- 4 7 -

- H E A T H E R - E L I A S -

I look out at the large estate once we stop in front of it, more guards than usual surround the area.

I step out of the car and look over at Anton who also steps out of his car at the same time just as the front door opens and our housekeeper and butler, Tom steps out.

"Mr. and Ms. Elias. Mr. Angelo. Good to see you again sir." Tom bows his head towards Anton and me in respect to which Anton nods once.

"Is everyone inside Tom?" Anton asks looking around.

"Yes sir." He replies and opens the front door for us.

I look at Anton briefly who gives me a small reassuring smile and with one look at Roman who now stands behind us, I walk in first, the sound of my black heeled boots clicking on the floors as someone running down the stairs makes me look up.

"Thea! You have no idea what I found out!" Zephyr's voice startles me as he runs over to me alarmed.

"Anton is-" He gets cut off suddenly as his eyes look behind me, widening like saucers.

"Here. Anton is… here." He mutters in disbelief and tries to speak, but no words come out of his mouth as Zarina walks downstairs as well, freezing on the stairs when she sees us.

"Thea! You're back! And… Holy Mother of Jesus. Is that Anton fucking Elias?" She exclaims baffled as she walks down towards us and walks up to Anton, watching him closely before poking his chest with her finger.

"He's real." She mutters in absolute awe as Anton rolls his eyes.

"Yes, congratulations I'm real, I'm back, good to see you too, Zephyr. Zarina." He regards them coldly.

"Be nice Anton. Be glad they haven't fainted yet." I swat his arm as he rolls his eyes.

"They will any second now if they keep ogling me like that. I mean I know I'm hot but even I have my limits." He says lazily and puts his hands in his pant pockets before looking around.

"And is that… wow. Roman Angelo, in the flesh. You weren't kidding when you said he was hot." Zarina gave Roman a once over before looking at me with a smirk, my eyes widening.

"Zarina!" I chastised, my eyes glancing at Roman briefly who looked at me with a smirk.

Fuck me.

"Alexander. Where is he?" Anton broke us all out of our thoughts.

"In his office. With everyone else." Zephyr informs us, keeping his eyes on Anton the whole time.

"Stop glaring at me." Anton grunts at him, making Zephyr roll his eyes.

"Where's Aunt Kris and Kim?" I ask Zephyr who finally looks at me.

"Around here somewhere. I'll have someone get them." He answers and Anton nods at him, heading upstairs towards his office.

"Hey Zar, could you take Roman to my room?" I turn to Zarina who's currently busy ogling at the said man.

"Yeah sure. Okay." She snaps out of her daze and turns towards the stairs.

"You can wait there, I'll see you after." I tell him once I'm facing him, watching as is eyes roam my face before he leans in and kisses my forehead and then follows Zarina, leaving me flustered and in a daze.

"You coming Thea?" Zephyr asks me and I turn to watch him looking at me with a smirk and follow him quickly.

Once we reach the door, I stand in front of it, hearing the deep muffled voices of Alex and dad as they talk to each other.

"I'm right with you." Anton tells me and I give him a reassuring smile, turning the knob and pushing the door open, everyone falls silent as I meet the bright blue eyes belonging to none other than my brother.

God I missed him.

"Thea." He whispers surprised before his eyes move to someone behind me, his expression faltering.

"Anton." He speaks clearing his throat as everyone stands up from their seats.

"Alexander. Father." Anton greets the men and steps forward as my dad envelops him in a hug, and then reaches out for me.

"My children." He whispers as he pulls away and looks at me, his face softening immediately as his smile grew wider.

"My beautiful daughter." He says before embracing me once more while I enjoy the warmth of his embrace.

"I missed you dad." I mutter as he rubs my back soothingly.

"I missed you too sweetheart." He says as I pull away, a hand squeezing my shoulder gently I look behind and smile at my uncles Karl and Mikhail.

"Good to know you aren't dead." Nikolai muses, making me roll my eyes as I hug him.

"Good to know you aren't dead either." I mock him, making him grin as my eyes connect to Ivan's.

I cross my arms over my chest and raise an eyebrow at him as he opens his arms foe me.

"You really expect me to hug you?" I ask him, watching as he shrugs and takes a step closer to me.

"You can't resist me kotenok." He replies with a smug grin as my own face breaks out into a smile.

