Oh, God…
Ascot stiffens, shifting his eyes to his father. “We…I-I lied,” he sighs, “I wasn’t sure you would even listen if you thought she were anything less to me,” he admits, shaking his head, “which she’s not, I mean, she is…oh, hell.”
“So, you’re not engaged?” Apollo cocks his head, clearly amused.
“Well, no,” Ascot says, lips twisting. “I mean, not yet,” he glances down at me with a hopeful expression.
Eric snickers, cutting the tension as he picks up a piece of cubed cheese and leans back in his chair. “Jesus, you two realize you literally have an eternity to figure that shit out, right?”
Chapter Twenty-One
The evening flies by, the three of them captivating my attention, and bewitching me with their similarities in demeanor and clever banter. I am definitely a fourth wheel but in a good way, Apollo is warming up to me quickly. He’s also showing a genuine curiosity about my life, where I grew up, even unexpectedly lighting up with joy to learn I have abilities…and it feels amazing.
Maybe it really is fate, somehow being connected to this ancient, supernatural lineage? Something I never dreamed of and something my own parents will never be able to experience, or would even believe for that matter. My psychic gifts alone confused and frightened them this would throw them over the edge. Mom and Dad never even tried to understand my abilities. They preferred to stay in denial and perpetually keep me at arm’s length. But none of that matters now. Ascot and his family represent the kind of unconditional acceptance I’ve always yearned for. Finally, I can be myself after years of feeling like an outcast. No more hiding, no more resistance.
I take Ascot’s hand and his eyes flash over to mine, expression bright, no longer shadowed by a haze of apprehension and uncertainty from hours before.
Apollo notices, setting down his wine glass and glances over to Ascot. “So, when are you two coming to Thessaloniki for a visit?” he leans back in his chair.
Ascot blinks several times, looking up at his father. “I don’t know,” he shakes his head. “I haven’t thought of returning home in…”
“Ages,” Apollo interrupts, “but it’s time you start.”
Ascot releases my hand, resting both elbows on the table. “I suppose I can,” he whispers, a ghost of a smile washing over his face.
Eric shifts in his chair and straightens up. “It would be nice to have you back home, brother,” he admits, giving him a slow nod.
Ascot turns his head and looks at me, running a hand through his hair. “I suppose I do miss it,” he whispers.
“You could come back with me, you know,” Apollo’s eyes shift from Ascot to mine. “Both of you.”
“Oh,” I perk up. “I didn’t realize you were talking about me too.”
Ascot whips his head, eying me in surprise. “Of course, you’re included,” he whispers, forehead tightly knotted.
God, I love this man.
“I-I’d love to,” I smile, looking up at Apollo, “but I can’t leave until my boss finds…”
“You can leave whenever you like,” Ascot cuts in, unable to hold back a look of distain. “You’ve been far too accommodating to Adam already. “I, on the other hand, would have to make a request to the hospital,” he glances up at his father. “And that could take some time.”
Apollo tilts his wine glass, drinking the remaining few sips. “You do not need to return to work, son,” he sets the glass down on the table, “they will manage just fine. Money has never been an issue with our fam…”
“You’re right, it’s not about the money,” Ascot cuts in. “But I have a responsibility to my patients,” his brows push together. “And my colleagues.”
“Understandable,” Apollo returns, undeterred. “You also have a family back home who hasn’t seen or heard from you in almost a millennium.” His low tone gives his words a deeper meaning.
Ascot pulls in a long breath, letting it out slowly. “I love what I do, father,” he admits in a whisper. “Being a healer is in my blood, I got that from you. It wouldn’t feel right to just up and leave…”
“There is more to life than living for oneself,” Apollo’s eyes are thoughtful and kind, “and even greater when lived for others,” he tilts his head. “For centuries you have done just that, and with the courage and hope it took to act on your own beliefs to succeed,” he smiles with an adoring gaze at his son. “It is time to reacquaint yourself in the roots of your family,” his eyes meet mine. “For the benefit of the new and the not so new.”
Damn.
Eric scoots back in his chair and crosses his legs. “Father’s right,” he raises a brow, “and you know it.”
Ascot smirks, rubbing the five o’clock scruff along his jaw. “Talk about a guilt trip,” he shakes his head.”
“This isn’t about guilt, son.”
“I know,” Ascot whispers, surrendering. “At least give us a few days to make the arrangements.”
Apollo’s stunning green eyes begin to beam like the morning sun as his smile widens.
“Yes!” Eric clasps his hands, “You won’t recognize it, brother. So many things have changed.”
“I have no doubt,” Ascot takes my hand and leans close. “Don’t worry about Adam,” he whispers and I smile, shaking my head.
“You realize I don’t have a passport.”
Laughter bursts out from all three men, contagious and I begin to laugh with them. Ascot turns to face me. “That’s the least of your worries, Love,” he kisses my cheek. “I can get you one tomorrow,” he looks over to his father, “Is Chronos still piloting the family?”
Apollo nods. “The one and only,” he stands. “I will let him know to have the plane ready by midweek.”
“Plane?” I ask, scanning the three of them.
“Yes, Elise,” Ascot grins. “Ever been to Greece on a private jet?”
I swallow, shaking my head. “I’ve never been out of the country, let alone on anything private.”
Collective laughter returns as Eric gets to his feet, following his father to the door. The two of them turn to us, beaming with delight. Eric reaches out first, giving me a tight hug. “You’re going to love it,” he whispers in my ear, releasing me as he goes in for a side hug with Ascot.
Apollo adoringly glances down at me, arms stretched out and I move closer. He gently pulls me to his chest, the aura around him palpable, almost like an electric charge, yet pleasant and fatherly. Without warning I’m overcome with emotion, eyes welling up when he lets go and locks eyes with me. Suddenly, he knows without words everything I didn’t get growing up. It’s as if his one hug begins the process of healing, wrapping me in a protective blanket of love and infinite acceptance. He leans in and thumbs away a tear from my cheek, gazing down at me. “Eisai i oikogeneia mou tora,” he whispers.
I smile, dropping another tear because by some means, I understood every word. “You are my family now.”