Page 114 of Tangled in Knots

I nod, unsure if he’s waiting for permission from the alphas next to me, but he never glances at them.

“I’ve had the pleasure of having drinks with Jeremiah several times, and your father always held his cards close to his chest,” Corbin says. “While he was friendly enough, there wasn’t anyone he was truly invested in. Everyone always said so. Jeremiah came from a long line of mafia men, going back to Ireland. He always seemed untouchable.”

I don’t say a word, because it stands to reason that since he's dead, that’s not the case.

“He always talked very highly of the jewel of his eye, which would be you,” he says with a heavy sigh. “When he lost your mum, when you were eight, he started liquidating his businesses. Jeremiah became a homebody soon after, shifting gears so he wouldn’t have to travel.”

I remember that he started doing more business from home and nod.

“The man who killed your father, because you know anyone else was simply the tool, probably believes Jeremiah’s fortune was all in his property and home,” Corbin says. “No one keeps piles of cash at home, and I am fairly certain that if Jeremiah thought there was a chance of a hit on him, that he would have begun to move money to accounts no one could touch.”

“Possibly offshore?” Callum asks. “I’m surprised no one thought to check for bank accounts in general.”

“I haven’t stopped to think about it,” I admit. “It’s dumb to admit that but?—”

“Nay, don’t do that,” Corbin barks. There’s no power that I can tell in his words, and I wait patiently. Just because I am not affected by an alpha bark, doesn’t mean I can’t feel it.

“Your father died, girlie. I’m certain that between that and a new pack, you haven’t had a moment to think. If you can poke around, I imagine you’ll find where your father put your inheritance.”

“Thank you,” I breathe. I blink hard, in shock at what’s possible. It doesn’t mean I won’t still be working my ass off, because it may take a while to find, but I may not be as destitute as I imagine.

“I’m not doing anything but passing along a bit of information,” Corbin says. “You may notice that people will call you royalty, don’t shy away from it. Embrace it, as it’ll help open doors. The Irish are a bit sentimental, Adira. Before the families split as far apart as they have due to Rock Dresmond’s iron fist in Missouri, we were very close.”

I feel as if I’m in shock as Duncan and Callum wish him a good night and we move on. Over and over, people stop us, and they’re surprised to see me sandwiched between the brothers.

Many of them have either met my father or knew of him, and they’re respectful when they speak to me.

“What am I missing?” I ask from the corner of my mouth as we walk toward where the box is. We’re on the other side of the room at this point, and have to cross it to get there.

“Apparently you’re a badass and don’t even know it,” Duncan mutters.

“This could go either way,” Callum says. “I want to upgrade your pocket knife, Adira.”

“Self defense is going to need to be taken seriously, too,” Duncan grunts.

“When am I supposed to study or sleep?” I groan.

“Bring your books over to our house,” Callum says. “I’ll spoil the shit out of you like a proper alpha and then Duncan can put you through your paces.”

“I don’t think that’s how that’s supposed to work,” I mumble.

“If it's not the Kelly brothers in the flesh,” an alpha with blond hair in a top knot says, his tattoos on display as he crosses his arms. His beard is well kept, and he exudes authority, despite his white T-shirt and black tactical pants.

“Glad you could make it. Hope the new guys have something to show us.”

The more people mention that, the curiouser I am. The crowd seems to be finding their seats, and I can feel the excitement in the air.

“Hi, Tommy,” Duncan says with a grin, shaking hands with him. “This place is a roaring success. You’ve built something incredible here.”

“Appreciate it,” Tommy says with a large smile. “Jasper and I are proud of it. I know Gabriel is somewhere around here with his fighters. He’s very dialed in on fight nights.”

“My brother and I always have a good time when we come,” Callum says, jumping in. “Have you met our omega, Adira Firestone?”

“I haven’t, welcome,” Tommy says, extending his hand for me to shake.

I reach out, noting his strong grip. When I’ve shaken other people’s hands, I’ve noticed a variety of things. Some of the men, whether they be alpha or beta, treated me as if I was breakable. Their grip was weak. Others nearly squished my hand in their large hands, and I found myself massaging it once I was out of their sight.

Tommy, instead, is gentle but firm, keeping his gaze on mine as he shakes my hand.

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