Lucian Mordaine

Was this man nuts?

Ren tilted his head, about to say something when he looked at the man's eyes.

There was a subtle flicker of interest in his gaze, the way his body language at the moment was basically relaxed but attentive.

Was this a test?

Maybe if Ren had been anyone else, he might have folded, intimidated by the sheer pressure of this man's presence, but Ren could barely feel the pressure, instead he matched his energy with the man's unknowingly.

"Kid, you need to learn how to act better."

Oh.

Ren exhaled softly, then took a step forward. "Fine, lead the way."

The man's smile deepened. "Good choice." he said taking Ren towards a car.

The car was sleek, black and ridiculously luxurious. Ren slid into the passenger seat, watching the man settled behind the wheel with effortless ease.

Does this man know he's bigger than this car?

He was sure that he if he listened closely, he was sure to hear the car creaking.

Ren looked at the size of the man, then at the seat and back to him again, before taking his gaze away.

"You have a name, lost kid?" the man asked as he started the engine.

Ren leaned back against the seat, his gaze drifting out the window.

".....Aaron," he said after a pause.

The man hummed. "Aaron, huh?"

"Or Ren..."

A slow smile tugged at his lips.

"I'm Lucian Mordaine."

Ren stilled, searching his memory for any hint of that surname, he came up with one.

Mordaine.

As in the Mordaine family.

The wealthiest and most powerful aristocrats in the entire upper echelon. Above nobility. Above politics. They were practically untouchable.

And this man, Lucian Mordaine, was the head of the family.

The mafia lord himself.

Ren let out a quiet chuckle, of all people to run into, it had to be him.

He didn't know if his luck was that good or perhaps that bad.

Lucien cast him a side glance. "Something funny?"

Ren tilted his head slightly, his lips parting.

"Not at all," he murmured. "Just thinking that maybe I was indeed lost."

Lucien smiled, "Well then it's a good thing you ran into me then."

Ren didn't argue.

The drive was silent at first. Ren didn't mind; it at least gave him time to think. 

Lucian Mordaine. The mafia lord, wanted what exactly with him?

This was a man who could have anyone at his beck and call. Yet, on a whim, he had decided to take him along.

Why?

He wasn't so stupid to believe in luck. People like Lucian didn't do things without a reason.

Which meant...

He wanted something from him, but what exactly?

Ren glanced at the man beside him. Handsome, powerful, and sharp enough to cut through anyone's defenses. Lucian was the type to see through lies before they were even spoken. 

Ren would have to tread carefully.

"Where are we going?" Ren finally asked, his voice calm.

Lucian smirked. "My estate."

Ren's fingers tapped lightly against his thigh. Well, he was direct.

"And if I refuse?"

Lucien chuckled, his eyes glinting under the city lights. "Then I'll drop you back in that alley."

Okay so not exactly a threat.

Ren studied him, if anything Lucian looked amused, like he was entertained by the fact that Ren didn't just blindly follow him anywhere.

Weirdo.

He relaxed slightly, shifting to get more comfortable, "Fine, I guess" he said smoothly. "Let's see what you want me with a stray like me."

Lucian only smiled.

The estate was massive. More like a fortress than a home.

Tall, black metal gates. Guards stationed at every entrance, surveillance cameras in every corner. It wasn't just a rich man's mansion.... it looked like a stronghold.

Ren barely had time to admire the architecture before Lucian led him inside.

The moment they entered the grand hall, an attendant stepped forward bowing slightly.

"Where's Steven?" Lucian asked.

"He's at the back attending to the servant, My Lord." 

"And young master Damien?"

"I haven't seen him today, Sir"

"Get steven to prepare me a contract."

"Yes, My Lord."

Ren raised a brow.

He leaned against the nearby railing, watching Lucian with open curiosity. "So, what exactly am I signing?"

Lucian studied him for a moment before speaking. 

"A formal agreement," he said smoothly. "You'll become Aaron Mordaine...my legally adopted son."

Ren's fingers twitched against the railing before stilling. 

Honestly, when he followed him here, he had expected a deal or some sort, but this was... 

Lucian wasn't offering protection; he was downright claiming him. 

Besides what made him think he needed to be adopted? 

He narrowed his eyes slightly. "And what do you get out of this?"

Lucian's smirk didn't waver slightly. "That's for me to know."

Ren clicked his tongue. 

Honestly, it wasn't that bad getting adopted by Lucian, he had planned to claw his way up from hierarchy alone. Now? He had a shortcut, a powerful one.

All it required was one signature.... his signature. 

Well, he was going to go along with it. 

The attendant quickly returned with the documents. Ren skimmed through them quickly, noting the details. It was simple, his official adoption into the Mordaine family. There were no hidden clauses, no fine print. 

Lucian really wasn't asking for anything. 

Ren picked up his pen. 

Then without hesitation, he signed.

Lucian's golden eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

"Welcome to the family, Aaron."

Ren set the pen down, meeting his gaze with a small, unreadable smile.

"Thanks, Father."

Lucian chuckled, amused by his boldness.

Neither of them was fooled though, they each had something the other wanted from the other.