{Nico}

I was pacing back and forth in the living room. I normally wouldn't have been so nervous but Eli was coming home today so I was on edge. I wasn't sure if he was going to be spending the entirety of his winter break with us but I hoped he wouldn't. Things were already a bit complicated with father being sick that I didn't need another problem.

"Can you sit down? Stop pacing around the room. You're irritating me." Max said lounging comfortably across the sofa. He was reading some car magazine without a care in the world.

"You want me to sit down when a crazed psychopath is coming to live here under the same roof for two weeks?!" I asked with a scoff. I shook my head in irritation.

"He's not going to try anything. You're the next boss. If anything happens to you it's obviously going to be traced back to Elisha." Max reminded me and sat up. He dropped the magazine on the center table and smirked softly, "Don't tell me you're scared?"

"Course not." I said too quickly to be believable. I sighed loudly and sat down across from Max. "I just never know what he's thinking. He's a know it all and annoys me."

Max nodded in agreement, "He's so full of himself. It's disgusting."

"Shh!" I hushed, "Naomi or my father might hear you!"

"He already knows that his first born is corrupt anyways." I sighed loudly again hearing Max speak and felt like my soul was leaving my body. Max didn't know the timing for certain things or social queues so he often spoke his mind freely.

It's true, in a way. Elisha is corrupt in the sense that he decided to start his own small group. It's nothing too big yet but even starting a separate group than the one you are born in has never been seen. Honor comes in the family name and Eli decided to throw it away for a new one. The only reason he's even allowed back into the home is because Naomi wanted him home.

We have different mothers. His mother already lived here by the time my mom got pregnant with me. As per the rules, she wasn't allowed to live with us and we had to hide the fact that dad had an affair. I visited mom often and got scolded, mainly by Naomi.

I had to pretend his mother was my mom to the public eye to keep rumors from spreading. Thankfully for them, my mother also had black hair so I didn't look too different from the rest. Many just said I looked more like my father where as Eli got his mother's features.

His mother treats me like a stranger. When we are alone, she won't acknowledge my presence. She's still bitter about my dad having an affair with my mom and the fact that her son won't be the next head of the family despite being older. If my dad is around, Naomi throws sly, backhanded comments behind my father's back directed at me. Really, it doesn't even bother me unless she talks badly about my mother. Mom died when I was young. Maybe about a year and a half after Sera was brought to live with us.

Poison in her cup.

No one to this day knows how it happened or who did it considering she lived apart from us. I have my suspicions but I've only ever voiced them out to Max. He was the only person I could fully trust to keep a secret. I had my doubts on Sera's loyalty and where she stood. She was always a bit too close to Eli for my comfort. She always seemed to choose his side as well so I kept tabs on her at all times.

Betrayal was frowned upon very seriously.

You'd be tortured for days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years depending on the severity of the betrayal. Each case was looked at separately and where you stood in terms of power was thrown to the side. Traitors were stripped of their name and everything until they were just worthless pieces of trash.

"Quit sighing." Sera said walking up to me and stood by the couch. "It's said that your happiness escapes through your sighs."

I turned my head to look at Sera. She looked like her normal self today, but I never really had a good handle on her. She always escaped at random times during the day and night and never told me before leaving, "Where were you last night?" I asked with a serious glare.

"My room?" She asked with a confused look on her face.

"No, you weren't." I told her, "I went to ask you something last night and you weren't there. I will ask you one more time, Seraphina. I don't want another lie to come out of your pretty little mouth." I said with an bone-chilling tone. "It'd be a shame if something were to happen to it."

Max looked over with a stare that could kill. He always stood by my side since he felt he owed me his life for saving him from the streets. He also had his doubts about Sera, but then again, Max doubted everyone.

"Oh!" She said with a small laugh, "I was talking with Naomi. She wanted to confirm that Elisha would be coming home today." I looked at max and he shrugged slightly. There was no use even going to ask Naomi if that was true. She wouldn't answer and even if she did, it would be a very vague answer.

"Okay." I said simply.

"What's up with you? Asking so many weird questions lately. You can't seriously think I'd betray you."

"Just making sure."

"Making sure of what, exactly?" She demanded crossing her arms over her chest. "Seriously, Nico. You're crazy if you think I would be up to something."

"It's suspicious, though." Max spoke up. He lifted one knee up onto the couch and left the other planted on the floor. He wrapped his hands around his leg and leaned his head onto his knee. "You always seem to vanish without a trace."

"I already told you: I was with Naomi. You can't be suspecting of something ridiculous like conspiring against you with your mother-"

"She is not my mother." I said looking up at Sera, sternly. Naomi never was and never will be my mother. She was my father's wife and Eli's mother. "Don't you ever call her that again."

