Mary: Once upon a time, there was a blond, beautiful little boy...

Between you and me now, how can you tell someone that his father, the man he admired and adored, was an adulterer who cheated on his wife and lied to his son? How can you say that what he knew about his father's death was a lie? How can you ruin his entire childhood? It's hard. Too hard!

But let us let Mary tell the story to Jace and see what Lois is up to. Lois. The real victim of this story.

~ SEBASTIAN's AND LOIS' HOUSE ~

Lois is on pins and needles waiting for a phone call. She has her cell phone and Sebastian's cell phone on the coffee table, and she's trying to be adult, but she's not doing a very good job of it.

Sebastian is in the kitchen preparing a light meal for her.

With tray in hand, he comes into the living room and as soon as he sees Lois, he bites his lips to keep from laughing.

Sebastian: Kitten, that phone device you are wearing on your head is old and pretty expensive. We don't want to break it. Yes?

Lois: You think that's why it's not ringing? Because it's a Jurassic piece of crap?

Sebastian frowns.

Sebastian: Shame on you, Kitten! This Jurassic piece of crap is fully functional. Don't insult my tools!

Lois puts the device on the table and curls up on the couch, chugging.

Lois: I'm sorry, Wolf. I don't know what I'm saying. This waiting game is killing me.

Sebastian approaches, sits down next to her, and sets the tray on the table.

Sebastian: It's okay, baby. I know how you feel.

Lois: You are always so good. What is it?

Sebastian: Ma'am, your personal chef has prepared a fantastic meal for you. Would you do him the honor of enjoying it?

Lois: You are fantastic, but I don't want to eat. I just want one of those damn phones to ring.

Sebastian: It will. Sooner or later.

Lois: But it's past noon. Why is not she calling? I am telling you, Jace is furious and refuses to see me.

Sebastian: I'm sure that's not true.

Lois: Then what's going on?

Sebastian: Mary's probably looking for the right way to tell him. It's not easy. It takes time.

Lois: How much time? Ug! I can't take it anymore. I need a distraction.

And before Sebastian can say anything, Lois is riding him and pressing her lips to his.

Sebastian: Here we go again! Easy there, crazy Kitten! We are in the living room. Jared and Chloe could be here any minute.

Lois: I don't give a damn! You are the only one who can distract me. So distract me!

Sebastian, unable to resist, begins to undress.

Sebastian: Okay. Alright. A quick one, but then you are going to eat, right?

Lois: Right. Right. Stop talking now!

A few minutes later, they are both naked and he's on top of her. Their bodies are joined where they can be joined. Two souls in one body. Four lips in one mouth. And the phones, left on the table to witness their union, are silent, refusing to interrupt this interlude.

Lois: Sebastian, tell me everything's going to be okay.

Sebastian: Everything's going to be okay, Lois. Everything's going to be okay.

But now let us see if Sebastian is right. Will everything actually be okay, or will his confident words turn out to be a bunch of baloney?!

Will the phone ring? And if so, will it be for good or not?

~ JACE AND MARY's HOUSE ~

Here we go! Mary has just finished the story and Jace is in her arms.

He's just learned that everything he's known so far has been a lie and that his father was not the decent and perfect family man he thought he was.

He has also learned that his mother died for someone who didn't love her as much as she did. She died for someone who didn't deserve her sacrifice. She left her only son at the most critical age for someone who was ready to leave her and start a new family.

And most importantly, he has learned that he has a sister of the same blood who had a terrible life because their father died and left her to grow up with two monsters.

He cries and clings to Mary for comfort. She strokes his hair and kisses his head to make him feel better.

When he opens his mouth, his voice comes out broken and weak, almost like a whisper.

Jace: My father with another woman? No. No. No. Never. He loved my mother. They never had a fight. He wanted a divorce? How is that possible? And what about me? How could he leave me? And what about my sister? I have a sister! I'm not alone. I was never alone!

Mary remains silent. She doesn't speak, because she knows very well what follows the tears and the wailing.

The explosion!

Any moment now, Jace will explode. The god Zeus will unleash his wrath, and when that happens, you must stay away from him!

And indeed. Jace jumps up from the couch.

Jace: That son of a bitch! If he wasn't already dead, I'd kill him with my bare hands.

Mary gets up and hands him the key she had been keeping.

Mary: Go!

He refuses the key because he has something else in mind, but Mary's idea is right and so, looking at her gratefully, he runs to where he always goes when he's angry. To the basement.

