Chapter: 135.*****All four men sat around a table in the VIP lounge in Michael's club impatiently waiting for information before they made their moves. Alexander wasn't without tears in his eyes, as hours ticked by he feared for the worse and the safety of his precious daughter. He didn't like not knowing what the situation was but all he could do was wait with the rest and so he sat, legs bouncing shakily, palms sweaty, heart beating an unsteady rhythm within his chest. Easton would often look toward him and briefly grab one of his hands, squeezing them reassuringly, telling him without speaking out loud that he was there with him. Michael's phone began to ring, tearing apart the silence that has clouded them for a brief moment, the sound had Alexander jumping and his eyes snapped toward Michael who frowned upon seeing the caller. Alexander paid attention to his call, hoping it was the one they were expecting but once he heard that name, he wanted to strangle her through the phone.
Chapter: 136.******Meanwhile walking into the old warehouse barefooted, Tide looked around the dark space, a single light bulb glowed from a distance, its light illuminating his path, the floor littered with debris and broken glass. In the middle of the room were six crates laid side by side, each box labeled with number codes, Tide opened the first one and was met with rows of guns, several rifles, and shotguns all laying neatly inside. Next were boxes filled with some bagged substance he didn't know what they were, and the last one contained several large knives, having no use of those things he shut the crates and proceeded to walk further down. With the exception of the light bulb, it was pitch black until his ears caught a slight rustling noise ahead of him.He moved forward slowly, his fingers brushing against the rough concrete wall, following the faint glow he noticed a door a few meters away from him, cautiously he approached it but before he could reach the handle a voice
Chapter: 137.******Alexander had only stopped talking and they just all laughed over what he said when Matthew began to feel uneasy. His heart began to beat faster, it almost seemed like he was going into an attack. Not wanting to scare those around him he endured through it silently but he could only endure for much longer. One hand reached for his head and he quickly wiped a handful of sweat from his forehead. He was sweating bullets even in a cold room. Tide was moving fast, it was dark and lonely the part he walked on and it didn't look safe at all. Matthew tried to reach him, to pull him back, feeling that something terrible was going to happen. He knew where he was headed, knew his purpose for going and even though Matthew didn't know that until now, Tide had fed into their conscience and knew what was happening with Alexander's daughter. He couldn't sit idly by and something bad would happen. Matthew thought he heard his name but couldn't make out from where the sound came or
Chapter: 138.******Michael put his phone away just in time to see the bearded handsome face of the young doctor he's come to love over the years since his brother introduced both of them. Easton stood a few feet away from him refusing to sit just like Alexander and Tide were. Allison has been taken away by two of the nurses and was now sound asleep in a room guarded by Matthew's men. Once the doctor got close enough Michael smiled so brightly it drove a frown upon Easton's face. "Sir, Beard." He greeted the doctor as usual. They didn't get to exchange pleasantries when they arrived as he was more concerned with taking care of his dear friend."Playboy," Kent snorted, the name rolling off his tongue naturally."Hey, Doc..." Michael said with a frown. "...Easy now, not in front of my man, that name gives the wrong impression to the ladies and the men." Michael finished playfully with an innocent smile and Easton rolled his eyes at his ridiculous comeback. Ignoring him then, Kent mov
Chapter: 139.*****Sat in the quietness of the huge living room, Maria's eyes wandered from place to place. The house seems quiet, too quiet, it almost seems haunted. Like Lina's ghost lingered within the cold walls, with dark eyes watching her from every corner, it didn't feel right. Maria let out a small sigh as she leaned back into her favorite armchair by the window. A light breeze blew past the window, ruffling a few strands of hair that had been pinned back by the ponytail. Her gaze drifted off once more, only this time it was focused on the picture frame sitting on the side table beside her. The image depicted an old woman standing under an archway, wearing a long green dress. She was smiling widely with wrinkles lining the corners of her eyes. She had one hand raised, and another held the wrist of a little girl who stood beside her. They both looked happy like they were having a great time. A perfect picture of what could easily pass as a grandmother spending a happy moment w
Chapter: 140.******She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Her heart broke into a million tiny pieces as it sunk to her stomach and felt like someone was using her intestines to strangle it. Every organ constricted like someone had put a vice around her neck and was squeezing the life out of her chest with everything they had. All other thoughts fled from her mind as her breathing grew ragged. And when they returned, they were replaced with more fear. The cold dread seeped through every corner of her body as she tried to get her legs working again. She couldn't run. Not now, not ever. Her legs might shake but her legs wouldn't move on their own. But, she had to defend herself and so she tried."How dare you speak of me like that!" Maria exclaimed, jumping to her feet in anger and stepping towards him, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.Michael shrugged indifferently. "That's the truth. I'm done playing nice with you." "I just lost our baby and this is what you do to me!
