“It’s so lovely to meet all of you. I’ve heard so much about each and every one of you. It’s nice to put a face to the tales.”
I narrowed my eyes, looking over at Pixel. Had she been a spy the whole time, right under our noses? My glance must not have been as subtle as I hoped, if the chuckle Phoebe gave was anything to go by.
“Now, now, Atticus, it isn’t like that. Please, I’ll explain once we’ve had our meal and the presentation. I’m eager to hear all about this new center.”
It oddly felt like I’d lost all control over the table with that comment as everyone turned to her, following her orders. Clenching my jaw, I breathed in deeply, reassuring myself it didn’t matter. I didn’t need to control the table. There were other, bigger, things at play here, and I needed to focus on that, not entering into a pissing contest with my elderly aunt.
Taking in a deep breath, I let it out slowly, feeling my whole body relax. As the next hour passed, we ate our meal and listened to various donors speak about their vision for the youth center and why they’d given. It was boring as fuck, and I found myself gazing around at my men, looking for any sign of a threat.
When Jude, Immy, and Loren got up and talked about the groups they were starting here, including a photography, music, and therapy group, I did stop to listen. But once they were done, I went back to my scanning, not caring how much someone else had given and how awesome they thought they were for doing it. My narcissistic, murdering asshole of a father was trying to destroy my family. I didn’t really care to pander to their self-inflated egos.
And people said I didn’t have my priorities right.
Seemed like something else Loren had helped shift in me. I no longer cared about profits other than what it could provide for my family. I was more interested in the legacy we would leave and getting to live it.
“Attie,” Loren leaned in to whisper, “whatever it is, we’ll handle it. That’s what we do, remember? We’re Mascros. We get shit done.”
Smiling at her, I touched her hair, the silky strands falling through my fingers. “I don’t think that’s exactly how it goes, but I like your version.”
Grinning, she kissed my cheek, patting my leg. When the last speaker was done, it felt like I’d run a marathon of emotions. Whatever she was going to share with us, I was just ready to get it out in the open. This secret bullshit was killing me.
Or perhaps it was just the anticipation. Either way, I was done waiting despite my earlier attempt to avoid it.
Applause sounded around us as everyone stood, acknowledging the official opening of the Second Chance Youth Center. The name had been a last-minute change to honor the people who’d been taken from us too soon, and the part they played in giving us hope for change. I was proud of Jude and Immy for recognizing both Cameron and Kenneth as part of that.
Mitzi stepped off the stage, and music began to play, indicating the dance and auction part of the evening had commenced. Nodding to Sax, he led us to a private room, our party trailing after. Looking around, I took in the faces of all the people I’d come to care about, even if some of them didn’t know it.
Monroe and Wells sat next to Jude, engaged in a conversation about hockey. Imogen was talking with Nicco and Pixel, and Loren sat next to Sax, a spot open on her other side for me. My Aunt walked up to me, and I could tell she expected me to take a seat. The command made me bristle, but I reminded myself it was about more than control. This was about our family, and I needed to know all the facts, even if I didn’t like them.
“Thank you all for gathering. As I mentioned, it’s been marvelous to put together the faces to the stories that Cleo shared with me.” We turned to her, watching as she swallowed, her face becoming pale. “I wasn’t sure about you, Atticus, when you called. But you are a Costa, and we take that seriously. When I sent Cleo, I thought she’d return, tell me how awful you were, and then we’d be done with you. I could wash my hands as having done good by Shayna and move on.”
She paused, looking around at all of us, stopping to peer into each and everyone’s eyes like she could see into their souls. “Imagine my surprise when Cleo returned and, instead of confirming what I believed, she told me of a family with values, kindness, and strength but who needed some direction. She told me of a vision she had where we could merge our two families together, creating a new era for both the Costas and Mascros. I was taken aback by this idea. Costa women have made a name for themselves without the help of men. We stand against injustice, taking what we want and deserve, providing a better life for those in our midst. I laughed at her, told her she was foolish and that perhaps she wasn’t as strong as I thought she was if she could go on a mission and be influenced so greatly by the people around her.”
Thoughts swirled in my head at everything she said, along with some anger that she would think of us that way. Admiration for Pixel grew, and I turned to her, nodding my respect. She’d been truthful to herself and us, and I was proud to call her cousin.
“So, what changed your mind? Why are you here if you think we’re a lost cause?” I asked when she didn’t continue.
She smiled, and I tried not to let the slight patronizing tilt get to me. This wasn’t about my pride, I reminded myself.
“Because I’m woman enough to admit when I was wrong. I’ve been watching you over the past month as you work to rebuild your family and make a new path. I thought you might’ve been all talk before, but you backed it up with actions, and that spoke to something in me. I know that you didn’t get to know your mother well, but I can see some of her best qualities in you, Nephew. So, I thought to myself, maybe my darling Cleo has a point.”
“So, you’re here to join forces? Why now? Why tonight?”
“Because I think we can help one another. Cleo wants to start a Siren program within your midst, bringing young girls and women into our folds, helping to increase our numbers and provide your women with skills that will increase your family’s dominance.”
Imogen gasped at the news, a smile spreading over her face, and I had a feeling I was about to enter another battle soon with her, one I already knew I would lose.
“That still doesn’t explain why here.”
“Ah, clever but impatient, you are, Nephew. As for the why, well, I like to get dressed up and do not have as many opportunities as I once had. But I also come bearing some news that I think will greatly impact your answer.” She stopped, looking around, ensuring she had all of our attention. “I have it on good authority that one of your enemies has escaped custody. So, I took it upon myself to send out a few operatives to ensure his capture. She should be calling you any minute now.”
We all stopped our movement, the room going quiet as we all waited to hear a phone ring.
“How—” my words were cut off as a shrill ring rang through the room. Loren picked up her phone, a sheepish look on her face.
“Hey, Cami, it’s not a good time. Wait, what? Okay, we’re on our way.” She hung up, looking at my aunt with new eyes. She blinked once before turning to me. “Darren, Cami has Darren.”