Jace is beside himself. Into a frenzy. His eyes are glancing around madly. He's searching for something. He's looking for what he needs right now. The sledgehammer.

There, leaning against the wall, a remnant of the last time he used it.

When was that? Oh, yeah. About three years ago. When that bastard, Loucida's teacher, expelled her for her "unholy" family.

Matt was devastated, and Jace was very angry. Before he cleared things up with the teacher, he needed to vent his anger somehow, so he visited the basement.

But that's all over now. Now he's tormented by something else. He picks up the sledgehammer and approaches the pile of old irons.

Suddenly, his father's stentorian voice rings out as if from a single breath. It is as if it comes out of the pile.

" My son, the woman you choose to be the mother of your children, honor her and love her. Never deceive her. Every caress, every kiss you give to another woman is a knife in your wife's heart. "

Jace's hands shake with anger as his mother's last words come to mind. There, on her deathbed, as she was saying goodbye to him, about a month after his father died.

" I'm leaving, Jace. Forgive me, my son, but I cannot live without your father. I'm going to go find him. I love you! "

Jace raises the sledgehammer and slams it down on the irons with all his might.

Jace: You fucking bastard! My mother died for you while you were...

Again.

Jace: You son of a bitch! You told me to honor my wife while you...

Again.

Jace: You scumbag! You died and left two kids alone.

Again.

Jace: You, whoreson! I was lucky, but your daughter was not! My sister grew up with two monsters!

Again.

Jace: You, asshole! You were my hero. My role model. But now I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! You killed my mother!

Again.

Jace: You stole my sister! I hope you burn in hell! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!

Again, and again. And again. And again!

His arms ache. His muscles burn. His knees buckle. The sledgehammer slips from his hands, and Jace kneels, hugging his legs.

The rage fizzles out, leaving him breathless. Jace is no longer the strong man, the successful businessman. He's a 14-year-old boy who's just been orphaned again.

He opens his mouth to scream for the only person who can comfort him at this moment.

Jace: MARY!

Mary, who has been standing outside the door the whole time, comes running down the stairs and goes to him. She kneels beside him and takes him in her arms.

Mary: I'm here, Jace! Don't be scared, baby. I won't let anyone hurt you. I'm right here!

Jace: He betrayed me, Mary. My father betrayed me.

Mary: Shh! It's gonna be okay! You have me, who adore you. You have your children who love and admire you. You have your sister waiting for you. She needs you, Jace. More than ever.

Jace: My sister. You mean she wants to see me?

Mary: I'm sure she's over the phone right now, waiting in agony.

Jace: I... I can't... I don't know what to say to her.

Mary: Words are not necessary, my Prince. Only love. She needs your embrace, not your speech.

Jace: Will you call her?

Mary: Yes, of course. While you take a bath. A god can't be in this state. You stink.

Jace: A god, my ass! A god, Angel, doesn't have a bastard for a father.

Mary: Hey! Knock it off! You are a god. To me and to your children! End of story!

Jace: But...

Mary: Shut up! Not a single word! Hurry up in the bathroom because I'm going to spank you!

Jace: Thank you, Angel.

And so Jace gives Mary a kiss and runs into the bathroom. Mary, looking around at all the chaos, smiles.

Mary: Ah, Jace!

She leaves the basement, locks the door behind her, and goes to the phone. She dials Lois' number.

*

This is what happens when a man has such a big heart and knows how to love. He knows exactly who to hate and who to protect. He knows how to separate the good from the bad. That's Jace. Our Prince Charming!

But before we get back to Sebastian and Lois, let us take a look at what's going on in the house next door.

~ ALEXANDER AND MATT's HOUSE ~

Alexander and Simon are on the floor in the living room playing a board game with the kids while Matt is in the kitchen clanging plates and pans.

Stefan: Hey, Lala? What's going on with G-Man? Why is he making such a fuss in the kitchen?

Alexander: Your godfather, buddy, is trying to get on my nerves.

Stefan: Shocking, but why?

Alexander: Because I went somewhere with Uncle Simon last night and I'm not going to tell him where.

Stefan: Why don't you tell him? My Dada tells Mama everything.

At that moment, Matt comes out of the kitchen.

Matt: Because, Jellybean, your Dada loves your Mama more than Lala loves me.

Stefan: I don't see it that way. Lala loves you very much.

Alexander: See? Even the kid says that.

Matt: Yeah, exactly!

Lucida: Are you coming to play with us, Daddy?