Sera clicked her tongue in annoyance and said, "Technically-"

"What did I just say, Sera? I won't let you off easy the next time you call her my mother, understood?"

Max stood up and clapped his hands. "Okay, can we not start this again? Sera, stop making Nico angry. Nico, learn to control that temper."

I huffed put a laugh and looked at max, "This coming from Queen of temper tantrums?"

Max rolled his eyes and said, "At least call me a King."

Sera spoke up, anger in her voice, "Nico, if you don't trust me then-"

"Then what?" I spat back. "Have you given me a reason to? Time's up.The answer is no." I answered her, not giving sera a chance to speak for herself.

"Really!?" Sera asked baffled, "because I clearly remember saving you from-"

"That's enough! Why are you all arguing and making a spectacle in the living room?" My father's booming voice came out of the hallway and into the living room, "Nico. I thought you trained them to speak to you with respect?" He questioned looking down at me. His stern eyes waiting for my response.

I licked my lips nervously and stood up. Max came to stand over with sera and I. Dad disapproved that I allowed Sera and Max to speak to me casually. "Sorry, sir." I said bowing my head and not making eye contact. "I just thought it would be more comfortable to-"

"You're going to let them walk all over you because you want to be casual with them? You'll be the laughing stock of the group after I'm gone." He said.

I lifted my head and saw my dads disapproving eyes. I knew he just wanted for me to succeed but at times his way of thinking was too old. He had a small blanket over his shoulders. He was still in his late 40's but he looked older because of his frail body. He was using a cane to support his body. No one knows what the cause is despite a doctor coming every month to check up on him. Again, I suspect foul play within the group but an accusation without proof could backfire.

I didn't say anything to my father. Max beside me looked like he was getting ready to yell at my father. I elbows his side and shook my head as he looked over at me. He always got into small arguments with my father. Sometimes, it wasn't worth a fight and would only end in both of us getting punished because he couldn't bite his tongue.

"Honey, you should take a seat." Naomi said coming up behind my father and kissing his shoulder. She rubbed his back and grinned as her eyes met mine.

Everything about her disgusted me. It was evident that she only got pregnant with the boss of a Mafia group so she could have an easy life. Her clothes were always too extravagant. She's had several plastic surgeries on her face and body so she looks younger than my father despite being around the same age. She only uses father as a bank so she can have whatever she wants.

"You're right." He said taking Naomi's hand and walked to the sofa. He sat down and coughed into his blanket. I winced slightly. I hated seeing him in pain. He would always brush off his pain for Naomi's happiness. If she wanted to throw a party, he would show up even though he had a hard time walking. If she wanted anything, he would get it for her.

"How are you feeling, sir?" I asked holding my hand in front where he could see, respectfully.

"Not bad. It's just a slight fever today." He answered surprisingly.

"Da-." I stopped myself quickly, "Boss, maybe you should take a break. Sit this one out. It's only Eli. He'll understand if you aren't here to greet him."

"Nonsense." Naomi answered for him, "His oldest son is coming today. It's his responsibility to welcome him. Not like you would understand the meaning of responsibility."

"Hey-" Max took a step forward. I put a hand on his chest and sera grabbed onto his shoulders to stop him from making a mistake.

"Excuse me?" Naomi asked, "show your dog how to sit quietly unless spoken to, Nico."

Sera finally talked, speaking for me as she kept her grip on Max. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. I'll show him how to show his respect later." Naomi considered her for a few seconds and shrugged. I looked at sera and nodded at her.

Max shrugged off our hands and looked away angry. I felt like I was suffocating in the living room. Naomi and father were speaking amongst themselves. I scratched my neck and took a deep breath. I should have been use to Naomi by now but I never allowed myself to put my guards down around her. She was always plotting something with that evil smile of hers.

It felt like hours had gone by when in reality it was only a couple of seconds. "Sir, Elisha is home."

"Send him in."

I started tapping my hand nervously against my leg. Eli was finally home. I hadn't seen him since summer when he was here for a few days. Max put a comforting hand on my shoulder and smiled gently. He slid it off took a step behind me as Eli walked through the frame.

He still looked the same as ever. He had a small face but sharp facial features. His black hair was messy as he smiled at me from the hallway. I held his gaze, refusing to look away first. He held a knowing look on his face as the smile on his mouth grew wider, "I'm home." He said teasingly.

Naomi rushed over and hugged him. "Welcome home, baby. Go say hi to your father." She urged him.

Eli looked away and met our father's stare. He walked over and kneeled in front of him with his head down, "Pardon the intrusion."

