The soft rustle of blankets was the only sound in the quiet room. Kael lay on the bed, one arm loosely around Rin's sleeping form. The omega's breathing was steady, calm—so unlike the fevered gasps from before. Kael's eyes remained fixed on Rin's face, the faint flush still lingering on his pale cheeks.
The door creaked open.
Kael's sharp gaze snapped up immediately, his entire body tensing. But when he saw it was Eric, he relaxed—only slightly. Eric stopped dead in his tracks, eyes widening as they fell on the sight before him: Rin curled into Kael's chest, Kael's arm protectively wrapped around him.
Eric's breath caught. He knew instantly what had happened. The mark was complete.
"You—" Eric's voice faltered. His usually calm composure cracked for just a moment.
Kael's expression didn't change. His eyes stayed on Rin as he asked flatly, "Have the others arrived?"
Eric blinked, then gathered himself. "Yes. I told them Rin was injured and needed rest. They won't disturb him."
There was a pause. Eric's gaze lingered on Rin. "…How is he?"
Kael's fingers brushed over a tuft of Rin's soft hair where it rested against his chest. His voice was low, almost reluctant. "He's fine now." He didn't look at Eric as he spoke.
Eric sighed and sat down on the chair beside the bed. His eyes were troubled as he glanced between them. "We need to explain all this to him."
Kael didn't respond. His eyes shifted back to Rin. Silence stretched heavy in the air.
Rin stirred. Both men froze.
The omega shifted in his sleep, a faint furrow forming between his brows. Kael instinctively moved his hand, fingers combing gently through Rin's hair. Almost immediately, Rin calmed, his frown easing as he sank back into deeper sleep.
Kael's gaze softened for just a second. Then he looked at Eric. "Are you going to explain all of this to me now? Since apparently, I deserve to know."
Eric shook his head. "It's not my place to answer. You should hear it from him. It's his story to tell."
Kael exhaled through his nose, quiet but heavy.
Eric stood after a moment, glancing at Rin once more. His voice softened, carrying an almost nostalgic sorrow. "He looks ….. peaceful. It's been so long since I've seen him like this." His eyes lingered before he finally turned back to Kael. "Stay with him a little longer. He needs that."
As Eric reached the door, he paused. "…Thank you. For helping him. For keeping his secret."
Kael didn't answer. His eyes stayed fixed on Rin, watching the gentle rise and fall of his chest. When he was certain Rin was in deep sleep and wouldn't wake, Kael released a slow breath and let his pheromones roll out, surrounding Rin in a cocoon of calm.
Only then did he carefully shift and slide off the bed. He placed a pillow in Rin's arm and left the room.
The moment he stepped into the hallway, the softness in his eyes vanished. His expression hardened, his posture straightened—the mafia boss had returned.
Downstairs, the mansion's main room buzzed with low voices. The moment Kael entered, silence fell.
He strode toward one of the couches and sat down, and asked Rowan. "What happened with the omegas?" his voice clipped.
"We have them staying in the east wing," Rowan replied. "The staff and doctors are taking care of them. They're stable for now."
Kael nodded. "Good. Contact their families and arrange for their return. And watch carefully—Ash Fang couldn't have pulled this off alone. Some families must have been involved."
Rowan's jaw tightened, but he nodded firmly. "Understood. And the ones who don't—or can't—go back to their families?"
"Find them work. Let them stay here." Kael's tone left no room for debate.
Rowan nodded and left to carry out his orders.
Kael's sharp gaze swept the room. "You all worked hard today. Rest." His words carried weight, but also an unspoken acknowledgment of their effort.
His eyes locked on Lucas. "You all should also stay here. Rin's still unconscious."
Lucas hesitated, visibly conflicted, but then gave a short nod.
Dinner was served shortly after. The men ate in silence, exhaustion settling in their bones. When it was over, Kael dismissed most of them to their rooms on the second floor.
Upstairs, Kael opened his bedroom door with Eric following quietly behind. Inside, Rin was curled on the bed, hugging the pillow Kael had left in his absence. His body was small against the blankets, but peaceful.
Eric approached first, kneeling beside him to check his temperature and wound. Relief softened his face as he turned to Kael. "His heat has passed. That's a good sign. He'll wake tomorrow." He gave Kael a pointed look. "Stay with him. He'll need you."
Kael gave a single nod. "I will."
Eric gathered his things and left, closing the door behind him.
The room was silent again. Kael exhaled, loosening the tension in his shoulders. He went to the bathroom, took a quick shower, and changed into simple black pajamas.
When he returned, his eyes landed on Rin. The omega was still bare-chested, the blanket half slipping from his body. Kael frowned and went to his closet, searching for something that might fit him. Rin wasn't small—his body was lean and perfectly built—but he was still smaller than Kael. It took time, but eventually Kael found a shirt and shorts that would do.
He carried the clothes over and began to change Rin carefully, working slowly so as not to disturb him. Rin stirred, but didn't resist. Half-lidded eyes blinked up at him, dazed and unfocused.
When Kael finished adjusting the shirt over Rin's shoulders, Rin's hand suddenly lifted. Without thinking, he looped his arm around Kael's neck and pulled his face close, burying his nose against Kael's throat.
Kael froze. His muscles went rigid as Rin's warm breath brushed his skin.
But Rin only sighed softly, his body sinking against him. Instinctively, Kael shifted him onto his side, careful of his injured arm, and slid into the bed beside him. Rin immediately followed, pressing closer until he was half draped over Kael, face nuzzled against the crook of his neck.
Kael stiffened again, his body burning with awareness. But after a long, still moment, he let out a low sigh. Carefully, he wrapped his arm around Rin's waist and held him close.
And for the first time in years, Kael Vescari closed his eyes with someone in his arms.