Page 136 of Demise

“Yes, sir.”

“Good, because that shit about Liam and Asher sharing her is something a monkey could have fucking figured out. She’s hiding more than she lets on, figure it out before I no longer have a use for you.”

A few more murmured words are exchanged before the front door opens and Wesley is there. His eyes widen when he sees me, but he quickly schools his expression.

“Hey, Ash. What are you doing here?”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I throw back.

“Your dad wanted to meet up. Go over some things,” he says as he shrugs and begins walking to his car.

I’m fucking floored and in total disbelief as I shake my head after him.

“About my wife?” I call out.

Wesley’s feet stop for a moment before they continue. I’m half convinced to run over and slit his fucking heels, make that motherfucker stop walking and start explaining. Unfortunately, before I can, the door opens again and my father is there, practically yanking me inside the house as the door slams shut behind me and Wesley’s car drives away.

“I told you an hour,” my father says stiffly as he looks down at me.

“I was running early, my apologies.”

He makes an unimpressed noise in the back of his throat as he moves to his office. I follow after him as he takes a seat behind his desk.

“You know how I feel about eavesdropping.”

“It was by mistake.”

“Yes, I’m sure it was. I imagine you have some questions?” he asks.

I nod. “Why are you having Wesley dig up information on Skyla?”

“Because you have become too attached to her, as has your bond brother. My own brother seems far too close with the girl as well, and she doesn’t hang out with anyone but that vulgar Bartlett.”

I keep my expression neutral, not reacting to any of his words as he cocks his head to the side.

“I allowed Ronan to bring in Wesley to assist with the protection of Skyla, but Wesley has always known the score. I run the Brethren, I run Salem. Anything that occurs within this city limits, within my society, I have a right to know.”

That son of a fucking bitch.

“So, he’s been spying on us.”

“For lack of a better term.”

“And you knew about her and Liam,” I say.

He nods. “I’ve had my suspicions about Ronan for some time as well, and Griggs…he watches her far too closely.”

“You think I’m sharing my wife with all those men?” I scoff. “Liam is one thing, but my uncle? Griggs?” I shake my head like the idea is preposterous, hoping I’m a good enough actor.

My father watches me closely, shrugging his shoulders.

“You tell me, son.”

He’s baiting me. He already knows the truth, or at least he thinks he does. I don’t give in, though. I shake my head.

“No, I would never.”

“I’d hope that I raised you better than that. A bond between a brother and his property is one thing but to lend her out to every man in the Elders…well, then I’d say you’d truly need to lend her to all,” he says with a wicked grin that turns my stomach.

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