into question. Hell, if she was trusted to turn the car on, it'd be a miracle. Still, beyond that, it was astonishing to hear him be so decisive. To be so assertive about staying here, in the small home they had built in the shadows. "I don't disagree, I love the place we've built here. I just..." If her fuck ups weren't bad enough, once again bringing up her unique connection to it all, might be the last straw. "If he relays this to her," opting to say that instead of calling her her mother. Selene just couldn't guarantee she could keep him safe. "I'll take care of the window, don't worry. You need to rest. Ontario?" Even with the strong feelings running rampant, she couldn't help the quiet laugh that followed his. "He'll have a fun time leaving Canada. Should buy us some time."

She had said that? A sigh followed as she tried to think of how to start describing the concept. Though, even as she considered, a small smile remained. How he still looked to her with that curiosity. The wonder in his eyes and the gentle frown lines around them. That was the Matty she knew. "You're always safe," she pointed out, her features softening at the sight of his toothy grin, her shoulders releasing the tension she didn't realize she'd been holding. Selene scooted closer, sitting next to him before her head leaned on his shoulder. "It will do," she confirmed before continuing. "Selfishness...it's used to describe someone. A trait. Like, being kind or curious. Being selfish means you care about your own interests and what benefits you, without caring about others' needs or their feelings. A selfish person doesn't tend to consider others at all, only what works for you. That's why I said it."

As she continued describing it, she felt her phone vibrate and knew it was her brother. Or, at least she hoped. "I'll have to go later, just for a bit," she broached the subject carefully, texting her brother the lyric that followed to confirm she'd be there. "I shared a bit of what I'm doing with my brother. I know my judgement isn't exactly trustworthy right now, but I didn't mention you. But, with him being on us now too, I need the information my brother can give us." On other occasions, she wouldn't even consider it. But, seeing him in action today, Selene understood he was adjusting well. "Would you want to go with me? I'll keep the car parked far, so he doesn't see you." She also wasn't going to push for him to meet her brother just yet. "But, a small change of air...and I can get us dinner on the way back." Since their lunch had been destroyed in the altercation.

"I don't care. She can't do much to us. We're stronger together." That much he knew and wanted her to believe. He nodded at Ontario and grinned when she revealed he wasn't anywhere near. "That is very far?" A small giggle escaped him as he didn't think he could throw him very far. "You're not selfish then. That doesn't describe you. If you see you through my eyes. Wanna borrow my eyes?" He knew how that sounded but he didn't mean it figuratively. She could connect to his sight but he couldn't keep it up for long. Matty felt like he should say no but then again, he didn't like her going out on her own. If need be, he could be of use. "I'll go. Who are we meeting?" He dusted his sides and opened his arms for her for a hug.

Max made sure he wasn't followed and when he turned the corner he switched cars and got into his regular one. It didn't take him long to get to the appointed meet spot. He knew if he was early, his sister was earlier than that. With a chuckle, he got out of the car and walked over to the other side. Matty got a flash, the brunet with a bundle of joy in his arms, him smiling and cooing. The baby looked like Selene. It was cute. He gasped slightly and smiled. "Your brother."

Selene's frown deepened, flashes of hurt across her face as he spoke. She never thought that she'd hear her self-proclaimed role thrown back in her face. It hurt, deeply. That she'd even be remotely compared to them. The them that she came from. "I don't know, I'm not...I'm just trying to give you a shot. Like you said, I'm the protector and yet he found the cabin." Not exactly winning any awards in the protective area.

"You know I won't hurt you." Killing him, that would never cross her mind. The suggestion shattering her heart in pieces. But, even in the heartbreak, she heard him reaffirm that he wasn't leaving and a determination she admired became a point of defeat. How was she meant to keep him safe, keep him away from her if he wouldn't go. You're right. I did say that and I won't push it. All I want is for you to be safe and sound, but I want you here. With me. But, I don't want my selfishness to put you in harm's way. Like now. She had to fight back to tears that threatened to pool in her eyes, quickly blinking to push it away. The last thing she ever thought to hear from him was stupid and blind. Stronger together, I want to believe that. I just refuse to lose you, like him over there. Selene didn't want to think of how she'd react in a world without Matty. If it's not because we fell in love, then what's behind this connection then?

Selene watched stunned, in amazement, as he practically smashed Joey through the windowpane. Her head whipped around from looking at Joey to look back at Matty, the deep purple glow in his eyes and his hands. Even more confusing was the bizarre language he spoke. She couldn't guess where he got tossed, far enough away, but it wouldn't be permanent. Even more so seeing Joey's determination. He was really dedicated to this, to bring him back to her mother. Matty collapsed in front of her and she knelt down cup his face, but he stopped her before she had a chance. His words stung. It was rejection at its finest. He didn't want her near him. Her gun was tossed to the side, pulling her phone from her back pocket. Considering she had just been played by one man, she really shouldn't be trusting another, but she needed to keep a pulse on all of this. It was only a matter of time before Joey ran to her mother. She quickly pulled up her brother's number to text him, hey - if there's anything down the grapevine, let me know. have a feeling it's an active night. In other words, if you hear anything from mom or alarm bells go off, call me. Vague enough that it didn't give anything away. At least until she could decipher if her brother was truly on her side. She set her phone aside, the shattered window letting in a chilling breeze, but she didn't make a move or inched closer to him. He didn't want her close, so she wouldn't approach. "I won't go. I'll stay right here until you want to talk to me. I need to explain." Needed to explain herself. "I need to tell you how this all happened, about him." Joey's connection to all of this. "You can think me stupid afterwards, just know we don't have all night. We should get moving soon." The cabin wasn't safe anymore.

"We're not moving. This is our home. We've been running for so long that they don't need the satisfaction of having us move again. We're staying." The conviction he showed was there, like no one was going to convince him otherwise. "I'll clean the window up momentarily. He's in Ontario. I don't know where that is but it has a moose gas station." A small trickle of a laugh escaped him as he saw what Joey saw.

"Before you said, selfish. What is that?" The curious question made him frown because he wanted to know if that was an emotion. As he sat up he half smiled and let her come over to his side. "There. I'm safe again," a toothy grin showed before he closed it and tapped his foot on the floor. "We don't have the honesty carpet but maybe the wooden floors will do?"