"Fléctere si néqueo súperos Acheronta movebo - If I cannot move heaven, I will raise hell."

***************

Alex's POV

"You're not coming along?"

Nikolas's question pulled me out of my trance and I broke my gaze from the headstone, turning my face around to look at him. I shook my head, "I will be there in a bit," I said, asking for a couple of minutes alone with...her.

He nodded in understatement. He didn't say another word nor comment on the matter, and to that, I was appreciative. While his sister on the other hand, "Don't take too long," Emma said, and her eyebrow raised, "I wanna go home, I am hungry and I need to pee."

I shot her a glare in return. Nikolas gave me an I-will-handle-it look as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and used his other hand to place it over her mouth, covering it and shutting her up before she says more as he dragged her along and away from me.

A low sigh parted my lips and I waited for them to leave the cemetery before I turned my head back, crouching down by the grave, in desperate need to put this day behind me once and for all.

"Let's just make this short and quick," I mumbled, "I mean it's not the way I usually do things-" My mouth started to speak without any order from my brain and I winced, "Okay, maybe I shouldn't make a joke right now. I guess it's just-" I shrugged, "It's how I deal with stuff."

I sighed, keeping silent for a few seconds as I gathered my thoughts. Nerves raced through me, a shivered flutter of anxiety, because I had no clue what the hell I was doing. I rushed a hand over my face and over the top of my head, pushing the strands of hair away from my forehead. My eyes focused on the name engraved over the stone, a name I both despised but also learned to love because it belonged to the little girl I adored the most in this world.

My hand moved to the back of my pants, pulling the gun out. I moved it up front and held it in both hands, my eyes on it as I traced with my finger the V letter on the side, "I think this belongs to you," I mumbled, leaning forward and dropping it over the grass by the headstone.

"I know that people bring flowers usually," I added, shrugging, "But when did we ever act like a normal family, huh," A low sound came from my throat, both a chuckle and a scoff and I shook my head at this fucked-up situation.

I settled down, trying to get a bit more comfortable as I spoke further, "You know that I lived the bigger part of my life drowning in the guilt of killing you, and then...you showed up," My eyebrow raised, recalling the not-so-happy occasion, "And that guilt got replaced with anger, so much anger at you and everything you are...you were, I mean."

"So, can you tell me why I am feeling the same guilt again now?" I shook my head, huffing out a tired breath, "Dead or alive, you are really not planning to leave me be, are you?"

I didn't get an answer this time, nor did I have to sit and watch her guilty eyes or her tears, and for some fucked up reason, I felt...sad about that fact -- that I will no longer see her, not that I want to anyway but still, I'd like to have the option. God, I hate this more than you can imagine.

My gaze drifted away, staring at the empty cemetery as I tried to sort through my tumbled-up thoughts. I rubbed a hand over my chest, realizing how this suffocating feeling wasn't at all the tie's fault. It was all just feelings bottling up from the inside.

I got up to my feet, standing close as I pushed my hands into my pants pockets, my fingers wrapping over my keychain inside, feeling the crystal ball under my fingertips. I tried to imagine just how different things would've been if she did take me away that day.

"The fucked up thing is that I think I would've forgiven you by the end," I mumbled, "If we had more time, I think I would've gotten used to your presence in a way, but of course, that would've happened only after giving you many insults and causing you so much trouble because...well, it's just who I am," A somber smile lifted one side of my lips.

I shook my head, "But I guess, you and I were never meant to be or act like a son and mother, right?"

I inched a bit closer, pulled my hand out of my pocket, and reached forward for the gravestone, "I am saying this only because you can't hear me, but yeah, I think you didn't have it easy either, so I hope you are at least...at peace now?" If that exists or whatever...

"Anyway, Nikolas looks...different," I added, "I am not sure if it's a good or a bad different."

I retreated my hand back, "All I know is that for once since I met you," I spoke honestly, "You were selfless," I looked down, my eyes on the green grass as a few drops of rain fell over, "I don't know what exactly you did, but I believe it will be the main reason behind Isaac's downfall."

"We took Frank down and now it's time for Isaac to go as well, it's about damn time," I added, feeling the raindrop fall from the strand of my hair and down my nose, to my chin, and down into the wet grass, washing away emotions I don't want to feel, "They both ruined you in their own way, didn't they?" I mumbled, "I mean I always believed that you were the reason they did all that they did, you gave them that power but...but I am not going to judge without knowing the whole story anymore," I don't know what happened exactly; The things she said the other day only proved that there is so much we are unaware of still.

Even though, I don't want to learn a single thing about that tainted past.

All I want is to put an end to this chapter, once and for all.

I lifted my gaze up, looking one last time at the name engraved, mumbling my farewell before I walked away, "So I guess this is goodbye."

*************

Nikolas's POV

A hundred different thoughts raced through my mind as I made my way to my room, the file Liam gave me held very tight in my grip, a part of me desperate to know what it held inside but at the same time, a bit hesitant. I still think I am not ready to face the truth he spat to my face.

The drive back was mostly silent, Alex was in his own head so I didn't speak any further, this day had drained us both of everything we have. When we reached the estate, he disappeared somewhere, Emma and Roman also went to their room and I just happened to reach mine.

