Chapter 27
(SASHA)
Father nods, watching Tyler closely. “Yes, it seems there’s no bite mark.” He eases back into his seat. “Great, things can now proceed as proposed p>
Tyler tugs up his collar. The way his mouth is pursed in a thin grim line tells me he feels insulted. I can smell that resentment from where I am. He has to understand somehow that that’s how things work here. The sooner he gets used to it, the better. He may not like how father spoke to him, but he has to accept it. I bet he knows that isn’t even a question.
“Now get the wedding scheduled as fast as possible.” He clutches on the arm of his seat. “I have work to finish now, you can both leave p>
I know that father is only saying this because he wants Tyler to leave. He doesn’t want to be seen weak. There’s no way he is going to let anyone but my mother see him in the state. Other than his doctor, she is the only one who sees him weak, because she tends to him.
I get to my feet and straighten my jacket. “Come on, Tyler. I’ll show you around p>
“Really?” He asks, looking at me as though he doesn’t believe me.
It’s only fair if he doesn’t. I went out of my way to make his life miserable. I’d understand if he doesn’t trust me. After all, I look nothing like one who would show anyone around.
“Yes. I got some free time today; I can show you around. You should know your way around if you’re going to live here after all p>
“Awesome,” Tyler says smiling. “I’ve been dying to explore p>
“Well, here’s your chance.” His delight gives me more pleasure than I can admit. I don’t however understand why he makes me react like this. I make sure to school my face so he doesn’t notice.
“That’s a good idea, son,” Father says with a calculating expression. “Some fresh air and exercise will do Tyler some good p>
Tyler stands. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Adonis.” He says, shaking father’s hand. I doubt meeting my father was a pleasant experience for him, especially with how blunt I know my father can be sometimes. But I’m glad he’s doing the right thing. He knows to show father respect.
“I’m glad Sasha found you in time.” Father’s response is curt and less flattery, which for some reason I know will make Tyler uncomfortable again.
“Call me if you need me.” I meet Father’s gaze.
“Sure.” He waves me off dismissively.
Tyler steps to the side to let me lead the way out. I’m happy when he does that. It is a show of respect. I know the last thing he wants is to behave submissively in front of father, but I’m happy he did. When we take our leave, I put my hand on Tyler’s back once more as I lead him to the front door. I’m pleased when he doesn’t stiffen this time.
Once outside, we take down the steps in front of the house. “This way,” I say softly, leading him toward the back of the massive mansion.
I have to admit it is awesome having him walk beside me like this. In truth, I’m beginning to have ideas. Sadly, he hates me. I’m not sure if my fantasies of him will ever come to happen. He will soon see my good side and I’m hoping that maybe then, he will stop hating me. All this will be genuine, unlike now.
To our right are green foliage of lavender trees waving in a gentle breeze. The air surrounding us is intoxicated with the sweet lavender scent, evoking a sense of tranquillity as we trace our path at the back of the house.
“Outside feels great.” Tyler closes his eyes and draws a long deep breath. He looks somewhat peaceful out here. He could’ve gotten this and so much earlier if only he stopped being such a slob and agreed without making me hunt him like prey. Yet, he chose to go the hard way. I wasn’t even sure he’d feel good being around me. He will someday, of that I’m certain. At least he likes the place.
“I thought you might enjoy some space p>
“Since when do you care about me enjoying anything?” Tyler snickers.
The response irks a nerve, but I ignore it. “Is there anything more annoying than an unhappy omega?” I tease.
Tyler clicks his tongue. “Would it kill you to say something nice to me p>
“I don’t want you getting way over your head.” He laughs at my answer and catches me by surprise. I like how he laughs. It’s husky. Rich. “This way, Tyler p>
“After you p>
At the back of the property is a thick forest. It’s like a whole different world behind that wall of trees. When I was young, I used to like playing hide and seek here. But lately, I haven’t visited it much. I’ve never walked anyone in here either, but my instincts tell me Tyler might appreciate it.
Walking through the forest, I lead Tyler past the giant sycamore trees. The sun gleams through the leaves, casting beautiful shadows on the winded path. Not far from us is an oak tree whose branches spread wide. There’s a sound of trickling water coming from a creek that runs through the property.
“There are so many poppies and rhododendrons in the spring.” I point to the direction of the creek. “Lupine often springs by the edge of the water. I know there are some blackberry bushes in here somewhere p>
Tyler suddenly stops walking. “You know what these plants are? I didn’t think you knew anything of plants p>
“Why wouldn’t I?” I scowl.
“B…because you are a mafia guy p>
“So what? I can’t love nature because I’m a mafia guy p>
“Yes.” He snickers. “Kind of. Plants and mafia don’t go together p>
“Well, what can I say? When I was little, my mother used to grab me here so we could plant a bunch of petunias, or whatever she’d get her hands on.” I tug at the back of my neck. “I don’t do it these days because I don’t have that much time, but I still come here often to take a walk p>
He looks at me wildly as though he’s seeing me for the first time. “This is so unlike you p>
“No one is just one thing Tyler,” I wrinkle my brow. “Not even you p>
“I don’t know about that. I’m exactly what you see.” He says.
I gaze at him. He’s so pretty. His skin looks glassy and his eyes are like hazel honey pools under this light. His curls bounce as he slants his head back. I’m so tempted to run my fingers through them that I’m summoning all the cosmic forces I don’t believe in to stay calm. I swallow thickly. “So, you mean you have no secrets?
“Not that I know of.” He says confidently when yet we both know it’s a white lie. Tyler isn’t an open book. My guess is he had to grow a shell to protect himself back at the camp. He had to survive alone for quite a long time. It makes sense that he’s never open to anyone or anything. Unlike now, that’s always an advantage after all. It is a plus in our world.
I bite my jaw. “Then tell me, who is your baby’s father p>