Hades’ Pov

It's been three weeks since everything was normal.

Our new normal. The normal we’ve come to love.

Her presence had become a part of our life. Living without it was the most painful thing I've experienced in life.

I watched her explaining something to a couple. The black dress and that confidence suits her. She's curled her hair today. It’s her special day after all. Her work was being displayed at one of the most prestigious exhibitions in Greece.

She might've gotten the opportunity because of Ares but seeing the vision behind each of her photography, I could say she deserved it.

Everyone was surprised by how young she was because her skills were immaculate. My heart expanded with pride when I heard people appreciate her work.

A few of the visitors were interested in collaborating with her in the future. I hope some of those opportunities come her way because she wants to make a name for herself on her own.

I could only look at her from afar because she doesn't want us here. She knew we came but she ignored us the whole time so we figured it would be better if we didn't spoil her day and maintained a distance.

She doesn't want to acknowledge our presence. She wants to pretend we don't exist in her world.

When the couple leaves, Tristan taps her shoulder and she turns to him. He says something to her which makes her laugh before she hugs him. They look cute together. He makes her happy.

I sigh and turn back. I wish Zephyr and I had reacted well to their relationship. None of this would’ve happened. She wouldn't have gotten so angry that she'd demand a DNA test.

Tristan is clearly a good guy for her but something me just didn't want to see her with a boy when she's a little baby.

She follows him to dad who hasn't stopped grinned the whole day. When they finally leave for home, we do the same. I took the wheel while Zephyr sat beside me and Ares in the back.

None of us have been our usual selves since that day. The remaining life in us was drained after Eleni spoke to us.

Since letting her go isn’t an option, there's only one hope left. If we do that, she might get back to us or we might lose her forever. We don't know if we're at better odds with being her father or uncle. But one thing is clear, none of us want to be the latter.

But that's what she wants.

A paternity test.

————

17 years ago

I watch Ares stumble on nothing but he catches himself in time. I’ve told him a thousand times to not drink so much that he loses control of himself but he just doesn't listen.

So many times we only got in trouble because his drunk ass couldn't keep quiet and dad woke up.

Dad thinks this lifestyle’s gonna ruin us. But we assure him we’re completely safe. We always have one rule among ourselves, one of us has to stay sober to manage the other two.

I usually volunteer for the position. I never really developed a liking for substances, at least not as much as my brothers.

I watch Ares grabbing another bottle of champagne before getting inside the room Zephyr left for two hours ago. I intend to follow but a deep voice calls from behind.

“Hades!” I turned around hearing my name.

The music in this party was too loud and there were too many people to locate who actually shouted after me. I was about to turn back when I spotted Alexandros Drakos staring right at me. I squinted my eyes then looked behind me to see who he’s looking for.

He surely can't be calling me. How the fuck does he even know me by name?

But my assumptions were proven wrong when he waved me over. I instantly rushed over, not wanting to accidentally offend him.

I knew better than to make enemies with those who I can't handle. This guy's father had the whole Greek Mafia in the palm of his hand. No one can afford to mess with him.

As I stood in front of him, I brought my hand forward with a nod. “Mr Drakos.”

I was confused as to why he had called me over. This brat rarely talks to anyone that's not of use. Considering he's sparing me his time, he must have something in mind.

“Hades, my boy!” He took my outstretched hand and pulled me in a hug patting my back rather hard.

It hurt but I welcomed the gesture with a respectful smile on my face. I don't know what's got him so excited but with such influential people it's always good to catch them in a good mood.

When we pulled back he had a sick smirk on his face. “Do you know who I am, kid?”

He was eight years older than me. But he looked fairly young to be calling me a kid. I know it's just a means to show me my place.

“Yes. You're the heir to the Greek Mafia.”

He tsks, shaking his head. “Not anymore.”

This prideful bastard really didn't value his blessing. Threw it all away for a damn woman at the age of twenty. She wanted a fucking normal life and he wanted to give it to her.

That's what women did. They made men weak. Made them take the shittiest decisions.

That's why my brothers and I have decided we won't ever allow anyone to manipulate us like that. We won't let anyone ruin the life we could have, the opportunities we could take on.

Women will come and go from our life but there will be no one who we’ll ever keep. None that will matter to us.

“It’s still yours until your father gives it away.”

His poor old father still heads the Greek family but if the rumors are correct, he will be willingly handing over his charge to someone more competent in coming years as his sole heir is clearly unworthy.

He gestured me to follow him. I did so without question. We got to a quieter corner, away from the speaker. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey off the table and poured himself some.

“It's been three months since you started street fighting, right?” He inquired.

“Yes, I'm fairly new.”

“What made you think you should go against Raven?” His raised eyebrow was a clear sign that he thought I had made a dumb choice. “You could've died a very young age.”

“But I didn't. I killed him.” I said, holding my head high.

A chuckle left his throat as he patted my shoulder in appreciation. “You did well, child. I hated his guts.”

I stayed silent. There must be some antagonism between them. But I don't have the right to comment, not because I respect their privacy and any of that shit, but because this guy could flip any second.

“He stole from us but by the time I got to know about it, his uncle signed off a deal with my father for arms at a ridiculously low price in exchange for his immunity. I fucking hated seeing him alive. He used to bash about how he fucking cheated death.” He scoffed. “I'm glad you killed him.”

