Domenic pulled the girl in his arms as he hugged her tightly. He could feel her tears soaking his shirt but he did not care. All he wanted to do was to pull her out of all her misery and pain.

"I did not even realize that you have become so smart and thoughtful just within a year. You always showed us your bright, happy and cheerful side. But exactly how much pain you have been keeping inside you? You are way too strong than you think, Emily. I don't think I've ever seen someone as brave and strong as you."

He said as he planted a soft but tender kiss on her forehead before he slightly pulled away from her to look into her tear-filled emerald eyes.

"Don't cry, Child. If this is what you want.....then I'll support you. I can sign these documents and permit you to leave this house, your brothers, your family, friends, and this city. But how are you going to make the rest of your brothers agree with your decision? Even though I'm your guardian but you have more than just a guardian in your family and all of them deserve a proper explanation."

He told her as he brushed her tears away and patted her softly on her head.

Emily was silent for the next few seconds but then she slowly nodded her head in response. She did not dare to look at him and kept her eyes trained on the floor, completely oblivious to the fact that she could never hide anything from her brother. At least, not in front of his eyes.

"And...what about Shadow?" Domenic asked as he suddenly changed the topic.

"Huh? What about him?" Emily asked as she looked surprised by Nick's question.

"You are not thinking about leaving him here, are you? I mean you are aware that he is living with us only because of you. If you left, he will no longer be needed here either. Maybe, I should inform him now that he should start looking for another job. I'll give him a full year bonus..."

"I'm taking him with me!" Emily suddenly spoke as she stopped her brother from finishing his sentence.

Domenic raised one of his eyebrows as he looked at her with questioning eyes as if he was waiting for her to explain something.

"I'll be living in a completely new place, and in the middle of strangers. If he will be there with me, it will be easier for me to cope with the changes. Moreover, he's good at keeping me safe. I think it's a good idea of letting him stay beside me." Emily hurriedly tried to explain as she looked anywhere but at her brother.

"Alright! If that's what you think, then I'll do as you want. Shadow will stay with you. It's getting late now. Go and have some rest. We will talk to others in the morning." He said as he gave her a soft pat on the shoulder.

However, Emily immediately threw her arms around his waist as she hugged him tightly.

"You are the best brother, Nick and I'm so lucky to have you in my life." She murmured as she engraved the feeling of his strong arms in her mind. She was really going to miss all of them.

A lot more than she thought!

***

"Here are the documents. I've signed them and already send an email to the university. I'm trusting her life and safety to you, Shadow. Please don't let me down."

For the very first time, Shadow watched the famous and powerful Domenic Alessandro using the word - please. The man, who was known to give orders to everyone, was now requesting him to keep his sister safe.

"You know that I will. Don't worry, I won't leave her side ever and will keep her safe. And I also promise to not become an obstacle in her journey of becoming stronger." Shadow promised as he picked up the folder.

Domenic nodded his head as he gave an appreciative look to the powerful Immortal standing in front of him.

The Supreme Sire that was standing in front of him was nothing like the rumors that they all had heard. Shadow was definitely one of the kindest, warm-hearted, and understanding people that Domenic had ever met in his life.

"I want to ask you something. Why it looks like you are purposely trying to make me a third wheel between your sister and Kaiden?" Shadow asked as he looked at the other man with curious eyes.

A small smile appeared on Domenic lips as he heard the question.

"It's because I seriously respect you and like you as a person. I don't mind keeping you as a backup for my sister's future potential husband. And also because I want Kaiden to realize that just because he's chosen as her mate by destiny, it doesn't give him an upper hand. He still has to work hard to earn her trust and love. If he succeeded, that's good and if he didn't, well.....there's no shortage of men in this world."

It was really a good thing that other than Shadow, no one heard Domenic's response, especially Kaiden. Otherwise, the latter would have surely puked some blood after hearing those sharp and cold words.

On the other hand, Shadow just shook his head as a sigh escaped his lips. He should have seen that coming.

"Just pretend that I did not ask anything. By the way, you are aware that she already has her plans for tonight. Then why did you not say anything during the dinner?" Shadow asked as he stood up from his seat. It was the final question that he wanted to get the answer to.

"I realized it the moment she hugged me. And my doubts got confirmed when she hugged the others during the dinner. She has already said her goodbyes. There's no need to say anything anymore." Domenic answered as he looked at the hourglass that was sitting on his table.

"Your brothers won't be happy when they will realize that you kept everything from them." Shadow reminded him as he moved towards the door of the study.

"It's better for them to take out some of their anger on me, rather than pointing it all towards her and feeling betrayed by her actions," Domenic replied with a small sigh before he focused his attention on his laptop.

A small sad smile appeared on Shadow's lips as he gave a last look towards the man.

"You really are a great brother!"