I paused by the door and my gaze drifted around the hallway, a low sigh parting my lips. I keep running away from this house, but somehow I always find my way back to it. I shook the thought away as my fingers curled over the knob, twisting and pushing the door open, ready to put this day behind me at last.

My thoughts halted midway when my gaze fell onto the girl sitting by my bed's edge. When my eyes met hers, she jumped off to her feet, nervously biting at her lower lip, already expecting my hostility. My jaw tightened and I slammed the door shut, a bit louder than intended, "What the hell are you doing here?" I grated out.

Great. Just fucking great. Ronald really promoted himself to utterly useless.

"Didn't Ronald take you to the damn airport?" I shot out and she raised her shoulders up in a no, "You think I would listen to Ronald," she scoffed but my unimpressed expression had her gulping down, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her sweater.

I slammed the file in my hand over the counter, huffing out loudly as I rushed a hand over my face, trying so badly to contain my anger. God, my brain was already too tired after such horrible days, it had no power to take this stress as well. I just wanted one damn peaceful night right now before hell breaks loose starting tomorrow.

"I asked you to leave, Natalie!"

"Well, if you haven't figured it out already, I don't actually listen to orders," She shot back, crossing her arms over her chest, and if possible she sounded angry that I am trying to push her away.

I marched forward, not willing to humor her over this. My fingers wrapped over her wrist, pulling her along and out of my room, "I never said you had a choice."

She groaned in annoyance and pulled back, she tried to snatch her hand out of my tight grip and when she failed, she threw small little punches on my hand.

I paused and turned around, my eyebrows pulling closer at her lame attempt. She only shot me a hard glare in return, proving she won't let this go without a fight.

Sighing, I did the only logical thing. My hand left hers before I edged forward, my arm went under her knees and the other around her back as I swept her up into my arms, ready to take her out and forcefully throw her into the next flight away from here.

She yelped, gasping and her eyes widened in shock at my sudden action. On instinct, she wrapped an arm around my neck, using me as an anchor.

She stared back at me, and then...she smiled. Her lips twitched and a big smile broke over her lips.

I shot her a hard glare, my jaw ticking, "What the hell are you smiling at?"

Tease fluttered all over her lips, "It's just I've been waiting for so long for you to do this," She gave me a wink, acting all coy, "In different circumstances of course, but this could work too."

My eyebrow raised, almost forgetting how blunt she always was. God, she was unbelievable.

She wasted no time as she threw her other arm around my neck, edging closer and hugging me so tight, "I missed you so much," She mumbled into my neck, her tone turning somber. My eyelids dropped down when she tightened her grip even more, refusing to let go, and just like that, all of my defenses evaporated. I felt myself leaning further into her delicate touch, missing her just as much.

She slowly edged her face back, looking at me and searching my eyes for any answer, any reassurance that I am okay, that this didn't destroy me whole. Her hand gently settled over my cheek, her thumb brushing over my skin and her beautiful eyes stared at mine with so much affection and adoration.

Her eyebrow playfully raised, "Didn't you miss me?" She whispered, trying to get any reaction from me other than anger.

I nodded my head because I wanted nothing more than to forget it all, forget today and yesterday. Forget that we drifted apart for a reason, forget all the danger and risks us being together will impose later on. I wanted to leave it all behind and have her this close to me forever.

Sadness swirled into the blue of her eyes, darkening them, understanding me without the need for words. That's the thing about her, she just gets me, she reads me, like an open book. Worried lines etched between her eyebrows and I carefully lowered her legs to the ground. When her feet hit the floor, my hand traveled and pressed over her lower back, pulling her closer and keeping her anchored to me still. The total opposite to a minute ago when I just wanted her to be as far from me as possible.

Her hand moved from over my cheek, it fell down and wrapped over the lapels of my jacket while her other palm pressed over my chest, trying to feel my heart, attempting to grasp how it was all types of messy inside.

Her gaze was focused there, watching my chest heave up and down, suffocating, drowning, and crying for help. She listened to his pleads, she heard them even though I was trying to suppress them down and her expression shifted. When she lifted her eyes up, they were full of tears, adding more pain to my already full plate, "I know how it feels like," She mumbled, empathizing with my pain.

She shook her head, "And I know it's even worse for you because you had to witness it right in front of your eyes, I can't even begin to imagine-," She shook her head, and that lone tear that fell down her cheek nearly undid me. I wanted to be a lot of things to her, but definitely not the reason behind her tears.

"To this day I can't erase the image as they wheeled her into the hospital," She said, reflecting on her own experience, so maybe I can learn from it, maybe I can try to make my peace with it, "There was so much blood," Her eyes closed, internally wincing at the memory, "So much, it's why...it's why I can't stand the sight of blood anymore," She added, prying her eyes open and kicking that image away as she focused her gaze on me, "So, I am not gonna say there will be a day where you will forget it all," She shook her head, "You won't."

"All I can say is that, you need time," She added, "Only time can help you accept, only time will help you make your peace with it, only time will make you understand that everything..." Tears choked her next words, her voice strained, "Everything happens for a reason."

I tightened my jaw, fighting against the pain, because I didn't want to break down again. I did that already. I should just move on from now on, I should just carry on, finish up what she started, I should do her death justice, that's what I have to do. I should fight. I need to fight back.

My defenses broke again when Natalie's hand rested over my cheek, when she tiptoed, trying to reach for me, when her delicate lips pressed over mine, so lightly, so softly, a feather touch that unraveled me at the seams.

