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Shiloh’s Point of ViewAunt Grace had always been the calm and reliable one in our family, but now she appeared frazzled and fearful. Even her boyfriend, our uncle, seemed terrified. They were trying to hide their fear from us kids, but we were more perceptive than they realized. We could read their body language and hear the tension in their voices. Despite their attempts to shield us, Onyx, Salem, and I could sense that something was very wrong. We may have been young but we weren’t oblivious to the situation.My great-grandfather was shot and is currently hospitalized. We were on our way to meet him. Instead of riding in Aamon's vehicle, we were in a larger SUV with some intimidating men who seemed to be guards. At least, that's what we assumed, but none of us dared to ask. The tension in the vehicle was almost suffocating. Grace's eyes kept flicking towards Aamon as we raced towards the hospital. My brothers and I were squished onto the back seat while Grace sat in one of the seats
Don Brzezinski’s Point of ViewAs I savoured my coffee, I reclined in my chair and observed the young man before me, who professed his love for my granddaughter. X claimed that he was simply keeping me company until Rei could arrive to meet me. The coffee was good, and surprisingly, so was the conversation. X was a fascinating young man and, from what I could tell, a good match for my granddaughter. He told me they had been friends and then much more over the last ten years. X shared funny anecdotes of Rei’s life that I had not known otherwise, and I could tell from the sparkle in his eye as he spoke of her that my granddaughter was his world.Rei had never truly moved on from Greg Ravenscroft. That bastard wanted her for all the wrong reasons. I should have put my foot down and forbidden them to be married, but my granddaughter seemed so in love with the idiot. He did give her three beautiful, exceptional children, though. Shiloh, with her patience, keen observation, and gentle heart,
Xavier’s Point of ViewI parked as close as I could to the hospital’s entrance. Being on a motorcycle made it much easier to find a spot. We quickly dismounted and raced inside, entering the elevator and running down the hallway once we’d gotten to the floor Don Brzezinski’s room was on. There was a heavy police and enforcement presence as we raced down the hall, and I realized that they were present not only to keep the Brzezinski family safe but also to keep an eye out for Lillianna.Rei hadn’t said a word to me the entire time and refused to look me in the eye. I hoped she could hold it together in front of the kids and not lose it on Aamon and Grace before meeting her grandfather. Somehow, I knew without a doubt that Don Brzezinski was waiting for her. It was his granddaughter who he was waiting to say goodbye to.Salem's voice filled the hospital room as Rei hurriedly entered. Shiloh held onto her grandfather's hand while Onyx stood behind them, serious and focused. Salem had alre
Ethan’s Point of ViewI stared at my phone in disbelief after Kaz hung up. We’d known each other for years, and I believed that, in many ways, he was one of my dearest friends. I know that professionally, that was crossing a line and that his line of work was more than questionable, but the man had a good heart and wanted the best for his family and community. It was always through that lens that Kaz Brzezinski operated.His last request was for me to find Lillianna and keep Rei safe at all costs. I would do that for my dear friend and Xavier. I prayed that he had been able to reach Aamon and that Kaz’s men got him to the hospital on time. Lillianna was more dangerous than we’d given her credit for, and our lack of awareness may have cost the life of a great man.I reached out to the contact who had been working discreetly for Aamon. I would need her help with this. I did not need to concern myself with her payment; that was taken care of by Aamon. But I needed her help tracking down L
Lillianna’s Point of ViewI ran until I couldn’t anymore and then found somewhere I could sit, out of sight, safely. Thankfully, I had thought to grab my bag and hang onto my gun as I fled. No one followed me. Which was surprising until I realized how much I had caught everyone off guard. They’d never expected me to be able to get rid of two of the Brzezinski family’s enforcers or take out the Don. Now that I had calmed myself down with all that running, I could think more clearly.I needed to stay one step ahead of them. Use the training I’d been given and my knowledge of the inner workings of the small-town mafia with global reach. They would expect me to go to the gang for protection. Not just them, but Emmanuel would as well. As much as I enjoyed my pleasure and pain experience with him and the boys, it wasn’t worth the risk I would take going to him for protection and a safe place to stay. It would be the first place that anyone would look for me.There was one place I could go th