"Yeah right." I say rolling my eyes and step into his embrace while he kisses the top of my head.

"I missed you too, thanks for asking." He mutters, making me chuckle as I smack his arm playfully.

"I have no doubt you did." I reply smugly and watch as Anton greets everyone, and my eyes drift off to my brother, Alex who simply nods towards Anton before his eyes come to me, an unreadable expression on his face.

My eyes roam over his unruly figure, his hair tousled indicating he ran his hands through it multiple times.

Dark circles under usually bright eyes which are dull now, his blazer discarded on the back of his chair and the collar of his shirt messed up, his tie hanging loose from his neck and his shirt wrinkled in places.

Overall, he looked like a complete mess, but was a sight for sore eyes, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss him.

And that's when my eyes fell on the cast on his right arm. The same one he used to point his gun at me.

A frown took over my face but before I could say anything, Anton grabbed my arm and made me sit next to him as everyone else settled into their seats as well, Anton's arm behind me on the back of the couch.

The tense silence in the room was suffocating while I fiddled with my fingers to relieve some of the nerves.

"I can practically see the questions swirling in your head, Thea." Nikolai spoke erupting a chuckle from everyone as I glanced at my brothers briefly, and took a deep breath before speaking.

"I'd like to know everything. Why you," I pointed my thumb to Anton. "Aren't dead. And why all of you," I gestured to everyone in the room. "Hid it from me."

"Do you remember everything that happened that night?" Ivan asked me and I simply nodded at him once and saw him glance at Anton and nod.

"I was shot in the chest. As far as I remember, Alex pulled you away from me so you wouldn't get hurt in the crossfire." Anton started.

"I blacked out after that because I lost too much blood and when I regained consciousness," He looked at me meaningfully before continuing. "A month had passed."

"A month? Were you in a coma? Who saved you? Who took you to the hospital? Why wasn't I informed?" I asked him in one breath, making him chuckle slightly.

"Slow down darling. Yes, I was in a coma for a month. Alex came back for me, took me to the hospital, got me treated and everything." He explained as my eyes drifted to Alex who was watching me with a stoic expression on his face, leaning back in his chair.

"And why didn't you tell me?" I asked him slowly, my eyes glossing over.

"They didn't want to raise your hopes up darling. My condition was critical and chances of survival were very low. But when I did survive, and when I woke up, it was my own decision to keep it from for you." He told me carefully, letting me process everything.

"Why?" I whispered out.

"We found soon after that he… was still alive and managed to survive, somehow. If he found out I was also alive, he would have come after you much sooner." Anton explained, making me frown before it dawned on me.

"But because he thought you were dead, he hasn't come after me, so I've been safe." I concluded and watched as Anton nodded.

"Exactly. We've been looking for him for two years now but we still can't find him. And unfortunately for us, he's found out I'm alive." He told me, making my heart sink even further.

"Is that why I was poisoned? A warning to hand me over to him?" I asked, my voice nearly cracking at the end, and both my brothers sensed it.

"Yes darling, but you don't have to worry about anything. We won't let anything happen to you." Anton reassured me, and I sighed.

"If you don't shoot me first." I muttered, but the pin drop silence in the room was enough for everyone to hear it.

My eyes went to Alex who had pursed his lips, his eyes holding so much pain and regret.

"Nothing like that will happen. I'll make sure of it." Anton said sternly and I nodded as everyone got up from their seats.

"I think you three need to talk and sort some things out." Dad said a put his hand on Anton's shoulder who patted it twice and nodded.

"Give us a few minutes." Anton said as everyone filed out of the room, leaving me, Anton and Alex alone.

"Thea." Alex called out to me, but I didn't glance his way and kept my eyes trained on the wall in front of me.

When did they get it painted?

"Thea, sweetheart, please just… look at me." I heard his pained voice as he got up from his seat and sat on the couch directly across me. I dared myself to look into his eyes which softened immediately.

"I'm sorry. For everything. I'm sorry for lashing out at you like that, for-"

"Pointing your gun at me?" I cut him off and saw him wince from my bluntness.

"Yes. That. I'm so fucking sorry for doing that, I didn't mean it. I would never do that to you. Ever." He said and I could hear the desperation in his voice and I knew he regretted everything he said and did that day.

"I know. But that doesn't excuse anything." I replied, looking firmly at him as he ran a hand over his face.

