CHAPTER XXVIII

"The fetuses are developing well, and your exams are better since last week". The doctor said.

Dev and Thi smiled happily at the news. Since the custody case was resolved, thanks to Cael, Thi was feeling much better. He didn't know how to thank him for it, and he was still asking for more. He felt ashamed of himself, in part. But he also knew he needed to do it, if he wanted to end that hellish family once and for all.

They left the doctor's office with the babies' pictures. They still haven't told anyone. First there was the custody battle, and all the media standing like flies around it. Secondly, they wanted to keep this to themselves, it was their family's matter and they decided when and who to tell. And they decided not to tell anyone until the end of the first trimester. It was close now.

As he entered the car, Thi was giggling. The babies were well, he repeated to himself. Everything is going to be alright. If Colin and Killian were the guiding light in his life, those babies were his hope. That things will be better, and that he could be a better person. He was changing slowly. Leaving the past behind, and finding in himself a new path, free from that damned book.

"You're really happy today", Dev commented.

"Just the good news. How can I not be happy?"

"Alright", Dev laughed. "I'm happy too".

They were on the way back home when the phone rang.

"Hello", Thi answered.

"Hi. I'm here with Cael. We wanted to talk to you". Nate said.

"Sure. About?"

"I decided to do it. I'll go public". Cael answered.

"Are you sure? I know what I said, but I don't want to pressure you into doing anything you're not comfortable with".

"Yes, I'm sure". Cael said, determined.

"But we need to talk about it, how we are going to do it, and to trace some limits", Nate complemented.

"Sure. Sure. When can we talk? I'm with Dev near Park Jorv".

"We are at home. We are free now". They had already rearranged their schedules planning for this conversation.

"We'll be there in fifteen".

They arrived there just in time. As they came in, Nate led them to the dinner table and offered some coffee, which Thi refused. That was unusual, as the man, as any CEO, was practically a coffee addict. But he just brushed it off, there were more important matters at hand.

"Thank you for coming". Cael said.

"I'm the one who is thankful. You've done so much already, and I'm still asking you for more. You don't know how thankful I'm for all you are doing".

Cael was surprised to see him expressing that so openly. But he was also happy.

"I should do this, for the kids and for myself. I'm through with letting them get away with the things they've done. And if that is going to keep them away from the kids that's much better". Cael spoke decisively, the consequences of his resolution giving him strength.

"But we need to be careful. We know how they can manipulate the media and make things look how they want it too". Nate pondered.

"Yes, you're right", Thi answered. "We asked a friend to reunite witnesses and their testimonies, along with physical evidence. Nisa's firm is ready to help with all legal matters, and we have a PR specialist on standby who will orient you in every step. We have some friends on traditional and alternative media to help position our side of the story and orient the public. We will do everything in our power to get things ready so you're not affected by it negatively. I can't promise that you won't get hurt, but I'll do my best so that you are protected".

"Can you really do all you are saying?", Nate asked. He knew it was true, he has been working with Thierry for almost a decade, he knew what he was capable of, but his first priority now was protecting the man he loved.

"I'll do my best. I'll spend all my resources, and contact everyone I know. If there is anything I can do, I'll do it". Thi promised.

"Okay", Cael answered. He was already certain about doing it, but the reassurance was great. He looked at Nate. "Don't worry, babe, I'll be okay.

"I know, but I'll still worry".

"What is the next step?", Cael inquired.

"I'll call Alissa. She is our PR. She will orient you about the public conference. And me and Dev will finish reuniting the proof. We will be ready in three days. Is that enough time for you to get ready to talk?" Thi answered.

"I'm already ready".

"We need to review your speech to see there is nothing they could use against you, and we'll have our lawyer revise it too. When we have it all greenlighted, we will make our video, and probably one or two interviews. After that, we let things unfold by themselves. We will coordinate it with a second wave of exposure of crimes, so they will have more to counterattack and the public opinion of them will be worsened". Thi explained.

"Okay", Cael answered, a little overwhelmed. There was a heavy weight on his shoulders, but he was capable. He knew it. He looked at Nate and those eyes that trusted him wholeheartedly gave him strength.

