Page 58 of Into the Fire

“Right. I’m sure me, a fucking lord, can just call up my gang’s enemy and ask favors,” he muttered.

“They know what you’re doing. They know you aren’t an enemy and can’t be targeted. He wants to see you, Trent. If shit goes south for me tonight, call Alessio. They’re going to be waiting for my call too. If they don’t have it, they’ll move in.”

“War?” Trent asked.

I nodded even though he couldn’t see me and took another deep inhale of my cigarette. “War.”

“I’m not letting you do this alone. I’ll be there soon.”

“Stay,” I said, sitting forward.

“Fuck you, Anson. You’ve always taken care of me. Let me help—”

“It’s my job to take care of you—”

“Eat shit. I’ll see you in ten. Stay alive. I’ve already cleaned up enough dead bodies. Don’t want your blood on my hands too.”

“I need you to listen to me,” I snarled into the phone. “Please. What was our vow?”

He was quiet before answering. “To avenge Mom and Tia.”

“How the fuck are we going to do that if we’re both dead? I need you to be able to finish this, OK? So please. Stay where you are. Wait for my call.”

“Anson—” his voice shook. We both knew how dangerous this was.

“I love you,” I said softly. “Take care of shit if I don’t come out of this. Make sure Rosalie is safe for me. There’s a message on my phone for her if-if I die.”

“OK,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I love you too. If I don’t talk to you later, thank you for everything. You’re the best big brother a guy could ever have.”

I smiled at his words. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

“Stay alive, Anson.”

“You too.”

I disconnected the call and sighed, my feelings completely fucked.

I finished my cigarette while staring down at my phone, the picture of me and Rosalie in front of me.

My plan was violence. I was bred for it. This much I knew. I prayed that Everett knew what he was unleashing by coming to my doorstep.

The knockingon my door had me on my feet in moments. With my eye to the peephole, I saw Everett and four men dressed in black standing outside my door.

I breathed out and backed away, my heart thudding hard.

Fuck it.

I pulled the door open and glared at the men before me.

“Mind if we come in?” Everett asked, giving me a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

I stepped aside and let them into my living room. “Sorry I didn’t cook. Didn't think I’d be entertaining so many.”

“It’s just as well. I promised them some fresh meat tonight.” This time his eyes sparkled as he surveyed me.

They planned on killing me and dining after. Fucking figured.

“Well, I’m guessing food brought you this way,” I said, giving Everett an even look.

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