Matt: No, my Star. I'm pissed off!

Adam: When Mommy is mad, Daddy goes into the room with her and after a while everything is fine.

Alexander: That's because your Mommy is more reasonable than our G-Man.

Simon: I agree!

Matt: You better not talk, because it's all your fault!

Simon: My fault? And why is that?

Matt: Because you roughed him up last night.

Alexander: Matt, please stop!

Matt: Don't worry about it. I'll stop right now. In fact, I'll stop everything!

Matt turns on his heel and runs up the stairs.

Lucida: What are you doing, Daddy? Run after him.

Alexander: Maybe it's best if we let him calm down first.

Lucida: No. God! You are acting like babies! In our family I am the only adult.

Simon: I agree again!

Cecilia: Lous is right, Uncle. Go talk to him. Just like my Daddy does. And my Daddy knows everything!

Alexander: Oh! Stop it, you two! I'm going. Oh, man!

Lucida: I love you, Daddy Alex.

Cecilia: I love you too, Uncle Alex.

Alexander, who followed Matt upstairs, rolls his eyes and the others laugh.

Cecilia: Lous, want to bet how long they'll stay upstairs?

Lucida: Sure! I say twenty minutes. Daddy Matty wasn't very angry.

Cecilia: I say half an hour.

Stefan: Silly girls. G-Man was furious. Uncle Alex must be working hard. I say at least an hour.

Simon: Hey! Stop it! Shame on you!

George: We are not going to participate in the bet, Daddy?

Simon: Of course, we are going to participate. An hour and a half. We have a bet. Whoever wins gets to eat a whole chocolate cake.

Eva: I don't know what you mean, but I want to eat cake. So, you are giving in to me, right?

They are laughing even harder.

So, what do you say? Should we go upstairs and take a peek? You know, through the keyhole!

When Alexander enters the room, he finds Matt on the floor doing sit-ups. (!!)

Alexander: Do you need someone to hold your legs?

Matt, without stopping the exercise, scowls at him.

Matt: Don't you dare come near me or I'll punch you right in the face.

Alexander crosses his arms in front of his chest.

Alexander: You want to hit me? Go ahead. I'm right here.

Matt gets up with a jump. He walks up to Alexander and jabs him in the chest with his finger.

Matt: Don't tempt me, Alex. Get the hell out of here.

Alexander: I'm not going anywhere. Go ahead. Hit me. If that calms you down, hit me!

Matt clenches his fist, raises his arm, but instead of landing in Alexander's face, the punch lands on the wall, and immediately after, the same thing happens to his body. Alexander grabs him by the shoulders, trapping Matt's body between his own and the wall, and presses his mouth to his. Matt resists, but not for long. His arms hug Alexander's neck and his mouth opens into a passionate kiss.

As soon as the kiss ends, Matt shoves Alexander.

Matt: You son of a bitch!

Alexander laughs and begins to undress.

Matt: Why are you taking your clothes off?

Alexander: Isn't it obvious?

Matt: Yeah, well. That's not going to happen.

Alexander: You want to bet?

Matt: Shut up!

Alexander moves closer again and starts rubbing his bump against Matt.

Matt: Stop it! Don't do this!

Alexander: Make me.

But Matt makes no move at all.

Matt: Tell me where you were last night.

Alexander, with his lips against Matt's neck...

Alexander: No.

Matt: Why are you doing this to me?

Alexander: I haven't done anything to you yet.

Matt: You know what I mean.

Alexander: I like making you jealous.

Matt: I'm not jealous.

Alexander: You are not?

Matt: Okay. I am.

Alexander: That's ridiculous. You know I only have eyes for you.

Matt: Then why don't you tell me?

Alexander: Because your pretty mouth is an open cage.

Matt: What?

Alexander: Do me a favor, baby. Shut up and kiss me. I'll tell you all about it later.

Matt: Do you promise?

Alexander: I promise.

Matt: It's so frustrating, I can't be mad at you.

Alexander: Me on the other hand, it suits me beyond belief.

Matt: You are an idiot.

Alexander: I love you.

Matt: I love you too.

And taking his hand, Alexander leads Matt to bed or the opposite ...

Matt: Do you think the kids made another bet?

Alexander: Absolutely.

Matt: Who's going to win this time?

Alexander: No one. I plan on keeping you in this bed for much longer than an hour and a half!

Matt: In that case, I'll split the cake with you!

Alexander: What am I going to do with you, you crazy sexy man?