***

In the days that followed, Dev and Thierry, with their team, compiled all the important evidence and witnesses' testimony. They weren't ready to show their faces to the public, but they had their depositions taped for the future. Cael had an intensive course with the PR representative, about how to act, what to say, how to answer the reporters, if needed - the plan was to only answer the ones they already scheduled - and how to organize his feelings not to show them or expose himself too much.

In four days, they were ready. They shoot the video in a small studio, Cael's deposition telling about the many cases from the past, all the omegas and how he had as a child to learn to restrain himself to the point of madness, not to hurt someone as his father intended. They had all the depositions from each omega saying how they ended up there because they were forced based on debts, many times those weren't even theirs, and how Geralt and Patricia would say that they would let them go after they turned that fucking weakling of a son into a proper man. And when they failed, they were made into prostitutes to serve the other members of the family. All of them deposed that Cael never hurt them, and many times helped them with anti-heat medicine. They had evidence of the Delaneys buying illegal heat drugs, and that this practice was used in other children of the family, although they didn't want to pinpoint exactly who not to expose them at this moment. They also had the financial data saying that, in fact, many of those omegas were sold by their relatives, who received money or were relieved of their debts.

"I ran to my uncle, the only person in my family I could trust to help me. He saved me from the hellish hole that was my household. He gave me a house, a family and taught me what it means to be cared for and loved as a son. Geralt and Patricia have always seen me as just another object to fulfill their idea of what an alpha should be. They may have given me life, but they were never my parents. And they are definitely not fit to be anyone's grandparents. I don't want my children to suffer as I did in the hands of abusers. That's why I decided to cut any relations with the Delaney household. I will no longer tolerate the abuse and illegal actions. All my life I have been powerless to go against them, but I decided no more. Powerful people don't have the right to stand above everyone else and oppress, humiliate and victimize. Hence, we need to stand our ground and denounce them. We have a list of victims of their gruesome acts, but there are much more out there. They need to be stopped". Cael finished his speech.

After that, they did an interview with two journalists that have great influence in Illaney and internationally, and who were important in the opinion formation. They also sent all the evidence to a crime web influencer, who analyzed in her channel all the information attesting the veracity. She was great in gaining people's trust in her story, and Thierry used her many times. She had a real commitment to the truth, and did her job very well. The information was also sent to the police, who had to investigate it due to public pressure. Even the bribes from the Delaney family couldn't stop them. Especially after someone - it wasn't even Thierry this time - published that the police have received bribes for decades to turn a blind eye to their misdeeds. Thierry knew about the bribes, but he was keeping it for later. But it showed that people were paying attention and a movement was being organically generated. The public view of the Delaney family and, as a result, the view of the Delaney enterprises was on a colossal downfall.

Their shares value was falling massively, and many investors were backing off - people didn't want to be associated with a criminal organization. Government investment and projects ended and an investigation was launched. They suspected that money was used in loan sharking and that violence was inflicted as means to acquire construction rights.

Through the next weeks, Thierry and Dev worked day and night to reunite the maximum evidence to incriminate them and in dribs and drabs, to keep the public hungry for more information, they fed the media. By the end of the month, Delaney's image plummeted so hard that they couldn't leave the house. The company was going through a hard time and after more evidence was found, their assets were frozen. They tried to rely on their non-declared money on tax havens, but Thierry hacked all accounts and distributed the money to thousands of accounts so even if they tracked it, it would be impossible to retrieve.

By the end of two months, with conclusive evidence all around and witnesses presenting themselves by the dozen, Geralt and Patricia Delaney were arrested. Thierry didn't expect them to spend a long time in jail, but they would be ostracized after losing all their power, public image and money.

Still, they hadn't found Cael's birth mother. But they were still looking for them.

"We did it!", Thierry sighed, tired, after receiving the news of their arrest.

"Yeah", Dev exclaimed, taking off his glasses.

"It's over", Cael said with his head in his hands. "I can't believe it's finally over".

"Are you alright?", Nate asked.

"Yes", he said, an expression of relief in his face, "It just all seems so... I don't know. Like an impossible dream, not reality".

"But it is", Thierry said. "They are in jail, as far from the kids as they can be. And even if they try to get back on their feet, they won't be able to".

