Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 170: Meeting the Horaces [2]

Chapter 170: Meeting the Horaces [2]

Knox found Azrael’s hand and squeezed it tightly, his eyes anxious and worried. Azrael finally turned to him, showing the irritation he skillfully masked behind his polite and business smile that only Knox could tell.

His heart swelled with appreciation. The alpha was doing his best to respect the family he deemed important, but instead of commending him for it, he was acting distrustful and afraid of what he might say.

He squeezed Azrael’s hand again, silently telling him not to worry about those spiteful remarks, and showed him his undeterred determination and unbothered expression.

That simple gesture was seen by everyone gathered in the room. Each has different thoughts and reactions, but to Knox, they weren’t important. He came to tell his piece of mind and find peace and solace in properly putting a closure in that family drama starring him and his lover.

Stepping forward, Knox turned to his father again. With a voice mixed with respect and firmness, he remarked, "Father...we came here because you asked us to come, couldn’t you at least, offer us a seat?"

Steve’s eyes widened in realization. He should have escorted the two to their seat instead of standing rigidly by the desk, and silently expressing his detachment from the unfolding family drama.

He quickly turned to the chairman whose face remained impassive. He tapped his finger on the desk and that signaled Steve to immediately gesture the plush sofa across where Athan and Althea were sitting.

"Young master, I apologize for not offering you a seat as soon as you entered. Please, young master Knox, Mr. Del Valle, you can sit here."

Knox nodded at the frantic servant. He pulled Azrael, never letting go of his hand, and wasn’t ashamed or put off by the stares he got from Geraldine. They sat on a three-seater sofa and refreshments were served on the table across them.

Knox just looked at the tea in the small cup, its aroma permeated his nose, and though it smelled relaxing and good, his nerves weren’t calming, and only getting heavier as the rain outside.

They arrived at one in the afternoon, and since morning, the rain hadn’t stopped as though it was trying to prevent them, a foreboding, that Knox dismissed because he did not want to waste another day of doing nothing.

Chairman Nathaniel stood and whirled around his desk. He took the sofa opposite his wife, silently. There was still an air of heaviness, and hostility surrounding him, but Knox was grateful enough that they weren’t chased away.

The tense atmosphere was palpable, but it was broken with Athan’s cautious speech, his words sent an underlying meaning directed to Azrael, "Everyone gathered here is sure busy, so let’s address the real issue and agenda of this...family meeting."

Knox nodded, his eyes lingered on Athan and went back on his father whose emerald eyes were watching the steam of his tea evaporate. He looked older and tired, but he still exuded authority and dominance.

Azrael’s smooth and unruffled voice cut through the tension once more, "Chairman Horace, if I may, I’d like to ask what are you going to do about me being the father of your grandson, Knoa Arden?"

Everyone’s serious attention was fixed on Azrael. He showed a calm and collected look and continued, "Out of courtesy, I’m asking since you’re Knox’s father. But I’d like you to know that I’ve already discussed this matter with Knox, and have come to a conclusion of what are our next steps, as a couple, would be."

Nathaniel’s cold eyes flickered with irritation and curiosity. "And what exactly are you intending to do?"

"Chairman, you speak as though everything was according to my plan. For the record, I didn’t know that my old man would do this," Azrael defended himself from the older alpha’s accusing tone. Then, he brought his hand held by Knox to his lap casually, and played with his ring, intentionally displaying it for everyone to see.

That gesture alone answered the chairman’s inquiry.

Althea gasped, while Athan’s face only darkened. Geraldine rolled her eyes with envy and curiosity at what kind of stones that elegant-looking ring was made. Steve smiled at Knox while his master, whose eyes were focused on Azrael and Knox’s hands together, was unreadable.

This compelled Knox to begin, "You’re...probably opposed to this. But I’ve already decided. I came here to tell you that I’m willing to receive whatever the results of my disobedience, but...I won’t stop hiding from Azrael. Knoa and I...and him, are family. We’re building a home together—

"A home that includes a dangerous family at that," Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. He then continued, "Say, Azrael Del Valle, is my remark nothing but a biased accusation, or but the truth? I might sound a hypocrite to an outsider like you, acting like a strict father to my son I only acknowledged months ago, but I’m firm on my ground. I don’t want anything dangerous latching onto him and my grandson."

Azrael’s demeanor slightly faltered. However, his answer was still sharp and precise, "The truth, unfortunately."

"Whether it’s unfortunate or not doesn’t matter to me. I only want safety for my family, and if one of my children marrying you will jeopardize that, I will not move or give you any consideration on this matter," Nathaniel remarked.

Azrael replied, "That may be difficult, chairman. And you’re misunderstanding something here."

Nathaniel’s cold eyes flashed with curiosity and annoyance, "And what exactly I’m misunderstanding?"

Azrael’s polite smile remained fixed, "The belief that we came here to accept whatever you laid on us. Our visit isn’t to negotiate, though I’m open to that in any way, but I came to support my dear, your son, in his choices, not to expect anything from you or do what you want me to do."

Nathaniel’s face darkened. Athan sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. His head throbbed from their exchanges, especially the smug and proud look Azrael displayed which probably heated his father more.

In his mind, he wanted to smack the alpha in the head.

On the other hand, Knox felt a surge of conflicting emotions. He appreciated Azrael’s defense, but their conversation was turning into a diplomatic fight and becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

Knox glanced back at his father, hoping for some sign of leniency and understanding, but his face remained guarded and hostile. He took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly as he gathered his courage to speak again.

Then, with his hands wrapping on Azrael’s for support and a silent warning to not interfere anymore, Knox began, "We’re getting married, father, no matter what. I came to tell you that."