Chapter: 141.*****Michael stood with his brother holding single white roses in their hands as they stared down into the casket. His eyes welled up and he blinked rapidly to keep back the tears, but it was all too futile as the tears soon came pouring from his eyes the second he laid his rose on the casket. Matthew placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and stood there with him after he laid his own rose. After a long moment, they both stepped away and took seats in their assigned family row. Alexander between Allison, Tide, and Matthew, while Easton sat beside Michael, a few of their trusted friends, employees, business partners, and some great friends of Lina from the Homes were all present at the funeral. The priest began to read out the sermon from the Holy Book and Michael cried softly. Remembering all the times he spent with the woman, the wonderful memories they had together he knew he wouldn't forget her, not ever. As the Priest went on, Michael's vision began blurring aga
Chapter: 142.******The Ocean was cold and dark, a deep gray color that was almost black as it surrounded the Island. The sun had long since set and only a small sliver of light could be seen over the edge of the horizon. The glow from the moon danced in the wave, it looked like the moon was swimming over it, its silvery light glimmering on the wet sand, reflecting off the waves rolling in to meet it. The waves crashed violently onto the shore, brushing away their footprints as if they didn't want them there. The air smelt sharp and salty, and the wind felt cool against their skin, making them shiver despite themselves. The ocean itself gave the appearance of a silent scream, but neither man dared speak, none wanting to be the one to say the first word. Their hearts weigh heavily, their lips quivered, eyes sought comfort from around them instead of within the other. The fear of parting. Of separation, it bears strongly against their aching souls. Goodbyes can be the hardest word to
Walking side by side, both men stride down the stairs ever so gracefully, beaming smiles on their bright faces, with eyes twinkling with delight as their faces met those of men and women employees standing in wait and bowing slightly for a small nod from them before turning back to their workstations and working diligently, all except one who seemed to be more than a little preoccupied. She didn't seem to notice them until Easton tapped her softly on the shoulder and the little girl turned and immediately began to run into her father's waiting embrace. Alexander went on his knees and hugged his growing beautiful little lady, picking her up and twirling her around, both father and daughter's laughter rang throughout the house like the sweetest melody. His smile was genuine as he set his daughter back onto her feet and looked up to acknowledge Easton who was standing beside Michael and wearing a contagious smile on his handsome face. Alexander approached him and both friends clasped han
Chapter: 151.******The sweet sound of Alexander's groan of pleasure filled the air, his eyes closed and he clutched desperately at the bedsheets as if he would fall if he didn't hold onto the sheets as tightly as he did. He panted heavily as he tried to catch his breath, his eyes fluttering open and closing rapidly as a rush of adrenaline flowed through his veins, leaving him a painting mess. When he finally opened his eyes to face the scene before him, he was met by that mesmerizing blue gaze staring back at him, drenched with intense lust and arousal. Matthew could see how flushed and a mess Alexander looked, how he was sweating buckets, he also noticed how dark the color of his eyes seems to be. Like a storm ready to break loose at any given second, the way they sparkled and glistened with satisfaction, with lust, with desire. Oh, Lord. His whole body was trembling in the aftermath of that amazing orgasm, his breath heavy and unsteady, the sounds of the waves echoing in his ears,
Chapter: 150.******Matthew slowly pushed the bedroom door open and very carefully stepped into the room. He glanced toward the bed a few distances away then turned to the other side of the room and slowly began to walk to the sitting area where he proceeded to place the tray of food on a table. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure the occupant in the bed is still asleep before beginning to set up the dishes for breakfast. He placed them in the center of the small dining area along with two bowls of cereal. As he reached up to grab two forks he paused, when he heard that soothing voice."You can't possibly be after that kind of food when the perfect meal is lying in wait for you," Matthew hissed with a smile then gently returned the forks and turned around to face the bed where his lover now sat exposed, a lust-filled gaze burned deeply into his, and Alexander's naked body lay perfectly entranced as if it were waiting for Matthew to join him again, and he did just that. Inching
