Chapter 24 #2
It’s more obvious since he’s no longer in the bell hop outfit, and his wild golden curls are falling over his face.
Also, as he’s chosen to wear baggy jeans and sneakers that he bought from the thrift store.
It will take time for him to understand that he is now part of a billionaire pack and doesn’t need to watch every dime.
He is wearing Papa’s knitted Christmas tree sweater with a twinkling look of irony, which only teenagers can pull off.
Ollie has been complaining all week since Icarus told him that he has been enrolled in a private academy that specializes in helping people who have missed schooling.
I offered to pay for it. That’s what pack does. I would do anything to help Ollie or any of the Sinners.
“Don’t make me tell you how guilty I feel that you were forced into working when you should have been doing schoolwork, playing, and just being a kid.” Icarus’ jaw was tight.
Ollie’s sunny smile dimmed. “I’ve never complained.”
“I know. You’re the best brother.”
“You were forced to work here too. You made sure that we didn’t starve. You didn’t abandon me like…”
Icarus pulled his brother into a one-armed hug.
So, that was what his brother had always feared.
It was heart wrenching.
“I would never leave you,” Icarus insisted.
“I have done everything to make sure that we would stay together. But because of your brave help in our…caper…I have now been promoted to CEO. I have more than enough money for us both. You have a stunning bedroom that you can decorate for yourself in the penthouse. And Jelani has asked if he can take over babysitting duties. You don’t need to act like an adult anymore.
You can relax and let yourself be a high school kid, whatever that means.
You have a whole future ahead of you; as a Beta, there are a range of careers open to you.
Plus, this country is changing. We’re helping with that.
This pack has enough money to put you through college.
I never dreamed that would be possible. Take this opportunity.
Who knows what you could achieve? And who knows what the world will look like by the time you graduate? ”
Now, Dad bounces Zoe on his knee. He strokes her small head in wonder, before pulling her up to nuzzle her.
He is holding her like he never wants to let her go, as if he is trying to make up for all the months that he has lost.
I have dressed Zoe in a cute snowman dress.
“She has your eyes,” Dad comments in wonder.
“Your eyes,” I reply, softly.
“Yes.” Dad’s lips curl into a smile. “As mischievous, pretty, and perfect as you were at her age. I knew that she would be. I will never leave either of you again. No matter if the sky falls in, I swear that I will find a way to be with you, my remarkable daughter.”
My throat is thick with tears. “We were never really apart. I knew that you’d find a way back to me. I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too. Both of you.”
“ ‘Andad!” Zoe points at Dad.
Dad’s eyes crinkle with delight. “Smart Omega.”
Dad looks younger and more carefree than I have ever seen him before in my life.
Startled, I suddenly remember what this scene reminds me of.
The photograph: My most precious possession, which I now have framed and up in the penthouse, as I slowly redecorate it with Dad’s help — the only one that Dad was able to save.
The photograph that shows Dad before his bond was shattered with his arm around Ryan after his soccer match.
When Dad was happy and carefree.
It fills me with happiness that Dad appears to be getting there again. He can never go back, but moving forward, Papa and him have chosen to move into a single bedroom together.
I love that for them.
I love that my pack feels happy, apart from Ellington.
My gaze slides to the subdued Omega who is standing uncomfortably outside the firelight to the far side of the couches.
I am surprised that Papa has even knitted Ellington a sweater (one with bright baubles that matches his character), as well as Hatton.
I am more than surprised that they are both wearing them.
Hatton is quietly talking to his dad.
Perhaps, he’s trying to convince him not to bolt.
It looks like it.
Ellington is pale enough.
I am not surprised, considering that the new Head Alpha of the pack, Icarus, as well as Lionzio, are both seated on the opposite couch to the Omegas, shooting Ellington death stares.
After how Ellington has treated Icarus over the years, I think that we need to take their relationship in baby steps. To be honest, being able to be in the same room as him is a good start.
Both the Alphas are wearing matching Santa sweaters.
They look adorable.
Although, I won’t tell them that.
I prefer this domestic look even to the sexy Santa look that Icarus rocked on Christmas Eve.
Icarus is clutching a brightly wrapped gift on his knee.