And laughing out loud they give themselves to each other.

*

~ SEBASTIAN AND LOIS' HOUSE ~

Jared and Chloe are not back yet, so Sebastian and Lois are sitting on the couch arguing after the distraction. In fact, Sebastian struggles to feed Lois, who stubbornly refuses to open her mouth even though she promised to.

Sebastian: Come on, stubborn Kitten. Open your mouth! You promised me you would.

Lois, keeping her mouth closed, shakes her head.

Lois: Mmm!!!

Sebastian: Lois, let's be serious. If you don't eat at least one bite, I swear I will lay you down, open your mouth, and force feed you.

Lois: You can't do that!

Sebastian: You know I can, and I will.

Lois: No. No. And you know what ? NO !

Sebastian: Okay, Kitten. Remember, you asked for it!

And before Lois realizes what and how, Sebastian grabs her and lays her on the couch. He lies down on top of her, holding her legs with his own while he holds her hands over her head with one hand. With his free hand, he grabs some food.

Sebastian: Open your mouth!

Lois: Mmm!!!

Sebastian: I said open it.

Lois: Mmm!!!

Sebastian: You don't give up, huh? That's all right. There's another way.

Sebastian puts the food in his mouth and kisses Lois. Unsurprisingly, she can't resist his lips and opens her mouth to take the food. Sebastian pulls back and puts his hand over her mouth to keep it closed.

Sebastian: Chew it and swallow it. And don't you dare bite me!

Lois chews and swallows.

Lois: That was sneaky! You are a sneaky wolf!

Sebastian: You didn't give me much choice.

Lois: It's okay. It was fine! Give me another one. Same way.

Sebastian rolls his eyes.

Sebastian: I don't believe you. You are unbelievable.

Lois: Maybe, but I love you.

Sebastian: What am I going to do with you?

Lois: You are going to feed me.

But as Sebastian feeds Lois, literally with his mouth, the sound of her cell phone turns them both around.

Lois: That's my cell phone.

Sebastian: Yes, Kitten. That's what you were expecting! Go ahead.

Sebastian, wiping his mouth, stands up and releases her body, but she doesn't move.

Sebastian: Lois ...?

Lois: Sebastian, I can't. If he ... No! You pick it up!

Sebastian: But ...

Lois: Please! It will be easier for me to hear the bad news from you.

Sebastian picks up the cell phone and presses the answer button.

Sebastian: Hello, Mary.

Mary: Oh! Sebastian? Hi. I'm sorry, but I've been waiting to hear Lois.

Sebastian: Apparently, she's got me doing her dirty work, just like Jace does with you.

Mary: You can say that again. Those two look a lot alike. It's like they are brother and sister.

Sebastian: Does that mean what I think it means?

Lois, not listening to what Mary is saying, hangs on Sebastian's lips. He stands up and she, literally hanging on to him, looks at him fearfully.

Mary: You insult me, Wolf. You really doubted me?

Sebastian: Heavens no!

Mary: Well done!

They laugh.

Sebastian: Now what?

Mary: Why are you still there?

Sebastian: Really?

Mary: Yes, really. Come on. We are already waiting for you.

Sebastian: We are on our way and ... Mary?

Mary: What is it?

Sebastian: Thank you.

Mary: You are welcome. Bye, Sebastian. Don't be late!

Sebastian: We won't. Bye, Mary.

Sebastian drops the phone on the couch and squeezes Lois' hand, which is clutching his shirt.

Lois: Well?

Sebastian: Well, run and get dressed, Kitten. Your brother is waiting for you.

Lois: Really?

Sebastian: Yes, baby. Really.

Lois starts screaming with joy and dancing around.

Lois: I can't believe it! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Sebastian looks at her and smiles happily.

Lois: My brother. Can you believe that, Wolf? I have a brother. I have a nephew and two nieces. I have a whole family. I got you. I got Jay-Jay. I got Chloe. I got it all now. The world is mine! Whoo-hoo!

She lunges at him and kisses him hard.

Lois: I'm so fucking happy!

Sebastian: And I'm happy because you are happy.

Lois: We are happy, but I have to get dressed now, right?

Sebastian: Yeah.

Lois: What should I wear?

Sebastian: Whatever you wear, you'll still be a doll.

Lois: That's good. Hold it!

Sebastian: Okay. You go in, and I'll call Negro to send the car.

She goes into the bedroom, but she comes back.

Lois: Don't call for the car. That would take centuries. Let's get the motorcycle so we're not too late.

