Köhler Lies and Deception Book 11 of The Köhler Series

Session

Mel felt good after she finally told her father the truth. She didn't have to worry about speaking to her mother because she knew he would take care of the matter. Still, she had doubts about how the rest of her family would feel, especially Elijah. There was a big gap between the two, and she didn't know how to mend it. Melody knew her twin, and even though he said everything was fine between them, it wasn't, which left her to find ways to make up for her mistakes. Yet she didn't know where to start.

"Can I help?"

"Help make a wedding cake. Melody, you're a good cook but not a baker. I have Elias and Ava helping me. I don't need a fourth person." Elijah spoke without even looking back. She knew she didn't know too much about making wedding cakes, but normally he would offer to teach her. "Then can we talk?"

"I'm not in the mood to talk, Mel. X and Riley's wedding is tomorrow, and I need to have this done and also make sure the food for the reception is prepared correctly." Melody frowned, but she understood why her brother was so upset with her. He was right. She could have let him know she was alive, and she tried to. Neither one of them would have guessed he would go off the deep end. They knew Elijah was crazy, but not that crazy.

"I did it to protect Xavier and your son. I offered my head to keep them alive. It was only supposed to be for a year until Xavier and Elias handled the situation, but I liked the life I had because it was worry-free. I never planned on hurting my family... hurting you."

"You know I'm mad at you. Plus, Xerxes told me why you faked your death. You're the one who has been keeping your distance. I only want my sister back... you know, the fun-loving, shit-talking, not giving a fuck, sister. That's all I ask for. None of us are mad. Frankly, we are all happy to have you back in our lives, and I can't lie; I like Ephraim. At first, I didn't think he would fit in or handle our shit-talking, but the more we got to know him, the more we knew he was meant for this life. Stop worrying about what you think we are thinking and get back to yourself, but as I said, I don't have the time to talk."

Melody couldn't believe he was running her off, but she knew people changed, and Elijah had changed. She noticed he had finally grown up but still was the shit-talker she remembered him to be, except Elias had taken his place. She didn't know how to take that, but she could see he was serious about her leaving. Therefore, she left to find Xerxes or one of her other siblings, who she found together.

"Why do you look like a child who lost her favorite toy?"

"I didn't lose my favorite toy, but I lost my best friend."

"Ah, I see. You have noticed your twin has finally grown up—"

"I wouldn't say he grew up, but he has learned to put responsibility first. Meaning you met sober Eli but don't get me wrong, he will still out smoke everyone in this damn room." Xerxes laughed as their twin sisters smiled and shook their heads. It was surprising to learn Elijah didn't smoke as much, but it was also good to know he had started to put responsibility first.

"I see, but why am I just learning about your wedding tomorrow, X? It's not that I am mad, but I thought you and Riley had already remarried."

"Damn, girl, what lala land have you been in. That's the only thing everyone has been talking about is their wedding. Who the fuck you thought was marrying?" Heaven laughed as Melody thought about what she was saying. It was true they had been talking about a wedding, but she never took the time to listen to who they were talking about, and if she did, she forgot.

"Yeah, lately, I've been having a one-track mind. Heaven and Neveah, how do you feel about having a therapy circle like old times?"

"Girl, you're speaking our fucking language! Hell fucking yeah! When and Where?"