The Twin

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

"You call him."

"Rocco, he's your brother!"

"But he's your ex."

Vincent and I silently watched as his parents bickered, both terrified to call Athos. I know he's intimidating, but I'm starting to get a feeling that he's unpredictable as well. After spending years alongside this family, I have learned that Rocco likes it when he can predict what his enemies or visitors will do. He is always planning, figuring out ways to convince another Alpha to agree with him. He always knows how another alpha's mind works, what facts will convince them and what facts will cause them to disagree. He has tried teaching me to read people, but I'm still lacking those skills.

However, watching him panic over calling his brother, I knew this was going to be hell. After growing up with him, he still didn't know how the Alpha was going to react. We remained silent, letting them figure it out. After all, it is their fault Athos hates them.

"Are they still arguing?" Brayden asked as he walked into the office.

I nodded, "Yup."

"Just give me the phone," Vincent sighed.

His parents snapped their attention to him, "No."

"Well, then one of you needs to grow a pair and call him."

Julie glanced at her husband, "You're the one with a dick and balls, here."

"Really?" Vincent groaned.

"You're a male too, son," Rocco grumbled as he dialed a number.

"But—

"Shhh," Julie hushed.

"Athos, we need to talk," Rocco said, his voice wavering a bit. But it wasn't fear that suddenly had him frozen, it was something else.

"Please, Athos. Enough is enough, mom and dad wouldn't want this. You know that," he pleaded.

He suddenly frowned, "What do you mean you're—

"What the fuck do you want?" A man snarled as he jumped through the window.

Rocco glanced between the man and the broken glass, "Really? Do you have to be dramatic?"

"Yes."

"Athos..." Julie murmured, her eyes mirroring pain.

Athos glanced at her, his eyes continued to hold that cold look. He didn't pay attention to her for long before he faced his brother again.

"Why did you call?" He demanded.

Rocco sighed, "None of us want to fight you anymore. I know I hurt you, I know Julie has hurt you, I know mom and dad have hurt you, but we regret it. Mom and dad told you they loved you before you left, didn't you believe them?"

"No. No one loves me, how could they? I'm a monster, remember?" He snarled.

"It was wrong of me to call you to that."

"This is like a whole drama movie," Brayden grumbled. "I need popcorn."

Vincent narrowed his eyes before slapping Brayden on his head, "Shut up. You're the one who got down on one knee and begged your wife to give you the last cookie."

"It was chocolate chip though."

I sighed, "Why must you two be so stupid?"

"Who the hell is she?"

We all focused on Athos again, paling when we realized he was glaring at us. Rocco cleared his throat and motioned towards me.

"Vincent's mate," he stated.

Athos nodded, "Hi."

"Hey," I replied awkwardly.

"Again, why do you want me here?"

"We want to find your mate," Julie finally spoke.

Athos blanched, "Wh—what?"

"She may be human, but she's still meant for you. Every wolf needs their mate," Rocco explained.

"I don't."

"Yes, you do."

Athos clenched his jaw, "She'll only run from me again."

"Not if we can convince her to give you a second chance."

"Not if she's the daughter of a Hunter and a vampire," Athos hissed.

Julie gaped at him, "You mean...she's a human/vampire hybrid?"

"Yes and she loathes me, so I refuse to find her. She wants to be happy, I'll only ruin it."

"How do you know that?" Rocco asked.

Athos frowned, his breathing becoming quicker as he began to crack before us. "I ruined our family, Rocco. What makes you think I won't ruin her?"

"Just try."

"No."

Julie released a breath before cupping Athos' face, causing the alpha to immediately freeze.

"I may not love you anymore, but I do care a lot about you. I am begging you, let go of the past and allow yourself to be happy," she said softly.

My eyes widened when I saw tears in Athos' eyes, "You killed my baby."

Julie clenched her jaw, "I'm so sorry."

Rocco suddenly grabbed his brother and hugged him, "Please, come back to us."

Athos attempted to keep his emotions hidden, but he couldn't anymore. He completely shattered, crumbling to the ground as his brother held him. Julie joined them, hugging Athos while mumbling apologies, her own tears falling from her eyes.

"Shhhhhh," Julie soothed.

Athos shook his head, unable to stop the flood of emotions. Rocco hugged his brother even tighter, his face pressed against his brother's back.

"Huh, seems like your mother is still Athos' weakness," Brayden murmured.

Vincent nodded, "I don't think he was ready to face them."

"So...how dramatic is your family?"

"Brayden?"

"Yes?"

"I am this close to throwing you out the damn window."

"Stop touching me," Athos suddenly mumbled.

Rocco smiled a little, "Stop pushing us away."

"You pushed me away first."

"I know, we're so sorry."

Julie grinned, "So....hugging you isn't appreciated right now?"

"No."

I chuckled as they hugged him tighter, causing Athos to squirm.

"Stop it!" He whined.

"Not until you agree to let us help you," Rocco smirked.

Athos groaned, "Come on."

"See? I told you he wasn't that strong," Julie teased.

Vincent and I gasped as Athos stood up, dragging Julie and Rocco with him.

"You were saying?" Athos commented.

Rocco narrowed his eyes, "You did not just tell yourself that his muscles are hot."

Julie shrugged, "You claim my sister's butt is nice. I am simply admiring your brother like you admired my sister."

"She does have a point," I laughed.

Vincent frowned, "What? Oh, come on, this is my uncle!"

"Shall we talk about May?"

"No, I am not going through that again."

Athos frowned, "I was expecting you all to be less...friendly."

Rocco shook his head as he let go of his brother, "Olivia convinced us to help you instead of allowing you to break further."

"She made us realize how awful we have been," Julie said quietly.

Athos glanced at me, "You barely know me."

"Everyone deserves a second chance, I gave my dad a second chance after he walked out on me and my mom. Now, he's always there for me. Plus, I have seen far too many wars because of petty Alphas," I explained.

"Did you just call me petty?"

I smirked, "Yes, yes I did."

"Sleep with one eye open."

"No, no pranks in this house!" Julie immediately stated.

"She started it," Athos mumbled.

"So, are you staying for dinner?" Rocco asked.

Athos frowned, taking a slight step back as he stared at us. Julie's shoulders slumped as he remained silent, uncertainty sparkling in his eyes.

"I don't think I should," he finally whispered.

"Please?"

Vincent suddenly stood, "How about we start off slow? I think you two need to talk in private, there's still a lot of unsaid words between you. Words that need to be spoken. Dad, you can't charm your way out of this one."

Rocco frowned as he glanced at his panicking brother. Julie gently turned her husband towards her, gaining his attention.

"You need to apologize to him, he's still hurting. I'll apologize as well, but I'll need to speak to him alone," she said quietly.

"Okay."

We all left, leaving Rocco and Athos alone. I sighed, pulling away from Vincent so I could call my sister.

"Hey, I just want to say I missed you," I said when she answered.