(Serco's POV)
Anger filled me completely and only grew with each step I took. I knew if I saw Tiren, I'd have trouble holding back. I know he did something to Akina—and he'll pay dearly for it.
"Hey!" Crescent shouted, bombarding me in the hall. She threw her arms around my shoulders and hugged me tightly. I wasn't in the mood, but I stopped myself from pushing her off.
"What do you want?" I asked tersely.
"I heard you were going to be home, so I came to see you—and this is how you treat me?" She puffed out her cheeks, pouting. I rolled my eyes.
"Who told you?"
"Tiren did," she replied, folding her arms.
Of course... he planned to distract me. Now I have to figure out how to introduce Crescent to Akina—a girl who's been in love with me for most of my life.
"Well, go home. Come back tomorrow," I said, palming her face to move her aside. She flailed as I walked past, then grabbed my hand tearfully.
"Are you not happy to see me?? It's been two years, Serco!"
This girl... always knows how to make me feel bad.
"I am, but I need to talk to my brother right now. It's im—"
"You can talk to him later! I'm here!" she shouted.
Where does she get so much self-importance?
I yanked my hand away. "I need to talk to him now."
"Okay... I'll wait... I can wait. I'm sorry," she mumbled.
I walked off. She's still my best friend—visits me on Earth at least once every five years—but that's irrelevant right now.
When I found Tiren, he was sitting with Lanon and Qtezla, our other brothers.
"Tiren... I need to talk to you," I said flatly.
"Do it here," he replied, knowing damn well our younger brothers' presence would make it hard to speak openly.
"What did you do to Akina?" I asked, direct.
"If you can't trust your human whore, interrogate her, not me."
I imagined myself strangling him—which brought a slight twinge of joy. It gave me some relief from the anger. My other brothers laughed.
"I do trust her. I asked her, and she doesn't remember anything. Hm… I wonder why? I know she's not lying. What about you?"
"How the f*** would I know??"
This meeting was supposed to be a calm introduction... so my parents would recognize my chosen partner and lift some of my restraints. Now I'm tempted to turn it into a funeral.
"My mistake," I said, turning to leave.
"That's right. Your mistake."
He's trying to provoke me. I won't give in.
I hurried back to the room where Akina was waiting. I knocked, out of respect.
"Come in," she called.
I opened the door—and my heart skipped a beat.
The dress was long and gold. It didn't hide anything—her figure, her cleavage, a heart-shaped cutout just below her breasts showing her stomach, and a matching cut on the back. I almost didn't want anyone else to see her like this.
"I'm a little embarrassed to be seen in this," she admitted.
"Don't worry... If anyone touches you, I'll kill them."
She smiled, amused, as if I were joking.
"I know you will... I can relax now. Thank you."
I imagined keeping her in this room and having my way with her in multiple positions, but... we have plans. I promised to wait until she was ready. So I pushed the thoughts away and gently took her hand.
"You are beautiful," I said.
"So are you," she replied.
I laughed and kissed her. "Don't copy me."
She laughed, too, and we exited the room together. Waiting just outside was Crescent. She looked ready to pounce again, but paused when she saw us holding hands.
"Oh, you have a new girlfriend. I didn't know... What family are you from?" she asked, her fake politeness seeping through.
"...Lofton," Akina replied.
"We gotta go," I said quickly, leading Akina down the corridor. That conversation can happen later—not now.
Things were tense in the dining room. My father sat at the head of the table, my mother on his right, on his left two empty seats—for Akina and me.
"That dress looks better on you than I imagined," my mother commented.
Akina blushed. "Thank you."
Her compliment didn't seem forced. That's good. This Afarion, my blood mother, is much kinder than the woman who raised me.
We sat, and Father smiled, clapping his hands together.
"Bring the food in! It's time for a feast! My son has finally decided to settle down!"
Akina jolted behind me. I felt her nervous energy.
"Wh-what?" she stammered, but no one answered. I chuckled under my breath.
While we ate, Striton bombarded Akina with questions—basic ones about her age and upbringing. She could barely enjoy her food. By the fifth question, I cut in.
"Let her eat, please. It was a long trip."
"You're right. I'm sorry," Father said, but I could tell he was sulking. My portion was smaller than everyone else's. I'm surprised they were even considering me for once.
"That's the first time you've said please to me," Father commented.
I hated being put on the spot and wanted to throw something—but I controlled myself.
"I care about Akina," I admitted.
He chuckled. I started eating again just to end the conversation, and he joined in too.
Once Akina's plate was cleared, Father asked, "How do you feel about joining our family?"
I could hear her heart racing. Her rising temperature was making it hard for me to keep my hands to myself. (Behave, Serco—your family is watching.)
"I... would love to!" she blurted, then blushed.
Father seemed charmed by her innocence. Mother found it refreshing too. Good.
"I'm glad. I'd like to have you in it, too. You're a good influence on my son. He's mellowed out a lot since meeting you. I'd given up hope of that ever happening."
Now I'm the one getting embarrassed. I wish I could punch something.
"I'm glad you see things that way... He's a good influence on me, too," Akina replied with a smile.
As usual, her tone was sincere. Her heartbeat didn't waver. Still, her words were hard to believe. Part of me hates that she and my father get along so well... but this is good for me, so I won't ruin it.
To keep from commenting, I chugged my wine. I wish it weren't so weak.
"Got anything stronger?" I asked.
"Oh yeah—we've got 90% alcohol in that pitcher," someone said.
I got up and poured myself a drink. I can't get drunk, but the fire inside me is satisfied when there's enough alcohol in my stomach.
"How has he been a good influence?" Father asked.
"I'm naturally timid. Serco chastises me and pulls me out of that mindset. He helps me stand up for myself. He's sweet to me and makes me doubt myself a lot less. He's given me the confidence I needed. I truly wish I met him sooner."
I wish she'd stop talking. I'm already having a hard enough time controlling myself. Why did Mother pick that dress?
My brothers kept eyeing her, and my thoughts were more perverse than usual—which I didn't think was possible.
"Isn't that right?" Akina suddenly asked, turning to me.
I hadn't been listening. I was too busy thinking about bending her over the dining table... Still, it's safe to just agree.
"That's right," I said, looking away and refilling my drink.
After breakfast, Father asked to speak with me alone. That was worrisome.
As I walked past my brothers in the hallway, I heard:
"She has a great body... especially for a human," Cital whispered to Qtezla.
"Yeah... but her kind is so frail. I wonder how Serco hasn't screwed her into a wheelchair yet."
I shot them both a glare. They immediately stopped whispering.
Then I left to meet Father in his bedroom—for the talk.