Kayden met warm blue eyes and was surprised to hear that he was the newest addition to their family. Eric looked familiar but he couldn't quite place his face or name.

He had met so many new people throughout the past ten years that the faces were starting to blur together. What was more startling was the shocked expression on Eric's face.

Shrugging off the strange feeling, Kayden stepped further into the living room and held out his hand. "Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm Kayden."

For some reason, anger flashed in the boy's eyes and he refused to shake his hand. He didn't even offer a proper greeting!

Kayden glanced at his father for help but was only met with amused eyes.

"Why don't you show Eric his room and answer any questions he has." Roth stated the moment he met his son's eyes. "I have to get back to work. Your mom'll be here in case you need anything."

Kayden rolled his eyes at his father's unnecessary worry. "Okay, Dad."

"Dinner will be ready in three hours." Susan stated before giving her husband a quick kiss and leaving to prep for dinner.

"Don't overwork yourself," Kayden demanded as he gave Roth a hug.

"I should be saying that to you, son. You never take a break."

"I finished early so I have two weeks off." Kayden replied with a grin. "I get to spend more time with you guys!"

Roth rolled his eyes before saying goodbye and leaving.

Kayden turned his attention back to Eric and gestured that he should follow him.

With a sigh, Eric stood and followed Kayden up the winding staircase and to the third floor. They were automatically greeted by a large room fashioned into an office. There were large metal cabinets and bookshelves that were pressed against the walls. A large desk dominated the center of the room. There were two chairs facing the desk and looked like they had seen some actual wear and tear.

There were three doors that were lined up along the back wall. Eric assumed one led to the bathroom while the others led to the bedrooms.

"Shit," Kayden suddenly exclaimed. He looked at Eric with guilty eyes. "I hope you don't mind sharing a room. I wouldn't have done it had I known my dad was adopting you."

Eric raised his eyebrows in question, prompting Kayden to continue.

"I tore down the wall that separated the two bedrooms. I was starting to feel claustrophobic...sorry if you were expecting your own room. I would offer one of the guest rooms downstairs but those are actually used more often than not. And the two on the second—"

He was interrupted by Eric's angry voice. "Do you seriously not remember me?"

Kayden's eyes widened in surprise. "Should I?"

Eric's gaze sharpened as he fought back tears. "I guess you fucking shouldn't."

"You could tell me instead of being difficult." Kayden snapped. He understood Eric was probably going through something but that didn't mean he had to be rude.

"It doesn't matter." Eric snapped back. "It's not important."

He made toward one of the doors but was suddenly stopped when Kayden grabbed his upper arm and turned him around to meet his prying gaze.

"It's obviously important to you so explain." Kayden demanded in a no-nonsense voice.

Eric glared at Kayden before he said, "I was seven when you last saw me."

Sudden understanding hit Kayden hard in the gut as he looked Eric over, shocked at how different he was. There wasn't any trace of that sweet little boy he had befriended. In front of him stood a hardened young man. 

"Shit, I'm so sorry, Eric." Kayden managed to say while fighting back tears. "You've changed so much. I didn't recognize you...what happened? I thought you had found a family."

Eric's harsh gaze intensified as he continued to glare at Kayden. "Monsters found me and I saved myself. I don't need a fucking family."

Before Kayden could say another word, Eric stormed past him and entered the bedroom, slamming the door closed.

Letting out a sigh, Kayden sat down in one of the office chairs forcing his tears away. He was truly sorry for not recognizing Eric. But as sorry as he was, he couldn't help but feel excited that he found his most cherished friend.

He had never forgotten their friendship despite the nine year age difference. Eric had changed so much from when he was a child it was no wonder Kayden didn't recognize him.

He was much taller now but still shorter than Kayden. His body was lean with muscles and his face had matured to a handsome young man. His voice was much deeper than his once childlike voice.

And Kayden wasn't interested in being Eric's brother.

He wanted his best friend back.

That might be an odd conclusion to form but Kayden hadn't changed too much in the ten years that passed. It was true that he was older, wiser, and an accomplished CEO of his company, but that didn't mean the loneliness of his past completely left him.

Becoming family with Roth and Susan was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. His dad never asked about his past. Something that Kayden was grateful for. It was still painful to remember so he pushed it as far back as he possibly could.

He always wondered why his dad never looked at his file. But then again, Roth seemed to understand what Kayden went through so it shouldn't be too surprising that he never pried into his past. They had trust between them that held the family together.

He wouldn't change it for the world.