Caught red handed

(Christian) Greyson kept holding my hand as we walked toward the dining room. I wondered how long it would take before someone noticed. Knowing our family, probably less than five seconds. I was already preparing myself for the comments. We entered the dining room and found Jaxon sitting beside Arlo. Jacob was reading something on his phone while Dad talked to Malachi. Mason was nowhere to be seen, which meant he was probably still hunting Pop. I hoped he found him because I wanted to watch what happened. "Well, look at that," Jaxon said. Greyson released my hand, and I started laughing. He looked annoyed with himself for reacting so quickly. Jaxon leaned back in his chair and grinned at us. "Don't stop holding hands because of me." "Mind your business, Jaxon," Greyson replied. I pulled out a chair and sat beside Jaxon. Greyson took the seat on my other side. Arlo looked between us with a smile that told me he had plenty to say. "Did you two finally stop arguing?" "For now," I answered. Jacob put his phone away and looked at Greyson. I wondered whether Arlo had already told him about our argument. It wouldn't surprise me because those two told each other everything. "Good, because I don't want another argument about Christian visiting Omegaville." Greyson reached for a glass of water. He didn't look pleased about being reminded. I decided to help him before everyone started questioning him. "We already talked about it." Arlo laughed and reached for his drink. I could tell he wanted to ask more questions. Fortunately, Cory entered with another omega carrying the food. "Dinner is ready," Cory announced. I looked at the dishes being placed on the table. There was roasted chicken, rice, vegetables, and a large bowl of mashed potatoes. My mouth watered because I'd barely eaten since lunch. "Where's Mason?" Jacob asked. "Looking for Pop," I answered. Dad stopped talking to Malachi and turned toward me. I recognized the expression on his face immediately. He already knew something was happening. "What did Micah do?" I tried not to laugh while reaching for the rice. Greyson looked at me, probably wondering whether I would tell Dad everything. I decided Mason could explain it himself. "Ask Mason." Dad sighed and rubbed his forehead. Malachi started laughing beside him. I could tell he was enjoying the fact that someone else had to deal with Pop. "Why does that answer concern me?" Dad asked. Before I could respond, Mason entered the dining room. He looked irritated, and Jaxon immediately started laughing. Mason walked toward the table and dropped into the chair across from me. "Your Pop is a criminal." I covered my mouth because I knew exactly what had happened. Greyson started laughing beside me. Even Jacob looked interested now. "Did you find him?" I asked. "Yes, but he ran away before I could catch him." Jaxon laughed so hard he had to put down his fork. Mason pointed at him, looking even more annoyed. I remembered how he'd blamed Jaxon for the mustache prank. "You knew about it, didn't you?" Jaxon stopped laughing and looked confused. I realized Mason still believed he'd been involved. This was getting better than I'd expected. "Knew about what?" "The mustache!" Arlo burst out laughing before Mason could explain further. Jacob looked at him with an expression I couldn't read. I wondered whether Arlo had known about the prank all along. "You're still upset about that?" Arlo asked. "Someone drew on my face while I was sleeping." Dad shook his head while Arlo started laughing. I remembered how Mason had refused to sit beside Jaxon for two days afterward. Pop had enjoyed every minute of it. I was surprised Mason had taken so long to discover the truth. "It washed off, Mason," Dad said. "That's not the point." I took a bite of chicken while watching everyone argue. Greyson leaned closer and whispered that I was enjoying myself too much. I gave him a grin because he was right. "Christian helped him," Greyson announced. I stopped chewing and turned toward him. I couldn't believe he'd betrayed me after promising to keep my secret. Mason looked at me with renewed interest. "You did what?" I swallowed my food and pointed at Greyson. He was laughing now, clearly pleased with himself. I decided he'd earned whatever happened next. "Greyson helped me hide the markers." Greyson stopped laughing immediately. Jaxon looked between us before bursting into laughter again. Mason pushed his chair back and stood. "Both of you are dead." "Sit down and eat," Jacob ordered. Mason sat immediately, which made everyone laugh harder. Jacob reached for the mashed potatoes like he hadn't just stopped a murder. I loved how quickly Jacob could end an argument. I was reaching for more chicken when Pop walked into the dining room. Mason immediately pointed at him, and everyone turned to see what would happen. Pop looked at Mason before pulling out a chair beside Dad. I knew he was going to pretend he hadn't done anything. "There's the criminal!" Pop looked around the table with an innocent expression. Dad put down his fork and started laughing. Arlo covered his mouth, already enjoying the argument. "Who are we arresting?" "You drew a mustache on my face!" Pop reached for the rice and smiled. "And you looked beautiful." Mason stared at Pop while everyone started laughing again. I knew he wasn't going to let that comment go. Pop continued eating like he hadn't insulted him. Dad was having trouble keeping a straight face. "I'm going to draw one on you." Pop looked at Mason and smiled. "You'll have to catch me first." Mason pushed his chair back, but Jacob pointed at him. He sat down again without saying anything. I laughed because Pop had already won. "Don't worry, Mason. I'll help you," I offered. Pop turned toward me. "Christian, remember who buys your art supplies." I looked at Pop and smiled because he knew I wasn't afraid of that threat. Dad started laughing beside him, which made Pop look offended. I reached for another piece of chicken and pretended to consider his warning. Mason watched us with interest. "Are you bribing me, Pop?" "I'm reminding you who loves you most." Dad turned toward him. "Micah, don't start." Pop looked at Dad and grinned. "What? Our son takes after me." I laughed and pointed my fork at him. "Exactly, which means you should know better than to threaten me."