Ares ; A Mafia Romance ||✓

Chapter 32

Ares

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“Azaiah, son?” My dad’s voice broke through my thoughts. I blinked, the only sign that I had heard him. He was sitting across from me in the limo, with Mom beside him, offering a sympathetic smile. Eva, next to me, squeezed my hand. I forced down the surge of emotions threatening to surface.

“Are you sure about this?” Dad’s voice was gentle as he asked the question. As we traveled further out of the city, the forest drew closer. Trees lined the path, and the sky was a vibrant blue, the sun shining brightly. I shifted my gaze to my dad. His eyes, which I had inherited, were full of compassion and empathy. I swallowed, trying to hide the struggle within me, the tsunami of suppressed emotions within me threatened to let loose with each passing second. Why had everything become so difficult?

Dad looked healthier, a lot better than his frail state from before. The same was true for Eva. She hadn’t left my side for a single second since her recovery. She leaned her head on my shoulder. “Azy…”

I kissed her head. “I’m pretty sure.”

“Be strong, brother. You have all of us,” Isaac said from his seat next to Aunt Jennifer. Isaac was recovering good. Aunt Jennifer nodded in agreement. “Yes, son. Because of you, we are all together today.”

I glanced around the limo, seeing the faces of my family. Their support was palpable, but it did little to ease the turmoil inside me. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

“Azaiah,” Dad continued, his voice steady, “we’re proud of you. You did what you had to do to protect us. But now, you need to find peace for yourself.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak without revealing the cracks in my facade. Eva squeezed my hand again, her silent support a comfort.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” Aunt Jennifer added. “We’re here for you, every step of the way.”

“I know,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”

I inhaled sharply and looked outside as I focused on the words; because of me. Aunt Jennifer was right; everything was because of me. I deserved to bear this hole in my heart, to carry the guilt and pain forever. Isaac sighed, as if he knew what I was thinking. "Ares..."

The limo stopped before he could say more. I stepped out, ignoring everyone. My friends were waiting outside, leaning against their cars. They approached me together and engulfed me in a hug. I grunted in acknowledgment, nothing more.

They all bowed when Dad and Mom stepped out. "Greetings, Queen and King," they chorused. Dad and Mom exchanged amused looks. Dad patted my friends on their backs. "How are all of you? You've grown so much. And please, call me Uncle like you always did."

Carter, grinned. "We’ve missed you, Uncle." Dad chuckled. "I've missed you all too. You've done well, looking out for Ares." Mom smiled warmly. "It's good to see you all here. It means a lot to us."Cameron, nodded. "We wouldn't be anywhere else, Queen." Mom shook her head gently. "No need for formalities. Call me Aunt, as you always have."

They smiled and nodded, the tension easing a bit. My mind, however, remained on Callista. I couldn’t shake the image of her from my thoughts.

Dad placed a hand on my shoulder. "Son, let's do what we came here to do."

I nodded, swallowing hard. "Yeah, let's go."

My friends nodded with a smile. Carter stepped forward, his eyes, soft and flimsy with understanding, "Ares..... everything is prepared. Let's go."

I moved forward, everyone falling into step behind me. As we passed people, they stared at us with fear and apprehension. Their eyes shone with unspoken accusations, accusations to which I silently agreed. No one dared to come forward and say a word against the mafia. They valued their lives too much.