Chapter 13 ~ #2
"Declan," Jace says out of the blue. I lean forward and see the calculating look on his face.
"What about Dec?" I ask him. He turns to me.
"Declan always said he wanted a Toyota. Specifically a Hilux. No fucking clue why, honestly. He had shit taste in cars but Dec told me when he got enough money he was going to buy a black Hilux," Jace says thoughtfully.
"So Mum bought him a car for when he would be old enough and when they both died, the car went into my name?" I put the dots together. Jace nods.
"It makes sense," Maverick adds.
"But why a Hilux?" Mase says like he just can't get past that.
I sigh and shake my head. "I have no idea, Mase."
"It doesn't matter." Jace sighs. Pain lingers in his eyes as he stares at a spot on the wall.
I look back at Alec who nods sadly, telling me to go. I entangle myself from his arms and rise from the couch.
The guys knew Dec for a while but he and Jace were friends for years. I don’t remember them not being joined at the hip.
I sit on J's knees and his arms immediately hug me against him. I put my hands on his. He gives me a faint smile that doesn't reach his eyes. Sensing he just needs the comfort, I don’t say anything.
“What do you want to do for your birthday, angel?” Mason asks from beside me.
“Nothing,” I tell him.
He pouts. “That’s boring!” He whines. “Come on, surely you want to do something.”
“I really don’t. I haven’t celebrated my birthday for three years.” I tell them and their faces fall.
“You shouldn’t have said that. It will just encourage him,” Jace whispers loudly in my ear and a slap rings out.
“Be nice,” I scold Mase playfully. He gives me a determined look and pulls me out of Jace’s lap so I’m between them.
He nuzzles his face in my neck and I squeal when he blows a raspberry on my neck. The guys burst out laughing.
There’s a loud knock at the door. Everyone freezes. I've been here a few days now and no one's ever come to the house.
The guys look around at each other. They seem to hold a conversation with their eyes before they all nod. Dom, Maverick and Jace get up, leaving the living room. The others stand and I scramble to follow them.
Luc grabs my hand, silently telling me to stay. There’s a controlled, dangerous look in his eyes that has my objection dying when I see the sliver of fear in them.
“What do you want?” I hear Dominic say coldly.
I don’t recognise the voice that follows.
“Bennett, polite as ever.”
Alec tenses beside me. His head drops briefly before he straightens, a blank expression taking over.
“Don’t come out,” Alec tells me quietly before his eyes flick to Luc who nods slightly. Alec seems to ready himself before walking out.
“Who is it?" I ask Luc. There’s a dark aspect to Luc and Mase’s expression. He goes to answer, a reluctancy in his eyes.
“What are you doing here, James?" I hear Alec’s stone cold voice. My eyes grow huge.
‘That’s his father?’ I mouth to Mase who nods.
“I can’t stop by and see my son?” James returns smoothly, an arrogance in his voice.
Luc scowls and Mason looks down right murderous.
“I haven’t seen you for a year, so try again.” I’ve never heard Alec speak like that. Like there’s no expression in his voice, it’s just blank.
Alec sighs like he’s disappointed. “Alexander. Surely you understand I needed time to regrow my business after the millions of dollars you stole from me.” There’s almost a threatening tone to Jame’s words. He says something else but it’s too quiet for me to hear.
“What do you want?” Alec says point blank like he’s bored of the conversation.
James sighs loudly. There’s movement—shoes crossing the hardwood floor.
“I thought it best to meet the young lady I just had emancipated.” James raises his voice like he knows I can hear him.
Luc’s hand tightens on mine like he’s afraid I’ll leave. There’s silence for several moments.
“Rory,” Alec calls out. A dreadness comes over me. My gaze seeks out Luc’s and he nods, squeezing my hand before dropping it.
Mase goes first, turning to give me a reassuring smile before walking into the kitchen.
“Whatever he says, don’t let him rattle you,” Luc whispers in my ear as he approach.
Hearing our footsteps, James turns to face me.
I have to double take. He’s an older version of Alec in a fancy, expensive suit.
Similar build, hair colour. The only thing different is the eyes.
James’ dark blue eyes are cold and calculating as opposed to Alec’s hazel, normally warm and inviting eyes.
“Aurora, I presume.” James extends his hand. I watch it for a moment before slowly holding my hand out.
Rather than shaking it, he lifts it to his mouth.
An uncomfortable feeling skitters through my stomach but I keep my face neutral when his lips linger before he releases my hand. I quickly draw my hand back and James smirks.
“I see why you like this one,” James directs his comment to Alec, though keeps his eyes on me, flicking up and down my body.
