"What took you so long?" Frank drawled, leaning casually against the doorframe. He looked as rough as ever, wearing a black leather jacket, a plain white shirt, and ripped jeans. The faint smell of motor oil and cigarettes clung to him, as always and his ever-present smirk practically screamed, I'm up to no good.
Chris blinked at him, still trying to process why his uncle was at the door this late at night. "What the hell are you doing here? It's past midnight!"
Frank scoffed, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "Is that any way to greet your favorite uncle? I'm deeply offended."
Chris rolled his eyes. "You're my only uncle, and I didn't invite you in!"
Frank shrugged. "Thought I'd drop by and make sure you're not driving your mom crazy. And, y'know, check on you, since I'm the only responsible adult you have in your life."
Chris snorted. "Responsible? You? The guy who can't even stay sober during a family dinner?"
Yes, his mom, his Uncle Frank, Rion, and a few of Frank's gang members had dinner together every Sunday of the month. What started as a simple thank-you for the time they saved him from being violated by a group of Alphas on his way home from work had turned into a family tradition. They all felt like one big family.
"That was one time!" Frank shot back, narrowing his eyes. "Besides, I'm here to see if you've been keeping your mom in line."
Chris shut the door, shaking his head. "It's the other way around, old man. She keeps you in line. If it weren't for her, you'd probably be in a ditch somewhere." "Old man? Frank asked. I'm only 25, kid. I've still got my whole life ahead of me."
Frank dropped onto the couch, kicking his boots up on the coffee table like he owned the place. "Relax, kid. I'm just here to check in on you since it's been a while.
"Yeah, I just didn't expect you to barge in like this," Chris muttered, crossing his arms. "What do you want, Frank?"
Frank grinned, patting the seat next to him. "Oh, come on. Can't an uncle stop by to see his favorite nephew?"
Chris narrowed his eyes but sat down anyway. "Favorite nephew, huh? Pretty sure I'm your only nephew too."
"Exactly, which makes you my favorite," Frank said with a wink.
Chris shook his head, but a small smile crept onto his face despite himself. "Alright, fine. What's the real reason you're here?"
Frank's smirk softened slightly. "Wanted to make sure you were okay, that's all. Your mom's been working himself to the bone lately, and I know you worry about him."
Chris's expression faltered for a moment. "he doesn't tell me much, you know. Always acting like he's fine when he's obviously not."
Frank leaned back, resting his arms on the back of the couch. "That's Peter for you. Stubborn as hell, always trying to carry the world on his shoulders. You know how we met?"
Chris tilted his head, curious. "No, actually. You never told me that."
Frank chuckled, his gaze distant as he leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees. "It was years ago. I was a cocky 18-year-old punk fresh out of a mess with the law. One night, I was at this bar, and some Alpha was harassing an Omega who looked like they didn't belong there—your mom. Skinny, delicate little thing but with fire in his eyes."
Chris blinked. "Wait… Mom was at a bar?!"
Frank laughed. "Yeah, kid. He was delivering something for his boss and got stuck there when the guy wouldn't pay up. Anyway, this Alpha gets up in his face, and your mom, instead of cowering like most omegas looks at him dead in the eye and tells him to 'back off or I'll make you regret it.'"
Chris snorted. "Mom? Seriously?"
"Dead serious," Frank said, grinning. "Of course, the Alpha laughed—until your mom took a bottle of beer and smashed it over his head."
Chris burst out laughing. "No way!"
"Oh, it gets better," Frank added, eyes glinting with mischief. "After the guy went down, your mom just walked up to me—cool as you like—and says, 'Hey, you seem like the kind of guy who can fight. Help me get my money.'"
Chris was now doubled over with laughter. "Wow that does not sound like mom."
"Yup I know but been friends ever since," Frank said, leaning back with a satisfied smile.
Chris looked at him thoughtfully. "You know… you're kind of like the father I never had."
The comment caught Frank off guard, and for a moment, his smirk slipped. He cleared his throat, looking away. "Don't get all mushy on me now, kid."
Chris grinned. "What? Can't handle a compliment?"
"Watch it, or I'll start charging you for these heart-to-hearts," Frank shot back, but there was a softness in his tone that hadn't been there before.
The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Chris smirked. "By the way, nice jacket. Very midlife crisis for you."
Frank rolled his eyes. "And here I was about to say your haircut actually looks decent for once." Chris scoffed, flipping his blond hair over his shoulder. His hair ran all the way down to his shoulders—long, silky, and undeniably striking. Despite being into things most would consider masculine, he had a natural femininity that balanced it out effortlessly.
"Speaking of which," Chris smirked, narrowing his eyes. "Don't you think it's time for you to get married or at least settle down with someone? I mean, I've never seen you show interest in anyone—not even Mom, and he's literally gorgeous."
Frank nearly choked. "Where the hell did that come from?"
Chris shrugged. "I don't know. I've just never seen you with anyone. So, I was kind of wondering… what kind of person are you into?"
Frank hummed, rubbing his chin dramatically. "What kind of person would I be into, huh…" His voice trailed off like he was deep in thought. Before Chris could push further, Frank, who just received a text message on his phone he stretched and stood up. "Anyway, it's getting late. I better head out. Just wanted to check on you. Try to stay out of trouble, got it?"
He reached out and ruffled Chris's hair, earning an annoyed huff from the Omega. "See you around, pipsqueak." His jaw dropped. "I AM NOT A PIPSQUEAK!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, but Frank was already gone, laughing as he disappeared out the door.