This kiss wasn't like any of our previous kisses. It wasn't passionate and filled with need or desire. It was an expression of...a connection, a bond. It was her trying to help me let go. It was sad and heartbreaking. Her lips moved so slowly, so smoothly, and against my better judgment, the heart I was trying to shield away from her since the day she came into my life, it broke free from its chains, willing himself for her only, yielding down and giving her the key to either heal him or shatter him altogether for the last time.

A lone tear fell from my eye when I opened them up, and Natalie broke the kiss, slightly edging backward. Her nose brushed mine and our foreheads met. She held into the collar of my shirt, grasping for the same control and trying to not let my own pain consume her whole. I brought my lips to her forehead, pressing them over her warm soft skin and when my arms wrapped around her small body, she immediately fell into my embrace, like she was aching for it as well.

Her arms snaked around my back, burying her head in my chest. My chin rested over the top of her head, allowing myself to have this peaceful moment for as long as I can.

I didn't know what tomorrow will hold, I didn't know where we stand, whether this tragedy brought us together again, or whether this was only temporary. I didn't dwell over it for too long. All I knew is that I am done running away from everything that is good, I am done ruining myself with my own hands. I am done pushing her away, I am done deciding that I don't deserve her; it's her decision to make, not mine.

If she is willing to give me a chance, then I am more than willing to fight back for her every time, to show her that I am deserving of it. Maybe...maybe I can be deserving of it for once, I don't know.

All I know is that I am ready to fight off all the danger and keep her secure in this messed-up world of mine. I believe that I can.

Outside this door, I will go and do unspeakable things, I have to, but right here, inside, with me, she will always be safe.

*******************

Natalie's POV

"I borrowed a PJ from Emma," I announced as I walked inside the room, waving the clothes up in the air as I closed the door behind me.

"I did get lost, so I shouted her name till she showed up and led my way," I added playfully because truly, I did get lost. The damn estate was too huge, it's almost unbelievable. How could someone live here...not that I would mind, I could really get used to this luxurious life.

Nikolas's eyes met mine, and his eyebrow raised, "I told you just wear something from me," He said, his tone still held an edge, not as playful as I want it to be, but at least right now, he did seem to be a bit relaxed when compared to an hour ago.

"Nah, if I wore your shirt or something, I would look too sexy and you would have no choice but to have sex with me, so-" I rambled on, doing my best to get that smile from him but I failed. Amusement flickered in his eyes at me and my silly words but those lips didn't grant me my favorite sight yet.

Still, I am not giving up.

I chewed my lower lip as I gave him a look-over because truth be told, if his mother didn't just die, I would be the one jumping on him right now.

He was sprawled over the bed, an arm behind his head, leaning on it as he went through his phone. He was still wearing his clothes from before, except the suit jacket, that was now hanging over the chair. His black shirt's sleeves were folded up and the first few buttons were left undone. Damn it, with the black, adding to that new fierce look in his eyes, he looked like a devil, who is more than ready to annihilate the whole world.

Actually, forget that; he looked like an avenging angel, who is willing to bend the heavens and raise hell just to get what he wants, to bring justice and take revenge from those who clipped his wings and left in their place fatal scars.

I wanted to be scared at the thought but I wasn't. Not even slightly. I wanted him to do everything and anything to get rid of Isaac. Whatever it takes because we won't rest until he is gone for real.

I changed my clothes, folded them up, and placed them in his closet before I walked back to his bed. I jumped on, scooted closer to him, and settled over my stomach. I shamelessly snatched the phone from his grip, locked it, and pulled my body over him to reach the nightstand and drop the phone there. I went back, using my position to leave little to no distance between us as my stomach pressed over the matters and my chest rested over him. One elbow pressed over the mattress by his side and my other hand went over his chest before it made its way to the side of his neck.

He gave me a questioning look at what I had just done, I returned it with a sheepish smile, "I flew over the ocean for you, the least you can do is leave the phone and focus on me," I explained, and instead of being grumpy him, his features relaxed even more, his eyes on my face, just watching me up close like I was his favorite show.

"I am glad you did," He mumbled as his hand moved and rested over my lower back, apparently enjoying our position as well.

I decided not to comment on how he practically kicked me out when I first got here and focused on this, on us. A very comfortable moment of peaceful silence passed over. I reveled in it, sinking further into this man and everything he is, savoring his scent with every exhale and inhale I took.

God, was it normal to miss someone so bad?

I am really beyond fixing now, I've gone way far down the rabbit hole, there is no returning back anymore.

My hand moved from the side of his neck and up to his head. I played with the strands of his hair on the side, relishing in the fact that I can touch him, feel him up close after all that happened and he quietly stared back at me, "Tell me something about Nikolas Viarchi that no one else knows," I mumbled, making a small conversation to take his mind off everything today held.

His hand slowly moved over my back, reaching my face, tucking the loosened strand of my hair behind my ear, "He thinks you are really beautiful."

A stupid smile came to my face, "Shush, everyone knows that," I confidently said, internally jumping in pure joy of course. Confidence aside, it does boost my ego knowing he thinks so as well.

My fingers fluttered over his cheek, "Tell me something else."

A very faint smile, barely even there, pulled at the corner of his lips and my shoulders relaxed down when I caught a glimpse of it, "He wants to kiss you," He added, instantly stealing my breath away.

