Athena's Pov

Zephyr was about to sit down next to me when Ares took his spot. Zephyr huffed and quietly sat down next to grandpa as Hades took his other side.

I scowled as I had specially saved that seat for Zephyr but didn't say anything because I planned on being civil tonight.

The restaurant we were at demanded manners. It was too fancy for my taste but exactly what I always dreamed of my rich husband providing me.

“What are you having?” I leaned to Tristan who was sitting on my other side.

I had asked Zephyr if I could bring my best friend along. He didn't quite like the suggestion but after some pouts and sad looks, he finally agreed.

Neither of us had been to a michelin-star restaurant before and I wanted to experience it for the first time with Tristan.

“I don't even know what half of these are.” He was just as confused as me.

“Do you want help with the menu?” Ares asked me.

“Actually yes.” I said to him then turned to Zephyr. “Can you help me pick out something to eat?”

I know Ares was being nice by offering to help, he didn't have any hidden motive. But I wouldn't burden him with my problem. After all he was just my uncle. So I should ask the one who actually signed up to always help me out.

Zephyr started explaining the menu to Tristan and I while grandpa had already made his mind to get two hamburgers for dinner. I finally decided on a fancy lobster platter while Tristan chose their signature pasta.

Hades told the waiter our order but before he could leave I added. “We'll also have your fanciest red wine.”

When the waiter left all eyes were on me, waiting for an answer. “This is our first proper family dinner, let's make it memorable.”

Hades rolled his eyes. “We don't need alcohol to make it memorable.”

“You're not drinking.” Zephyr said with finality.

“But Ares allows me to drink.” I argued.

“No I don't.” Ares instantly denied.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You let me drink that day at the Gala.”

“I don't remember that happening.” He shrugged.

“Liar.” I muttered loud enough for him to hear.

“Fine. She was stressed so I let her have a glass of Pinot Noir.”

“Ares, we decided-” Hades shook his head in disappointment. “Nevermind.”

“It was just one time guys.” Ares explained himself.

“Let's do it just one more time. Pleaseeee.” I tried using my puppy dog eyes with them. “Only one glass.”

“No.” Ares said with sternness.

“That's why you're my least favorite.” I grumbled sitting back in my chair with my arms crossed.

———— “Don't they have a heater in here?” I asked rubbing my arms to produce some heat.

Tristan forwarded another bite of his pasta and I opened my mouth to take it off his fork. Like always we ordered two different things so we could share them and try both.

The trio didn't like how Tristan was occasionally feeding me off his plate and Zephyr even asked to volunteer for it but I assured him it's normal. After all, we've been friends since we were in diapers.

“I'll ask them to increase the temperature.” Hades said, looking around for a waiter to wave over.

I shook my head. “It’s okay, I'll just quickly go grab my jacket from the car.”

“I'll come with you.” Ares said getting up after me.

I didn't tell him off. It was quite late. Even if I'm just going to the parking, I still appreciate some company.

“It would be funny if all of us walked out one by one without paying.” I said randomly.

“They all know us here.” Ares replied.

“Let me guess… you’ve killed their workers? Or business partners? Or perhaps family members?”

There was an amusement on his face as he answered. “They pay us a share. In exchange, we ensure the security of their assets and help them in legal troubles.”

That was weird but not as weird as everything I've seen since I've come to live with the infamous Konstantinos brothers. I was going to drop the subject when a thought came to my mind.

“When all three of you die and I inherit all your properties and business, will they pay me this share?”

Ares shook his head sighing. “Didn't know you were impatiently waiting for our death.”

As a matter of fact I wasn't excited by the thought. When I first came here I liked the possibility of them suddenly dying and grandpa getting all their inheritance.

But now I don't have the same emotions. I thought my feelings have only changed for Zephyr but the thought of losing Ares and Hades also ached me equally.

It was somehow difficult to imagine my life without any of them now. I wanted them even when some of them didn't reciprocate the same feelings.

“I’m kidding. Don't take it to heart.” I mumbled looking down.

“Careful.” He pulled me to his side as I was about to bump into someone. “To answer your question, you will get our business and properties but if you want to be paid the yearly share then you'll have to take over that Mafia after us.”

“What's the criteria to sign up?” I asked just to continue the conversation.

