Upstairs, underneath the fir tree in the penthouse, are a whole pile of presents. They were bought in an evening of wine and laughter, while my pack took turns secretly ordering presents for each other online.
We’re opening them together later in private. The moment is too special to be shared in public.
This single present, however, can’t wait.
When Icarus stands, however, clutching the present to give it to my daughter — his daughter — Ellington flinches back.
“You don’t need to beat me,” he snarls, startling the rest of us. “I get the message. I’m going. Thank you for including me, but I know that I’m not welcome.”
He turns on his heel.
Icarus, however, barks, “Stop.”
Ellington freezes.
He is panting with fear.
I should enjoy this.I don’t.
“Please.” Hatton stands protectively in front of his dad. “He has worked hard all week, training me up about the hotel. He has tried?—”
“Both of you sit down,” Icarus says, coldly. “Or go and grab some food or a drink. You look like you need it. This is meant to be a party.”
Ellington stares at him. “Yes, Alpha.”
“Don’t call me that,” Icarus snaps, making Ellington jump. “I became your Head Alpha to save you. I look out for everyone in my pack, especially Omegas, and despite everything that you’ve done, that includes you. Just call me Mr. Sinner. And relax. No one is going to hurt you again. If they do, tell me, and I will destroy them.”
“You mean that.” Ellington wraps his arms around himself.
“Of course. Did you forget something?”
Zero drags me away from Piper and into his arms, burying his face on my neck to hide his laugh.
Ellington grits his teeth. “I’m sorry,Mr. Sinner.”
Icarus smirks. “I’m glad that we understand each other.”
“Come on, Dad, let’s sit down.” Hatton grabs Ellington’s hand and drags him to sit on the edge of the couch.
“No one is excluded in the Sinners,” I say. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t be watching to make sure that you are trying to change.”
“I am.” Ellington fiddles with the bottom of his sweater. “I’ll do whatever you need, even work as housekeeping staff. Would you like me to scrub the toilets?”
Icarus’ expression brightens. “I’ll schedule you in.”
Yet it twists something sickly inside me because it reminds me too much of my own fall from grace.
So, I send Icarus a stern glare, and he smiles back sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders.
“Icarus was only joking. You’d be wasted doing that when you know the management side so well. Why don’t you keep training your son and also, help Lion?” I offer.
“Why help me?” Lionzio asks.
Here goes, time to make Lionzio feel as worthy as he deserves to.
Dad nods at me in encouragement.
“Would you like to take the General Manager role?” I offer. “You were able to run the mafia underworld. I reckon you can manage a single hotel. Icarus can teach you everything that you need to know.”