My heart and hormones took off at a sprint, this man has a way of making me lose my cool act. Redness crept up to my face and I covered his eyes with my small hand so he won't see me all flustered and out of sorts due to his words, "I know that too, try harder you big boss."

When I retreated my hand back, there was a slight shift in his gaze, followed by a long pause before he gave me the answer I was waiting for, "It's weird but, he is not scared of anything anymore."

And true, I could clearly see it. I've memorized his eyes before, I've seen the fear in them uncountable times. Fear of loss. It was now gone and instead of being relieved, it slightly broke my heart. It was both a good but also a terribly bad feeling to indulge in.

"I know why you feel like that," I mumbled, reading deeper into it, "The pain you felt recently is just...too much, that you don't think anything ever will be more painful, that it's not humanly possible to feel anything that is more agonizing than this," I added, "And since you were able to survive this-"

"Then, I can survive anything," He said the words on my behalf, understanding that as well.

You can only be scared of the unknown. When everything is brought to light, when you face it, there is nothing to dread anymore. It is a remedy many are unaware of still; that to conquer fear sometimes, you should become acquainted with the things that scare you the most.

My head tilted slightly, worried at him still, because being fearless comes with its drawbacks as well.

I ran my hand through his hair, "What are you going to do?"

And it was back, that vicious, bloodthirsty, untamed look, it was back as he gave a promise, a one I believed he is going to keep, "I won't stop till I rip his heart out with my own hands."

***************

I couldn't sleep. I don't know why. Was it the news of death in general or the fact that I was so far away from home for once? I think it's the latter, God, I have never left the country before but here I was, crossing the ocean on the first plane to him when I heard what happened.

Seriously, love makes you do unspeakable things, doesn't it?

After many attempts, I finally convinced Nikolas to rest and close his eyes. He looked beyond exhausted. So, after forcefully pulling him closer to me, he finally fell asleep in my embrace. And like the lovesick creep I am, I watched him all through, my brain refusing to calm down and join him in dreamland.

A low breath pushed off my nose and I carefully let Nikolas's head drop over the pillow. Knowing how he is a light sleeper, it took me ten minutes to get out of the bed without making any noise. When I successfully reached the floor, I circled my way to his side and pulled the blanket over his body, covering him up.

I leaned closer and left a feather-light kiss over his temple before I backed away, grabbed his jacket since it was closer to my reach, and left the room, tiptoeing in an attempt to make little to no noise.

When outside, I wore the jacket, my small body sinking into his breathtaking scent and I walked down the hallway, discovering the rest of the estate all while trying to memorize my way this time so I won't get lost again. The hallway had its lights dimmed; they weren't too bright but enough to lead my way through.

I walked by many rooms whose doors were closed, only to reach a one with its door open halfway. Light seeped through from it, involuntarily slowing my pace and I paused in my steps. I wasn't going to intrude on anyone but my eyes fell on Alex first, he was standing beside what looked like a...baby's crib.

Against my better judgment, I moved closer and lightly knocked on the door. When he said nothing, I walked inside, wanting to check on him as well after this horrible day. I stopped by his side, he seemed to notice my presence but he didn't look at me yet, his attention rather occupied by the crib ahead of us. It had many baby toys and teddy bears stuffed inside it, signaling that someone did occupy it once before.

Alex had one of the toys in his hand, the look in his eyes unreadable as he silently watched it. His jaw ticked before he lowered the toy back into its place and I found myself asking without thinking, "Whose crib is this?"

"My daughter's," He seemed to automatically answer my question without thinking it through.

My eyebrows pulled closer, "Did you live here too?"

A very not-genuine smile pulled at his lips as he turned his head, facing me. His eyebrow raised, knowing exactly what I was trying to do; which is prying information out of him. I pressed my lips into a thin line, "I am doing it again, aren't I?"

He nodded, "It's okay, it's normal to be curious," He said, a low sigh parting his lips, "Our messed-up family does have its many secrets, and I am not really sure you'll be able to handle them all," His eyes flickered back to the crib, something about him seemed to be off, "Sometimes, I think it's better for you to stay far away from us, believe me-" He added, his voice lower now, just voicing out loud some doubts.

My eyebrows pulled closer and I brought my hand forward to his arm, "We didn't have the chance to talk before," I mumbled, "Are you okay?"

He shook his head, "No, I just hate it here," His eyes looked around the room, and it felt like he was referring to both the house and the country, "It's my first time here and hopefully my last."

If possible, he looked more troubled than Nikolas over this, and I understood why. Nikolas chose to hold into anger and use this as a tool to pave and dictate his way forward, while Alex on the other hand, this incident brought out a truth he hated to admit more than anything; which is that he didn't hate her as much as he thought he did.

For some people, facing the truth conquers fear. But others, they are better off with the unknown.

"Alex, if you want to talk about it, I am right here," I added, unable to hide the worry from my tone.

He faced me, "As a therapist, or as my future sister-in-law?" He asked, always trying to be the playful one. It must get so tiring with time, I would know.

I shrugged, "Both."

His chest heaved a very tired breath and he walked off toward the couch positioned at the side. He sat down and I joined him, taking that as an invitation to talk.

He pressed the back of his head against the cushion, letting his eyelids drop down, "Will it stop sucking?"