“You can start by getting better at threatening so people take you seriously. Then we can gradually move on to murders, torture sessions. We'll also have to teach you a lot about inner politics and maintaining relationships with the circle.”

“Sounds cool. Surely stabbing someone then seeing the life drain out of them won't be too hard.” I said sarcastically.

“It won't be when you know the type of shitty person he was.”

I turned to him with narrowed eyes. “So you're saying you've never killed a single innocent person?”

“I'd say so.”

“Good for you.” I shrugged.

We finally got to the car and Ares unlocked it before I took my jacket out then slipped it on. My eyes felt on my very plain and simple nails as I zipped it and a frown set on my forehead.

“Do you think I should get my nails done?” I asked, showing him my nails.

He grabs my hand and inspects them carefully. “Looks fine to me.”

“You don't know anything.” I grumbled taking my hand away.

“Why are you asking me then?”

I rolled my eyes. “I shouldn't have. I’ll go ask Zephyr.”

Something about that comment didn't sit well with Ares and he gripped my forearm to stop me as I was about to walk away from the car.

When I looked at Ares his eyes were blank and a pissed off look was clear on his face. I didn't fear him because I knew I was safe with him but having an argument tonight wasn't on my to-do list.

“Why are you so adamant on doing everything with him?” He gritted through his teeth.

I gave him a weird look. “Isn’t it obvious why? He's my father now.”

“We don't know that, Athena. For all I know I could be your father.”

Something stirred in my chest. I had suppressed the thought long ago. I knew Hades and Ares had equal chances of being my father but I also knew they didn't want anything to do with me. So I tried believing Zephyr was indeed my real father, not just the one who accepted me.

“But that doesn't matter. What matters is Zephyr’s ready to be my father so he is my father.”

I was about to walk back to the restaurant when he said something that made me suddenly halt.

“What if I say I want the same?”

My heart squeezed at what he's just implied. If this is just his way of winning an argument then I'm gonna hate him for life.

The simplest of words have given me the feeling that I don't want to acknowledge. I don't want to hope for affection from him. I don't want to fall for his tricks so easily. But I've always been an easy target.

“Then I'd say you're lying. You're just attention deprived. You can't digest your brother getting so much love and care.” I spat the words at him.

Ares exhaled a breath before regarding me with uttermost calmness. “We're brothers, Athena. I want the best for Zephyr. I'm glad he’s got you. I would never want to snatch his happiness but… can't I want the same for myself.” I kept looking in his eyes not believing a single word he’s uttering. “Because you're not just his. You're our family.”

“You want to accept me as your family, Ares? Sure. I've told you already I’m okay with you being my uncle.”

I tried keeping my tone even but my emotions —who have a brain of their own— came between my words and my voice broke at the end.

Ares grabbed my arms looking at me directly in the eyes with seriousness. “I don't want to be your bloody uncle, Athena. I'm just as much of your father as Zephyr is and I won't accept anything less.”

His acceptance shouldn't make me feel worthy. It shouldn't make my heart flutter. It shouldn't mean anything to me. But my brain and heart have a shitty coordination.

Even if I had suppressed the childish impractical part of me that seeked Hades and Ares’ care and concern, it was still in me. Alive and longing. I wanted them despite everything they've done to me. I wanted them to realize how they ruined my life. And more than anything I wanted them to come back to me just like their brother did.

It was utterly illogical for me to wish for three dads but for some reason it felt reasonable. I've developed a place for them in my heart and it's painful to throw any of them out now.

“I didn't give Zephyr his rights until I saw his efforts. You can force me like he did but just so you know it was his actions that made me wanna genuinely give him a chance.” I removed his hands from my arms and stood my ground.

Ares let out a breath of disapproval. “I thought you could see my efforts. Maybe I should list it out for you… Do you remember that day I brought you hot chocolate and talked till you fell asleep? I took you out shopping when you already had a dress in mind. I accompanied you and Hades in the middle of the night to Tristan's place. It was because I wanted to spend time with you.”

I opened my mouth to stop him from giving me hope but he was determined to get his point across. “I killed Dan for you. I stood by you in front of Richard and told him I was your father. Why do you think I did that? What would I possibly gain from it? From asking you to love me, from asking you for hugs, from asking you to go out with me, from fighting with my brother to drop you off to school?”

