Next in Line (Monarch of the Kohler Mafia) Book 5 of the Köhler Series

𝔽𝕚𝕗𝕥𝕪-𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖

Xerxes got up early to make it to the gym to train with his father this morning. He and Riley were rotating with the babies, and since he had just gotten both of them back to sleep, he decided to get ready for the gym. As always, he left a note on the nightstand kissing his wife's cheek then made his way to the main house.

When X walked into the gym, he saw his mother and Violet in the ring with Vi screaming that she was cheating making the rest laugh. Everyone in the house always accused his parents and them of cheating because they had a hard time defeating them.

"Nice to see you make it to train on time one for once," Lucas said, coming up behind him shoving him a little. X chuckled, turning to his big brother, shaking his head.

"Nice to see you came for once. What Dad had to come to find you again?" Xerxes asked as Lucas stared at him like he was dumb before shaking his head. Lucas had a habit of chasing after his ex-girlfriend, who didn't deserve him.

"Naw, I've been thinking hard about what Dad told me months back. It's time for me to make a change. All you are doing something good for yourselves, although you have to give up your dream to become Don. You still became a doctor. I think I'm more like Dad when it comes to numbers... I decided to major in accounting," Lucas said, making X stared at him for a long moment before touching his head.

"You sure you're feeling alright? Did you hit your head or something?"

"Fuck you, X! Yes, I'm fine. It's... It's just that my big and little brothers and sisters have careers, and I have nothing. Hell, you even have a wife and two beautiful children. I need something like that. I want something like that," He said, making Xerxes nod his head as their father walked up, looking between them.

"Where's Riley?"

"Home sleep. Is she needed?" Xerxes said while his father shook his head no still staring between him and Lucas.

"What's going on between you two?"

"Nothing wrong, Dad. I was talking to X about something I decided to do," Lucas said, making their father arch a brow. Lucas turned to him, giving him a small bow. No, they didn't have to do it, but Lucas did half the time.

"I decided to major in accounting. I start school next month. I don't want you to think I'm a failure or weak."

Luca stood there looking at his son then at his other one, slowly scratching his head. "Luke, I never thought of you as a failure or weak. If your mother or I made you think otherwise, then I'm sorry. I am glad you decide to take that step and stop drowning yourself in misery over someone that did deserve it. Know that we are here if you need help," He said, pulling Lucas into a hug. Luca rarely showed affection to his sons unless they needed and right now, Lucas did.

"Thanks, Dad."

"Yeah, now get your ass over there to the bench. I want to see you do at least 250 today," He said, making Lucas's eyes go wide, looking back at Xerxes, who only shrugged.

"I can't help you there. He had my ass struggling yesterday pushing 320. The man thinks we're built like his big ass. We can all bench 350 to 375 like his ass."

"You can and will. Your grandfather was smaller than me and could bench 380, so I know you two can do it," He said, pointing to the benches and walking away. Both sighed, joining him, Elijah, Vince, Vic, Eric, EJ, and Dimitri. Mariah was also sitting over here looking like a sick puppy.

"What's up, Riah?" Lucas said, giving her a side hug and kissing her forehead. Elijah glared at the two making the girl pull away quickly.

"You do know Lucas doesn't want Mariah, right. Unlike us, he's into white girls. Plus, I thought you didn't care about her?" Xerxes whispered, making Eli look up to him.