Petrichor
(n.) the smell of earth after rain
☆☆☆☆
(16 years old Astrea)
2 years later-
It has been almost two years since Azrael left for Greece.
Almost.
There are 71 days still left.
He has to be trained for two years in order to be capable to be the Don once his father steps down.
His father did give him an option whether he wanted to become the Don or not. Had he chosen not to, his brothers or his cousin would have been asked.
But who would want to miss such a chance. For a second, he decided to refuse to leave me and give up the chance, but after I persuaded, he eventually chose to train.
I am not upset of the fact that he had left because I know he would be back soon. The training period is almost up.
We do talk when he is free. It could be odd times too because of the time difference but we make it work. Our bond is stronger than some miles.
Last time we talked was on the day before yesterday. Usually he messages me whenever he finds time and replies to my texts almost instantly when he reads them.
But, I am scared. I am scared he would have replaced me.
I was in my thoughts staring at the ceiling while lying on my bed when I heard papa call my name from the living room.
Getting up, I put on a pair of sweatpants and a crop top and went downstairs.
Everyone was present there.
"Sit down everyone. Dad has an announcement to make." Rafail's voice boomed through the chatter.
Almost immediately the chatter, specifically the quarrel between Ivan and Adrian died and we sat on the couch.
Anticipating his next words, we all sat quietly when Ivan decided to open his mouth, "Is dad getting married again?"
His question made everyone freeze and turn towards papa who sat there with his mouth agape.
"What!? No!" papa exclaimed baffled by his question, recovering from the shock.
"Don't tell me you've gotten someone pregnant." Adrian shook his head, continuing, "I did not expect this from you dad. You are supposed to be the responsible one."
"W-what?" Rafail's eyes widened.
"Or, is дядя Boris getting divorced again? I almost lost the count. What is it, the 14th time?" Leo asked turning towards me.
[uncle]
"Oh shut up!" I exclaimed.
"Finally, a sensible one." Pavel muttered loud enough for all of us hear only to be glared by Ivan, Adrian and Leo.
Turning towards Leo, I smacked his head and said, "How bad are you remembering things, Mr. Doc?" I mocked him. "It will be the 19th time!"
"I have crazy kids." papa said shaking his head.
"ENOUGH!" he roared the next second, which was totally unexpected.
"Are you sure they are in the mafia?" Pavel asked Raif.
"Are you sure they are in the mafia?" Rian mocked him under his breath trying to sound like him. I am pretty sure no one heard except me and Ivan.
We silently chuckled.
"My dear brothers and my favourite sibling, my sister-" Pavel started. Hearing this, I sat up straighter and cleared my throat.
He was cut off by Leo who had his eyes wide with disbelief, "How is this spawn of devil your favourite!?"
"I thought I was your favourite Vivi." Ivan joined, his shoulders drooping and looking at Pavel who had his nose scrunched up in disgust at the nickname.
"THAT'S IT!" Raif yelled.
"NOW SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO DAD!" his voice echoed in the mansion.
It was funny seeing the mafia Don and Capo being unable to control three teenagers and a doctor who also acted like one.
Without wasting another second, papa wisely blurted out, "We are going to Russia tomorrow for Stacy's birthday."
"Oh." all four of us spoke at the same time, slightly relaxing.
"But, I can't. I have to complete the mission." I said without thinking twice. My brothers froze.
Realisation struck me.
"Mission?" Adrian questioned me.
"Mission? Did I say mission? No, I have a decision, yeah, a decision to make." I replied dumbly with the first thing that came into my mind.
"Cut to the chase Astrea." Rafail said sharply.
"Ooh, using my government name now huh?"
"Astrea." Pavel warned.
I looked towards papa to ask for help but he was suddenly finding the walls more interesting.
Thanks for help papa.
I sighed in defeat.
"I have a mission to kill two men." I shrugged. Well, technically I wasn't lying but just hiding the entire truth.
"Who?" Leo pressed, his face now becoming hard. This wasn't the look that suited him. He looked good while messing around and laughing.
"They may be the leader and second of the Cobras." I muttered lowly.
"THEY WHAT!?" Everyone growled, their eyes widening.
I shrunk back a little, not scared of them, but not liking their tone.
At my movement their eyes softened and they muttered a small 'sorry', but their expression soon grew cold and they turned towards papa.
They were so in sync that if you saw them all at once, you may think your eyes are deceiving you.
"And you allowed her?" Pavel squinted his eyes, accusing him.
"Yes. She is my daughter and she knows how to protect herself. She is a young woman now and can do as she wishes to within reason." papa firmly replied, defending me. It made me feel happy knowing how he felt about me.
"But, what if something happens to her?" Raif questioned in a small voice. Seeing one of the most feared persons so vulnerable may be an amusing sight for some, but for me, I felt warm.
"I- we can't lose her." Rian whispered, while others agreed.
My heart broke for my brothers. My firm face softened and I went up to hug him. He immediately hugged me back.
"Trust me, I can protect myself Rian." I said pulling back.
"I am not ELECTRA for no reason." I smiled looking at my family around me.
They all cracked a small smile at my reassurance and reluctantly agreed.
"Fine." Ivan said in a firm tone.
"But-" Leo continued, "If anything happens-"
"You immediately call us. Okay?" Ivan urged.
I rolled my eyes and agreed.
"Now, I am sleepy." I yawned.
It was their turn to roll their eyes at me now.
Papa came upto me followed by each of my brothers and hugged me before kissing my head and saying a 'good night'.
I turned towards Adrian.
"Carry me?" I asked. When I saw him trying to refuse me, I gave him my famous puppy eyes and pouted my lips.
"Cawwy me?" I said in a baby voice.
"Ughh! Not that face." he groaned and we all laughed.
I hopped on his back and laid my head on his shoulder.
He started climbing up the stairs when I asked him to stop and turn around.
Papa had gone to sleep but the weirdos were still there, looking at me with adoration.
"Cuddles?" I questions.
They all groaned but I know they secretly love when we cuddle.
"Pwease." I pouted, widening my eyes.
"Those puppy eyes." they groaned again.
"Fine." they agreed.
"Well, get some pillows and blankets then!" I exclaimed and we all went to my room.
Thank you for reading!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
The real story starts from the next chapter onwards. So, stay tuned!
Up till here, it was kind of an introduction to the story. I will try to make the chapters longer too.
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-Love,Pandora