I sat comfortably in my home office, mulling over everything I had to do. From killing contracts to glass art gallery events. Add to that, my search for the Silver Strangler. And my hands were full. Landon was working on making a profile for the Killer and that offered me a semblance of peace. If there is anyone who could do it, it was Landon. The guy was damn good at Profiling. But it was still a thorn in my side.

Sipping my black coffee, I drummed my fingers against the desk. Why these girls specifically? Apart from the silver jewelleries, they have to have something in common. Something that psychologically speaking attracted the Killer to them. They weren't even common in appearances. Some were blondes, others had tanned skin, some had blue eyes, others green. So there must be something else. His signature was the silver jewelleries but what about his Modus Operandi? Where did he find his targets? How did it all start?

I also specifically told My little Flame to not put silver jewelleries because of that fucker and always made sure to fetch her myself and drive her home on the 7th of each month but still the knowledge that a serial killer I was personally hunting was on the loose sent a trickle of unease down my spine.

Her entire mansion was constantly guarded strategically by guards despite little Flame's insistence that she was fine on her own. I even made them report to me everyday. Still a serial killer with a blood thirst for women was still a dangerous predator, one I wanted nowhere near her. And the longer he was free, prowling around for his next prey. The more worry I gained.

He might not know I was after him but eventually he would. And then what?

"You're going to become bald if you keep stressing like this. Cheer up, old man I got good news for you" Landon's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. "Say I really shouldn't have given you a set of keys to my mansion. When will you stop sneaking in like that?"

Landon smirked. His grey eyes alight with amusement. "I'm your second in command. I'm meant to be stealthy"

"Right" I snorted as he settled comfortably on the seat opposite me.

"Mamà Adriana said you were not doing great. What's going on?"Landon asked, all traces of amusement gone. With his dark brown hair slicked back perfectly, sharp jawline and piercing grey eyes, he looked like an executioner. And he would not stop pestering me until I gave in.

I sighed. Of course Mom told Landon.

"I was just thinking of Celine. And my life. My responsibilities"I said quietly, rotating around in my chair and staring out of the window.

Landon exhaled in response, getting up and coming around to face me. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "I'm not going to tell you I warned you about this. I know our heart doesn't work like this. And you fell for her.. But we both know your blood remains your blood. And with that comes the legacy of the Castillo family, Eli. You're expected to take over"

I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead. "I'm well aware of that fact. But fuck, Landon it's not as easy as you think to digest that. I have been holding on for so long"

"I know. And I understand you,Hermano. I know it's not easy but you're doing the right thing to ensure her safety. She's a mother. A wonderful woman and a Ballerina. Suddenly bringing her into the Assassin Guild will not only overwhelm her but bring forth targets on her back and on her son"Landon said and I hated that he was right.

(Brother - Hermano)

"What if.. I left?"I said, my voice edged with emotions.

Landon stilled. Turning rigid. "Left? Like leaving the Assassin Guild?"

"Yeah. What if I rejected my legacy? Took Celine and left the country?"I ask but even to me it sounded wishful thinking.

Landon's eyes flickered with emotions. "You realise what you're saying. You're the next in line, Hermano."

Silence settled in the room. A suffocating one while I processed my own thoughts.

I eventually stood up quietly, staring at Landon with a weary gaze. "You're right. I know. I was just overwhelmed by my emotions. I won't actually leave with Celine"

It wouldn't be right of me to do such a thing to Celine. Her life was here. Her career and future. Elysium's life too. I couldn't take all of that from them. I wouldn't. I would be Her Devoted Protector for the rest of her life even if I never get to marry her.

She was still mine to protect. Mine to care for. Support. And love. Even if just as her best friend and Protector.

Landon exhaled. The tension drained from his shoulders but his eyes still looked troubled. "You worried me there for a second. You're my older brother, Eli. Don't go saying shit like this again"

My eyes softened with brotherly love and I squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. "I won't. I'm sorry, Hermano menor. You and I are in this together. You have my word"

(Hermano Menor-Younger brother)

What was I thinking? I had Landon too. And Mom. I couldn't just leave them. And Dad too. He might be an authoritative parent but he loved me in his own way and never once raised his hand on me or mom or anyone in the family. He was only following what he was taught and I couldn't truly blame my father for it. I just wished he listened a bit more to me.

Landon nodded in response. Looking lost in thoughts.

"What was the good news you had for me?"I asked softly, trying to bring him back to the present. The last thing I needed was Landon spiraling due to my words.

He paused, staring up at me. "I'm close to finishing the silver stranger's profile. I'll let you know once everything is put together"

Grateful for the change of subject, I nodded back. "Thanks, Hermano menor"

Landon inclined his head briefly and then looked up at me with a pensive look. "You know, you're not alone in this right? I know it's not easy to just be born into a crime family and be expected to take over and kill but you got me and your parents too"

I leaned my forehead against his affectionately cursing at myself for worrying him. "I do. And we stick together as a family"

"La familia se cuida mutuamente, pase lo que pase." Landon responded. A principle Great grandfather, Vito inculcated in his philosophy.

(La familia se cuida mutuamente, pase lo que pase-The family takes care of each other, no matter what happens.)

"Always" I vowed back softly.

We stayed in each other's company for a while longer after that, conversing about contracts, training of the younger ones and trades.

After Landon left, however, I remained in my office. Thinking of everything. It was wrong of me to even think of leaving. Landon needed me. He had only me as his family. Yes mom and father were there for him too but he only ever looked up to me.

I owed it to his parents to stay and be there for their son. Madrina Olivia and El Padrino Gustavo deserved that much for all the times they were there for not only me but my parents too.

(Madrina Olivia-Godmother Olivia. El Padrino Gustavo-Godfather Gustavo. The parents of Landon. Eli's Godparents)

This was my life. And I had to live it. Even if I didn't want to.