"Pick up your head, boy." He instructed. Eli did so. "You're my son not a stranger."

I heard Max gag behind me and I tried to stifle my laugh. I coughed once so I wouldn't laugh but I only attracted attention.

Eli stood up and turned back to our father, "Thank you, sir. I'll try not to overstay my welcome." He said politely.

Father shook his head, "You're still family despite your brash decision to leave the group. The others might despise you for that." He warned. "You can stay for as long as needed."

Naomi walked over and put a hand on Eli's shoulder, "Thank you." She told father.

He looked and nodded over to my direction as he told Eli, "Say hello to your brother, Eli. I hope you two can work together in the future."

Eli had a lopsided grin on his face as he turned around to look at me. "Of course." He walked over and stopped in front of me, "It's always a pleasure, brother." He said bitterly. I shook his hand and bowed slightly. "I see you still have that horrendous blonde hair."

I forced a smile. "I see you still have that horrendous attitude."

Eli's smile fell on his face as he tightened his grip on my hand and clenched his jaw.

He had more power than I did because he was now the boss of his own group. Granted, not quite on the same level as our father because his group was still small. Though, it was growing rapidly due to the word spreading that he was the Delacroix's first born. Many were curious as to why the first born left willingly so they all flocked out to search for him. Thank to that, he has a lot of good-for-nothing's on his side.

"You must be tired." Naomi said. Eli held his look for a few quick seconds and then let go of my hand.

He turned to his mother with his usual façade and nodded, "I am, a bit.

"I'll get someone to come for you-"

"If it's okay." Eli interrupted his mother, "I want Nico to accompany me to my old room. I haven't seen my brother in so long after all."

Sera bit her lip and took a step forward. Eli finally noticed her and max and rose his eyebrows at them. "It's been a while, Seraphina. I trust you've been keeping my baby brother in check?" He asked holding his head up.

She took a step back looking defeated and whimpered out a small, "Yes."

He chuckled and then looked at Max, "You still have the dog around you."

I looked at Max and saw him chewing the inside of his cheeks to keep quiet. "Leave them alone, Eli." I instructed.

"Ah. I see you're no longer a child who does as he's told. What a shame."

"Hey, enough!" My dad shouted. Everyone went quiet as my father sighed softly, "Nico, take your brother to his room so he can rest for a few hours."

I wanted to tell him that wasn't a good idea but swallowed my protest. I noises and said, "Yes, sir." I took a step forward as Eli moved to let me pass. Sera and Max took a step with me. I put up a hand quickly to stop them, "I'll be right back." I assured them both. Max looked ready to protest again but I left quickly with Eli behind me.

We walked in silence as I led him upstairs. As soon as we turned the corner into the hallway and were out of view, Eli grabbed the back of my collar, pulled me back, and slammed me against the wall, roughly. "Shouldn't you show your superiors respect? I didn't like that tone of yours." I clicked my tongue instead of crying out in pain. My head had slammed against the wall. Eli put his arm on my neck and pushed warningly against my neck.

"Respect? You gave up the right to have my respect the day you walked out on the family." I said through clenched teeth. "Don't talk to me about respect until you show me some."

Eli's glare hardened as he pushed harder into my neck. I kept my mouth shut to prevent myself from gasping for air. "I wonder how far that sharp tongue of yours is going to take you." He asked in a whisper, "I've been wanting to cut it out ever since you were an annoying, young kid following me around. I knew I should have gotten rid of you the very first day you walked into my home. Mother said you were going to ruin everything she worked hard for. She was right." He brought his hand straight into my stomach.

I hunched over in pain. I could have done something to retaliate but I was going to be the one who got punished. Naomi would side with her son and father was blinded.

"Go fuck yourself." I said and spit on his shoes. Eli smiled and turned away. I thought he was going to leave but he turned back my way and he swung his hand right into my jaw. I let myself fall to the floor and laughed quietly, in a mocking tone.

Eli shook his head and turned away. He left me in the hallway and walked into his room and he shut the door behind him.

I groaned softly and lifted my shirt. I felt around to make sure he didn't break something. I sighed, relieved and dropped my shirt. I felt the left side of my face and flinched. Bastard definitely knew how to throw a punch. I grabbed onto the wall and stood up. I dusted my clothes off and flipped Eli's closed door off.

I licked the inside of my lip and tasted a bit of blood. I knew Max and Sera were going to try to make a big deal about it but I didn't mind Eli. He felt threatened by my presence. That's why he felt the need to get rid of me.

I cracked my neck and stuffed my hands into my pockets as I started walking back downstairs. I decided I needed to leave. This whole house felt suffocating now that Eli was back home.