I nodded, "Yes, it was just a shock to you, to feel so much at once for someone you thought you didn't care about," I said what I felt was the truth, "So, if you accept it, the shock will fade, and you will start to feel better."

He groaned in annoyance, "Why do I care then?"

He opened his eyes and turned his head to me, seeking an answer, "Why do you care, Alex?"

He huffed out because he knew the answer, he just didn't want to accept it yet, "As long as she was alive, there was always a...chance to fix things, even if I didn't want it to happen, the chance, the possibility, it was still there," He shook his head, "But now, there is no chance anymore and that sucks for some reason."

I rested my hand over his arm, gently squeezing, "Saying things out loud helps you deal with them sometimes."

He gave me a very unimpressed look, "I hate to say these things out loud," He mumbled, his eyebrow raising, "And that's a lot coming from someone who never shuts up."

I smiled, "You remind me of myself sometimes."

He returned my smile and gave me a wink, "I picked you out for a reason."

I chuckled lowly, "You just said I am better off far away from your family," I recalled back with an arched eyebrow. Everyone keeps pushing me away, and the stubborn rebel in me does the opposite and sticks around.

He nodded, "It's the truth still, but we are selfish and we wanna take you in."

I shrugged, "Truth is, all families are messed up," I pointed out and Alex scoffed, "Yeah, but ours like to shine in that area."

"You really had enough of everything, hadn't you," I noticed and he nodded, "More than you can imagine."

"Since I met you two, I have noticed something," I said and Alex nodded, ushering me to carry on, "You are always there for Nikolas, you let him lean into you when needed and that's great, really," I added, "But you should know that being that person, the one who is there for everyone all the time, the one who puts his pain aside for others, it does take its toll on you after time."

"So, be careful, Alex," I advised, "I am not saying don't do it, I just think you should try leaning into him as well sometimes, he won't let you down if you do so, believe me."

My words seemed to hit a place in him because his eyes got lost somewhere and lines etched his forehead as he thought it through.

After a few moments, he gave me a small nod and I offered him a smile, getting up to my feet, "Now, why don't you go and rest," I suggested, noticing his exhausted state as well.

He got up as well, sighing in tiredness, "Yeah, I should," He said as he left the room before me, "Goodnight," He mumbled sleepily and I said it back.

Before I turned off the lights, my eyes fell into the crib one more time, a hundred different questions roamed through my head, with few answers only to make sense. I walked back inside, going to the small dresser across from the crib, I opened it up only to find it full of baby clothes, just like I expected. I reached for one of the dresses, I unfolded it to come up with the conclusion that most of the clothes in here belonged to someone between the age of one and two.

Closing the dresser, I backed away, turning the lights off and shutting the door behind me. I kicked all of this to the back of my head for now. Jetlag or whatever it was, I was still too energized to go back to sleep. So, I headed for the stairs, going down and searching for a way to the backyard, needing some fresh air to clear my messy head.

After my long search, I finally found a way out. I opened the door and stepped into the cold air. I almost gasped when I saw a huge man guarding the backdoor. He fully analyzed me for a full second, deciding whether I am danger or not. I offered him a polite smile and waved my hand. His facial expression didn't shift the slightest and he looked away, totally not impressed.

"Not very friendly, got it," I mumbled under my breath as I made my way ahead, searching for an excluded spot away from this grinch. I moved between the bushes and came to a stop when I reached the swimming pool. I stood there, looking ahead at the nice view. I breathed out and lifted my head up to the sky, staring at the moon as I went through the many doubts stuck in my head.

I was too absorbed with my inner battle to hear someone coming up from behind me. I gasped, and almost jumped up when two arms snaked around my waist, "Jesus Christ!" I shot out breathlessly, tilting my head to the side and glaring at a very confused Nikolas.

"You scared the hell out of me!" I snapped and he gave me a very innocent look, "I called your name, I thought you heard me-" He mumbled, trying to defend and I pressed a palm to my chest, calming down my racing heart.

"For a second I thought that unfriendly huge guard was hugging me-" I grumbled out and Nikolas looked taken aback at my words, his eyes drifted back to the door before they fell back on me, a bit furious now, "Like hell, I'd kill him before he even attempts to think about it."

I narrowed my eyes at him and leaned into his embrace, "Why did you wake up?"

He tightened his arms around my waist, resting his chin over the top of my head, "I had enough sleep."

"It was barely an hour," I commented, bothered by his behavior.

"Yeah, it's enough for me," He said, changing the subject, "Anyway, what are you doing here?"

I shrugged, "I went full-on Dora the explorer around the mansion," I said, resting my hand over his.

"Do...Dora-what?" He sounded so confused, I swear I love this man.

I tilted my head backward so I can see him, "You don't know Dora? She has a talking map and a backpack?"

He stared down at me, eyebrows pulling closer and his confusion doubling over, " Talking map?"

I nodded. I wish I had my phone to catch his adorable clueless face, "If there's a place you gotta get, I can get you there I bet. I'm the Map!" I said, mimicking the cartoon character's voice, "I'm the Map! I'm the Map!"

He stared back at me, dumbfounded and I pressed my lips into a thin line, "Please don't kick me out again," I said, hoping my silly behavior didn't change his mind about me.

