Page 71 of Burning Truths

“I believe you’re not needed here.” He says, venom dripping from his tongue.

“And you are?” I edge.

Cole takes a seat next to our mother and to an outsider it would look like he’s trying to hold up a front but I take it for what it is. A threat.

“Marcus Morales.” Is his response.

Marcus. The name from earlier.

“Ryker-”

I wave off my mothers next words. “You’re done here. You are no longer the head of the Stone family and you will be removed from council immediately.” Pulling out the chair I sit with my hands folding on the table in front of me. The twins quirk a lip but the grin is gone almost as instant as it appeared.

“Marcus, was it?” I ask. “You seem to be a little lost so let me catch you up. The Stone family hold the head seat at the table.” I widen my arms in a show of where I’m seated and why it was left empty. “I assume you realized your father took up a spot to the side, correct?” I push.

His face reddens and a laugh falls from my mouth in response.

“Let me guess he promised you something he couldn’t take for himself?” I turn to look at his father. “What a pity you’d sendyour own flesh and blood into the wolf's den without proper knowledge.” I taunt.

Cole twists in his seat to face me, “Now brother, you know it’s not fun to play with your food. Let’s tell them why we’re really here.” He opens the door for our next piece to fall into place.

“Ahh that’s right. How silly of me to forget. Dearest mother, we’ve come here today to denounce you from the Stone family business effective immediately.” Leaning back into the thick cushion of the wingback chair I wait for it.

All eyes fall to the beauty that is my mother. In a way she reminds me of an older Oakley ready to rip someone’s throat out with her teeth. In this moment that someone is me and I relish the thought of her trying.

“May we ask the details of this new declaration?” One of the twins asks.

“Hmmm.” I smile sweetly, “Well it seems that we’ve had a bit of a family situation that would make Mrs. Stone unfit to sit on the foundation.” I state.

“And what would be the cause for this?” The other twin questions.

This time it’s Cole that speaks up in his raspy distorted voice, a reminder of something darker. “If you’ll take a look at the files I’ve emailed each of you, you’ll find more than a decade of crimes against the foundation and this town that predates the marriage of our mother and father. One event in most recent accounts is the property exchange of Kenna Kingston into the hands of Hank Harlow. A known associate of our families. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have another pressing matter to attend to.” Cole finishes, looking down at his phone and then up at me.

Taking that look for what it is I push the chair back to stand, “We’ll be seeing you.” I speak to everyone but the look I pass my mother gives her everything she needs to know we’re coming back for her. “Oh, Marcus?” I call.

His tall lean frame straightens under my stare.

“I’d take note of how to stay out of our way if I were you. The last thing we want is to have another foundation member disappear.” The threat lingers around us.

Before we make it to the door his voice breaks through the silence, “The contract calls for a union between two of the families. Since the Kingston girl is no longer on the list I’d suggest you find a replacement soon or the Stone family will no longer hold that seat.” His words are shaky yet true.

Rolling my shoulders I ignore the reminder and continue through the doorway leading us back to the car. Once we close the doors to the SUV making sure no listening ears can hear Cole shifts in the seat his eyes meet mine.

“G sent us a message. We need to get back to the house before Kenna kills Ally.”

Cole looks worried but all I feel is a thrill to see my little Killer at work. All the pent up resentment towards Ally is sending Kenna over the edge and I plan on watching her set fire to the entire world in response. Only I hope to redirect that rage to someone who actually deserves to die.

“Don’t worry brother, I won’t let her hurt your girl too bad.” I laugh as the words leave my mouth because as true as I wish they were I know I’d never stop her from spilling blood.

Chapter Thirty-Four

KENNA

Ally’s bitching from behind me about the way West drags her along the smooth tile floor by the back of her neck. Satisfaction courses through my veins when she lets out a low squeak of pain.

“Be happy she hasn’t asked me to rip your tongue out.” He laughs.

“It crossed my mind.” I spit from ahead of them.

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