Mate For My Dad’s Brothers

Avelina 

"You know I can't stand your friends," I grumbled under my breath as Dad and I made our way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries. I couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance at Dad's group of acquaintances, huddled together near the bar, their sole focus on alcohol, just like every other time. 

There was something about them that exuded negative energy, and it baffled me how my dad, the most incredible person I've ever known, kept such unsavory characters around him. Weird! 

"I'm well aware of your feelings,” he chuckled.

"Why did you have to invite those thugs? Out of everyone in the pack, why did you choose to be friends with those troublemakers?"

"Because, my love, they were the ones who came to my aid when I needed it most," he replied calmly, "And may I remind you to watch your language, sweetheart? They've been my friends for a very long time. They played a significant role in helping me establish and expand my business."

"Of course, they did, you feed their asses," I scoffed, rolling my eyes, "It's pretty obvious why they're so helpful, isn't it?"

"No, they stood by me even when I had nothing," he replied, his voice lowering slightly. "We're partners in crime."

"Sure, Dad, very amusing," I laughed sarcastically, but my eyes couldn't help but wander towards the doorway.

Why weren't any of them here?

"Are you waiting for someone?" Dad noticed my gaze.

"Well, I sent invitations to all the pack members. Since I haven't had the chance to meet most of them, I thought this would be a great opportunity to interact and get to know everyone. But for some reason, they haven't shown up."

"You sent what?" His voice betrayed a hint of surprise.

"Invitations for your birthday party," I sighed. "I didn't go on my own, though. I asked Quin to send them. Besides, you never took me to the packhouse, claiming it's better if I'm not involved in pack affairs. By the way, where is our packhouse anyway?"

"There's no packhouse, my dear," he chuckled as we continued walking.

"What? What do you mean there's no packhouse?"

"Well, do I look like an old-fashioned alpha to you?" he teased. "I didn't want to confine them all under one roof. With such diverse personalities and the young ones coming up, it would have surely caused chaos. So, I did what I thought was best," he explained. "I built separate houses for them, and I'm sure it'll make you jealous that some of them have bigger houses than ours."

A smile tugged at my lips. He had always cared deeply for his pack members. "You're such a sweetheart," I said, kissing his cheek.

"Well, thank you for the compliment," he replied, returning my smile. "Now, let's go. We have got more people to meet."

"But why aren't the pack members here yet?"

"Often, kindness doesn't always command the same obedience as cruelty does. They must have thought skipping this occasion would be of no consequence. Everything comes with its disadvantages," he sighed.

I gaped at at the lack of reverence the pack members showed my father, despite his countless acts of generosity towards them. Crimson Hounds—one of the most influential packs on the continent was renowned for their wealth and indomitable might.  And yet, the members remained unappreciative and heedless, oblivious to the weight of their own entitlement. I wished they could have shown my dad the respect he deserved.

"Forget about it. Today is your birthday, so we won't let anything disrupt this beautiful event, okay?" I smiled at him, “Shall we proceed?"

"Sure, whatever my princess says."

***

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have another announcement to make," Dad suddenly declared, capturing the attention of everyone.

He stood from his seat and walked towards me, standing right behind my chair.

"As most of you know, my daughter has been studying abroad for quite some time. She is an incredibly talented artist, and her sculptures have been displayed multiple times However, after much consideration, I believe it's time for her to come back home," he said, smiling at me.

However, my eyes went wide--What the heck! This wasn't planned.

A mixture of surprise and excitement rippled through the crowd. Whispers filled the air as they exchanged glances, processing the news.

"Dad, what are you talking about?" I whispered and slowly stood up, my smile frozen in place as I desperately tried to maintain composure.

"I'm quite certain you can hear me, Avelina," he chuckled softly, his attention shifting momentarily back to the gathered guests.

