Novel Xo
Chapter 742
Elijah glanced back at Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, knowing full well the questions he asked were intentional. He was acutely aware that Elliot, Evan, and Emmett's feelings towards Dad hinged on Mom's disposition.
Since Mom had forgiven Dad, it was unlikely the boys would hold any grudge against him. After all, Dad was now Mom's chosen one!
As expected, Elliot was the first to speak up, his calm demeanor unfazed,
"We've known you were our Dad for a while. The reason we didn't acknowledge you was because of Mom. We love our Mom deeply. Anyone who hurts her becomes our enemy, and anyone who treats her well earns our love. Now that Mom has decided to be with you, we're willing to give you a chance too."
Tarquin's eyes lit up, but then Evan added with a furrowed brow,
"Acceptance is temporary! As long as Mom loves you, we'll tolerate you. But if Mom decides she's done with you tomorrow, then so are we! The choice has to be Mom's. If you dare leave her tomorrow, then expect a fight from me! After all, my attitude towards you is directly influenced by how you treat my mom. Make her happy, and I'll make your life easy. Hurt her, and I'll be your worst nightmare!"
Tarquin: "..." He couldn't help but admire his eldest's straightforwardness, always ready for a brawl.
Emmett, with his baby voice, chimed in,
"Mom said she likes you, so I like you too. But you better not hurt Mom again. No making her cry. Mom's the best, and if she stops liking you, I'll stop too."
Tarquin looked down at Emmett, lifting him into his arms and onto his lap,
"Your mom is the best mom and woman in the world! I was wrong before, but I promise to love, cherish, and protect her twice as much from now on. I won't let anyone hurt her again!"
Then, turning to Elliot and Evan without expressing his deep paternal love, he simply said,
"I formally request to join your ranks, to love, cherish, and protect her together. Will you give me a chance?"
He knew the children's greatest concern was Elysia.
To love what they loved was the most straightforward way to show his love for them.
Elliot didn't immediately agree but looked towards Evan, whose displeasure with Tarquin was the most evident.novelbin
Evan pouted and said begrudgingly,
"...The club will tentatively accept you, but don't get cocky. We'll be watching you. Step out of line, and you're out!"
Tarquin smiled, "Fair enough, I sincerely accept the club's scrutiny!"
Evan pouted again, but extended a little hand,
"Since you're part of the crew now, let me introduce you to White, my brother and a member of the team protecting Mom. He's your brother too, now." Tarquin cleared his throat,
"... Your brother can't be my brother. He's more like a son to me."
After saying this, he glanced at the snake, White, wrapped around Evan's wrist, feeling reassured.
He knew about White; Elysia had lent it to Elijah before to cheer him up.
It was Evan's pet, his treasure.
Evan's willingness to introduce White showed that he was genuinely accepting Tarquin, at least for the moment.
"Cough, cough!" Elliot suddenly coughed.
Tarquin's attention immediately shifted to Elliot, concern written all over his face, "Are you okay?"
Elliot shook his head, "It's nothing."
Tarquin quickly fetched a glass of warm water for Elliot, helping him sip it through a straw.
Looking at his son's frail and pale face, Tarquin's brows knitted together in worry.
Even before he knew Elliot was his son, he felt a pang of sympathy for the boy. Now, the feeling was intensified.
Hurting Elliot was like hurting Elijah to him.
This vengeance was personal.
Tarquin, with a furrowed brow, asked, "Did you get a good look at the assailant when you were attacked?"
The subject shift to the assailant instantly changed the atmosphere in the room, turning it serious.