Chapter ten

Northern Russia, Crisan Compound, 2018

Athena rolled her eyes as she entered the living room she spotted her cousin. He is more annoying than Sarah and killing her boy was that satisfying. She took so much pleasure in killing her family and Steven was spared because killing could alert her mother and because Steven has not pissed her off. Klaus is the reason she stays away from them. He is too clingy and invasive. He reminds her of Lucky and that is why he is annoying. If she ever runs into him again she should kill him just because. " Hello Cousin, come to hang out with us peasants. What has been 2 years?" Athena says " You are being dramatic it has eight months. Don't you have something better to do? Like, screw the entire population of Russia." Klaus says "Dear cousin, you wound me. Screwing that many blondes of the same variety gets boring." Her grandfather, Viktor says " Klaus, what have I told you about putting your feet on furniture, for someone who is 300 years old, your manners are poor. Take cues from Ivan he has manners and he is only ten years old." They hear his footsteps and he speeds to Athena and hugs her. " Hello Ivan, how is my favorite brother doing?" Ivan answers " I am only your only brother, sister." Athena says " Thanks for reminding my kid you know I am getting up there in my old age." Tassa says " Hello, Athena I see you are doing well." Athena responds " Hello Mother I can say the same for you." Klaus says " Speaking of Mothers, Athena when are you going bless us with children." Athena says " You are 300 years old and have no kids but you want to know when I will have any. You should worry about your sperm count, cousin." Viktor says " Enough children. We have more important matters to discuss. Let's begin."

Port Charles, July 27th, 2018

This year the kids want to do different things for their birthday. Jake wanted to go to Top Golf, Lila wanted to do paintballing and Martin wanted to rent out an art studio and paint with his friends. It is a good thing their school has such an extensive art program and Martin and Jake are very talented but Martin is more reserved than Jake and hangs out with the theater kids. Jake and Lila are more jocks than their brother but they dared anyone to mess with their brother. When they were eleven years old, a bully and his entourage messed with Martin and it takes a lot to set Martin off but his temper is explosive when he is set off. It was three versus eight and after that, no one messed the Morgans. They decided to let them have their fun with their friends and then come back home and have Cake and Dinner. He is hanging out with Steven and to this day no one but Jason, Emily, Johnny, Francis, and Steven knows the truth about Elizabeth's Paternity. Everyone would ask him what his secret to looking so young, especially with a stressful job and three teenagers. He just tells them he enjoys his life and family. The real secret is that he used to inject himself with his children's blood once a month but he actually died with their blood in his system and came back changed. He is stronger and faster than your average human and his aging slowed down to where he looks in his twenties but is 45. After his brush with death, he took a backseat to enforcer duties and was more legitimate. Sonny was pissed and when he died it was turned over to him and so he found the weaknesses and got rid of them. Ever since then his people have been happy and the territories are running smoothly. Things did not work with Sam because she felt his heart was not in and he could not blame her it was not fair to her but was lonely and the love of his life sacrificed her happiness and humanity for their family's safety. On their birthday he always reads her letter and he thinks of when he dared to read it for the first time.

Flashback

2003

Jason and Emily put the kids to bed and she is going to help his parents until he finds a suitable nanny to help out. He sips his beer and opens the letter. Dear Jason, If you are reading this then that means I succeeded and our children are safe. When I first found out I was pregnant, my first thought was am I ready to be a mother? But then I thought of you and told myself that even if things are complicated you would be the best father. I knew there was a chance it was Ric but deep down they felt like yours. I left because I found a very dark and ugly truth that I cannot escape and the only way to save our children and you is to leave. I know your first instinct is to find me but it is safer if you do not. My mother's family are very dangerous people and they would want to turn them into monsters. I want them to have a happy life where they are loved, protected, free to be themselves, and taught to be good people. It was never my intention to hurt you but I cannot love you the way you want me to because I am cursed and there is no saving me but our children have a chance with you as their father. I tried to watch from afar but looking at our kids is too painful of a reminder of you. You should be free as you and teach our kids the wind and if you don't hate me for doing this tell them they were created out of love, connection, and friendship. Goodbye my more than friend EM. He cried and that is how Emily found him and ever since then, she has been his rock.

He answers his phone and " Hey boss that family from Europe said that they will be in California on business in two days and are willing to meet to discuss that business venture." Jason says " Set it up and you know what to do." He hangs up and knows he has to prepare and triple-check all details.