Alex’s Point of View“I can’t believe she cancelled on me at the last minute!” I exclaimed as Tom drove us to the bowling alley.“Chloe is always cancelling me at the last minute. I used to get upset until she thanked me for my understanding later,” Tom grinned.“That made it better? How?” I asked, annoyed, while Matt snorted with laughter in the background.“Shit man. I didn’t think Lillianna broke you, but now I’m starting to wonder,” Tom groaned.What was that supposed to mean?“Didn’t you date Sam when you were in university?” Tom asked.“Yeah, why? We’re just friends now, which you know, and besides Matt is awesome for her. I’m glad you two hooked up, by the way,” I added.It sounded like I was sucking up, and maybe I was but Matt made Sam really happy. Sam was also much nicer when she was happy. I wanted them to stay together as long as possible for that reason alone.We were headed to a bowling alley with a retro vibe. Tom and Matt had planned to hang out tonight and invited me
Rei’s Point of View“I think … I think he’s left the building,” Salem said sadly.My youngest son slowly slid off the bed and didn’t run to me. Salem ran to Xavier, who picked him up gently and held him while my son sobbed in his arms.We all stood there, frozen, not quite sure what to do. The only one who seemed able to process and release any emotion was the youngest in the room, with a larger-than-life personality.My heart, which was already broken, shattered further. I didn’t think it was possible to hurt even more than I already was. I was tired of being so strong. I didn’t want to be strong anymore.I’ve got you. Be strong for the kids. Just for now, Rei. Let me give you the strength you need. I didn’t understand why I felt X’s presence so strongly now, but it enveloped me like a warm embrace, making me feel safe and secure. This feeling helped me resist the pull of despair that surrounded me. I knew I couldn’t explain it, but his presence was enough. Maybe I was going insane,
Rei’s Point of ViewBeing in Xavier's embrace felt like a balm to my soul. The anger I had been holding onto, at least towards him, dissipated as I rested my head on his chest. I didn't want to leave his comforting arms."Do you need some time before we head to your stepbrother's house?" Xavier asked softly.I nodded. It was a slow night, and I doubted anyone would be using the sleeping pods. As we left the hospital room, I asked at the front desk for the key and, with condolences expressed by another nurse recently hired I didn’t know very well nodded my thanks and left with Xavier for the room. I just wanted to lie down with him. My anxiety had been too much while Xavier was driving, and it took everything in me to hold on and then keep it together in front of my kids in the hospital room with my grandfather.Xavier realized what I was doing and why. He offered to text Grace for me to let her know, and I thanked him for that.I had always wondered why our small hospital had such exte
Rei's Point of ViewI yearned for the freedom and exhilaration of riding on the back of Xavier's motorcycle, but ever since we found out about my pregnancy, he insisted on taking the car whenever we went out together. While I understood his concern for my safety and that of our unborn child, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for the rush of wind in my hair and feeling like I was flying with him. This baby was a surprise blessing for us, one we both cherished deeply, yet I couldn't shake off the lingering longing for our carefree rides on his bike.Shiloh had kindly offered to take care of Onyx and Salem while Xavier took me out for a date. Life had been hectic with moving into a new house and the kids starting at a new school. Though we didn't live in our small hometown anymore, we were still close by. It was a chance to start fresh, something we all needed. The kids had finally found their place and made friends who often hung out at our house, enjoying bonfires and stargazing
Rei’s Point of ViewTwo weeks passed by in the blink of an eye. It was strange adapting to our new normal. The kids were pulled from school so that we could have a proper funeral for my grandfather and we could find new living arrangements. Saying farewell to a man who played such an influential role in my life yet remained unknown until his last moments was an incredibly surreal experience.As the casket was closed, Shiloh and Onyx remained silent as they said their final goodbyes. I couldn't help but notice Xavier, Aamon, and Salem standing together. Both men reached for one of Salem's hands, causing him to straighten his back and take a deep breath. It was almost as if he acknowledged someone or something only he could see. I tried to look in the same direction but saw nothing. However, recent events have taught me not to discount the possibility of there being something more beyond our physical world.Since our last moments together, I hadn't sensed X's presence. However, not long
Rei’s Point of ViewMy choice. This time, it would be my choice. The words echoed in my mind as I stared at my three sleeping children. I couldn’t recall a time except when Xavier came into my life when I was truly given a choice—when the decision was entirely my own.“You have a lot to think about. Why don’t I give you some space to do that?” my brother said as he patted my head and walked out of the room.My brother. I have a brother who is dating my best friend. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that. Wait, Aamon just patted my head as he walked out, much like Onyx would do to Salem. I smiled to myself at the thought.Honestly, I had no desire to return to the house. It held too many painful memories of my grandfather's death and Lillianna's betrayal. Every room felt haunted by the life I once shared with Greg. Starting fresh in a new place with Xavier and the children sounded like the best option.However, relocating my children from their current school and leaving behind th
