Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 245 - 3: Nice seeing you again

Chapter 245: Chapter 3: Nice seeing you again

After his Uncle Steve and Chairman Horace left, Shawn got busy doing his job. He took advantage of his freedom and enrolled in the university Knox Arden was going into. He took the course he wanted, and he felt liberated.

"Oops, sorry," He apologized after deliberately bumping into his target to plant a tracking device. After he learned that Knox Arden was being chased by loan sharks and reported it to his uncle, he was ordered to protect him if necessary.

"It’s okay."

The omega walked away after picking up his fallen things. Shawn thought that he would finally get to do whatever he wanted, but before he knew it, his mind was busy wandering on Knox already. He was waiting by the gates one day when he saw thug faces lurking outside.

Recognizing them as Knox’s creditors, he quickly texted him and almost lost his breath when he spotted Knox walking to the gates. Fortunately, he ran back to the opposite gates after seeing them.

"How am I going to protect him when he’s larger than me?" Shawn grumbled as he opened his iPad to see where Knox went. He sighed in relief when the recessive omega got to his home safe but frowned after seeing the red dot move again.

"Can’t he get a rest for just a day?!"

He was still clueless as to why his uncle ordered him to monitor the guy, but something told him his safety was of the utmost importance.

Shawn’s days went on like that. When Knox began working for some rich guy who saved him, Shawn couldn’t interfere anymore. He could only watch over him at school. Those days turned to months and finally, he received another call from his uncle.

"The chairman decided to bring him over. I’ll come and get the both of you."

"Wait, uncle! You only told me to monitor him, how am I supposed to convince him to come with me if he didn’t even know me?!"

Steve sighed. "Wait for me then. I’ll talk to him."

The call ended. Shawn muttered, wondering to himself. "Why do I have to go when he’s coming to get him already?"

The next day turned too bothersome after he went to Knox’s apartment, where the tracking device pointed, but ended up discovering that it was just left in the old bag where he stacked it before. Left with no choice, he went back to the Horace Mansion and used his hacking skills to find out where Knox had been.

He was shocked to discover he was heading to the airport. He called his uncle and they both headed to Knox’s destination and convinced him to come with them. The omega looked devastated and too pitiful, that he finally couldn’t hold his curiosity and asked his uncle.

"What do you think, Shawn? You’ve been monitoring him for months already. I’m sure you have your suspicions."

Shawn swallowed. It was truly a confidential matter if what he suspected was right. "If... he’s the youngest master, then... am I going to marry him instead of—

"He’s a recessive omega, Shawn."

Shawn pouted. "But I like him now. He’s making me want to protect him. Besides, uncle, in this day and time, even two male alphas get married now. And he’s as pretty as me! Imagine what would our child look like if—

Steve just shook his head. He stood from his seat. "Stay here. He must be awake already. I’m going to talk to him."

Shawn’s pouted lips got longer. He was thinking that if he met Athan Horace, the engagement would finally be official and they’d get married immediately. He didn’t want to come, but his uncle guilt-tripped him, saying that Knox would probably be frightened if left with just an alpha.

The meeting was a disaster.

Shawn stood by the corner with his uncle, while the whole family was fighting. The engagement issue flew away from his mind after watching Knox being subjected to ridicule from the madame and his second son, and he almost interfered if only his uncle didn’t block him.

Then, a voice rang amidst the chaos.

"Dad! Why did you even bring him here if you’re just going to sit there and say nothing?!"

Shawn glanced at the man. He was tall and looked intimidating, his hazel eyes bore into his father with disbelief and anger. He swept his dark hair back frustratedly and grabbed Knox’s arm.

Then, he spat angrily, "You didn’t even let him rest after that long journey. I know you’re mad and hurt, Mom. But you’re barking at the wrong person. He didn’t even know anything about us!"

He dragged Knox out of the room as his mother shouted, "Get back here, Athan!"

Shawn pulled his arm from his uncle and followed them. He caught with them. Knox’s face brightened a bit after seeing him, and Shawn felt protective. He took the omega’s hand and glanced at the alpha.