Upstairs, underneath the fir tree in the penthouse, are a whole pile of presents. They were bought in an evening of wine and laughter, while my pack took turns secretly ordering presents for each other online.
We’re opening them together later in private. The moment is too special to be shared in public.
This single present, however, can’t wait.
When Icarus stands, however, clutching the present to give it to my daughter — his daughter — Ellington flinches back.
“You don’t need to beat me,” he snarls, startling the rest of us. “I get the message. I’m going. Thank you for including me, but I know that I’m not welcome.”
He turns on his heel.
Icarus, however, barks, “Stop.”
Ellington freezes.
He is panting with fear.
I should enjoy this. I don’t.
“Please.” Hatton stands protectively in front of his dad. “He has worked hard all week, training me up about the hotel. He has tried—”
“Both of you sit down,” Icarus says, coldly. “Or go and grab some food or a drink. You look like you need it. This is meant to be a party.”
Ellington stares at him. “Yes, Alpha.”
“Don’t call me that,” Icarus snaps, making Ellington jump.
“I became your Head Alpha to save you. I look out for everyone in my pack, especially Omegas, and despite everything that you’ve done, that includes you.
Just call me Mr. Sinner. And relax. No one is going to hurt you again.
If they do, tell me, and I will destroy them. ”
“You mean that.” Ellington wraps his arms around himself.
“Of course. Did you forget something?”
Zero drags me away from Piper and into his arms, burying his face on my neck to hide his laugh.
Ellington grits his teeth. “I’m sorry, Mr. Sinner.”
Icarus smirks. “I’m glad that we understand each other.”
“Come on, Dad, let’s sit down.” Hatton grabs Ellington’s hand and drags him to sit on the edge of the couch.
“No one is excluded in the Sinners,” I say. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t be watching to make sure that you are trying to change.”
“I am.” Ellington fiddles with the bottom of his sweater. “I’ll do whatever you need, even work as housekeeping staff. Would you like me to scrub the toilets?”
Icarus’ expression brightens. “I’ll schedule you in.”
Yet it twists something sickly inside me because it reminds me too much of my own fall from grace.
So, I send Icarus a stern glare, and he smiles back sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders.
“Icarus was only joking. You’d be wasted doing that when you know the management side so well. Why don’t you keep training your son and also, help Lion?” I offer.
“Why help me?” Lionzio asks.
Here goes, time to make Lionzio feel as worthy as he deserves to.
Dad nods at me in encouragement.
“Would you like to take the General Manager role?” I offer. “You were able to run the mafia underworld. I reckon you can manage a single hotel. Icarus can teach you everything that you need to know.”
“In so many ways, love,” Zero whispers into my ear. “He coached him thoroughly last night.”
I blush.
Lionzio looks dazed, before he smiles widely.
A deep pride warms through the bond; it melts the icy self-doubt and self-hatred that normally frosts Lionzio’s emotions.
Icarus arches his brow. “Well? I know that you will also need to work part-time for your other boss.”
He glances at Piper, who nods.
We all know that we are talking about the Omega resistance.
“I can give him some time off. Also, he can do my books here,” Piper says, being deliberately vague. “He isn’t that suited to my line of work anyway.”
Lionzio doesn’t look bothered.
It’s true. He has also stated that this will be his one and only field mission.
He is more the behind the scenes kind of guy.
Piper thrives in undercover missions. The Omegas are the superheroes.
Piper and I share a secret smile.
Lionzio clears his throat. “Then I accept.”
“How many cancellations have there been?” Hatton tilts his head. “Once the scandal hit and the hotel closed? Do we even have a business to reopen?”
I wring my hands in my lap. “About sixty percent of the elite packs have canceled.”
Ellington hisses out a breath. “Shit.”
It’s so rare for the refined Omega to swear that my gaze shoots to his in shock.
Ellington crosses his arms with a huff. “I did cuss in private, you know. Just not in front of you kids.”
It shocks me.
You kids.
He says it as if he has always considered Bird and me to be his, as well.
I want it to be true.
Ellington smiles at me warily like he expects me to growl back.
I allow myself to smile, as hard as it is.
We need to move forward together as a family.
Ellington’s lip trembles, and he lets his head falls onto Hatton’s shoulder like he needs the support.