Chapter 13 — He's in Danger
I opened the door and froze.
Hex.
He was small, trembling, and… held by Nathan Navarro, his father. A grown man, drunk, red-faced, yelling. And Hex—just a little boy—was barely hanging on.
I didn't hesitate.
"Let him go, you mad dog!" I shouted, charging forward.
I grabbed Hex from Nathan's grip. He didn't resist. Instead, as soon as he saw me, he hugged me tightly, burying his little face in my chest.
I felt the bruises on his forehead and arms. My chest tightened.
"I'm so sorry I left you here, Hex. I shouldn't have," I whispered, stroking his hair. "I'll take care of you from now on."
He looked up at me, dazed, and mumbled, "Jay … you're… bad. But thank you."
Nathan Navarro turned, shocked.
"What the—"
I didn't let him finish.
I snatched the bottle from his hand and smashed it straight against his head.
The sound echoed.
Before he could even fall properly, I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him back.
"How could you do this to him?" I shouted. "He's a child!"
Nathan laughed—actually laughed.
"Oh, JJ… you're back," he slurred. "Don't you ever change."
My blood boiled.
"Don't say my name," I snapped. "You know exactly what you're doing, and it's disgusting. How could you hurt a child?"
He sneered.
"How did we even take him in the first place, huh? This kid—what's his problem? He's nothing but a spoiled, ignorant little brat."
That was it.
I punched him, hard.
Nathan hit the floor.
I grabbed his collar again, dragging him up just enough to look him in the eyes.
"Say it one more time," I warned, voice shaking with rage, "and I promise you—you won't even see your ancestors."
I raised my fist again—
"Jay , stop!"
I froze.
I turned sharply.
"Stop?" I yelled. "Do you even know what this kid has been through?"
Then—
"Jay Jay … the kid," someone said urgently.
I looked down.
Hex was on the floor.
My heart dropped.
"Hex… wake up, baby. You're okay," I whispered, holding him tight. He was limp, unconscious from fear and pain.
I carried him as fast as I could, through the small alleyways of the community, to where the car was parked.
Keifer helped lift Hex into the back seat, and I slid in behind him, holding Hex carefully.
Lorenzo, Dominic, Katrina, and Leo went to the other car to follow.
We drove quickly to the hospital. My heart pounded.
"Doctor! Doctor! Please, can you check him?" I shouted as we entered the emergency area.
They took Hex immediately. Machines beeped, nurses rushed. My hands trembled.
I waited outside, pacing, biting my lip.
Finally, the doctor came out.
"He's actually okay now," he said. "It's mostly bruises and some minor bleeding. Once he stabilizes, he can be discharged this evening."
"Thank you, Doctor!" I said, relief washing over me.
I stayed near the door until they moved Hex to a room for further observation.
Finally, I allowed myself a deep breath.
He was safe… for now.
But I knew one thing—this wasn't over.
Nathan Navarro wouldn't forget this, and neither would I.