Aamon’s Point of ViewAs Xavier left the room, the office fell into a heavy silence. Rei's nervous eyes darted around, taking in each of our faces."Chloe, were you paid to be my friend?" she asked hesitantly.All eyes turned to me, and I let out a sigh."I hired Chloe to protect you and Grace to become your friend. But Chloe, Grace, and Iris genuinely care about you, Rei. It may have started as a job for them, but their feelings for you are real," I explained."Ladies, Rei and I haven't had a chance to talk alone as siblings yet. Could you give us some privacy for a few minutes? Maybe check on Xavier and contact Sam to make sure she's okay. With our new circumstances, it would be best if Alex, Tom, and Matt knew what we were dealing with. If we're going to change how we operate, we'll need the support and understanding of our loved ones," I suggested.Grace squeezed my hand in support and kissed my cheek softly."I can stay if you need me to," she whispered discreetly.I smiled at her
Xavier’s Point of ViewOn my way back to the office, I passed by the kids playing in the game room. Salem noticed me and studied me intensely as if he was trying to figure something out. His face showed his frustration, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Then, he looked past me and gave me a disapproving look. I turned around, expecting to see something or someone that had caused Salem's reaction, but there was nothing there. Just as I was about to continue on my way, Salem spoke up and caught my attention.Salem looked at me seriously and asked, "Can I talk to you, Xavier?""Absolutely," I replied. I noticed him looking over my shoulder and then sticking his tongue out. It was strange behaviour, but considering all that Salem had been through recently, it could have been his way of coping. At least he felt comfortable enough to come to me when he needed to talk."Can we go to your room to talk? Unless you and Mom didn't clean up, and it's too messy in there," Salem aske
Grace’s Point of ViewAs 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
Shiloh’s Point of ViewI rolled my eyes as Salem ranted about Mr. Shiny Light Pants being a real person and how we were too clueless to see him. Eventually, he quieted down and started playing the game with Onyx. I couldn't help but reflect on how Salem had always believed that someone was watching over us, even when we were younger. Maybe he was right all along. With everything going on and our world turned upside down, I had to admit that anything was possible now.I leaned back in my seat and let out a deep sigh. Onyx glanced at me with concern, but I shook my head slightly and silently mouthed, "I'm okay, just exhausted." He nodded in understanding and mouthed back, "Me too." Strangely, this experience had brought my brothers and me closer than ever before. I had a feeling we would need each other even more as we adapted to our new lives and identities.Would we end up at the same school? Would people talk about us? It was obvious Mom was going to marry Xavier. His love for her was
X’s Point of ViewJust as I had done with Kaz, I guided Lillianna toward the light. It was effortless with Kaz; I respected the Don and enjoyed his company. However, I couldn't stand Lillianna. Yet, there was a glimmer of something in her that I couldn't ignore. After she crossed over to the light completely, I turned to leave."You're not coming with me, are you?" she asked."No," I replied."Will we ever meet again?" Lillianna's voice trembled with emotion."Not if I have any say in it," I responded sharply.“I loved him, you know. In my own way, I loved Xavier. And maybe, just maybe, he could have loved me back,” Lillianna revealed.“But you knew his heart was devoted to someone else, yet you persisted in your pursuit of him. He was never yours to claim. While Xavier may have shared his body with you, his heart always belonged to Rei. And it always will,” I retorted.“You love Rei. I can't quite comprehend who or what you are, but I recognize that feeling of loving someone you can n
Lillianna’s Point of ViewThe audacity of Aamon was unfathomable. Without a second thought, he had given my hard-earned jobs to Chloe, someone who had no business taking them from me. My head spun with fury, drowning out any sounds around me until Iris appeared, her cold voice cutting through the chaos. Before I could react, a searing pain ripped through my abdomen as her bullet tore into me. I felt my insides lurch and knew she had hit vital organs. The shock was almost too much to bear as I gasped for air, realizing this was how I imagined my end. A scream rose in my throat, but was stifled by the shock and agony coursing through my body. All I could do was curse fate for this cruel and undeserved death as I bled out on the floor in front of the bathroom. Rage turned to despair as my last thoughts faded into darkness.Chloe’s Point of ViewI couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. Iris had made a grand entrance and delivered a deadly blow with precision and finality. As I stood t