Page 62 of Moonlit Thorns

“Is there?” Nero arches an eyebrow.

I sigh. “We’re getting off-topic. I wanted you three to know that I’m going after Preston Wallace. I’m going to take him down.”

“Jesus Christ.” Sid shakes his head and looks at his breakfast plate.

“I fucking knew it. You’re pussy-whipped by this woman,” Kol spits out.

“He crossed the line, and we all know it.” I jab my pointer finger into the table. “He brought a non-member into the club, and not only that, he drugged her and was going to rape her on our property.” I shift my gaze to Sid, who has his mouth open in rebuttal, but I raise my hand. “And no. I talked to Anabelle to make sure. She didn’t give her consent. So that’s rape.”

Sid simply nods. It’s a touchy subject for him.

“What do you have planned?” Nero asks.

“I’m going to buy up all the shares of Wallace International under a bunch of shell companies. Once I have control, I’m going to oust him and his old man from the board. It will send a message.”

“You sure that’s the message you want to send?” Sid asks.

I nod. “I think that’s the perfect message. Don’t fuck with us.”

Kol sighs. “They’ve been an ally of our family for years. We both know where each other’s skeletons are buried. It won’t be good for business.”

“We were allies until that little prick Preston was born. He could never lead in his father’s stead. Jessie Wallace should be thanking me.” I reach for the honey and my knife to spread some on my toast.

“You sure this is a good idea?” Kol asks.

“I’m not asking permission. This is my prerogative, and I can do with my money what I want. I’m giving you the courtesy of informing you.” I take a bite of my toast.

“It indirectly affects us,” Sid says.

“You’re willing to throw away tens, hell, hundreds of millions of dollars for this girl?” Kol asks.

I look him straight in the eye, shocked by my answer before I speak it. “Yes.”

He shakes his head as though he’s disappointed but says nothing more.

It’s silent at the table for a blessed few minutes until Nero breaks it. “Well, since we’re all sharing, I have an announcement too.”

We all swing our heads toward Nero.

“I’m going to ask Maude to marry me.”

“You can’t be serious!” Kol shouts.

“Jesus, kid, why would you go and do that?” Sid asks.

“Nero, you just met the woman. What the hell are you talking about?” I slam my fist on the table, rattling all the dishes.

He shrugs. “I like her. A lot.”

“So fuck her brains out until you get sick of her. Don’t marry her,” Sid says.

Nero frowns. “I’m not like you guys. I want to share my life with someone.”

“Share them is more like it,” Kol says under his breath, and Nero rolls his eyes.

“I’m serious. I think she could be the one.”

It’s not like I never thought Nero would get married. Of all my brothers, he’d be the most likely. But he’s only been with this woman for a couple of months, not years. Who knows what her agenda is? We haven’t even met her.

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