"I know, I know. And I'll do anything to earn your forgiveness. Anything." He pleaded, making me sigh as I shook my head.

"I've already forgiven you Alex. But I can never forget it." I said and watched as he nodded.

"I understand. Thank you for forgiving me anyway. It means more than you know." He replied sincerely.

"Let's clear some other things too, yes?" Anton spoke looking at Alex who nodded.

"Yes. You heard me talking to dad that night in the office. Part of what I said was true but I think you didn't hear everything." He told me, making me frown.

"What you said that day, it was true. I do see Anton's and mom's bloodied faces when I look at you. But what you didn't hear after that is that it scares me that I might loose you too and I can't… I can't loose you Thea." He spoke, his voice cracking slightly at the end as a tear fell down my cheek and before I knew it, I had jumped into his arms.

He wrapped his good arm around me and kissed my head while I sniffled.

"You won't loose me. And I'm sorry too." I mumbled before pulling away and saw a small smile on his face.

"It's okay sweetheart." He whispered.

"This is getting too emotional." Anton exclaimed from behind me as I turned around to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Then you can leave." Alex told him and I watched as Anton glared at him, making me giggle.

"You don't want me to actually break your arm now, do you?" Anton threatened, making me gasp.

"You did this? Why?" I exclaimed pulling away from both of them as they both stood up and faced each other.

"We had what you call was a little… cat fight… after you left. He dislocated my arm because it was the same one with which I pulled my gun on you." He said shrugging as Anton smirked.

I smacked Anton's shoulder and glared at him.

"Why'd you do that?" I asked him, making him roll his eyes at me.

"I was avenging you darling. You should be thanking me." He said scoffing.

"Thanks, but no thanks." I said glaring at him, causing Alex to chuckle.

"See, she loves me more." Alex pointed out, causing Anton to scoff t him.

"As if. Everyone knows Heather loves me more. Isn't that right darling?" Anton asked looking at me with a big smile on his face as I shook my head.

"I'm not sure. I totally prefer Zephyr over you guys." I said shrugging and watched as their faces fell, causing me to erupt into a fit of laughter.

"You want to kill him or should I?" Anton asked Alex who shrugged.

"I'll take the second shot." He replied and fixed his collar, leaving me a laughing mess.

"Oh god, you should have seen your faces! It was priceless!" I clutched my stomach and wiped a fake tear from my eye before straightening up.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding you guys. I love you both a lot." I said hugging them both and heard them groan in annoyance.

"Can you call Roman here? We need to discuss tonight's mission with him." Anton said after I pulled away and was heading for the door.

"Yeah, sure." I answered with a smile and walked towards my room. The moment I entered my room, I saw Roman looking at the pictures that hung on one of my walls.

As if sensing my gaze on him, he turned around, his green eyes colliding with mine and making me feel at ease almost at once. His eyes roamed my figure as if he was looking for any injuries.

"I'm okay." I said, even though he never asked, I felt the need to say those two words as I saw him visibly relax.

"They want you in the office." I said, watching as he walked towards me and stood directly in front of me, looking at me intently, his hand reaching up and cupping my cheek ever so gently, I can't hep but lean into his touch.

"Did they upset you?" He asks me and I shake my head with a small smile.

"No. We worked things out." I tell him and watch as he nods once.

"I'll take you to the office. Come on." I say and grab his hand on Instinct, leading him towards the office.

Knocking on the door once, I hear a faint 'come in' before I open the door and enter, my hand still in Roman's and that's when I notice everyone is back in the room including Kim, Zarina and aunt Kris.

Anton's eyes zero in on our joined hands and I immediately let go, stepping into the office.

"Heather, dear you're back!" Aunt Kris engulfs me in a big hug.

"So good to see you again. And so glad you're safe." Kim hugs me as well after Aunt Kris pulls away.

"Don't worry darling, I gave him an earful so he won't bother you again. But if he does, you tell me and I'll give him an ass whooping." Aunt Kris points towards Alex, making me giggle as Alex rolls his eyes.

"Yes, yes you can do that later, but can you all go for now?" Alex says as a Roman settles on one of the couches.

"Yeah okay. Am I needed anymore?" I ask him but he shakes his head.

"No darling, Xavier is waiting for you downstairs." He says and my face lights up.

