“Who is it?" I ask Luc. There’s a dark aspect to Luc and Mase’s expression. He goes to answer, a reluctancy in his eyes.
“What are you doing here, James?" I hear Alec’s stone cold voice. My eyes grow huge.
‘That’s his father?’ I mouth to Mase who nods.
“I can’t stop by and see my son?” James returns smoothly, an arrogance in his voice.
Luc scowls and Mason looks down right murderous.
“I haven’t seen you for a year, so try again.” I’ve never heard Alec speak like that. Like there’s no expression in his voice, it’s just blank.
Alec sighs like he’s disappointed. “Alexander. Surely you understand I needed time to regrow my business after the millions of dollars you stole from me.” There’s almost a threatening tone to Jame’s words. He says something else but it’s too quiet for me to hear.
“What do you want?” Alec says point blank like he’s bored of the conversation.
James sighs loudly. There’s movement—shoes crossing the hardwood floor.
“I thought it best to meet the young lady I just had emancipated.” James raises his voice like he knows I can hear him.
Luc’s hand tightens on mine like he’s afraid I’ll leave. There’s silence for several moments.
“Rory,” Alec calls out. A dreadness comes over me. My gaze seeks out Luc’s and he nods, squeezing my hand before dropping it.
Mase goes first, turning to give me a reassuring smile before walking into the kitchen.
“Whatever he says, don’t let him rattle you,” Luc whispers in my ear as he approach.
Hearing our footsteps, James turns to face me. I have to double take. He’s an older version of Alec in a fancy, expensive suit. Similar build, hair colour. The only thing different is the eyes. James’ dark blue eyes are cold and calculating as opposed to Alec’s hazel, normally warm and inviting eyes.
“Aurora, I presume.” James extends his hand. I watch it for a moment before slowly holding my hand out.
Rather than shaking it, he lifts it to his mouth.
An uncomfortable feeling skitters through my stomach but I keep my face neutral when his lips linger before he releases my hand. I quickly draw my hand back and James smirks.
“I see why you like this one,” James directs his comment to Alec, though keeps his eyes on me, flicking up and down my body.
“Keep your eyes to yourself," Alec growls, stepping closer to me.
James observes us, a smirk growing on his face. "I understand why you called me now." He studies Alec for a reaction but he doesn't give him the satisfaction.
"You've met Rory, now you can leave." Luc steps up behind me, placing a hand on my back.
James smirks, a knowing glee in his eyes. "The president of the Death Reapers MC has been in contact with me, asking for representation. Any indifference, Lucifer?"
Luc shrugs, a look of boredom on his face. "Their last lawyer ended up skewered on a star picket before being lit on fire but take your chances." My eyes widen.
James manages to cover his unsurety rather quickly. Props to him for that.
"Alexander." James nods to his son.
"James." Alec shoves his hands in his pockets.
"Would it kill you to call me Dad?" James straightens his suit jacket.
"Would it kill you to call me Alec?" He shoots back.
"Your mother called you that," James sneered. "All she did was coddle you. It made you weak. Pathetic."
