Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 77 - 72: Fun (2)

Chapter 77: Chapter 72: Fun (2)

Before they could continue, there was a light knock at the door. Gabriel’s focus shifted, and a tall figure appeared, taking him by surprise. Standing in the doorway was a man with soft brown hair that fell just past his shoulders and warm pale green eyes. He was taller than Gabriel, his posture commanding but approachable. He had a presence that instantly put people at ease, but Gabriel could not figure out why.

Alexandra stepped forward with a welcoming smile. "Ah, Gabriel, this is Julian, Theo’s husband and partner."

Gabriel looked the man over and gave him an appreciative look. Julian’s stature was in stark contrast to Gabriel’s, but his presence was undeniably appealing. He gave Gabriel a friendly smile, his expression both warm and mischievous.

"Nice to meet you, Gabriel," Julian said, his voice carrying a light, easy tone. "I’ve heard quite a lot about you."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? I hope it was all good," he replied with a half-smile, his gaze playful.

Julian grinned. "Mostly," he teased. "But knowing Theo, I am sure there is another side of the story I have not heard."

Gabriel chuckled, crossing his arms. "Theo has a way of painting people in an interesting light, does not he?"

Alexandra, watching the conversation with amusement, added, "He certainly has his ways. But I think it’s safe to say you’ve both come out looking rather impressive."

"Impressive, huh?" Gabriel said, glancing at Julian. "If there is one thing that impresses me, it is your ability to stand so tall without knocking anything over." He was envious of Julian’s height; he was the shortest member of the family, and while he was quite tall for an omega, Julian was taller than him.

Julian laughed, clearly unaffected by the playful jab. "I am not normally this tall, you know. "I have just grown into it," he joked, straightening his posture slightly. "It’s a little hard to miss me in a crowd."

Gabriel couldn’t help but smile at Julian’s easygoing demeanor. "I think I will be able to remember you," he said, raising his brow. "I am sure you are used to making an impression."

Julian’s grin widened. "It is a talent of mine," he said with a wink before turning to Alexandra. "Theo was right about you two. There is never a dull moment with you two around."

Alexandra rolled her eyes, clearly used to the lighthearted teasing that surrounded her. "Always a comedian, Julian," she said with a grin.

"Only when it is deserved," Julian said, casting a playful look at Gabriel. "So, Gabriel, tell me, what’s it like being one of the most talked-about names at the ball?"

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of mock innocence and a touch of sarcasm. "It’s a real burden, you know," he said dryly, leaning back in the chair. "I try not to let it get to my head, but it is difficult when the entire room can not stop talking about me."

Julian chuckled. "A man of mystery, I see."

"That’s how I like to think of myself," Gabriel replied with a shrug, clearly enjoying the banter.

"I am sure your nephews would like to hear about their famous uncle."

"What?"

Gabriel narrowed his eyes as Julian was about to respond. "Hold on. You and Theo have kids?"

Julian blinked, caught off guard. "Yes?" he said, a little surprised. "Theo and I have two—Mira and Darian. Why?"

Gabriel raised both brows, clearly startled. "Children? Theo has children?"

"Of course! You didn’t know?" Julian’s grin grew wider, amused by Gabriel’s shock. "Mira’s five, and Darian is two. Honestly, I thought someone would have told you."

Gabriel’s jaw dropped slightly. "Theo never mentioned it. I mean, I know we don’t speak much, but children? Theo? Really?" He shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around the idea. "How did that happen?"

Julian laughed, clearly delighted by Gabriel’s reaction. "We did not exactly leave things to chance. We wanted a family, and Theo’s been a fantastic father. He does not talk about it very often, but when he does, he does so with his usual confidence." Julian paused and gave Gabriel a teasing look. "You didn’t know Theo had it in him, did you?"

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "I didn’t think he’d ever settle down, much less start a family. I imagined him more concerned with the von Jaunez family than changing diapers."

Julian’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "The man may be a leader, but he’s also a devoted husband and father. Funny how those things balance out."

Gabriel shook his head in disbelief, half-amused, half-impressed. "Well, that’s one way to keep things interesting, I suppose." He paused before glancing at Julian. "Do they take after him? Or you?"

Julian raised an eyebrow. "I like to believe they inherited the best of both of us."

Gabriel’s lips curled into a smirk. "I’m sure that’s true, but Theo’s fatherhood is a plot twist that I was not expecting."

Julian chuckled again, clearly enjoying the exchange. "I guess we all have our surprises. But it’s been a good ride so far."

Gabriel leaned back in his chair, the playful tension between them not quite gone. "I’ll have to visit soon, then. I want to see for myself if Theo’s really father material."

"I’m sure you’ll enjoy it," Julian replied, his eyes glinting with humor. "It’s a different side of him, but a good one."

Gabriel smiled faintly, a spark of curiosity and amusement flickering in his gaze. "Maybe I will. In the meantime, I’m going to need to process the fact that Theo has kids. You’ve given me a lot to think about."

"Glad I could surprise you," Julian said with a wink. "It’s nice to see someone’s still paying attention."

Gabriel’s smirk returned. "I’ll try not to let it disrupt my world too much."

As their conversation continued, the camaraderie between them deepened. Gabriel had expected Julian to be another noble playing his part, but instead, he found someone witty, genuine, and entirely unexpected in the best way. If nothing else, this encounter with Julian had certainly managed to keep things interesting.