Episode 14

It was the weekend and, as usual, Eley had just arrived home after going out with his mother. They organized things slowly, pondering what to cook for when the rest would arrive.

"Mom, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, dear," she replied with a smile as she stored the vegetables in their rightful place.

Eley considered how to pose his question but simply went ahead.

"What do you think about the Chevron family?"

"The family of Alphas?"

He nodded.

"Well, good, what your father has always said. It's not a secret, as everyone always says the same thing about them. Though I don't know much—you know I don't like to meddle in gossip."

She gathered her red hair into a high bun and washed her hands to start cooking something delicious for the family. She always took care of everyone, leaving no one out and cherishing the weekends because they always spent them together. Her husband could be a bit grumpy, but weekends always brought happiness to all.

"Do you actually believe their family is cursed?"

She looked at him, sensing his sadness. Blinking a couple of times, she recognized that look—she knew her son well and could tell something was bothering him.

"Why, dear? Did something happen?"

"It's just curiosity, mom. One of them is at my university."

"One of their children?"

She watched him nod.

"Which one is it?"

"I don't know, but he has heterochromatic eyes and black hair."

"They all have heterochromatic eyes, but I suppose if he's at the university it must be the youngest. I think your father said his name was—" she thought for a moment as she took some tomatoes—"Lucas, or something like that."

"Lukyan," Eley corrected her. "His name is Lukyan."

"Have you spoken to him? Dear, you know how much your father detests that family. It would be best not to get involved with them to avoid trouble. If your father finds out, he'll lose it. He's had numerous clashes with that boy's father, and they never end well."

"He doesn't seem bad, he's… nice."

The mother looked at him closely and slowly approached, familiar with that look.

"Eley, do you like this Alpha?"

"What?! No! I don't like him," he responded immediately.

"Dear, listen, it's okay to like an Alpha, but that boy wouldn't be the right one. The rumors are unkind, and I don't want to see you caught up in them. It's normal to feel attracted to an Alpha at your age, and especially from that family. Everyone knows they are very beautiful and draw attention, but there are plenty more."

Eley watched her for a few seconds, his mother maintaining a kind and sweet expression as always. Her eyes held a tender gaze, her grey irises almost sparkling like his own. He smiled at her and kissed her cheek.

"Don't worry, mom, I don't like him."

"Regardless, you know you can tell me anything, right? Your father can be overbearing, but he loves you, too. He just worries about you, maybe in a different way than I do, but still."

He gave a small smile and they continued sorting a few more things.

He assisted her as much as he could and started to prepare some things for dinner. It was still early, but his mother always began cooking ahead of time. His siblings and father would be home at seven in the evening, so they still had five hours until then.

They both started cooking while talking and laughing, reminiscing about their siblings.

"Ilay is silly, he keeps lying about that but I already know the truth."

His mother smiled.

"I know, but let's pretend we don't. The poor boy would be so embarrassed."

"Maybe I'll tease him a bit later. They always remind me of my embarrassing moments, so I can do it too."

"That pair will drive me crazy one day. I just hope they end up married and don't start doing crazy things like they tend to."

Eley couldn't help but think of all the times they had been with Omegas. They shared everything, even Omegas. This was something their father didn't know; if he did, he might have a heart attack.

He lost count of how many times he helped an Omega leave their house without his father's knowledge. Both parents believed their sons behaved and carried the family name with pride, but that wasn't the case. The twins did what they wanted, with whom they wanted, wherever they wanted. He couldn't decide if the Omegas involved with them were lucky or not, knowing his brothers' unrestrained wildness.

"I'm sure I will be the first to get married because they aren't thinking about it."

"Well, we must keep hope. They think I don't see, but I'm well aware of what they do," she whispered while stirring the pan. "I also know how you always cover for them so your father doesn't find out. You don't hesitate to shield each other's wrongdoings."

Eley cracked a grin.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sure, of course. You can't fool me. I know my sons well."

When they were wrapping up, Eley went upstairs to change clothes. He needed to visit the restaurant where Cheng worked, so he said a quick goodbye and left home.

He grabbed a cab to the city center, then walked the rest of the way to the restaurant.

As usual, it was crowded. He peeked through the window, but Cheng was nowhere in sight. Approaching the door, he quickly spoke with the receptionist. Soon enough, Cheng emerged in haste.

"Did you manage it?" Eley inquired.

"Yes, table five at nine tonight. It's the best I could arrange."

"Perfect, I'll let Darle know."

"Okay, and here," Cheng whispered as he handed over some cash.

"For what?"

"It's from him. We met yesterday morning, and he said if you could manage it, to give you the money."

Cheng saw Eley's expression but shook his head. He hadn't done it for money or for the Omega—it was simply because Eley had asked him to. Refusing the money, he returned it.

"I don't want it, better give it back. By the way, I've got my break, want to join me?"

"Sure, where to?"

"Wait while I grab my backpack, I'll be right back."

Eley waited outside, sending a message to the Omega. When Cheng returned, they walked to the nearby park, lush with flowering trees and neatly trimmed grass. With the days of summer waning and autumn approaching, Eley took a deep breath, an appreciative smile on his face.

There were stalls selling cotton candy, ice cream, popcorn, and more. Children lined up for treats with adults tagging along.

"Want some?" Cheng offered, holding out a slice of cake.

"Yes!"

They ate silently for a moment, simply enjoying the cake's sweetness. Both had a fondness for sweets, so one of them always had something to share.

"Hey, Eley. How'd it go with the hoodie delivery?"

"Good."

"So, are you going to stop talking to him now?"

He chewed slowly, licking his lips.

"I'm not sure."

"He's not good for you. I've told you—if he finds out you're lying, he will get furious. I don't want to visit you in the hospital because he beat you up or worse. He's left Alphas in a bad way; to do so to an Omega would be a breeze for him."

Eley sighed and glanced at his friend. He knew Cheng meant well and was just looking out for him, but he was tired of hearing about Lukyan for once.

"I know, don't worry. I'm fine."

"Alright. Just remember, I'm here to help if you need it."

"Of course, that's what friends are for."

They both smiled and continued their quiet meal.

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