"Where are you taking him?" he asked.

Athan replied, "My room. He can stay there."

Shawn furrowed his brows. "This house has so many rooms, why should he be staying at yours? Can’t you see he’s uncomfortable?"

Athan’s face paled. Shawn was amused. How can he be so transparent and easy to read? Unlike other alphas he met who always pretend mysterious and indifferent, Athan wears his heart on his sleeves.

"Are you? I’m sorry. I just didn’t know what to do or say..." Athan took his hands back. He scratched the back of his head and lowered his gaze. "I’m Athan, by the way. I’m older than you, so you should call me big brother."

"... that fast?" Shawn asked incredulously.

Athan’s eyes widened a bit. He waved his hands before him, dismissing what he said. "No, no. I mean... I’m not forcing you, but... I don’t want you to think that I’m against you or what. I’m welcoming you as a family. If you are my father’s son, then you’re my brother, no matter what the others say. I hope you will let me speak and spend time with you, Knox."

Shawn zipped his lips. It wasn’t the time to interrupt him. He stepped backward and let Knox answer, but the latter grabbed his hand tightly.

Knox then answered quietly. "Can I... think about this later? I’m... really tired right now..."

"Of course. And I offered my room because I’m afraid that someone might barge in your room and bother you," Athan explained.

Knox finally looked up at his half-brother. Despite everything that happened, a small smile appeared on his weary face. "If that’s the case, I don’t mind sleeping in your room."

Athan’s face brightened and he sighed in relief. Since Knox had no intention of letting go of Shawn’s hand, Shawn had no choice but to follow them.

Athan’s room exudes refinement, masculinity, and comfort. The walls are painted in deep, rich shades of navy blue accented by intricate wood paneling and stone finishes. It was as large as a badminton court.

The bed was hidden from a floor-to-ceiling divider where a few porcelain decorations were displayed, and across it was a lounge area for ten people, a mounted flat-screen TV, surrounded by shelves for curated décor items, books, or a few personal mementos.

"You can sleep on my bed," Athan motioned Knox to use his bed. But Knox seemed hesitant now that he entered such a lavish room. Sensing his discomfort, Athan could only suggest, "Shawn and I can stay here while you sleep. Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone bother you while you’re here. Take some good rest, Knox."

He pulled Shawn from Knox and gently pushed the latter to the bedroom. Then, Athan pulled Shawn to the sofa. He went out after Knox finally lay on the bed, and returned with a servant following him, pushing a cart of refreshments for Shawn.

"I hope you still like sweets like you did before."

Shawn blinked. He did. But he didn’t expect that Athan would still remember. He nodded, and Athan sighed in relief.

He sat across him, pushing everything on his front. Shawn frowned. "I can’t eat all of these."

"Is that so?" Athan smirked. "Are you on a diet? I remember you always ate twice the servings—

"You always gave me food and fed me. I had no choice but to accept, young master Athan," Shawn cut him off. However, he felt guilty after seeing the alpha’s expression change a bit. It was true he was taught to always obey the Horaces, but it wasn’t like he disliked spending time with him or accepting everything he gave back then.

An awkward silence reigned in the room. Shawn wanted to slap himself for making the atmosphere like that. But what else could he say? He hadn’t seen the man for a decade! He had no idea what to say at all.

"With that mindset, Shawn, are you also willing to marry me because you have no choice?" Athan asked out of a sudden, breaking the silence.

Shawn froze. Slowly, he looked at those brown irises, a darker shade than what he had, but a lot kinder and more honest than he had. He didn’t know what went in his head, and he answered, "No. Marriage is... a different matter."

He lowered his head. If his family heard him, they would surely be disappointed and might kick him out of the family. But for some reason, those chocolate eyes made him honest.

Shawn heard a relieved sigh. He lifted his head again and saw Athan taking the teacup to his smiling lips. Before he sipped on it, he spoke, "I’m glad to hear that, Shawn. And it’s certainly nice to see you again."