Before I could fully his of his words, he continued, something about his tone changed, "My daughter, Avelina Salazar, will be returning home to complete her studies. However, her journey doesn't end there. She will soon step into the heart of my business, inheriting everything she deserves. She will take over the pack after her betrothal which will happen ver soon. And as her father, it falls upon me to ensure she has the most extraordinary future," he declared, each syllable dropping like a bomb upon me.

What the fuck?

I wasn’t going to get fucking married so soon.

Amidst the clamour of raised glasses and congratulatory nods, my world spiralled into chaos. I felt an urgent need to escape.

"Excuse me, everyone," I managed to utter and tugged gently at my father's hand, guiding him towards a secluded corner where I hoped to find answers.

In that hushed enclave, away from prying eyes and deafening cheer, I confronted him, my voice laced with an equal measure of confusion and desperation, "What the hell is going on, Dad? We happen to have a perfect evening and then you go and sabotage all my plans? What the hell?!Where is all of this coming from? You know I still have a year left to finish my major. My work, my studio—it's all in Sydney. I can't just uproot everything and come back at a moment's notice. I need time, I need a few years," I exploded, my frustration boiling over as I confronted him."The last time we had this conversation, I made it clear to you. So why this sudden announcement?"

"Calm down, Avelina," he implored and reached out, his hand gently rubbing my arms in a feeble attempt to provide reassurance. "I'm not asking you to shift here right away, but you can take a month. Have some faith in your dad. I will assign someone to take care of wrapping things up for you. Don't worry everything will be sorted."

I was freaking out.

A month? Just a month to untangle the web of responsibilities and dreams I had woven in Sydney? It was fucking impossible!

"A month, Dad? I have a multitude of things to take care of, and you know it," I shot back, "On top of that, what about this whole marriage thing? What the heck, Dad? I'm not ready to tie the knot anytime soon. I have a life of my own, and you can't just make all the decisions without considering my feelings and desires."

Realizing my frustration, Dad sighed, "Okay, fine. We'll talk about this later. Don't worry," he conceded, "But you can't deny that your world is here, with me, with us. You can't stay there for the rest of your life."

"I have spent most of my life there, Dad. Since I was ten, you sent me away, and I understand it was for my safety and because of your duties. But, indeed, my world isn't solely there, and I'm not trying to cling to it forever. However, I believe I have the right to make choices for myself," I asserted, "You once decided that studying and living abroad would be best for me, and now I know what's best for me. I will surely return, but only when it feels right."

"I know I sent you away, Avelina. I understand what you've been through, but I wasn't happy here either," he confessed, "I have spent all this time alone, sweetheart. Don't you think I deserve to be with my daughter?"

"Dad..." My eyes softened, my heart torn between the love and understanding I held for him. "I..."

Before I could utter another word, the deafening sound of gunshots shattered the air, ripping through our conversation. My gaze darted towards the doorway, freezing in horror as men dressed entirely in black stormed into our house, heavy arms in their hands.

In mere seconds, chaos erupted, bullets piercing the once-serene atmosphere. The room became a macabre canvas, splattered with blood as lives were extinguished mercilessly before my eyes.

The world around me spun in a nauseating blur—People were dying before my eyes. They were being killed.

Avelina

"Dad! What's happening?" My body froze in place as the chilling scene unfolded before me, blood painting the floor.

The intruders showed no regard for their victims, callously shooting anyone in their path. By their actions, it seemed as if they were on a hunt, treating these human beings as nothing more than prey. Everyone around us was falling lifeless, to the ground, every second, a body was dropping on the floor— shot dead.

Those who had tried to shift mid-air were shot dead too— With a barrage of bullets ripping through their bodies, tearing flesh and shattering bones.

Oh no….

"I...I don't know," Dad's voice trembled as he fumbled for his concealed weapon, his hands shaking, "I need to find a safe place for you."

"Ezekiel, what the fuck is happening? Didn't you comply with their demands?" Luca, a close friend of my father, rushed towards us. He maneuvered