Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Ninety

When Sebastian and Ominis returned home, they told me that Justus would be setting up a patrol on our old home to see if the invaders would try to show up again and catch us coming home. We were "ordered" not to return until this was all over.

I sighed. I never did take orders well.

Sebastian was almost worse than Justus. He didn't want me to leave the house at all. I bucked against that.

"We've discussed this, Seb. I can't just hide away..." I tried to protest.

"And that was logical before people were actively coming after you! And our children! You need to stay here. At least until we figure this out or come up with our next move."

"But I can take care..."

"NO! Rachel. Don't argue with me about this! I can't... I can't worry about you. All the time. I need to know you're safe. I need to know they're safe." He ran his hands through his hair, like he always did when he was frustrated. "We're done discussing this."

And with that, he went straight upstairs and slammed his door.

"Rach. It's a good idea to stay here for at least a little while. Until we can figure out what's going on or who's behind it. We all want you and the twins to be safe. Don't worry, we'll figure this out." Omi said softly and put a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

I tried to smile his way. I didn't want Anne and Omi to see me cry or know how upset I was at Seb. "Thanks, Omi. And thank you both for having us. I'll do my best not to be inconvenient for you both."

"Nonsense, Rachel. You're family. Stay as long as you want." Anne said firmly.

I fed the twins and let them play with their toy wands on the floor for a while. I skipped dinner. And so did Sebastian. He hadn't reappeared. Anne and Omi ate in silence at the table. Anne got up to start clearing and I stopped her.

"Please. Let me. You two go enjoy each other's company. I need something to stay busy anyway." I said as I rose from the chair and started cleaning up the table.

"Ok. Thanks, Rachel. Omi? Would you like to take a walk?" Anne extended her hand to him and he took it. They went out the door, closing it gently behind them. I was left with the dishes and children who were playing on the floor.

As I cleaned up, I realized this was my new role. Housewife. Taking care of the children. Cleaning up after everyone. Staying home all day while the others went off to their careers to provide for all of us. Not that I didn't love my children. Or that there was anything wrong with being a housewife! It just wasn't me.... how had I been reduced to a prisoner of my home. And not even in my own home!

I had always been so proud that I provided myself with my own home; I bought it. I did. Just a short while ago, I was a fully self-sufficient woman, out on my own. And now... I couldn't even go shopping alone. Sebastian had laid down the law.

A small part of me knew it was only temporary and it was for our own good. To keep us safe. But I bristled at being treated as delicate and needing protection. As if I couldn't take care of myself or my own children. I sighed deeply.

"Can I help?" Sebastian's soft, melodic voice sounded from behind me.

"You can put them away when I'm done, if you like." I answered him, not turning around but continuing my work.

His strong arms snaked around my waist from behind me and he placed his chin on my shoulder. "I'm sorry for yelling. I'm just scared." He said softly into my ear.

"I know. Me too. I just hate the idea of being trapped here all the time. I'll go stir crazy, Seb! I will."

"I know, I know. You're not the type to sit back and let others handle your business. I just... I can't risk it. I can't risk my family.... I just can't... " He pulled away from me, running his hands through his hair again.