Page 18 of Guardian

I turned to him. “What are you alluding to?”

“Their hatred for the CEG, the Ministry, and The Premier is more than enough to fuel them to act above and beyond. It’s the sole reason behind their behaviors. Your hatred for all of those is present, but not enough. You don’t have the drive to destroy. Only survive.”

My teeth sank into my tongue as I took in his words. When given the chance to speak freely, Tristan was able to convey the truth around me easily. Although at times his words stung —like now— I stepped back to analyze his dispute.

“All I’m saying, Alek, is that you all have designated roles when it comes to your schemes. Use that to your advantage.” Tristan’s head sprung up while a large smile decorated his expression. “Also, it’s important to use that drive not only to survive but to think outside of the box— well, in your case, your room. The best ideas come to you when you’re outside, not locked up.”

“And you said you couldn’t help me.” A minor grin hinted from my lips. “Though, you could have mentioned this a week ago.”

“I could have, but my time was consumed on other matters that you required me to do.” He lifted his sleeve and looked at his watch, the ticking detectable. “Which is the other issue I expect you want to touch upon.”

Since the incident with the guardian —which bitterly forced me into Kaleb’s hold— I’d asked Tristan to keep watch over her. In the beginning, it was to monitor her actions and keep an eye for anything that could be out of bounds.

But with each briefing, Tristan would report her repetitive routine that was less than ordinary. She had done nothing in the past week that gave me a reason to suspect her. My brothers weren’t keeping an eye on her. Either Christopher and Noah found the incident amusing, or they were waiting for the right moment alongside Kaleb.

But now, even if I was to hear the same report, there was a trace of intrigue that weighed against my chest.

“She does her rounds at the exact hour the day and night guardians change shifts. When she finishes, she stays on the premises to inspect further and doesn’t return to her room until all of you are in your expected quarters. Once she confirms that all of you are tucked away, then she assesses the house with me.” A sudden gleam reflected across his shades while he stood up and buttoned his suit. “Do you have anything else you want to add to the private guardian duties?”

“Does she have a break between all of her rounds?”

I never sought information regarding guardians. No matter their titles, they all enforced their history as being That Man’s moles. My brothers removed them due to their fear of having their secrets discovered. I sought their departure to have one less babysitter.

Yet, this time it was different, and I wasn’t able to place my finger on how.

“From how it seems, I don’t think she even sleeps. Those dark bags under her eyes are comparable to yours, actually,” he said as he pointed at my face, his grin digging deeper into his cheek.

“You’re dismissed.” I motioned his hand away and walked down the stairs, Tristan’s presence hovering over me as he followed.

Tristan paused before the door and added, “I wanted to remind you that the beginning of the month means a replacement period, so I suggest you pay a visit to your mom beforehand. If you continue to evade it, then you won’t be able to see her until later.”

Soon after Tristan’s exit, I thrust myself into my thoughts.

In no way would Kaleb nor Christopher assist me. There was a slight chance Noah may, but I would risk Kaleb finding out, and the outcome wouldn’t be pleasant. Raphael was more clueless than I could be, which directed me to two options that could work in my favor, or against me.

I blurred through the household until I reached the vault. My stomach twisted as I stood before the entertainment cave. When I stepped through the door, my nostrils flared in relief as I came into the presence of the twins.

Luck must be on my side.

Jacob pulled the cue stick behind his back and quickly bowed once he noticed me, Jacque hesitating but doing the same. They were using the pool table today, the remaining black ball still along the red surface that complimented the oak wood. Jacque swiftly turned around once they finished greeting and aimed against the white ball.

In a rapid motion, the balls clashed, and the black ball landed in the nearest pocket, leaving the white ball roaming alone. My mouth widened intending to congratulate him, but Jacque blurred past me and disappeared into the vault. Jacob didn’t move, although his eyes avoided my glare.

“Why aren’t you running behind him?” Jacque and Jacob were inseparable; when one led, the other followed. Though they had separate bodies, they practically shared one mind. While Christopher, Noah, and Kaleb joined together to maintain power, Raphael and I were similar to Jacque and Jacob. We did it because we cared for each other. In truth, their bond was one that no one could fully compare to. It transcended beyond the physical and was the purest affection any of us held.

“You never visit us,” Jacob said.

I nodded as I drew closer, aiming to meet with Jacob since he had an ability that I lacked: persuading his twin to disclose information passed down by Noah or Kaleb.

“Jacob, I need a single clue from Jacque.” The façade as the fourth oldest molding itself. Although I didn’t hold such authority as Christopher, Noah, or Kaleb, I was still older than the twins. And when alone, they couldn’t go against my word. “Kaleb has tasked me with a scheme, but I need an understanding of how exactly he wants me to lead it. Is that understood?”

Rarely was I able to use my authority, a feasible excuse rarely sprouting. But when I did, a thrill cracked through my bones and electrocuted my nerves. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, sensing the mere ambiance enough to remind me why my brothers desired it so much.

Power could wreak one’s head due to the intoxicating taste. At times, it was more powerful than the thirst for blood— while blood was limited, the use of authority was permanent.

Jacob nodded as he bowed, leaving after I silently dismissed him. My mind grew weary as I concentrated on steady breaths. Even if power was savory, distance was necessary from it as it could lead me astray.

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