Secrets Leave Scars [EDITING]

32 - Connection

Marcus's POV:

I wake up on the plane. My head pounds in pain as I look around groggily. Isobel sits across the aisle, watching over me. Her eyes are focused on something in front of her, not realizing I'm awake. "Isobel..." I whisper, trying to get her attention.

Her face lights up as she crouches down beside me. "Hey..." she whispers back, softly caressing my face. I reach for her hand when she suddenly pulls away. My face furrows in confusion, and her eyes dart  towards the others. I turn, realizing we weren't alone. "Curse you stupid recruits." I nod, showing her I understand.

I suddenly jolt awake as I remember what just happened. "Ivan got away!? Omar? Is everyone okay?" My eyes scan the room, waiting for an answer. "Well?" The silence is answer enough. "No..." I look at Isobel, her eyes well up with tears, confirming my thoughts. The plane is silent as I gather my thoughts. I clear my throat, "We'll have a funeral tonight," I order, making my way to the secluded area of the plane. I pray Isobel follows me, I know she must be hurting...

No one comes to my door for the remainder of the plane ride. Everyone collects their things as we de-board the plane. I wait in the car for Isobel to join me, then watch as she hitches a ride with Axel. I sigh in defeat and signal my driver to leave.

***

Hours pass before it's time for Omar's funeral. Although, I didn't necessarily like him, burying one of my own was difficult. He was a fine recruit, and would've made an excellent member. I order one of my guards to let Isobel know I need to see her before the ceremony.

I wait patiently for a knock at my door, sipping some bourbon while I do. The Aziz family and I weren't very close. We were more business associates than friends, and still I felt horrible for the loss of their son. If I sent anyone else in, he would still be alive...

I look up as Isobel enters the door. "Your guard let me in," she whispers shyly. She's wearing an elegant black dress and her makeup is light. I can see the small scars still on her face where Ivan hurt her.

"You look amazing," I say, stepping towards her. She backs away hesitantly.

"Thank you."

"What's going on?" I ask her, reaching for her hands. She allows me to hold them, but doesn't hold back.

"I just... Omar was... he was my friend," she mumbles. Tears build up in her eyes as I wrap her in a warm embrace.

"I know," I whisper, rubbing her back to comfort her.

"I just got used to the fact that I'm a murderer. I knew people would die but.... I never thought about one of ours dying," she cries. I hold her tighter as her breathing quickens.

"I'm sorry this happened," I mumble. "I can't imagine how you feel, losing a friend." My mind plays an image of Kol, a bullet through his arm as he bleeds out. I can't imagine how she feels. "I shouldn't have sent him out."

She slowly backs away, looking deep into my eyes. "It's not your fault," she assures me. I wipe away her tears and hold her face in my hands. She places her hand over mine, leaning into me. I pull her into a passionate kiss. The touch of her lips melting me completely.

I pull away slowly, still savoring her touch, "It'll be okay," I whisper. "We'll go to the funeral together."

Her eyes widen, "Marcus we can't, everyone will see..."

"I don't care," I stop her. "You need someone there and I want to be that for you." Her eyes quickly soften as she rests her head on my chest.

***

We arrive to the funeral at exactly 7pm. I offer my condolences to the Aziz family, before finding a seat for Isobel and I. The other recruits gather around, an empty look on all of their faces. I graze my hand over hers lightly, before pulling away. Groups of my men walk past our aisle, making it impossible to not be seen. Guards stand on either side of me, as if the dead man's body is going to attack me. I shoo them away, refocusing my attention on the beautiful woman beside me. A weak smile spreads across her face as the ceremony begins.

Lots of people speak. I recognize some as family members, and even recognize his date from the Masquerade Ball. Axel is up next as he takes the stand hurriedly. "I can't believe I'm even in this position right now," he chokes up. "Omar was... He was like a brother." I feel Isobel tremble beside me, tears rushing down her perfect cheeks. "He helped me find joy, in a life where I didn't think joy was possible." I think back to how Axel never wanted to join the mafia. His mother's death left him no choice in the matter. He clears his throat, preparing to speak again, "I...I don't know how I can go back to training without him. We're the only two boys in our class," he chuckles. "And Lord knows I love you girls but... Omar... he's my boy. He was my boy." He lowers his head as a single tear rolls down his face. He walks uneasily back to his seat beside Trinity, wiping dry his wet cheek.

Then, Isobel steps up. She makes her way to the stand, wiping away her older tears. She stands up tall, before clearing her throat. "Omar was passionate. When I first met him, he told me no one believed he could do it. No one believed that he was good enough to be apart of this mafia. But he proved them wrong, because he was not only apart of this mafia, but he was a large part of it." Her voice cracks a bit as she holds in more tears. I scold myself for the ping of jealously in my chest. She spoke so highly of him. "He was my training partner, and he was my friend. I will miss kicking his ass in hand combat, and destroying him in target practice," she chuckles sadly. "Most of all, I will miss my friend. He was a brave and passionate soul, who deserved more than this." Finally, the tears leave her eyes. She takes deep breaths, desperately trying to finish her speech. "We didn't always see eye to eye, but we- we...." her voice trails off as more tears fall.

Without thinking, I run up the the altar. I take her small hand in mine as she leans on me. "It's okay," I whisper, leading her down the stairs. She brushes me off as she takes her seat. I look around the room at the many curious stares, glaring back evilly so they'll back off. It doesn't work.

***

The rest of the ceremony is beautiful. His family truly outdid themselves. I offer to pay, but they refuse, insisting I'm not at fault. Although, I beg to differ. I walk alongside Isobel to the car, holding the door for her to get in. She steps forwards, when a familiar wrinkled hand stops her. My eyebrows furrow in anger as I face the eyes of my father. I rip his arm off of her angrily, gripping his throat. "Don't touch her," I spit, staring into his evil eyes. A sadistic smile grows on his face when I finally drop-kick him to the floor. I turn to Isobel, who's staring back at me worriedly.

"Who is he?" she asks, curiously.

"Mariano Steele. He's my father." I turn away when I hear scuffling on the floor. He gets up slowly, dusting off his suit.

"Relax son, I just want to understand," he coughs before continuing. "What is it about this woman that can make my son human?"

"Drive her home," I look to my guards, shooing them away quickly. I feel a tug on my arm, no doubt Isobel. "I'll see you later," I whisper sternly, not looking away from the bastard in front of me.

The car drives away, leaving me alone with my pathetic excuse of a father.