Chapter: 149.*****"I can't believe you're getting married," Lafayette said into the mirror where Alexander's face stared back. He was helping him get ready, while Easton stood in front of him adjusting his tie as always. A smile made its way across Alexander's lips but he didn't say a word. He still feels a bit hungover from last night. They had all dragged him around the city, dressed in a red bridal gown and massive makeup. He dragged the gown everywhere and it weighed a ton, his arms still hurt, then they made him tease dance in the clubs, did shots after shots, dared him to give Easton a lapdance then they made him eat some really weird food, going up against it wasn't an option and so he endured through their wicked idea of a bachelor party. They ended up leaving at dawn with no one sober, he barely got two hours of sleep and today is his wedding day and not to mention he hasn't seen Matthew in exactly twenty-two hours, thirty-four minutes, and six seconds, he was going crazy i
Chapter: 148.*****The two elderly couples stood side by side, watering cans in their hands as they carefully watered their prized flower plants when they spotted the flurry of automobiles pulling into their little home. Slowly they both turned and stared ahead as the first car drove in and parked, a man in a black suit exited the car and made a turn to the other side to open the doors. When they saw their son step out of the vehicle they couldn't be happier, dropping the cans they both hurried over to welcome him. Once Alexander came down, a smile so bright made his face even more handsome and he was running into their embrace just immediately. They hugged for a good while and when they pulled apart, Alexander bowed and greeted his father and mother then turned around to introduce the newcomers. Both parents smiled when they noticed the little angel that looked exactly like their son and they knew without a doubt that they were staring into the eyes of their granddaughter. Maria had
Chapter: 147.******As if knowing where Matthew would be, his legs carried him and he walked, taking fast pace, leaving the others behind. And when he got there, the little tree stood there and by the side was Matthew giving a hug to a stranger. A frown blew over his face and he groaned at what he was seeing. Knowing, neither twin appreciates close contact with anyone only made his anger more profound."I swear to god, Matthew, if you do not stop hugging him, I am personally going to cut your balls off and make an omelet out of them then feast on it beside your bleeding corpse!" He announced angrily, his voice rattling the leaves on the trees. The stranger gasped and pulled away from Matthew and bolted the other way. Alexander walked closer and stood in front of Matthew. The same spot he stood on when he crushed his foot with textbooks years ago but Alexander was too angry to acknowledge the significance of where they stood at that very moment. "Really?!" Alexander snapped, his voi
Chapter: 146.*****He didn't want to believe Matthew had left, without congratulating him, without a kiss, he didn't even wait for the ceremony to be over. Was it work? Was there an emergency? He left without any of his men. How is that even possible? Maybe he was still in the toilets. Maybe he's locked himself in. His mind went over a million and one scenarios as he ran, sprinted even, the sounds of his heels echoing in the empty halls, eyes scanning every corner and by the time he reached the men's rooms he had started walking faster than a normal human being can walk, his steps were heavy and fast. As soon as he reached the men's room he slammed the door open, startling the poor guy inside, who looked shocked at Alexander's sudden entrance but Alexander didn't seem bothered by his hateful questioning glares rather he pushed past him, running straight for the stalls and yelling for him."Baby, you in here?" He would ask with each stall he invaded. His lungs burned from lack of oxyg
Chapter: 145.*****Five Years Later And Graduation Day.******Alexander stared at his reflection in the mirror. The dress shirt was tucked neatly into his pants, the black tie hanging loosely around his neck. His hair was brushed neatly but not slicked back as he did most days, a few strands falling in front of his face. It made him want to run his fingers through it, tuck it behind his ear, but that wasn't happening this time. He was graduating. No matter how many times he'd practiced this in his mind, his eyes still felt glassy. This was it. Four years ago when Matthew surprised him with the news of him getting back to school, he didn't know how to react to the news. They had just settled, Tide had left, and he was starting to get close to his daughter but none of that could compare to the fact that he was getting back to school. Matthew was making his dreams come true, one at a time, his goals coming together. He took a deep breath, looking down at his watch and seeing it was 9:0
Chapter: 144.*****Tide lay on his bed, blinking slowly with a charming smile spread across his face. After he left Alexander in the hands of Matthew, and Atana's SoulPearl willed to him, he returned home. Aquarial remains as he left it, beautiful, and peaceful. Sea creatures moving around in every direction, Aquarial has always been so colorful, every Mer, every fish, down to their houses, high and small, all bore colors so beautiful as never seen on the Lands. But, it was late when he arrived so he went home, and slept. Tomorrow he will visit his mother first, then Neptune. And when morning came, he took care of his duties, beaming brightly as he collected spells and potions, realizing just how much he has missed his life under the Sea. But, words travel fast in Aquarial, Soulbutterfies crawling around the streets at night had seen him return and they spread the news to their owners. Tide didn't finish his spells when his mother came bargaining into his private room, yelling for h