Chapter Thirty: Home

Aamon’s Point of View

I observed the children playing at the park: Onyx and Salem expertly maneuvering on their skateboards while Shiloh swayed gently on the swing, lost in her music. I have been a silent guardian over them, always careful not to draw attention to myself while watching them. Our family and its connections have always strived to give Rei and the kids their independence while keeping them safe. I often volunteered for duties like this because it allowed me to catch a glimpse of Grace. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. My ex will always be my "home", even if we can't be together.

Today, my grandfather wanted Ethan Steele to talk to Xavier Woods. He wanted to give him a choice: continuing his relationship with Rei would mean transitioning from one dangerous environment to another. But the world that the Brzezinski family operated in was far more perilous.

My grandfather had warned the director of the secret government agency that he needed to be clear and firm with Xavier. It was crucial that Xavier understood the need to separate Lillianna from Rei's group of friends and his life in order to keep Rei safe. When Lillianna inevitably reacted, Steele or I would be ready to take her out. No one would harm my step-sister and her children. Not on my watch. While my ex may have cared for Lillianna and believed there was still good in her despite the darkness, Grace was mistaken. Lillianna was a threat, fixated on Rei like a ticking time bomb, but I refused to let her detonate and harm my stepsister.

Each of the children bore only a slight resemblance to Greg, with prominent features of Rei and the Brzezinski family. It astounded me that no one had put together the pieces and realized these children belonged to us. As I mulled over the best way to approach them without causing alarm, it crossed my mind that perhaps everyone in this tiny town was already aware of the reality surrounding our infamous family but opted to remain silent out of concern for their well-being.

The Draven family strongly resembled Rei, which may have influenced Ethan Steele's suggestion to entrust her with them for protection. Thanks to his clever arrangements, she was able to experience a nurturing upbringing while still being under our watchful eye. The Dravens now resided in a distant country with a tropical climate and an uncomplicated way of life, all thanks to their newfound wealth. They would never have to labor or worry about money again.

The burden of explaining our actions to Rei and her children weighed heavily on all of us, not just Xavier. The daunting task of revealing the truth and facing tough questions while ensuring their safety as part of the Brzezinski family loomed over us. As for my stepsister, I dreaded her reaction. She despised deception and manipulation, and I feared how she would respond to our lies. It wouldn’t matter that it came from a place of love. Rei may not be able to get past what we had done.

Shiloh’s Point of View

Once again, I caught him keeping an eye on us. He didn't do anything that raised any red flags, but he was clearly always looking out for us like a protective sentinel. I knew exactly who he was: Aamon Brzezinski. His presence loomed over our family like a dark cloud. According to my mom, Greg Ravenscroft was our biological father, but he had left us when we were young, leaving her to raise us alone. But the more I saw this man observing us from a distance throughout my life, the more I wondered if he was our father.

My brothers and mother were oblivious to his presence, and I never mentioned him to her. Mom honestly didn't notice he was keeping an eye on us. She was always busy juggling multiple responsibilities and trying to provide for us, often neglecting herself in the process. One day, I resolved to ask Aamon Brzezinski why he was always watching us. There was something comforting about his presence that reminded me of home.

Auntie Grace had sensed his presence just as I did. When she first saw him, her expression changed to one of discomfort and fear. I asked if we needed to run, but Auntie Grace sadly shook her head. When I inquired about his identity, Auntie Grace never revealed his name, only stating that he was an old friend she loved dearly. When I questioned why she didn't greet him, Auntie Grace wiped away tears and explained that she couldn't. That was all the explanation I ever received.

Rei’s Point of View

X-Biker Friend: Hey there! I can finally make it home this weekend. Would love to catch up with you and hang out if you're free! 😊❤️

I had been anxiously anticipating this message for weeks, and when I finally received it, I couldn't contain my excitement. I let out a loud shriek of joy and even did a little dance. But then, I suddenly remembered that I was in the middle of preparing dinner, and the kids came rushing into the kitchen to see what was going on. Unfortunately, they were familiar with my reactions whenever I received a message from Xavier.

“Is he finally coming back home? Will we get to see him again? And his super cool motorcycle, too?” Onyx asked with a grin and sparkling eyes, unable to contain their excitement any longer.

Shiloh scoffed and rolled her eyes, but a small smile still tugged at the corners of her lips as she listened to her brother. They were all so excited to see Xavier again.

"Ugh, I'm sure he just wants to go see Mom," Shiloh scoffed but couldn't hide the amusement on her face as her brothers giggled along with her.

Xavier Woods had made quite the impression on my little family. We were all excited to welcome him back home.