"An inside source said that the company is about to be sold. And for a pittance. They will rebrand it, and change half the personnel". Dev said, massaging his temples. "And most of the money is going to an compensation fund for victims. And the other part to liquidate their debts. Almost nothing will be left after it".

"That's good". Thierry smiled and relaxed on the sofa. "The prospects are really good". He let out a small laugh. "Everything is looking good". Thierry put his head on Dev's shoulder.

"Are you tired, hun?", Dev asked, "You can lay down a little".

"If you need, we can go home, we talk more another day", Nate suggested.

"No it's okay. You can stay. I still have some energy in me". Thierry got up. "I'll get us some snacks and beverages. Maybe some wine... And grape juice".

Nate was already suspicious by now. Thi wasn't drinking coffee or alcohol, and he has recently been using larger clothes. And his taste in food had changed. He had a sense of déjà vu with this whole situation, and soon remembered why. Still, he didn't say a word. If he didn't want to share it, it was his right.

They stayed in the room for half an hour more, but they were all tired. It was late and the kids were already sleeping. Thi was constantly dozing off, and so was Cael.

"Babe, wake up", Nate shaked Cael slightly.

"I'm awake".

"You're drooling on my shirt, babe". Nate laughed.

"He is not the only one drooling", Dev laughed and pointed to Thi. He took his head off his shoulder and put it on the sofa. Nate did the same with Cael. Dev got up and indicated for Nate to follow him to the varanda. In his hand, two glasses of wine and a half-empty bottle "Are you served?" He asked, pouring a glass of wine.

"Why not?".

"If you want, you two could stay here tonight. There are many vacant rooms. Or you could take the sofa. I'll take Thi upstairs, it's better for him since... You know what".

"You know that I know?", Nate asked, not really surprised.

"We've spent too long with him, it's hard not to notice some things".

"True", Nate laughed. "How far along is he?"

"Five months".

"Already?"

"Yeah".

"But I thought you couldn't... You know".

"So did we. But the doctor explained some crazy reaction to the anti-rut medicine".

"Wow. You must be really happy".

"I am". He smiled. "And how are you? It's good to see you with someone good".

"I am happy. I feel loved".

"That's good. You deserve it. Cael is a great guy".

"Yeah, he is. He is like this big puppy that doesn't even know he is big. And he is so clumsy. And so sweet".

"You're really in love". Dev laughed.

"I guess I am". He laughed.

They sat down and drank a little wine.

"I'm asking An to marry me". Dev said, as the most natural thing in the world.

"Really?", Nate exclaimed, just a little surprised.

"I wanted to wait until this whole problem was solved, but now it's over. I know he is the man I love, the person I want by my side in the years to come. This family - him, the kids, the babies there are to come..."

"Babies, plural?", said surprised.

"Yeah... Babies... Twins", Dev laughed happily. "Oh, god. We are having children together and I couldn't be happier. Collin, Killian and now the babies. Our little family is so special to me. I just wish to keep them by my side. I don't want a fancy wedding or even a ceremony. For me we just go to the registry office and sign the papers. I just want to know that he is officially my husband and I'm his. I dream of it every time he calls me hubby".

"When are you asking him?"

"Tomorrow. I'll make his favorite food. The nanny will go out with the children. And when we are alone I will give him the ring".

"You have a ring?"

"I have it for months. Just waiting".

"And you say I'm in love". Nate laughed. "Emile will be saturnine when he hears that his little brother is getting married before him".

"He will", Dev laughed.

They ended the night with a couple more glasses of wine. Cael stayed sleeping on the sofa, as no one could wake him up. Dev took Thi back to their room, princess-like carrying him.

***

Cael woke up with a terrible headache from the terrible position on the sofa. He sat up and took a while to understand where he was. His head was throbbing and he thought to himself how he could sleep there, it was totally crossing the boundaries. As he was still centering himself, Collin appeared and jumped beside him.

"You had a pajama party, dad?" He asked.

"Yeah", he answered, a little ashamed of the situation.

"So why are you not in pajamas?" The boy inquired.

"Because your dad forgot", Nate laughed. "Get up sleeping beauty, Dev is making breakfast".

