The Ones Who Saved Us

Chapter 3

After another restless night of sleep, I had debated between going downstairs and getting this over with, or pretending to sleep until one of my brothers or Papa came to wake me up. I didn't know why I was so scared when I felt nothing but love and respect for my family. Not a single part of me feared them yet I was fighting the urge to puke as I thought about what the consequences of my actions would be.

I took a few sips of the alcohol that I had hidden in my room, and then took a mint to rid my mouth of the smell. The alcohol made its way through my body, and I finally had the courage to walk downstairs and meet my brothers.

Leo was sitting down at the kitchen counter with a stack of chocolate chip pancakes in front of him. His attention turned to me when I neared him, a warm smile covering his face as he called me over to him. When I took a seat next to him, he cut off a small piece of pancake and held the fork up to my mouth. "Have some, Aves. I think I've officially perfected my pancake recipe."

I pushed the fork away, the chocolatey smell causing bile to rise in my throat. "I'm not hungry," I muttered. "Where is everyone?"

Leo sighed as he put the fork down on his plate. "Dad went to drop Teddy off at school, the twins are at their tattoo shop, and Lijah and Sandro are on the third floor. They want to see you once you're done with breakfast."

I laid my head down on the kitchen counter, closing my eyes tightly. "I don't want to do this, Leo."

Leo placed his hand on my back and kissed the side of my head. "I know, but you have to. You got yourself into a lot of trouble yesterday, and now you have to face the consequences."

"They're going to hate me," I said, my voice cracking at the end.

"Honey, no they won't," Leo reassured. "One silly mistake doesn't define you. It won't change how much we love you."

"You didn't see the police report."

Leo's eyebrows furrowed as he said, "I did see it. Sandro showed it to Emilio and I this morning. It didn't change how I feel about you or how I see you, Aves, and it never will. I promise."

The words that came out of Leo's mouth were unbelievable to me. How could this not change anything? But this was also Leo, the one person who always took my word over anyone else's. Even if I were to kill an innocent person, he wouldn't bat an eye as long as I told him that my victim deserved it.

"I should probably go upstairs. Wouldn't want to keep them waiting," I mumbled as I walked towards the stairs.

"Aves, have some breakfast first," Leo insisted. "It's going to be a long day for you, and you'll need all your strength."

I shook my head as I continued climbing the steps. "I'm not hungry. I'll eat later."

I was soon outside Alessandro's office with my fist raised, ready to knock on the door. "Come in, love," Elijah said.

I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the lecture and punishment I was about to receive. Opening the door, I saw Alessandro sitting behind his desk with Elijah standing behind him. I took a seat in front of the desk with my eyes lowered to the ground.

"Aves, can you look up please?" Alessandro asked softly.

Raising my head, I met Alessandro's eyes, and I could feel my anxiety levels rise. My nails were digging into my palms as I tried to keep myself grounded. It was working, but I needed this conversation to be over. I couldn't handle seeing their disappointment any longer.

"Is Papa going to join us?" I asked.

"No, amore," Elijah said. "Since this is pretty serious, we thought it would be better if it was just the three of us. I don't think Dad would be able to punish you properly."