♥ Chapter 4 ♥

08:50 '' Valley City. '' Zefinopolis

Axel Knight.

'' Any problems with the authorities?

I let out a confident smile before answering.

''There were a few snags, but they've been resolved. '' A mischievous flash passes through his gaze, as if anticipating my next revelation.

''I suppose they got rid of the bodies? ''His voice is imbued with a dark humor.

''No bodies, sir. ''My answer seems to satisfy him, his malicious smile widening.

"What about the women sent to Japan? "His question is direct, and I feel the pressure of his expectations.

"Those who agreed were told that the Japanese mafia boss needed some women to work as prostitutes. They accepted without any problems, but I made it clear that any inconvenience would not be our responsibility.

Dante lets out a thoughtful sigh.

"I don't think we'll have any problems. The head of the Japanese mafia knows that I don't tolerate abuse of the women who belong to me. If anything happens, our deal is off.

'' Understood, sir.

'' Is there anything else?

Should I mention the incident? I'll sort it out myself.

'' Well... '' Dante just sighs.

''Just sort it out, Axel. You can go.

'' Yes, sir.

I leave the office, feeling a weight come off my shoulders. All I want now is a little rest. As I go downstairs, I find Thalia in the kitchen, her face illuminated by the soft light, a welcoming sight in contrast to the bleak world I've just left behind.

''Axel, you seem to be more irritable than usual,'' Thalia observes perceptively, as always.

''It's the stress; I'm exhausted. ''I reply, dropping into a chair and resting my elbows on the counter.

She turns to me, concerned.

''You haven't had enough rest? ''I nod.

''Yes, I've been sleep-deprived. My mind is on the verge of collapsing at any moment. I'm too exhausted.

Thalia pours me a glass of juice, and I gratefully accept it.

'' Thank you. '' I take a sip, feeling the freshness of the liquid invigorate my spirit a little.

'' I've always told Dante to let you rest more, but he insists it's not possible. You're the one who accepted these responsibilities. '' She lets out a sigh.

''Dante can be ruthless, but I know that this is all part of his plan to prepare me in case I need to take over the leadership of the mafia.

'' I understand. Anyway, Orion's birthday is coming up. You're going to come, aren't you?

'' Probably, as long as nothing important happens. It seems that I'm the only one who can sort things out, and there are people who love to get things wrong.

'' It's been hard for you, hasn't it? '' Thalia observes with understanding in her eyes.

''Very. Now that I'm taking on more responsibilities in the mafia, I have to sort everything out and, on top of that, report everything that's happened to them. I barely have a life; my house is a mess.

'' If you want, I can talk to him about giving you a few days off. ''Thalia offered, worried about my condition.

No, that's fine. I'm going to sort out the mess Yenki made and try to get some sleep.

'' You really need it; your face looks terrible. '' She comments, observing my tired countenance.

I feel something hitting my head.

"Ouch!

'' You still say you're responsible. '' Orion enters the kitchen, teasing as always.

''I didn't say your son looks like a demon.

'' Stop calling my son that. And Orion, stop throwing things at Axel. '' Thalia scolds her son.

''It's fun, Mom. He never pays attention to anything; he says he's responsible, but he can't defend himself.

I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. He's just a wild child.

'' Because I feel safe here, Orion. But as soon as I leave here, I'm on my guard.

'' Um, I know. Many people say that. '' He leaves the kitchen.

'' Your son is a hopeless case, Thalia. He's debauched, sarcastic and a little pest. Shouldn't he be at school?

She sighs and goes back to cooking.

'' He's suspended for playing a prank on the principal. '' I hold in my laughter.

'' What was the joke this time?

'' The principal is afraid of rats, so he filled the principal's office with horrible rats.

I can't contain my laughter and end up laughing.

'' That's not funny, Axel. The poor man ended up in the hospital.

'' Thalia, you know when I tell you that your son is possessed, you don't believe me. '' She gives me a furious look. ''Anyway, I have to go, work calls.

'' Be careful.

'' It can leave. ''She was almost leaving the kitchen when I remembered something. ''Thalia?

'' Yes? '' She looks at me.

'' Who's coming for Orion's birthday? Because, as far as I know, nobody likes him.

'' It's just going to be the family, Axel. '' She replies, visibly annoyed, and I can't hold back a laugh.

'' Right.

I leave the kitchen and see Elara coming out of the library. Her eyes caught mine for a moment.

''Are you going? ''She approaches, and my heart leaps.

''Yes, work calls. ''I reply, trying to keep my composure. She smiles, and my stomach flutters.

"I see. "She replies, and I hold back the urge to bite my lip nervously.

"Shouldn't you be at college? "I ask.

'' There were no classes today, only tomorrow.

'' Ah, yes.

We stare at each other for a moment, and my heart feels like it wants to jump out of my chest. I feel his gaze descend to my mouth, and a wave of heat runs through my body.

''If the princesses have finished their visual flirtation, I'd like to watch my cartoon in peace. '' Orion's voice breaks us out of our trance.

''We weren't flirting. ''We answered in unison.

'' Yeah, and I'm an alien. '' He grumbles before heading for the kitchen.

'' I'm off.

I leave the house and get into the car, trying to calm my pounding heart.

'' Stop beating like that, heart!!! '' I growl angrily, feeling completely out of control. What have I done to deserve this?