Nine

“Ah, so Jaiden has conveniently neglected to mention that he has more older siblings than just Tristan? It's intriguing to think about what other secrets he might be hiding from his companions.” Alexis cast a teasing glance at Haiden, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. However, deep down, she understood that Jaiden had never truly embraced his role as the baby of the family. The very thought of it made him uneasy, and his name, which was merely a letter inspired by the names of her twins, only deepened his feelings of inadequacy. Jaiden wrestled with an inferiority complex, burdened by the weight of being the youngest among a family of accomplished siblings.

Haiden stepped forward with an easy confidence, ready to fill the silence. “In that case, let us properly introduce ourselves, so we’re not perceived as rude. I’m Haiden,” he said, his tone casual yet firm, “and the woman attempting to bore a hole through your forehead with her glare is Alexis.” He leaned back slightly, a playful smirk replacing the seriousness in his expression. “I could say it’s a pleasure to meet you, but honesty is more my style, and frankly, I’m not one for frivolous lies.”

Corin stood there, puzzled by the relaxed demeanor of the twins. They seemed almost uncaring, which sparked a storm of confusion within her. How could they fail to see her as a threat? In her mind, she was like a relentless fly buzzing around them, while they merely regarded her with disinterest, biding their time until she could be swatted away.

The calm in the house was abruptly interrupted when a door creaked open somewhere within the walls, and a chorus of footsteps resonated throughout. Three or four people were moving about, perhaps finishing up a class. However, only two sets of footsteps were approaching the garage, and an unsettling silence hung in the air. Since when did a group of people enter a home without a single word exchanged?

“So, you’re the shadowy presence we've sensed lurking around. Corin, is it?” one of the men spoke as they strode into the room. His voice was low and commanding, sending a chill down Corin’s spine. “Before we engage in this little tête-à-tête, let me clarify: today is not the day for your antics, and I’m not nearly as relaxed as my compatriots here. I genuinely don’t care about what you have to say. I simply want you gone.”

The two men entering the room radiated an intense, predatory aura. Just one of them sent Corin's instincts into overdrive; she realized her situation was far more precarious than she had anticipated. Gathering all the courage she could muster, she attempted to challenge the man, projecting an air of defiance.

“Wait, another brother? Surely, you’re joking! You won’t dare do anything to me; you’re all just goody-goody types, aren’t you? Isn’t your so-called moral code the exact reason you oppose your brother?” Corin retorted, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“Let me interrupt you right there; he is NOT my brother. That egomaniacal crybaby is their brother,” the man declared, jabbing a finger toward the trio before Corin. They bore a striking resemblance to one another, with the same piercing eyes and effortless air of nonchalance. “I’m merely a friend. Please don’t confuse our disapproval of him with any claim to the moral high ground. We never claimed to be heroes, especially when villains are having all the fun.”

Corin froze at his unexpected admission. She had always been led to believe that Jaiden’s family was weak and clung stubbornly to their ideals. Surely, this had to be a ruse. She felt a burning urge to test their resolve, eager to discern whether the man truly was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. With that uncertainty bubbling within her, Corin knew she needed to gather more information before formulating a solid plan.