His lips twitched, slightly and I knew that I was breaking through to him. I breathed out a relieved sigh and sank into his hold further, my back pressing into his chest as I mumbled, "It's really nice in here, I don't get why you hate it so much."

There was a very short pause before he said, "It's because this place witnessed me do unspeakable things, it's full of bad memories I'd rather stay away from."

His words triggered the part in my brain that over-analyzes everything, I felt my muscles tense up and I found myself saying, "If I ask you something, would you truthfully answer me?"

He nodded, without hesitation, "Of course."

I turned my head to face his, "There is a baby's room upstairs," I knew the answer to that but a part of me wanted to see if he will be truthful, "Whose room is it?"

He wouldn't lie to me, right?

He didn't seem too shocked, but he also didn't seem like he expected me to ask that right now. Nevertheless, he gave the answer right away, "It was Lilly's room."

"So, she...lived here?"

He nodded, "Yeah, she did," He said, giving me everything I was asking for, "For two years."

God, I hated where this was going, "You said that you had hurt Alex before, was this part of it?" I finally asked what was nagging on my brain all along, my body slowly breaking contact from his as I gradually edged away from his embrace.

His throat bobbed heavily, his gaze drifting down and he nodded his head, "Yes, it was."

I didn't know what to say. I just knew I better not dig any further, at least not today.

My lips pressed into a thin line and I pushed my hands into the jacket's pockets, "It's getting really cold," I mumbled, aimlessly looking around us, "Let's get back inside."

I was about to turn and run back inside so we won't have to discuss this any further but Nikolas's hand wrapped over my arm, stopping my movement. He came to a stop across from me, his hand still over my arm as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"

I don't really know. I pressed my lips into a thin line and I shook my head, "Not really, it's not my place to be mad anyway," I answered, meaning it.

I know he wasn't a saint. I got involved with him despite that fact, so I must be wise as I carefully move this forward.

"I am not here to dig up your past, Nikolas," I clarified, "I just appreciate that you were honest," I added, "It makes me feel that you would always be truthful with me if I ask for anything."

He nodded, "I know that I previously hid things from you, about Ronald and-"

I shook my head, groaning in annoyance, "God, please don't mention his name and ruin my night any further."

His facial expression seemed to relax at the return of my playful tone. He rested his hand over my lower back, pulling me forward alongside him as he spoke, "Sometimes I like how much you dislike him," He said, "Makes me feel good about hating him too."

My eyebrow raised, "You really can't stand him, can you?"

He nodded his head, "If it wasn't for you, I would've placed a bullet in him a long time ago-" His words were followed by me harshly elbowing him in the stomach. My eyes squinted at him and he grumbled under his breath. True I can't stand that human to whom I shared a womb with, but no one else is allowed to hurt him.

We passed by the huge guard, who lowered his head down, giving Nikolas a respectful nod. I waved my hand again, "Good night," I said, to which again, I got no response.

"The hell," I grumbled and Nikolas dragged me further inside the house before I return back and force the man to be friendly with me, "Do you pick your men based on their level of grumpiness, Jesus-" I rolled my eyes, "They're worse than you," I added, way too annoyed at the fact, "I swear I think I need to take them all to therapy, you must make them so miserable, don't you?"

I realized that I was kicking a man while he is down so I paused in my steps and tried to correct my words, "Not that you are not pleasant, you are a great company to have around," I shrugged, "Only sometimes, I mean the truth is, most of the time you are so unpleasant, you can be very very annoying also, a big pain in the ass even, god I lost count of how many time you drove me half-mad," My eyebrows pulled together, rambling on still, "Like for example, when you kicked me out only a few hours ago, not very good at hospitality I see, you really lack when it comes to manners, we gonna need to work on that, although when you go all grumpy, I do find it hot for some reason and-"

I paused midway through when I saw my favorite smile lift his lips up, giving me a sight to die for. He was standing there, arms crossed and intently watching me as I rambled on. I suddenly became aware of myself and felt my skin turn warm and a hundred different shade of red, I gulped down, "What?" I mumbled.

"I really missed you," He whispered out, forcing a big stupid smile on my face, erasing everything that is bad, and forcing me to look only at the good.

I mean, how can I be mad at him. Look at that face...

I chewed my lower lip, as I resumed walking, with him right on my side, "Is that my jacket?" He asked after a short while, looking at my funny outfit. Pink pajamas underneath and a big black suit jacket on top. Perfect combo.

I nodded my head, "I look too hot wearing your clothes, don't I?" I sarcastically said as I whirled around in a circle, giving him a full view.

He nodded his head, the amused relaxed smile still stuck on his face, "Very."

"You are trying to resist having sex with me right now, aren't you?" I joked around, recalling my previous words.

A low chuckle vibrated off his chest, his hand going to my lower back, gently pushing me alongside him, "You have no idea."

I knew he was making fun of it, but I am gonna pretend it is the truth.

"Actually, did you know that grief can make you horny?" I said and winced right afterward, "God, I phrased that sentence so wrong, but yeah, believe me, I studied it in college-"

His eyebrow raised, "That's what you studied in college?"

I shot him a glare at his mocking tone, "No, what I meant is when someone we love has...died, we are desperate to tap into life," I explained, "And there's no more powerful access point to aliveness as sex."

"You are so wise," He said, ever so sarcastically.

"Shut up," I playfully slapped his arm.