Sebastian: Okay, Kitten. We'll get the bike.

Lois sets off again but turns back once more.

Lois: Text Jared to come there.

Sebastian: I will, crazy Kitten. Get dressed.

Lois: Yeah. Yeah. I'm going now.

One more time and back again.

Sebastian: Now what?

Lois: Have I told you that I love you madly?

Sebastian laughs.

Sebastian: I love you madly, too.

Lois finally runs into the bedroom and Sebastian, still laughing, gets his cell phone to tell Jared, but his laughter is interrupted when the hair on the back of his neck suddenly stands up and a shiver runs down his spine.

Sebastian: No, damn it! Not again!

Sebastian knows exactly what's wrong with him. His instincts - the wolf's instincts - are warning him. These are forewarnings that something bad is about to happen. The same thing has happened twice before. The first time was a few hours before his parents' fatal accident and the second time was a day before Jared's father died of a heart attack.

What now? What's going to happen now? To whom? Who is in danger this time?

His gaze goes to the bedroom door where Lois is.

Sebastian: No! No! Please, God! Not her! Not her!

*

~ ΙΝ ΤΗΕ ΜΕΑΝΤΙΜΕ ~ JACE AND MARY's HOUSE ~

Everyone is gathered in the living room. Jace has just announced the news and everyone is excited, and very, very happy. Especially the kids.

Stefan: Now I have to call Lois auntie?

Jace: That's for her to decide, Tiger. You can ask her when she gets here.

Cecilia: What about Sebastian? Is he our uncle too?

Mary: Yes, of course. Just like Matt and Simon are.

Eva: What about Jared? Is he an uncle too?

Mary: Yes.

Little Eva frowns.

Matt: What's the matter, Caramel?

Eva: I don't like this. I don't want him to be my uncle. He's my friend. My friend Jared!

Jace: You, Princess, get a grip, because I'm going to send you to boarding school with the nuns.

Eva: What are the nuns?

Jace: They are girls who never talk to boys.

Eva: But I like boys. I'm not going there!

Everybody laughs. Everybody? Not exactly.

Jace: Oh! My heart! I think I'm having a heart attack! Did you hear what my Princess said? She likes boys.

Mary: Jace, be serious!

Matt: You've always been a drama queen and a very poor quality one at that.

Jace: No one in this family gets me.

Stefan: Since you are so dramatic.

Jace: Et tu, Brute? You should be ashamed of yourself!

Stefan: I'm sorry, Dada, but it's not my fault. Don't forget who baptized me.

Jace: How could I forget? I still regret it.

Matt: Bite me, Perverted.

Jace: I love you too, Sweetheart.

The doorbell interrupts their civilized and mature conversation.

Isabella: The doorbell saved us. Thank God!

Jace: They are here! Angel, please go and open the door. Suddenly, my legs are shaking.

Mary smiles as Matt rolls his eyes.

Matt: My god!

Jace: Shut up!

Alexander: Actually, both of you should shut up.

Matt: You better stay down, baby, because you are not off the hook yet.

Alexander: But I thought ...

Matt: What did you think? That you'd get away with it because Lois is Perverted's sister?

Alexander: No?

Matt: No. You are gonna pay dearly for not telling me the great news sooner.

Alexander: So, help me, God, huh?

Matt: That's right!

They all laugh. Mary goes to open the door, but it's not Sebastian and Lois. It's Jared and Chloe.

Chloe: Good evening, everyone!

The twins run into her with one voice.

Adam/George: Chloe!

Chloe: My favorite twins. How I miss you guys!

Adam/George: We miss you, too.

Right after.

Jared: Hey! I'm here, too. Good evening, everyone.

A little blonde torpedo falls on Jared.

Eva: Jared, my friend! Can I kiss you?

Jared: Sweet Eva! Bring it to me!

Jace: Somebody get me the nun's phone number. Now!

After the laughter, the handshakes, and the hugs...

Jared: It's weird that we got here before the others, isn't it?

Chloe: You are right. They are really late.

Jace: Jared, maybe you should call Sebastian?

Simon: If they come by bike, he won't be able to answer.

Jared: Yes, he will. His helmet has a wireless earpiece.

But when Jared pulls his phone out of his pocket, an unknown number appears on the screen.

Chloe: Who is this?

Jared: I don't know. It's an unknown number.

Alexander: Answer it. It might be for work.

Jared presses the button...

Jared: Hello?