Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 195 - 193: Tax collector

Jianna glanced back at him, eyes burning with something bold and unapologetic.

"That’s what you’ve got me feeling, Daddy." she shot back, voice low and heated.

The underground warehouse opened seamlessly into a main mansion. A marble floors, with towering pillars and quiet luxury humming in every corner. Jianna led him through it all and into a grand bedroom with soft lighting and polished glass.

Oliver nodded in appreciatively.

"Nice place," he said. "You’ve got taste."

Jianna scoffed. "Please. You don’t look impress."

He smiled. "I am actually, not just flabbergasted."

She shoved him toward the bathroom. "Go. Before I change my mind."

Steam rolled out of the bathroom as Oliver turned the water on, after taking off all his clothes.

Jianna leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching him with open curiosity, no shame in it. The light caught the water as it ran over his shoulders. His muscle flexed as he moved his hands on his body.

And Jianna couldn’t help but bite her lips to muffle a moan.

Oliver felt her eyes on him and smiled without looking back. Exactly what he wanted.

"You planning to stand there all night," he asked lazily, "or do you want to watch properly?"

Jianna’s lips curved. "It’s actually a nice sight to behold."

Oliver finally glanced over his shoulder, eyes dark with amusement. "Careful," he said. "Say things like that and I actually might start performing."

She scoffed softly. "Please. You’re not that special."

He chuckled, low and smooth. "But you’re still staring."

She pushed off the frame and stepped closer, until the distance between them varnished. Then she ran her hands down his chest to his sharp V line. "I like knowing what I’m dealing with."

Oliver tilted his head. "And?"

"And," she added slowly, eyes roaming without apology, "I like what I see."

His smile widened. "Good. Because I’d hate to disappoint after all that gun-point flirting."

Jianna rolled her eyes. "Don’t get cocky."

"Oh, I already am," he replied. "You brought me to a mansion bedroom, stood guard while I bathe, and haven’t threatened to shoot me in almost five minutes."

She laughed under her breath. "Don’t push your luck."

"So," he said casually, "are you watching because you don’t trust me... or because you don’t want to miss anything?"

Jianna met his gaze, unblinking. "Does it matter?"

His eyes lingered on her face, something unreadable flickered. "Not at all," he said. "Either way, I’m enjoying the audience."

================================

Eryx stormed out of the phantom’s den, moving through the school and down the corridor until he finally got outside. He needed air. Space. Anything that wasn’t voices and memories clawing at his skull.

Why did it always have to be him? Why does he always have to be the second choice?

He reached his car and was just about to open the door when another vehicle pulled up sharply in front of him, blocking his path.

Eryx frowned.

The familiar sleek black car made his jaw tighten.

"Of course," he muttered.

The door opened, and Laila stepped out like she owned the place, with unglasses on. A teasing smile already playing on her lips.

She leaned against the hood of her car and looked him up and down slowly.

"Wow," she said. "You look like you’re one inconvenience away from punching a wall."

Eryx groaned. "I’m not in the mood, Laila."

She ignored that completely and walked closer. "Is that why you’re brooding like a tragic hero? Or is this your I’m fine, don’t ask me questions face?"

"I said I’m not in the mood," he snapped. "What are you doing in my school?"

She gasped dramatically. "Rude. No hug for your little sister?"

"You’re trespassing."

"And you’re miserable," she shot back cheerfully. "So I’d say we’re even."

Eryx turned away and unlocked his car. "Go home."

She followed him anyway, peering into his face. "Why? So you can sit alone and pretend you’re not falling apart?"

"I’m not falling apart."

"Mhm," Laila hummed. "And I’m the mature one in this family."

He shot her a glare. "You enjoy pushing my buttons, don’t you?"

"Oh, absolutely," she said brightly. "It’s my favorite hobby. That and annoying men who think they can hide their feelings."

He slammed the car door shut again, frustration bleeding through. "Laila. Please. Just, leave me alone."

For a split second, she actually studied him. Then she smiled again, softer but no less persistent.

"Nope," she said. "Not happening."

She poked his chest lightly. "You don’t get to shut down and disappear on my watch."

He clenched his jaw. "You’re exhausting."

"Oh thanks." she replied smugly.

He scoffed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Why are you really here?"

She shrugged. "Because I wanted to see my brother. Or maybe I just want to irritate him.’

She tilted her head, her eyes sharp. "Pick one."

Eryx exhaled slowly, anger giving way to sheer tiredness. "Get in the car," he muttered.

Her grin widened instantly. "See? Was that so hard?"

As she walked past him, she added sweetly,

"Don’t worry. I’ll annoy the pain out of you."

He glanced at her, shaking his head despite himself.

Eryx muttered, deadpan, "You know, for someone who claims to be my little sister, you have the energy of a tax collector with a personal vendetta."

Laila burst out laughing. "Oh my God, you’re such an asshole."

She smacked his chest lightly, still laughing. "Say that again with feelings next time."

He didn’t smile, he just shot her a flat look.

"I don’t repeat myself."

She was about to tease him again when her laughter slowly faded, when her eyes suddenly caught something.

Her gaze slid past his shoulder.

Eryx noticed the shift immediately. "What now?"

She didn’t answer, or maybe she actually didn’t ear him.

Two men were walking across the courtyard together, moving in perfect sync. They looked so alike it was unsettling.

One had hair white as frost.

The other, black as night.

Laila’s eyes stayed glued to the one with black hair.

Eryx followed her line of sight, and the moment he saw Alaric and Armand, something in his expression hardened.