AzraelIt was pitch black without light peeking in.Leslie was deeply asleep, arms strapped around my waist. That my movements didn’t disturb him because he was a light sleeper.All that excitement since we walked into town and the shower sex must have knocked him out. I grabbed my phone, supporting my arm against Leslie’s head.Seventeen minutes past one.I was thirsty and wide awake.I searched around but there was no water on the nightstand, so I left after resting Leslie comfortably against the bed with a pillow to comfort him in my absence.There were a lot of rooms in the hall. A few doors had names, images and markings, but the rest were plain, with a tag number.It was quiet. Not a sound or maid lurking around, even with the lights on.Climbing down, I noticed the pictures hanging on the wall, but what caught my interest was a giant portrait of a young woman.She had bright red hair, straight and revealing her forehead. Her eyes were gentle green, glossy pink lips and rosy che
LeslieI was searching for dad but he was no way to be seen. I was heading to the study when I saw Oliver in the living room with books scattered on the table.“Hey. Oliver right?”He nodded and dropped the pen on the table.“Can I help you with anything?” He asked with his Irish accent.“Have you seen my dad and Ancel?” I asked.“Ancel left for work early. Mr. Valentin might be in his study working. If he’s not in his study, he is either in the garden or he’s gone out. He doesn’t stay home all the time.”“I see. What are you doing?” I asked as I approached him.“School projects. Ancel and Mr. Valentin said I should at least have a high school diploma if I decide not to go to college.”“That’s nice.” I turned to the door.I was going to leave the room, but stopped in my tracks and faced Oliver.“Are you okay with everything that happened? You’re a little too young to have a kid in this age.”Oliver smacked his lips and gazed into my eyes. “I’m great; things could have been worse.”“My
The last time I’d seen this much crowd was when Ben invited me to his company’s anniversary, but an art exhibition launch pulled more crowd than an anniversary. I wondered if it’s because of whom their family was or if it was just Lucas.There were a lot of important public faces among the guests we greeted this night, even the mayor of the city and his wife.“There are a lot of people.” I whispered to Azrael as I drank my sprite to hide my inability to hold my liquor.“Leslie loves a big splash. It helps his confidence.” Azrael replied. “Has your family arrived?”“No. I’ve been trying to reach my dad or Ancel, but nothing.”“We can wait. I’m sure they’re on their way.”Kioko came out from the crowd in a gorgeous green kimono that complimented her hair ornaments. She adjusted Azrael’s suit and hugged him before she touched my cheek.“Where’s your son?” Kioko asked.“He’s with his dad and grandparents for the entire week. We wouldn’t stay more than an hour here if we brought him with u
AzraelThe VIP lounge was just another hall arranged like a grand auditorium with a grand stage. The auction has already started with people raising up their tag and casting prices with the intention to impress.We stopped at the front desk and the man behind the desk presented a grand book containing names and tag number after collecting our invitation.“Are you getting a tag?” Isaac asked. “My wife represents us both.”“I have a lot of Lucas’ artwork in my private house. I won’t be buying more, especially if I can get it for free.” I smirked.It was funny how quickly I’d grown to like Isaac and his appearance and height made me question at times if he was an omega. He also his maintained a great shape for someone with three kids.We headed inside, but I heard Lucas’ voice. I turned my head to the left, and he was standing there on a phone call with a mean glare.“Let me introduce you to the host.” I told Isaac, and he nodded.I approached my dad first, and he raised his hand to stop
Leslie No one answered the doorbell. I tried to ring Azrael again, but he wasn’t picking up my calls and I was worried. I got a taxi that tracked down my wristwatch back to Azrael’s house, or I wouldn’t know where to look for him.“Why won’t you talk to me?” I whispered.My fingers trailed down the security lock, and I dialled my birthday. The door opened, and I didn’t hesitate to enter.I dropped my shoes at the side and wore the slippers.The first sight that greeted me was the mess trailing to the other room. Broken glasses, dirt, furniture, and Azrael’s glasses had a crack on it.I picked it up and entered the living room, where I was greeted with an immense hole in the TV. The table was flipped upside down and Azrael sat at the foot of the couch with an empty bottle of alcohol in his hand.“Azrael.” I stayed at the door of the room.Azrael glared at me and threw the bottle across the room, shattering the bottle, and smiled.“Hey kid. Sorry about the mess.” He ap
Azrael was asleep thanks to the alcohol, and I was downstairs trying to clean as much mess as I could.I found Azrael’s broken phone and tried to see if it still worked. It took a beating from him, but I could make up the one thousand messages from Lucas and ninety missed calls, including mine.I had to get him a new phone soon. This one was beyond quick saving.I picked up a portrait from the ground and it was the same picture of Lucas and Azrael on a swing I’d seen when I was initially his editor.The frame had little cracks, but everything else was fine.I placed it where it should be and sat on the couch to rest a little.The person Isaac never stopped searching for was Lucas, and Azrael was his half-brother. Lucas is dad’s beloved and dad is his unforgettable love. A perfect pair, just like me and Azrael.Things were getting heavier and darker and knowing that, I had to be ready.My ringtone startled me, and it was Ancel.I answered the number, and I heard a sigh of relief.“Did
The night was chilly, and I headed for Azrael’s private house after an awesome day with my dad. Lucas’ reappearance in his life postponed his departure to the end of the week and he was interested to know how I was living.He was staying at a hotel not very far from Kioko’s property.“I’m back!” I announced as I took off my shoes.I was so grateful Ben agreed to take an entire week to watch Nikolaus for me so we can get everything a little under control.Azrael sat in the kitchen, making something that smelt delicious with the table set and full of several dishes.“It smells so delicious. My senses are excited.” I praised him and hugged him from behind.Azrael set the steamed vegetables on a plate and hugged me.“It should be. I put a lot of effort into making everything; you’ve been looking a little pale.”“I’m just tired.”“How was work?”Azrael carried the plate and headed for the table.“I took a half day so I could go on a date with my dad. He came by the office and the company i
AzraelIt was past midnight and Leslie yet home, and he wasn’t picking my calls. It made little sense for him to leave late at night all to buy milk when we had other things that could substitute.The door opened and Leslie came in, but he wasn’t alone. Lucas was with him, drunk and staggering as he battled to sleep.“Help me.” Leslie requested, and I took Lucas off his shoulders.I carried Lucas princess style, and we climbed up the stairs, heading to any guestroom.Azrael dropped Lucas carefully on the bed and took off his shoes.“Where did you find him?” I asked, concerned where and what state he was found.“At some bar. He had a couple of drinks before the bartender called you with his phone. I told you, but I got no reply, so I went to get him.”“Why didn’t you take him to my mom’s place?”“It was late, and Lucas doesn’t want to go. I can’t force him.”I covered Lucas with a blanket and we left the room quietly so we wouldn’t wake him.Azrael wasn’t happy with my decision, but he