<b>Chapter </b><b>24 </b>


    “All right, take this and him, and go pick up the medicine from the front.”


    Six took the prescription, nced at it, then at Zachary, nodded, and led him out.


    The door creaked shut behind them. At Xander’s gesture, Alessia slipped quietly into the seat Zachary had just vacated.


    “So, when did you suddenly get a second brother? You’re not here about a patient, are you? Seems more like you’re here to introduce someone.” Xander hadn’t missed the subtle tap of Zachary’s finger–a little signal, seemingly casual, but timed perfectly to answer Six’s silent question about the quantity of herbs.


    “The illness isn’t hard to treat, but at this rate, he won’t make it to twenty–five. We could only bring him here, let you nurse his health for a while.” Alessia wasn’t the least bit flustered at being seen through. She slid a neatly folded note across the table to Xander, then, with practiced ease, began preparing some tea.


    Her careful movements made it obvious she’d learned this on purpose.


    “Let’s set that aside for now. Tell me what’s really going on.” Xander unfolded the note, gave it a quick scan, and set it aside. He recognized Alessia’s handwriting at a nce–he already had a pretty good idea what this was about.


    Alessia poured the freshly brewed tea and handed him a cup before giving him a quick rundown of recent events.


    “I’m d you left the Tate family, but why note here? You could have any room. you wanted, do whatever you pleased–no one would get in your way. Why go to the Mortons and put up with all that?”


    Xander frowned, but Alessia just shook her head, calm as ever. “It wasn’t so bad.”


    “You child… So much happened and you never said a word to me.”


    “I’m telling you now, aren’t I? As soon as I got things settled, you were the first to


    know.”


    “Seems the Mortons made a good impression on you.”


    Alessia just smiled, saying neither yes nor no.


    “We’ll be together for a year, so I’ll help where I can. Once college starts, everyone goes their own way. After that, what happens is up to them.”


    Xander studied her, his clouded eyes impossible to read. After a while, he let out a


    15:38


    long, quiet sigh. “I don’t know if the Tate or Morton families are really worth it <b>for </b>you–or for an old man like me. But this ce will always be yours, you know<b>?</b>”


    Alessia refilled his cup, a soft smile on her lips. “I know, Grandpa.”


    “Come on. We’ll start with this regimen and move on to acupuncture after. There’s no rushing this. As for everything else, we’ll see how it goes.” Xander tucked the note away and stood up.


    Alessia set down the teapot and hurried over to steady him.


    “I’ll do whatever you say.”


    Xander patted her hand, his touch gentle and full of affection. There was no need to say anything more.


    In the front of the house, Six led Zachary into a small side room, then went behind the counter to gather the medicine. Some of the ingredients were rare and kept locked away, so only Six was allowed to retrieve them.


    Zachary sat waiting, ncing through the window at the main hall. If it weren’t for the people in modern clothesing to pick up their prescriptions, he could almost believe he’d stepped back in time to an old–world apothecary.


    The ce was busy, a mix of ordinary folks and the well–heeled. Some kept their faces hidden, making it impossible to see who they were. Strangely, despite the crowd, the hall was quiet–conversations were rare and always hushed.


    The air was scented with the same fragrance as the private room he’d just left. Bored, Zachary pulled out his phone and started jotting down notes.


    “This packet’s good for two doses–morning and evening. I wrote down the exact amount of water you’ll need. When you finish it,e back for more.”


    Six’s sudden voice jerked Zachary back to the present.


    “Thanks. How much do I owe you?”


    Six shot him a suspicious look, sizing him up.


    “Did I say something wrong?” Zachary asked, confused.


    “So, who exactly are you to Alessia? I’ve never seen you before. Her boyfriend? No way–Cole would never let that slide.” Six rubbed his chin and fired off questions in rapid session, leaving Zachary unsure how to respond.


    “I’m Lessie’s second brother. Zachary.” He had no idea who Cole was, but his gut


    told him not to ask.


    ???


    15:38


    <b>“</b>Second brother? Howe I’ve never <b>heard </b>of that<b>? </b>Cousin or <b>something</b><b>?</b><b>” </b><b>Six </b>leaned in, eyes narrowed.


    “Her real brother,” Zachary replied, a little ufortable with the sudden closeness and inching back.


    “Her real brother? Don’t mess around. Her brother’s Max Tate, and trust me, that guy’s in a league of his own.” Six didn’t even hesitate to shoot him down.