The Heirs: The Silver Knight

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Aleks

Winter Break, Chicago

I stare at my reflection in the mirror of our hotel in downtown Chicago. We're going to the Donnelly compound this evening for Mira Donnelly's infamous Christmas party. I splash my face with cold water. I had tried to lay down and get some sleep between this morning's meetings with Dad, Damien, and Ivan Yenin. I can't remember the last time I slept.

The past few weeks have been such a whirlwind that it's hard to think about anything but this war. I still can't get past the fact that something terrible almost happened to Hannah. On my watch.

Those fuckers just came and tried to take her.

What the fuck would have happened if they'd gotten her?

I run my hand through my hair and shake my head, trying to shake the exhaustion from my system.

I have to put on my armor for the Donnellys. I have to be the man my family needs me to be. I have to put up my guard and try not to think about Imogen even though I'm going to spend the entire evening with her entire family, all the while she stares at me with venom in her eyes.

She spent the entire flight to Chicago ignoring me.

Which is fine. I expected nothing less.

Although she did let Walter cuddle with her for most of the flight. Lucky bastard.

The only reason she called me was because it was an emergency with Hannah. It doesn't mean anything. She doesn't need me or give a shit, and I need to accept that. She wants nothing to do with me because she still thinks I am keeping secrets about Rory from her.

There's nothing I can do to change her mind.

Normally I try to let what people think of me go.

Most people find me terrifying and cold, aloof and unlovable – my siblings, friends, exes...it doesn't matter. None of it has ever really mattered to me.

But Imogen thinking so little of me has me all fucked up.

I step out of the bathroom into the suite I'm sharing with Zane. He's putting on a suit jacket, which makes me smirk. My brother never dresses up. But he's definitely trying to impress his wannabe in-laws. I don't know how to break it to him that no amount of designer suits will make Damien Yenin pat him on the back and call him "son."

Walter wags excitedly where he's lying on the bed.

I pat the little guy's head.

"You must behave tonight, Walter. I'm trusting you not to chew the comforter of this hotel room..."

Walter just pants happily at me.

Zane smirks, turning to me.

"You look like hell," he says.

"Thanks."

Zane chuckles. "Seriously, you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just jetlag," I lie, scratching Walter behind his ears. The dog's presence is weirdly calming me down.

"It's okay if you're not fine...there's a lot going on," Zane frowns with concern.

I shrug, not wanting to talk about this at all.