Page 52 of Aleko
Alex breathed out a sigh of relief. “She says she’s not staying,” he admitted nervously.
“We’ll see,” said Pellos. “Keep your head out of your ass and you might get lucky.”
Alex grumbled out a growl, which only made Pellos laugh again.
“She’s an interesting person,” Pellos turning thoughtful. “She reminds me of Sebastian.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, just that some people have spent a long time telling those two that they’re wrong for existing like they do.”
Alex let out a snarl of pure rage. “Sebastian is bi. He likes girls. He likes guys. So fucking what? There is nothing fucking wrong with him. I cannot—”
Pellos made an mmmm noise that was the closest he could get to a wolf noise that meantsoft, gentle, calm the fuck down.
“Sorry. I get mad.”
“Yes, I know. The same way you get angry when Hudson worries about money. Or when Killian thinks he’s not smart enough because he never went to school. Hudson and Killian feel like they don’t have the right resume, but Sebastian always feels that he’s fundamentally flawed. Like simply by existing, he’s wrong. Lia’s got that too.”
“Why?” demanded Alex, unwilling to believe such a thing. Eliandra was perfect.
“Mmm,” said Pellos. “Ask her. I think it’s hers to share, not mine. But, like Sebastian, she’s decided that she is going to carry on being wrong, and she’s going to thrive anyway. They’re courageous.”
“All of you are brave,” said Alex in frustration. “You are all amazing, smart, talented, and brave. I don’t know why none of you believe will me.”
Pellos laughed. “Do you know you were the first person to ever tell me I was smart?”
“Did I? When? I mean, you are, but I don’t remember saying it.”
“The day we met. You said I was a clever rascal. I was ten and the nicest thing anyone had ever called me was stupid brat.”
“Did I punch any of those people?”
“You know, I think you did,” said Pellos with a grin. “And punching goes a long way, but maybe with Lia, try listening more.”
“I do!” protested Alex.
“She’s used to being steamrolled,” said Pellos. “And having people ignore her. That’s why she fights so hard—because she usually has to. So you might have to prove that you won’t do it too.”
“Yes,” Alex agreed. “She’s a fighter. I love that about her, but I want it to be easier.” He ended on a grumpy growl that Pellos acknowledged with a nod.
“Are you complaining about taking out the silverware?” demanded Lia from the doorway.
“No, I’m complaining because Pellos insists on being wise before dinner.”
“Yes, he does that,” said Lia, nodding. “But if you bring out the silverware, you won’t have to listen to him.”
“Good point,” said Alex, sticking out his tongue at Pellos, who just laughed.
The warm air of the garden smelled like the purple thyme flowers on the hillside. Pellos and Sebastian sat at opposite ends of the table, while Alex and Lia sat on one side, opposite Luca, Trevor, and Colin.
“Thanks,” Alex murmured to Lia as they sat down. “For telling me to go get the watch.”
Sebastian looked up from pouring the wine.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Are you actually wearing the watch Pellos gave you? I’m going to lose my bet.”
“What bet?” demanded Alex.