"Really? He's here?" I ask excitedly and notice Roman's small frown before he masks it.

"Yes. You may leave now." He said when I grabbed Zarina's hand and left the office, Kim and aunt Kris close behind.

"Are you going to train now?" Zarina asks me as I shuffle through my closet for a dress for tonight.

"Yeah. You wanna join?" I ask her.

"I just trained in the morning, but I'll join you anyway." She says while I pull my hair up into a ponytail, giving up on finding a dress for now.

I'll deal with it later.

With one last look in the mirror, both of us head towards the basement elevator where Zephyr joins us.

"You look good." Zarina slaps my ass playfully, making Zephyr scrunch his face up in disgust, making us laugh at him and keep on making him extremely uncomfortable the whole elevator ride.

"Thank God, finally!" He exclaims dramatically as the elevator doors open, revealing our basement.

"Is that my feather?" Xavier's unmistakable deep voice echoes in the empty hall, bringing a big smile to my face.

"Xav!" I hug him along with Zarina and then he gives Zephyr a side hug too before turning to face me.

"Heard you got a mission, feather." He says and I roll my eyes playfully at the nickname 'feather' he gave me, because he thought I weighed as much as one.

"Yeah I did. When did you come back?" I ask him.

"A few days ago. Are you ready to train?" He asks me, stepping onto the mat and I follow suit.

"As I'll ever be." I say and he suddenly lunges at me, but I dodge him quickly.

"Hey! Let me warm up at least!" I protest at his smirk.

"No time for games, feather. We're diving straight into it." He says before launching at me once again but I swiftly move back, only to trip on my own feet and fall on my butt with a groan.

"Oof, that's going to hurt." He says before I stand up straight and jump at him, punching his jaw and making him fall to the floor with a thud.

"Go Thea!" Zarina cheers as I lunge at him once again, but he blocks me and throws me on the floor.

"Zephyr, join in!" Xavier calls out to him and Zephyr steps onto the mat with a smirk..

"Hey! No fair!" I whine and block out punches from both the men as well as I can. But Xavier takes me by surprise and pushes me down on the mat, straddling me.

"Ouch, that's going to hurt." I hear Nikolai's voice and see him standing with all the men.

I watch Roman glare at the man on top of me and sense Xavier's attention move from me to the men and quickly use this opportunity to push him off me so that I am on top instead and straddling him.

These men seriously never learn.

"Damn Xav, you just got outsmarted." Zephyr says from behind me before grabbing my arms, pulling me off from on top of Xavier.

I quickly take hold of his arm and twist in a way that he is now in front of me with his back to my front.

I stand behind him with his arms restrained on his back and him on his knees as Xavier studies both of us carefully before grinning.

He lunges forward to punch me but I pull up Zephyr on his feet and Xavier punches him instead, earning a groan of pain from him.

"Ouch." Zarina winces while my brothers look at me proudly when I kick Xavier in the stomach, making him fall down on his back.

"That's my daughter!" Dad cheers as I move away from both the guys who are lying on their backs on the floor.

"Damn Zeph, you just got outsmarted." I mock him as he rolls his eyes before getting off the floor slowly.

"Who's next?" I ask and Anton raises his hand.

"That's all for today. Good job darling. You can rest now. Be ready at 9 pm, sharp." He says and I nod, passing by Roman and brushing my hand with his slightly.

"You coming, Zarina?" I ask her and she walks over to me, both of us going back upstairs.

"Why don't you shower and freshen up and then we can watch a movie?" She asks as we walk up the stairs.

"Sounds good to me. My room?" I ask her and she nods as we both go to my room.

"Any preferences?" She yells while I grab a large t-shirt and shorts.

"Anything will do. And get snacks too, please!" I yelled back and heard her 'okay' as I walked into the bathroom for a nice and refreshing shower.

Coming back out, I fall onto my bed on my face while Zarina scrolls through the movies with snacks on the bedside table.

"Are you okay with romance?" She asks me and I turn to face her.

"Yeah that's fine." I tell her while she plays a movie. I lean back against the headboard and grab a pack of chips, opening them up and popping some of them in my mouth while the movie starts to play.

Somewhere between the movie, we both doze off to sleep without a care in the world, although my mind is clouded with thoughts of what tonight's mission might entail.

But I'll think about that once I take a short nap. Yeah just ten minutes.

Definitely.