We walked into what I assume is the living room, only to come halting to a sudden stop at the scene ahead of us. Emma and her husband were sitting on the couch, fully making out. Well, Emma was sitting on his lap, but yeah.

"For the love of God-" Nik grated out in utter annoyance and Emma pulled off, her eyes widening a bit when they fell on Nik, "Hey big bro," She said, more like screeched as she pulled off her husband's lap.

Nik shot her a hard glare, "Do I have to see this every fucking time ?" He grumbled again, his eyes shooting daggers at Roman, who couldn't seem less bothered.

Emma fixed her shirt and Roman came to her side, his arm going around her waist as he pulled her forward, he flashed Nik a very fake smile, "Excuse us."

Emma paused in her steps, "You know, it's just the whole funeral, death, grief, and whatnot," she explained, shrugging, "It kind of makes you horny."

My eyes shot to Nik, "See, I told you that too!" I said in accomplishment, knowing how my theory is full-on true.

Nik shot me a glare, "Don't encourage this."

My lips formed a pout, "But, it's true, see," I pointed, "We have a walking evidence," I added, "I should write a book on this."

"Really?" Emma said, breaking away from her husband and coming to my side, "I can help you write it."

Nikolas facepalmed, "I give up," he grumbled under his breath before he turned around and walked away, unable to humor us on this any longer.

Emma threw her arm around my shoulder, both of us watching a very grumpy Nikolas walk away. She let out a dreamy sigh, tapping her hand over my arm, "Welcome to our family," She gave me a wink.

Yeah, they are one hell of an insane family, but I am really starting to love them all.

******************

Next day...

"You are not coming with us?" I asked, involuntarily pouting at the thought as we walked out of the estate.

Nikolas shook his head, "I have a few things to do, I will leave later today," He said.

"I could stay and leave with you," I suggested, knowing very well how he will refuse. When he says he has few things to do, it means things he doesn't want me to be part of.

He leaned closer, softly pecking my cheek, "You'll leave with Alex and the rest, I will finish my work and follow right after," He said, trying to reason with me and I nodded my head.

Someone cleared his throat, rather loudly. I lifted my gaze, looking at no one but Ronald, leaning against the car with a big scowl on his face as he watched us interact. I narrowed my eyes at him, giving him the silent fuck off stare and he rolled his eyes, looking away.

Beside him was Alex, who seemed to be unaware of everything, just clicking down on his phone, he still seemed to be all out of sorts. I don't think he was kidding, he really hates it here, you can feel it radiating off him in waves.

Meanwhile, Roman loaded a suitcase in the trunk as Emma came to our side, wanting to speak with Nikolas but didn't have the chance when a car came to a stop behind ours, grabbing all of our attentions.

All I felt after was Nikolas's hand wrap so tight over my wrist, immediately pulling me behind him, shielding me away from our new guest. I expected it to be his father, he is the only one that gets him so defensive usually but as I peeked from behind Nikolas, I saw a man, maybe in his late forties, getting out of the car and heading toward us.

The sight of him had Ronald straightening up, his body gave off the same defensive stance as he inched closer to Nikolas, or maybe closer to me, I didn't understand. Something was off, I just didn't get it.

The man paused ahead of Nikolas, "Joseph," Nik acknowledged, his fingers involuntarily tightening over my arm, I wanted to tell him he was starting to hurt me but I felt that there was a bigger thing going on around here.

"Nikolas, we didn't get the chance to talk yesterday," The man named Joseph said, his eyes slightly flickering to me behind him, recognizing that there was someone tucked away.

He tilted his head, to have a clearer look, and Nikolas stepped ahead, blocking his sight, "And now is neither the time for that, I have many things to take care of, we can talk later," Nik's voice was a bit hard, pushing the man to a boundary and warning him not to cross it.

My gaze flickered to Ronald, to see him flip into a whole new man, venom dripped from his eyes as he stared back at the man with utter distaste, his hand on the side curled into a tight fist. If I knew no better, I'd say he is one second away from jumping on the man and putting a bullet through his head.

Joseph's eyes found mine again, his eyebrows pulled closer as he asked, "Who is that lovely lady you are hiding behind?" He asked and I gulped down, something about his tone sent goosebumps erupting under my skin, and here I thought only Isaac is a threat, this man seemed to give that menacing vibe as well.

"Joseph, can I know why you are here?" Nikolas's tone hardened, his voice grabbing the man's attention away from me.

"We need to talk about your father," He said, "I need to know whether we are on the same team or not, or else-" His words were followed by Emma scoffing at the indirect warning.

Nik took a threatening step forward, his hand leaving mine as he stood so close to the man, "I am on my own team, Joseph," He stated, "Isaac's rein will be over soon, and before you know it, you are going to be answering to me, so if I was you," The side of his lip slightly pulled up, "I'd choose my next words carefully."

Unsatisfied lines etched the man's forehead, the muscles of his jaw worked but he didn't push too hard, the energy radiating off Nikolas stopped him. He gave a small nod, pulling the nonchalant look, "I guess we'll talk later then," He said, taking a step backward before his eyes fell on mine one last time, his eyebrows tightened almost as if he is checking whether he knows me or not, trying to place my face somewhere but failing.

After that, he turned around and got into his own car, driving away from us.