“It was all because now that you are in my life, I want to be with you. I want to do everything I can for you. Why do you think I told you I cared about you? Why do you think I apologized for my lack of communication skills when I literally don't apologize to anyone!”

“When I call you our daughter, it's because I can't accept you as just Zephyr's. I hate it when you call me uncle to piss me off. I don't want to be your bloody uncle.” He gritted through his teeth. “Why do you think I fucking slept with that seventy year old horndog just so you get a good opportunity? It was all for you, Athena. Because I care about you. Because I love you.”

Suddenly the parking lot felt too suffocating. It was so difficult to process such words that I always wanted to be told but had lost hope of ever hearing from him.

Ares cupped my face looking at me with the most gentle eyes. “I really thought you'd start realizing why I'm doing all of this. I really thought we could develop an understanding. But if you do want a verbal confession then my baby I want to be your father.”

I couldn't say a word. My body had gone numb and I was incapable of forming a single thought. I didn't know what I should do. If I should believe his words or shove him away and run to my grandpa.

“Not because it's the right thing to do or because I'm jealous of that fucker Zephyr —I may be but that's beside the point. I want to do this because you're my child, Athena. I want to be the person I should’ve always been for you. You're my child and after living with you once I now can't imagine my life without your presence in it.”

I didn't realize tears were streaming down my face until he wiped a couple away. “Don't cry, my baby.”

When he took me in his arms, I suddenly felt a comforting warmth. I felt calm, safe and loved. Now knowing what exactly he feels about me, I can't stop myself from loving him back.

I didn't push him away and just kept thinking what should be my next step. I could easily tell him I don't need him because I had Zephyr but did I really want to let him go?

I don't know why I'm so gullible but I wanted to forgive him. I don't want to reject his care. I don't want to give up any of them. If I could I'll have all three of them.

I moved back and sniffled as all the emotions felt too much to handle now. “You should take some time and think about it once more, Ares. Don't take an impulsive decision that you’ll regret later.”

He shook his head. “I’ve thought enough.” “You don't get to back away now.” I whispered.

Ares kissed my forehead. “I’d never hurt you again. I promise. Just trust me once.”

I wiped away the remaining wetness on my cheeks and tried talking maturely. “I… I didn't forgive Zephyr either. I just gave him a chance. It's like… a trial period. If you pass then good for you or else…”

“I think I’ve learned a thing or two about winning your heart.” I liked how sure he was of himself.

I nodded then looked away. “Ask Zephyr for the conditions list. He'll guide you on what's expected of you.”

Ares gave me an amused smile. “I’ll do everything that's on your conditions list.”

“Don’t promise before you read it. It even has a clause saying you have to prioritize me over your brothers. I bet that one’s gonna prove to be difficult.”

“Well I've already started on it, when I hid from my brothers what happened in our home theater three days ago.”

My stomach dropped when I realized what he could be referring to. He couldn't have possibly known. Did that staff member figure it out and snitched on us?

I bit my lip as embarrassment crawled my skin. “Um nothing happ-”

“You should’ve remembered there's cameras everywhere except the bedrooms and bathrooms.”

I closed my eyes in shame. He saw it. How can I be so careless?

“How much did you see?” I mumbled not meeting his eyes.

He scoffed. “I switched off the camera the moment your hand went under the blanket.”

Slight relief washed over me that at least he didn't see me give a blowjob. “Nothing happened after that. Trust me we were just chilling-”

“I find that hard to believe.”

I scowled at him. “Why were you even checking the cameras?”

“Don't blame me for being curious about your relationship with Tristan after you oh so urgently wanted to meet him in the middle of the night.”

My mouth dropped realizing something. “Why didn't you come to stop us if you knew we were…”

Ares sighed. “I don't want you doing that right after you’ve got out of bad companies but… I didn't know if I should come stop you, if I should interfere so much in your personal life. Tristan's not really a bad guy so…”

“We've started dating.” I felt the need to tell him.

He slowly nodded. “I guess that's better.”

“So you'll support me when I tell everyone about Tristan and I?”

“I don't think they'll have a particularly bad reaction to it. But yes, I'll support you.”