My father

ALEX

My footsteps faltered as I approached the cluster of people standing in front of the mansion. My mind was a whirlwind of disbelief and confusion. Could it really be them? Those same men who had so terrifyingly and efficiently dealt with Noah? I counted every step.

My mom, however, seemed completely oblivious to the storm brewing within me. She waved enthusiastically, her face radiant with excitement. I knew she influenced Dad’s decision to attend his Father's funeral but I didn't know how much until now. She seemed starstruck.

"Come, Alex! Let’s not keep them waiting," Mom chirped.

Her voice barely registered as I focused on the trio. Their faces were as I remembered: strong jawlines, piercing eyes, and an air of command that seemed to demand attention. They stood slightly apart from the rest, exuding an authority that was impossible to ignore.

I hoped they didn't remember who I was.

I watched my dad walk up to them. I had never seen him like that. He wasn't cowering before my mother as he did at home. He squared his shoulders as he approached the small crowd waiting for us.

Dad shook hands with each of the brothers and walked towards the women. An older lady, in a white gown and dark glasses, pecked him and introduced mom. I couldn't hear what he said, but the older lady hugged both of them so tightly I thought she would lift them. She seemed just as excited as Mom. Her smile showed it.

My heart pounded louder with each step. The tallest of the three, with midnight-black hair, was the first to lock eyes with me. Recognition flickered in his gaze, and his lips curled into a knowing smile.

He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving mine. "I'm Reed. These are my brothers, Rhett and Rhys."

Rhett, slightly shorter with dark brown hair and intense blue eyes, nodded. Rhys, the youngest with a mischievous glint in his green eyes, simply smirked.

"Welcome to your new home," Reed said smoothly, his eyes holding mine in a way that made it impossible to look away.

My Dad stood behind us, his expression strained. He gave a stiff nod, clearly uncomfortable. "Thank you for having us." They shook hands and Dad pulled me aside. Almost protectively.

"Come," he said. "Meet my stepmother."

The woman in white half smiled. Nicky was standing beside her at this point. It seemed he had met her already and they had been in conversation. "Alexa..?" She asked.

"No, Ma'am. Alex," Dad corrected. "This is my daughter, Alexandra."

"She's beautiful," the woman smiled. A hearty smile as she looked me up and down. "You have a beautiful family." Her thick Italian accent laced each word and emphasized 'beautiful.'

She hugged me. They smiled like they would unlock their fangs and sink them into a person the next moment. Something seemed off.

I smiled back. "It's nice to meet you, Ma—"

"Mrs. Gunner," she said, patting my back. "Call me Mrs. Gunner. Everyone does."

Rhys stepped forward, his gaze raking over me with blatant curiosity. "Let's get you settled in. I'll show you to your rooms."

As we moved towards the house, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, scrutinized. My mother's constant chatter about the grandeur of the mansion and the generosity of our hosts was a distant buzz in my ears.

Rhys Alcatraz led us through the grand foyer, pointing out various rooms and amenities. The house was breathtaking, with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings. Yet, the opulence felt suffocating, like a gilded cage. Slowly, he showed us to our rooms, starting with Father and Mother.

Dinner was a tense affair. The table was laden with gourmet dishes, the aroma filling the air. My parents made polite conversation, but the underlying tension was palpable. Reed, Rhett, and Rhys were perfect hosts, their charm and sophistication undeniable. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to them, something dark and dangerous lurking beneath the surface. Noticeably, Mrs. Gunner wasn't at the table. Reed had explained that she wasn't feeling too well and that her mind was on the funeral.

I could see Dad wasn't buying it. I knew he was uncomfortable. Maybe even disgusted. I wasn't sure why but his face told the tale. I noticed Emma, Beth, and their kids were absent too.

As the evening wore on, and we engaged in small talk, the tension increased.

"Pray tell, Connor — what do you remember of our father?" It was Reed Alcatraz.

"A stubborn bastard," Father said, smiling... and the room went silent. He chewed on his food for a moment and then added, "so stubborn, I didn't think he could die."

A bit of laughter erupted in the room.

"That's about right," Rhys said, "he definitely was a stubborn old geezer."

My Dad cleared his throat, glancing at Reed through the wine glass in his hand. "So, what exactly do you three do here?"

Reed's smile was sharp. "We handle the family business."

Dad raised an eyebrow. "And what business are we into these days?"

Rhett chuckled, the sound devoid of humor. "Let's just say we take care of things that need taking care of."

Mom laughed nervously, trying to diffuse the tension. "Well, whatever it is, we're grateful for your hospitality."

Rhys leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on my father. "It's fascinating, really. How our families, once so distant, are now reunited. It feels so easy. Almost like I've met members of your family before." His eyes moved from Dad and our eyes met.

I choked, coughing as the steak I was chewing went the wrong way. What the fuck? They knew. They fucking remembered.

"I'm fine..." I managed to say after sipping some water.

Dad stiffened, his jaw tightening. "Yes, fascinating." He smiled. Dad had been different since we walked in here. His smile was different. It was almost like he felt he was in enemy territory or shark-infested waters. I had seen Father smile a lot, and this smile wasn't the good kind.

Reed's smile widened. "We're all family here. No need for formalities."

Father's eyes narrowed slightly, but he held his composure. "You know, your Father made them swear. Us all, in fact. He made us swear that we'll find you and ask you and your family to be at his funeral. Those were actually some of his last words." Reed said.

"I see," Dad sighed and took a gulp from his glass. The polite smile on his face faltered as he turned to the brothers, and quietly said, “Give me a moment with my family,”

Rhys’s smirk lingered, but he nodded. Rhett gave a curt nod. Reed, however, just stared, that unreadable expression still frozen on his face. Only after a long pause did he motion for his brothers to step away.

Dad waited until their footsteps faded before turning to us. His expression was sharp and unusually serious now. “Listen carefully,” he whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was within earshot. “We’ll stay here for now. That’s the arrangement. But this place… it’s not what it seems.”

Mom frowned. “Conor, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying we need to be careful,” he said firmly. “Don’t open the door for anyone unless you know exactly who it is. Don’t go wandering around this mansion alone. Don’t trust anyone, not even them.”

His eyes flicked briefly in the direction of the brothers’ retreating figures.

Nicky swallowed hard. “But they’re family…”

“Family doesn’t always mean safe,” Dad replied grimly. “Just stay close to me. And your sister…” He met my gaze, and the look in his eyes made my skin crawl. Dread tightly hidden under resolve. “Whatever happens, keep your head down. Don’t draw attention. Not here.”

The warning sank into me like ice. Before any of us could ask questions, he straightened and put the polite smile back on as footsteps echoed down the hall again.

“We’re good now,” he said, his voice lighter. “I trust you all.”

As the massive door opened again and the desserts came in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we’d just stepped into something dangerous, and that no one knew the depth more than my Father.