Ronald's furious gaze flickered to Nikolas and before he could say anything, Nik shook his head, "Don't start," He grumbled out and Ronald huffed out loudly before he angrily stormed to the car, getting inside and waiting for us.

Always making a scene...

Nikolas turned his body to me and he edged closer, his hand going to my face, gently tucking my hair behind my ear, "Call me when you get home," He said, his tone the total opposite to a minute ago. I nodded my head, even though I had a hundred different questions roaming through it; such as, who the hell was that man?

He sensed my hesitation and my desperate need to know everything. He leaned closer, his fingers under my chin tilted it up slightly as he pecked my lips, "I'll tell you about it all later," He said and I nodded my head, deciding to leave it for later.

"I will see you when you get back, right," I wanted to make sure and he nodded his head, "Of course."

A low sigh parted my lips when we broke contact and I had to get into the car. Alex joined me later on, sitting beside Ronald and grumbling, "I swear this will be the last time I step a foot in this country."

Ronald turned to him, "Wanna bet on that?"

Alex groaned in annoyance, shooting Ronald a hard glare as my dear brother roared the engine to life and took off into the road.

I looked out of the window, watching the estate become smaller and smaller as we moved away. I sank into my seat and my mind couldn't help but think of how devastatingly my life changed over the last couple of months. Was it a good or a bad change, I still haven't decided yet...

Not that long ago, I had no clue where Ronald is, dead or alive even, but look at us now, sitting in the same car.

God, my life was so simple months ago, before Nikolas, my family was so small, just my dad and my cat. It didn't seem that lonely of a life to me, not till recently.

I used to be comfortable and satisfied with my simple boring life, but now not a minute passes without him occupying all of my thoughts. Everyone had warned me, even Alex himself, they all said that it is better if I stay away, but what if I can't? What if it is too late to back away now?

He is dangerous, I know, and I am drawn to him in the same way an adrenaline addict is attracted to life-threatening heights.

It is wrong but I just hope that Nik and I, our end, I hope that it won't be as tragic and drastic as everything else in his life.

**************

Later that day...

Nikolas's POV

I am not delusional. I know the difference between wrong and right.

I just rather choose wrong.

I grew up in a world where only monsters won. Isaac won. Even if I beat him now, he had won in life, he got what he wanted, and he achieved what he had always set his mind on. He lived his life to the fullest.

He won, because true power is never held by good men. He won because no limit ever stopped him. He won because heartless power is the only absolute authority there is.

Because of that, I am embracing my very own truth, I am not a good man, and I don't plan to be. I don't even enjoy being one. I feel like a fraud when I pull on the hero cap. That will never be me.

I leaned into my seat, getting comfortable, my eyes focused on what is laying ahead of me.

This...this is what I am.

Natalie said something last night, something I've been thinking over and over again. She said that when someone we love has died, we are desperate to tap into life and for me, there's no more powerful access point to aliveness as this is.

I only feel alive when I take the monster's hand in mine. I only feel alive when I am in power, and I desperately need all the power I can get.

My gaze flickered over his face, fast asleep on the seat across from mine. So young and innocent. He wasn't guilty. I knew that. He wasn't at fault here. His only problem is that Isaac cared for him.

The jet took off into the sky and I felt myself slowly relax as we left this cursed land.

I warned Isaac to lock his doors well, but he didn't. I warned him that a monster is roaming around, that he could steal away what is his, but he didn't listen, I guess he didn't take my threat seriously. He was more busy trying to figure out what to do, how to keep his power from wavering now that my mother was gone.

See, even when he is a good father, he is still terrible at it.

Nathan stirred in his seat, slowly gaining his consciousness back. His eyes opened up, and they sleepily drifted around before he seemed to notice his foreign surroundings. His eyes widened in pure shock and he shot up in his seat, his bewildered gaze falling on mine. Recognition flared in his hazel eyes and he immediately unbuckled his seat belt, rushing and ready to storm off.

One of my men was about to bring him back to his seat but I held my hand up, stopping him. We are already up in the air, he has nowhere else to go.

His chest heaved as he stood in the middle of the jet, aimless, his gaze roaming around in pure loss. Fear twisted his expression and his little hands on the side shook before he curled them into a fist, realizing how he had no way of escaping.

His eyes met mine, "What are you going to do to me?"

I got up to my feet, going closer to his side. He took a couple of steps backward and I crouched down, leveling myself with him, "If you look at the good side, I am kind of saving your life."

He didn't like my words, his jaw tightened and he glared at me, "My dad is gonna kill you!"

He really made him a little version of himself, didn't he?

I smiled, shaking my head, "I am sorry, little one, but this time, I am going to be the one to kill your dad."

He came closer, the fear clearing out from his eyes and he shook his head and shot out, "No, he is stronger than you!" He is an angry little thing, isn't he?

I inched my hand forward and rested it over his shoulder, squeezing at it as I smiled, "Not when I have his only weakness with me."

And if I have learned anything from Isaac, it is how well you can play on someone's weakness in order to bring them down.

**************************************

Hey, it's me! God, it feels like it's been a while since I updated :(

My disinterest in writing keeps increasing and that is scaring me, so y'all better motivate me in order to finish up this story.

Anyway, how was the chapter? Did you like Nik and Nate being together again?

What do you think will happen now? ;)

Let's just hope for the best xD

See ya around. Love y'all <3