End of an era

End of an era
VINCE

The arguments between Declan and Leo didn't seem like they were gonna end anytime soon. I'd stayed silent, allowing them to let out the deep pent-up hatred they've got for each other. However, it's taking forever, and I don't have that much time.

So yeah, I need to interfere now.

“Psst, Leo, that's enough.” I tried calling his attention but the man was lost in his rage. He wasn't sane enough to hear me. Even Richard had gotten exhausted from trying to talk him out of his rage.

Don't get me started on Declan who's spewing the dirtiest words in his Vocabulary. I can't tell if he's just unapologetically gutsy or just fucking reckless. Being so flatly rude with Leo in my house is kinda suicidal and he's taking all that risk so fucking boldly.

I lost it when they both jumped to their feet ready to throw hands.

“I said, that's enough!” I thundered, standing in between them. “The one who throws the first punch will be at risk of losing his fucking arm.”

I turned to Leo, making sure our gazes met squarely. “I'm not kidding.” I reiterated, hoping he hears the seriousness in my voice and backs the fuck off.

I understand what he's so mad about. Cheryl and his son almost met their ends because of Declan. He has every right to be mad but this is neither the place nor the time.

“Sit down,” I said, holding his angry gaze. His jaw was so tightly clenched, I just knew if I stepped out of his face, he'd definitely land that punch on Declan.

“Leo,” I whispered, patting his cheek. Trying to snap him out of his rage. “Sit down. Please. Let's fucking talk and get this meeting over with.”

“This doesn't change shit, Vince.” He vowed bitterly, pointing an angry finger at Declan. “That dog is still my enemy once he gets the fuck out of here.”

“And so are you.” Declan retorted. I shot him a scowl. He rolled his eyes and dropped onto the couch.

Leo finally sat down and I did too. No one was willing to speak so I took up the role.

“You don't need to take an oath, Declan. I believe you're being serious about this proposal. I'm willing to take the risk of trusting you. It's all up to you to make me regret that decision.”

His poise settled. Like he was relieved. “Thank you.”

That sounded genuine enough.

“About the man who's gonna support your lie,” Richard began. Sometimes you forget he's here with how calm and unbothered he usually is. “Who is it gonna be?”

“I don't know.” Declan shrugged. “I'll pick anyone.”

“No. It can't be just anyone. It has to be someone who's in the same dark world as well. So when he talks, the people will have more reason to believe.”

“Like a fellow sorcerer?” Declan asked.

“Yeah. Or their trainees. They have something like that, right?”

“Sure. But it's not very easy to find a sorcerer ready to betray their kind. They're tied to an oath, you see.”

“I know one who's gonna be willing to do that,” I said. Declan gave me a look. I scoffed. “I just happen to know one. Don't interrogate me.”

“I wasn't planning on it. I'm just surprised.”

“Well, put it in your pockets.” We went silent for a few seconds until I broke the silence the second time. “Just decide a time and place for the attack. Then I'll take it from there.”

“Tonight. Tomorrow. As soon as you can. I don't mind.”

“Two days. That's enough time for preparations.” I declared. I wasn't about to order my men out tonight unprepared and uninformed.

Declan nodded, pleased by the suggestion. Richard was pleased too. Leo, well, he's still fuming.

I was the first to stand. “See you.”

Declan stood too. He seemed awkward, like he was trying to suggest a handshake or something. I hope he won't. The idea of shaking the hands that'd been hitting my mate doesn't sound so flattering.

He finally just nodded and walked past us, leaving the room.

“Can't we just kill him after getting rid of those damn sorcerers?” Leo snorted with fisted hands.

“Chill, man. Really. Fucking chill.” I patted his shoulder. But then I got a sudden ick when I heard Claire's tiny voice downstairs.

I hurried out of the room, going to the staircase rails and looking down from there.

Claire had her toys scattered in the living room and Declan had just made his way down. Elena had just rushed out to go pick her up from his path and he held her hand, wanting to speak to her.

She snatched her hand back, firmly holding Claire in her arms whilst scowling at Declan. As if he were a predator trying to feed on Claire.

“I hope that bastard isn't thinking about harassing her here.” Leo snorted. He was standing behind me and so was Richard.

Watching them was giving me a bunch of conflicting emotions but not an urge to interfere.

He didn't look like he was trying to hurt her. He seemed like he genuinely wanted to talk. And for some weird reason, I was giving him the chance to do that.

“I'm sorry,” he said. That had to be the most crushing and difficult apology any man ever uttered. He looked like he had killed himself just to admit that.

Elena didn't budge. When he said it again, she warned him never to say that to her again. She used pretty harsh words that made the guy wanna spill tears on the spot.

He must have sensed my presence because he suddenly looked up. Our gazes locked for seconds, and then he looked away, stared a bit longer at Elena, obviously itching to say more things to her, but he dashed out of the house instead, keeping those words unsaid.

Elena headed upstairs. Claire jumped into my arms as they got to us.
“Hey, Daddy.”

“Hey, baby.” I gave her a massive kiss on her forehead. She giggled. She's always giggling, which is sweet. I'm glad she didn't get my grumpy side.

I held her securely while putting my other hand around her shoulder and placing a firm, reassuring kiss on her cheek. I took a quick second to sniff her up. It's been a while since I did that.

She smiled heartily. “How did the meeting go?”

“Great.”

“You guys didn't get physical with each other?”

“Your Uncle Leo was itching to,” Richard replied, giving Leo a playful tap. Leo snorted. He wasn't even in the mood for jokes. He still seemed eager to fight with Declan.

“And you?” Elena asked with wide, curious eyes.

“Me, nothing. We just talked. He's willing to help us and I've taken the risk to trust him. By this time in two days, we'll be putting an end to a messy era.” I winked at her. She grinned, wrapping her hands around my waist and resting her head on my chest.

“Who's gonna contact the Sorcerer?” Richard asked. That's something I love about him. He's so level-headed and asks the right questions. Because I'd just forgotten I was supposed to contact the old sorcerer who took care of me.

“Leo, contact Luke. He'll take it from there.”

“Sure.” Leo took out his phone and stepped aside.

Elena snuggled in my arms. “I feel relieved, knowing this whole thing is finally coming to an end. It's great that Declan really wants to make peace. I just can't bring myself to forgive him. He wronged me so much, I don't even know where to start forgiving him.”

“You don't have to forgive him, Elena. You don't owe him that.” Leo replied.

Agreeing with that, I kissed her hair. “Leo's right. You shouldn't pressure yourself to forgive him. You don't owe him that.”

“Daddy, I want a kiss too.” Claire's tiny voice broke the growing seriousness in the conversation.

“Oh yeah?” I grinned, and hard-launched kisses on her face, her slightly protruding tummy, her armpits, and boy, she was giggling uncontrollably, almost throwing herself off my arm. I had to let go of Elena and steadied her with both arms.

“Daddy, stop. That's enough!” She was shrieking amidst her giggles.

“What? You asked for it!” I laughed pulling her tiny frame in for a deep hug. God, I love her. I love this. I love what my life is promising to look like after two days.

I felt Elena trying to mind-link me. I looked at her and she was smiling ear to ear.

You both are gonna make such a great father-daughter duo.

I hope so.

Because I sucked at the father-son relationship. I hope I don't suck at father-daughter relationships, too.

I hope this time, it'll be different. I hope we don't end up being sworn enemies.