Chapter One Hundred: Begin Again

Grace’s Point of View

As I opened my eyes, I realized that the bed was empty. Aamon was not there, and I could feel the coldness of the sheets where he had been laying. He must have left a while ago. I sat up quickly, pulling the sheets closer to my body for warmth. I let out a sigh, hoping that everything was alright. This was something that I needed to get used to once again, especially now that Aamon was in charge of the organization.

As I dressed, I realized Rei had no clothes to change into. I rummaged through the bag of unpacked clothing and found a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, underwear, and a bra that would fit her. This would suffice for now; we could find a more permanent solution for Rei and Xavier's clothing later. Xavier had left everything behind at his apartment to get Rei to the hospital on time, so he also needed some clothes. Fortunately, I found a T-shirt and a pair of grey sweatpants that should fit him well enough. Aamon and Xavier had similar builds, which worked out nicely.

I wondered if Aamon had shared his wish for Rei and Xavier to stay until the transition of power was complete. Despite being the true heir to the organization, Rei's chosen profession fulfilled her more than this cutthroat world ever could. She didn't possess a single ruthless bone in her body; this lifestyle would never truly feel like home to her.

I also needed to figure out what my next move would be. I didn’t have to work, and being at home meant I could be there for Aamon whenever he needed me. He probably wouldn't want me to return to my previous role in the organization, but I could still offer my assistance in other ways. This was a conversation we would need to have later, not now. Aamon was putting on a brave face for everyone else as he dealt with Kaz's unexpected passing. I knew it would hit him hard when reality fully set in. For now, he was staying strong and composed, not showing any vulnerability that could put himself or our family at risk.

I carried the piles of clothes in my arms and made my way to the room Rei and Xavier stayed in. I passed by the game room and saw the kids playing together nicely. They seemed oblivious to everything around them and just focused on the game. I wasn’t a fan of too much screen time, and I didn’t even want to think of how early Salem got his sister and brother up to play that game. But I wanted to get the clothes to Rei and Xavier and, if possible talk with my best friend about how she was doing too.

I knocked on the bedroom door, and when there was no answer, I knew it was because they were both fast asleep. So I banged on the door hard enough to shake it.

“I’m up, I’m up,” Rei’s groggy voice came from the other side.

I didn’t hear any other moment, which answered my earlier question. Xavier wasn’t in there either, so where were Aamon and Xavier?

Ethan’s Point of View

It was an unusual gathering. Present were Jakub, Kaz’s most trusted guard, along with Xavier, Chloe, Iris, Aamon, and myself. It seemed that Aamon wanted to take the organization in a different direction, anticipating some resistance from those who might seek to usurp his newfound power. Although he would remain the head of the organization, Jakub, Chloe, and Iris would assume more prominent roles, having each proven their loyalty and ability to work well together.

I would still need to overlook certain aspects of their interests. Still, Aamon’s plan to steer the Brzezinski family toward a more compliant operation would help it become less dependent on other nefarious organizations. The transition to becoming a legitimate organization would be gradual; connections to the darker side would always exist but would not be as strong. This was a brave move, ultimately aimed at protecting Rei and her children more effectively.

This was the reason we had gathered that morning—to debrief one another and strategize on rebuilding the organization and making the world a bit safer for Shiloh, Onyx, and Salem moving forward.

There was a knock at the door, and we all turned to see Rei and Grace in the doorway, looking at us intently. This was the moment of truth. Would Aamon dismiss Rei or welcome her so that her voice would finally be heard as a Brzezinski? Aamon looked to Xavier, and a silent look passed between the two before Xavier nodded. Aamon closed his eyes and sighed before turning his attention to Rei.

“Welcome, little sister. It’s time for you to learn more about our family and the direction we’re heading in. Please take your seat at the table. Grace, sit beside me. You’ll be helping me run the organization as my equal,” Aamon said.

Rei looked at Xavier and smiled. She then sat beside him at the table while Grace joined Aamon. I looked away to blink back tears. Kaz would have been so proud of them. The organization would not be the same as when he had been in control, but Kaz would have been thrilled at how Aamon found a way to turn their pain into progress and push forward.

“I believe that this is my cue to go,” I said, standing up to leave.

“Thank you, Ethan,” Aamon said.

“Of course,” I smiled. “Not to worry, we’ll keep in touch.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Xavier said, quickly kissing Rei, murmuring that he would be right back.

Walking down the long hallway, I asked Xavier how he was.

“Happier than I’ve ever been, but more terrified at the same time,” he answered honestly.

“You do realize that you won't be able to return to the government now. Neither can Iris and Chloe. Are you sure this is what you want to do?” I asked.

“I’m sure. I appreciate how you have looked out for me over the years and guided me in the right direction. But my life begins and ends with Rei now,” Xavier said with a smile.

I nodded in acknowledgment and shook Xavier’s hand before leaving Aamon’s mansion. It was time for all of us to begin again.