Page 17 of Dust to Dust

"I agree," Damian added.

"I second that," Cillian shifted in his chair, "I can ignore some of the details I was trying to tie up. If we all agree, I'm ready to act now."

I knew this was coming. I almost got rid of my father when he confessed that he always knew Elsa was alive. I didn't pull the trigger then because I thought I was being loyal to my brothers, but something more psychological was bothering me. I envisioned one day sitting down with my son and confessing to him that I killed my father. What would my future son think? He'd see me as a monster with no boundaries or morals—the shoe fit. However, I didn't want to be the kind of father mine was to me. I wanted to raise my future children with love, but I also needed them to be strong. Could a man succeed at both?

"Do you agree, Titan?" Dante asked. I could tell by his expression that he wanted more than the simple answer I was about to give him. Dante was incredibly perceptive. We all had our strengths, and Dante's was not just reading people but getting them to open up in his presence. If they refused him, not having fallen for his renaissance good looks, Dante would turn to his other tools; those were much more deadly.

I nodded, not wanting to reveal my genuine emotions. Unable to utter the words that I would agree to kill my father. My brothers would not understand the battle that was in my mind. A son would need to kill the man who made him. I'd mourn the man my father never was. Damian eyed me from the corner. Unlike me, Damian didn't struggle with this idea at all.

"The answer isn't always death Titan." Dante interjected, "There are other options and ways Lucas's power can be handed over."

Dante wasn't going to kill his mother. The difference was that Dante had slowly taken power away from his mother for years. He was testing her strength and lack thereof. At this stage, it was easy for him to set her aside, letting her live with one of her rotating lovers. Dante's mother was a cold-hearted woman who took her hate and insecurities out on her sons. Unlike my father, Dante's mother valued her reputation and would hand over power instead of tarnishing her name. "There is no other way for me, brother," I confessed with haste making sure no one questioned my decision again. Dante nodded, but I appreciated that he had let me know he would support me either way. Anders, on the other hand, would only accept blood, the crazy fuck.

Anders beamed like a demon that scented blood was coming his way, "Then it is settled," he clapped. Anders had been biting at the bit for the first phase of our plans. The brotherhood was formed by men who were battered and hardened. Raised to be predators, we found harmony and forged a family with each other. Something neither of us had. We all sought one thing.

Freedom.

To have independence from our makers who trapped us with their money and power. Each of us had a journey to walk to claim power, a ritual. Mine was killing my father. It wasn't the same for all of us. Anders had a bitter bone to bite on since he was a bastard and was always treated like one. But being the only son, Anders father had no option but to acknowledge him. Men like Anders father didn't hand down their companies to their daughters. If only they had daughters like Nova, they might reconsider.

"How long?" Cillian questioned, "We should all act on the same day. The others will get suspicious if rumors of one or two falling."

"Is April 1st good for everyone?" Dash asked with a sly grin.

I raised a brow, "April fool's?"

"Hey," Dash shrugged, "I think it's perfect. These men and women raised us to be ruthless and take over the helm; little did they know, we'd do so by destroying them. You have to see the comedic satire in that Ti."

Anders laughed, "I like how you think, brother."

Dante met my eyes; ever the observer, I nodded in agreement. "It's settled then. There is no point in delaying. Whatever goes astray, we will handle as a united front."

"It's settled." We all agreed in unison. "The brotherhood has begun."

A band of brothers was about to take over some of the most influential companies in the world. As a united front, those who opposed our rule would have to fight off not one but all seven of us. The brotherhood was about to become the most ruthless and powerful organization in the world.

Chapter 14

Two hours after Titan thought I had fallen asleep, he snuck out of the room. Before he did so, he gave me a precious little kiss on the temple of my head, which woke me up—his mistake. I needed to find out where he was. After all, aren't husband and wife meant to be one?What is mine is yours, baby!Titan was going to find out what kind of wife I would be.

My feet touched the warm wooden floor. It squeaked beneath my feet, making my snooping a bit more challenging. That was always the issue with old, original wood flooring. As I crept from the room, I was surprised to note the absence of any guards. Did Titan think I'd stay without trying to escape after a few orgasms?

Isn't escaping the coward's way?Ghost asked as I walked down the long corridor passing two doors on my way. Every ten feet or so hung a canvas painting of Mila's artwork. The long hallway was like a gallery exhibition of her work. What must it feel like to have others support you? I had that once before Lucas King killed my parents.

I didn't say I would run when I escaped Ghost. Ihissed at her releasing some of my anger at my previous thought. Ghost was always my punching bag.

I passed one more door in the dark before I reached the stairs. I knew this was Dash's room. No doubt, Mila was tucked inside. I bit my lips as I pondered my odds. Dash would most likely be with Titan, so I took my chances. Turning the doorknob slowly, it opened without a struggle. The room was a mirror image of Titan's room which I was now lucky enough to be able to sleep in. I guess after a forced marriage and sex, I was trusted enough to be able to sleep in his room.

The room was dark, causing my eyes to strain as I scanned it. The king-sized bed was empty except for a small lump buried under a mountain of covers. Walking over, I spotted Mila's head peaking out from the navy sheets. I slapped my hand over her mouth. Even in the dark, I could see her eyes fly wide open. She screamed from under my hand, but the sound was suppressed. When Mila noted it was me, she calmed. I jumped into the bed, which caused Mila's small frame to bounce mid-air. Mila rubbed the sleep from her eyes, "Nova?" Her voice was filled with a longing for more sleep.

"I've thought of something," I beamed as I bounced on the bed.

"O-ok," She responded. Back to the stuttering and lack of confidence.

"Well," I patted the navy comforter. It was so soft it felt like silk under my fingers. "I can't help you."

Her eyes expanded, making her look like an owl. She was too adorable. "What do you mean?" Mila was suddenly very awake.

"What I said," I hated repeating myself. "But, I know someone who can."

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