brutal

Chapter 47

KAI

I rolled up my sleeves as I descended the stairs and locked eyes with my uncle waiting at the living room. He was standing in the middle of the room, clearly distancing himself from where his daughter was sitting on the couch.

At most, he tolerated her because of their shared blood. Tristan Carson wasn't exactly a loving father, nor did he ever have the time to be one. Now, though, I didn't know what to think of him.

"About time, Kai." Sarah stood and walked towards me. The sound of her heels grated the peace I so badly needed today, alongside her unwarranted demands this early in the morning. "What the hell were you doing up there?"

"Nothing too important for you to think about." I looked to her father. "Uncle Tristan," I acknowledged and extended my right hand.

"You're a day early," I told him, doing my best not to show aggression in my observation. As I told Sarah yesterday, I was supposed to meet with him tomorrow. Obviously, she found some way to move it up.

"Malachi," he replied and shook my hand firmly. "I wanted to see you after hearing about the promotion. Congratulations on making General."

"Thank you, Uncle." I dipped my head.

He chuckled and straightened. "To think just a few years ago, your younger self was begging your father to join Siege." Uncle fixed his cufflinks. "I am proud of how far you've come, son. Since I saved you many years ago."

Over a decade ago, it was Uncle Tristan that saved me from The Professor. I'd forgotten most of what happened, but I did remember him keeping me warm the entire flight from Russia to Vermont, delivering me safely to my parents and swearing that I would never be hurt again.

I believed him. He was a distant hero of mine growing up, and though we were not related by blood, he remained a constant in my life. If I didn't have my father, I knew I'd be well under his best friend's tutelage.

"It's only right that he remembers what you did for him, dad." Sarah stood by her father's side and crossed her arms. "The more he remembers, the more truthful he becomes in honoring what our family has done for his."

"I do not owe you anything. All you want is–"

"A union that will secure our families' connection. Is that too much to ask?"

"Yes. The consistent proposal is flattering, but I've said no repeatedly. I'd also rather you not barge in here and force my friends' hands to let you inside. They've been through enough already without you adding to it."

"I don't care! It's–"

"Sarah." Her father's voice reverberated through the room. She stopped immediately and looked up at him, her shoulders visibly tense and face distraught. "We are not here to quarrel. We come in peace. I apologize for my daughter's behavior, Malachi."

"I'll accept that apology on my friend's behalf, sir." Seth sauntered out of the kitchen and happily found his place next to me. Sarah sneered at him, probably from whatever Seth had done to placate her when she'd barged in without notice.

Uncle Tristan chuckled lightly and pat Seth's shoulder twice. He knew my closest friend by association and has surprisingly grown to like him. Uncle Tristan wasn't welcoming to strangers, but Seth was present at every opportunity we met; it was only natural for him to adapt to his presence.