“Keep your eyes to yourself," Alec growls, stepping closer to me.
James observes us, a smirk growing on his face. "I understand why you called me now." He studies Alec for a reaction but he doesn't give him the satisfaction.
"You've met Rory, now you can leave." Luc steps up behind me, placing a hand on my back.
James smirks, a knowing glee in his eyes. "The president of the Death Reapers MC has been in contact with me, asking for representation. Any indifference, Lucifer?"
Luc shrugs, a look of boredom on his face. "Their last lawyer ended up skewered on a star picket before being lit on fire but take your chances." My eyes widen.
James manages to cover his unsurety rather quickly. Props to him for that.
"Alexander." James nods to his son.
"James." Alec shoves his hands in his pockets.
"Would it kill you to call me Dad?" James straightens his suit jacket.
"Would it kill you to call me Alec?" He shoots back.
"Your mother called you that," James sneered. "All she did was coddle you. It made you weak. Pathetic."
Alec laughs emotionlessly. "Nah, that was your abusive, lousy parenting."
Anger flashes in James' eyes. "You fucking—" He raises his hand and Alec flinches back.
Dominic steps in front of Alec. "You need to leave," he says dangerously. “Now.”
I grab Alec's hand and he squeezes it tightly.
James' furious eyes land on me. I don't move, just meet his eyes.
"Feel free to let yourself out," I tell him, bleeding the emotion from my voice like Alec did.
James scowls for a moment before turning back to Alec.
"I will see you at the annual event," James says shortly before opening the door and walking out.
Nobody says anything until we hear a car drive away.
"Are you okay?" Dominic asks Alec, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Alec doesn't respond as he pulls his hand out of mine and silently walks off.
Chapter 13 ~
Rory ~
The kettle whistles loudly. Dominic reaches up and grabs two cups from the cupboard.
"English breakfast with a teaspoon of manuka honey and a few drops of lavender," Dom tells me as he prepares Alec's tea.
"Won't that be ridiculously sweet?” I question.
Dom leans back against the bench, his dark chocolate eyes meeting mine.
"Yeah but trust me when I say, he knows when you don't put the honey in," Dom tells me.
I smile softly. "You know him really well," I say gently.
A faint smile graces his lips. "I do," he murmurs.
I hesitate momentarily before saying, "I'm sorry if—"
That's as far as I got before Dom starts shaking his head, knowing what I'm going to say.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Sweetheart." Dom breaks our gaze to pour Alec's tea and the other cup.
He doesn't say anything else.
I go to the fridge and get the milk, handing it to Dom who knows how much Alec has.
When he's finished, he hands me both cups and I realise Dom made me one.
"Thanks," I murmur. Dom's lips press against my forehead for a few seconds before he pulls back.
I smile, a blush creeping up my neck. I turn and walk out of the kitchen.
I realise the error in holding two cups when I get to the door and can’t knock.
“Alec?” I call out.
Jace walks past and places a hand on my shoulder, kisses my cheek and continues walking.
My eyes are still following J when the door swings open.
Alec looks at me in confusion, probably wondering why I didn’t knock or just come in. His eyes drop down to the cups in my hands. I hand him his and he takes it into his hands.
He steps back, letting me into his bedroom for a second time today. Alec puts his tea on his bedside table, leans back against his bedhead and picks up his laptop.
When I linger near the door, his hazel eyes, back to normal now, flick up and he pats the bed beside him.
Careful not to spill my tea, I climb in bed. My shoulder brushes his.
Resting his computer on his knees, Alec reaches over and grasps his cup of tea. He takes a sip and sighs, closing his eyes briefly.
“Dom told you?” Alec questions, no coldness in his voice. It seems to be back to his normal smooth tone.
“He made it,” I murmur hesitantly, fiddling with the tea bag string. He nods but doesn’t say anything else as he drinks his tea. I sip mine and we sit in comfortable silence.
I realise that Alec must only wear his glasses at school. The two times I’ve gone to school with him, he’s worn them. Why doesn’t he wear them at home but he does at school?
When he finishes his tea, he places the cup on his bedside table. He gestures to my cup.
“Are you done?” Alec asks and I nod, handing him mine. He half closes his laptop.
“My mum used to make me that,” Alec tells me quietly. He doesn’t meet my eyes when I glance over.
“Where is she?" I ask gently. His eyes drag up to mine before he points at the ceiling. Past the ceiling.
“I’m sorry,” I say softly and Alec shakes his head. He silent for a moment before he speaks again, louder this time.