Five years into his decision, I wondered if he regretted that. I wondered if he thought he should go back to his life. I wondered if he missed seeing the light of life die from his enemies’ eyes.

If gossips were to be believed, he’s living his best life. Two kids, three fucking honeymoons and a shit load of inheritance. Maybe his life did feel complete to him.

“I'm honored I could serve you in some way.”

He looked at me for a moment like he's assessing my soul. “If you've joined this field,” The illegal industry. “Why don't you work with the best?”

I couldn't believe this was actually happening. The Mafia doesn't just take anyone who wants to sign up. But I think we've just cracked our way in.

“I would love to if I get the chance to.” I know I'm probably trying to grab a lot more than he’s offering but I still added, “I have two brothers —my age— they're just as sick for a good opportunity.”

He lets out a noise of amusement shaking his head. “Emotions are not a good place for the Mafia. This love for your brothers might not work well in the future.”

“Or it might become my strength. Loyalty is the most desirable trait in the Mafia. If I come with two of- essentially my clones, I could sleep peacefully at night. I would know there's no one coming to stab my back.”

The nod that followed didn't specify if he agrees or disagrees. “Someone will call you tomorrow. You'll go meet my father, he might have some work to keep you busy.”

It wasn't a suggestion. I didn't have a choice to deny. He had made a decision for me and I had to follow his orders.

His words confirmed he might have left the Mafia but until his father sits on the throne, he still had a say in decisions. If this guy stays by our side, we might end up in a good rank.

“Of course, Sir. It would be my pleasure.”

He didn't stay an extra second for small talks. He left with a nod. Seeing his disinterest in the party and no woman on his arm, he must be leaving soon.

I turned around to the room my brothers were in. We’ve paid a whore fifty bucks for the night, I better go use her. I can't let my brothers have all the fun.

If it wasn't for dad’s call that I had to take —lying to him that we were all home as he does a second shift for us— I would be balls deep in that busty hoe right now.

I opened the door and slid inside the room. It was a fucking mess. Clothes, furniture and alcohol was everywhere. But it's our drug dealer’s farm house, I'm sure he won't mind if we leave it trashed.

The screams of the whore were louder than the music playing. She looked hot as Ares pounded into her from the back.

I shook my head when I saw my brother wasn't wearing a condom yet again. How many times do we have to get him tested for STDs?

But at least the woman was on birth control or else we'll have to fear another thing as well.

I looked around and saw Zephyr passed out naked on the bed with a sheet over him which I'm sure Ares threw on because he didn't like the view.

I sat on the sofa and waited another few minutes until the whore was moaning ‘alice’ louder than ever. After getting fucked for two hours straight she must've forgotten my brother's name.

Soon Ares released in her before pulling out and slumping down on the bed next to Zephyr. He grabbed the comforter and pulled it over himself before closing his eyes.

The whore breathed hard against the cabinet Ares left her against. When she got down from her high she finally came towards me. She knew we paid her for four hours and just like we’ve heard she satisfies her clients to the fullest.

I took off my pants and started stroking my dick as she walked seductively towards me. She had a great body. Hot bouncy tits and a thick ass; any horny teenager’s dream.

But when I saw my brother's cum slide down her thigh my mood shifted. I didn't want to put my dick in there.

“On your knees.” I demanded when she tried to straddle my waist.

She complied like a good girl and that day I got the best blowjob of my life.

————

Present

I always knew the baby in her wasn't mine. I only cummed down her throat. But my brothers didn't know as they both were passed out. Neither did I try telling them.

We were triplets. We had a bond stronger than siblings. We always shared both rewards and punishments.

That day I decided to share their blame.

Their guilt.

All of it became our fault. Not just theirs.

When Athena came back I knew she wasn't mine. I tried keeping my distance from her because it never mattered if I wanted her, she was never supposed to be with me.

The day I heard her terrified voice calling me to get her from the roof, something shifted in me.

She broke down in my arms. She clutched to me like she trusted me. Like she knew I'd keep her safe. She seeked comfort in me. I saw her vulnerable side and my heart ached for her.

I could give anything to protect that girl from the world. But I had no right to keep her.

I kept reminding myself that she wasn't mine to call daughter. I could care for her as an uncle but that's the extent of it.

I watched as she bonded with my brothers and accepted them as fathers. I could have that too. I could act like I didn't know I wasn't the one to impregnate Angela.

But I could never voice that truth.

The secret I hid for my brothers, was now my own selfishness.

I couldn't now take a paternity test and cut my direct ties from her. I didn't want to be her uncle because the prospect of being the father appealed to me more.

I was scared if she finds out, she won't love me. The love she showed to my brothers after they confessed their feelings, was unmatched. She didn't care for them until then.

She only wanted a father. She didn't care about uncles. She would throw me out of her life the moment she gets a DNA report.

I couldn't bear losing her.

Even the thought of it made me wish death upon myself.

Why don't you ever think of what I want?

That's what she had said. She feels unloved, neglected. She feels we don't care about her needs. She thinks we won't ever prioritize her above us.

“I'm ready for the DNA test.” I announced and both of my brothers turned to look at me.

I have to do what she wants. I have to give in to her will. She deserves to know the truth. She wants a DNA test then that's what she'll get.

I'll do everything she asks from me. I'll do everything that makes her happy. I'll get everything back to normal.

Even if that means giving her up.