"What time is it?"

"We better call it a brunch. It is almost time for lunch".

"I slept so much?" He said, cleaning the drooling he finally realized was still dropping from his lips.

"It's okay, you and An were exhausted. He is still sleeping", Nate said, thinking there was another reason for him to be sleeping so much, but it wasn't his right to comment on it.

"I will wake up mommy", Collin volunteered.

"No! You'll let your mother sleep. Now come, your brother is already sat", Dev came into the room. "You two too. The food will get cold".

He grabbed Collin and took him away, carrying him like a sack of potatoes, and just as he entered the room, he left. The little boy went laughing as Dev tickled his tummy and played with him on the way to the table.

"God, why didn't you wake me up?" Cael asked, after they left.

"I tried", Nate laughed, "But you're sleeping so deeply that you wouldn't even move when I called you. And you're in no state to drive, and I had some glasses too. How were we going home?"

"We could have called a car. We shouldn't have bothered them by staying here. We should have found a way to go home".

"They didn't care. Dev almost took you upstairs to the bedroom, but I convinced him you're too heavy - although I believe if he wanted to he would definitely have done it".

"But..."

"Don't worry. Everything is okay, and they were fine with it. And we are going away soon".

"Okay".

When they got into the kitchen, Dev's face was a little gloomy. He was so happy and excited just a second ago.

"Cy, is everything okay?", Nate asked.

"Kristin called. She is sick and can't take care of the kids this afternoon".

"We can take them", Nate promptly answered, "Right?"

"Yeah. No problem", Cael said, surprised with how fast Nate answered.

"Really? I'll get their things ready. You can have breakfast in the meanwhile. I'll be right back".

Before Thi woke up, Cael and Nate had already left with the children. When he got up, he could smell the delicious aroma from Dev's food. He got downstairs and was presented with a dream meal with all his favorites.

"What is the occasion?", he inquired.

"We need to celebrate the end of our troubles". He said, but it sounded like an excuse.

"Where are the children?"

"With Nate and Cael".

"Okay...", He said, sitting down, still a little suspicious.

They had a light chat while eating, and the food was exquisite. Thierry loved Dev's cooking - it was like having a professional chef at home. But this whole situation had a suspicious fragrancy to it. He just couldn't pinpoint what, and the amazing smell and taste of the food was distracting him.

When they were over, Dev took him to the varanda. When Thi arrived there, he was surprised, and his plan started to concoct an idea of what was happening. Could it be? There were white and purple lilies decorating the space, his favorite flowers, a cozy space prepared for them near the chairs, and some light non-alcoholic drinks and sweets.

Thi sat down and Dev poured him a glass. For a while, he decided to just enjoy the situation, whatever it was. Dev gave him some strawberry with chocolates directly in his mouth. It was a rare occasion to enjoy these little moments between them, as they were always working or taking care of the children. He wanted to enjoy it as much as he could.

When he felt satisfied, he laid his head on Dev's shoulder then looked at him and kissed his lips sweetly. He loved how smooth those kisses were, and how they pulled him. Dev kissed him back and grabbed his waist, dragging him closer. There was no one besides them in the house today, and the property was extensive. No one would see them. They started moving with each kiss, their bodies as close as they could, as if even an atom couldn't come between them. Dev felt he couldn't stop it, he didn't want to stop, but he remembered what he was doing today.

"Wait", he pushed Thi a little away.

"What? I thought we were both in the mood".

"I am, it's just that there is something I must do first". He searched for the jewelry box that he hid. He opened it to show two tungsten rings with diamond encrustations. "It isn't how I prepared, but, Thierry Bélanger, will you..."

Thierry just kissed him before he could finish the phrase. A deep kiss where their tongues danced and their lips moved coordinately. Dev pushed him away slightly again, teasingly.

"I didn't hear your answer", he smiled.

"Yes. If I could, I would marry you right here, right now".

Dev kissed him.

"And I would have given myself to you".

"I'm already yours".

"I think we should go to our room. The floor is too hard for you".

"Okay, hubby". He kissed him longly.

They went inside, to their room upstairs. And they stayed together till nightfall.