Page 32 of Forever Filthy

He rolls his eyes. “I may be a caged dog but that doesn’t mean my pack isn’t still out there.”

“You don’t seem like a dog.”

“I’m not, I’m the alpha.” The conviction in which he says that sends a shiver down my spine. I don’t doubt him. I can tell from the way he holds himself and naturally commands attention without trying that he would be an imposing force against any man.

“How old are you?” I blurt without thinking, then smile sheepishly. He laughs and the sound is melodic and strange, seeing a man that looks like him laugh brings a real smile to my own face. He releases my hand and relaxes into his chair so I do the same.

“So, we’re asking personal questions now?”

I purse my lips and shrug. “I guess so.”

“I’m twenty-six.”

“I assume you already know how old I am?”

“Nineteen, you have a twin brother who is a few minutes older than you. You have a budding relationship with three of his best friends, his girlfriend is your best friend who is–sorry was—was the stepsister of the cunt that took my sister from me.”

“Should I be worried you know so much about me?”

He shrugs. “Depends, do you have anything to be worried about?” he counters.

“More than I want to admit,” I say bitterly.

“Want to know something?”

I nod. “Sure.”

“Ever since you sent me that letter I’ve had my pack tracking you and garnering every piece of information they could. Turns out you have more skeletons in your closet than a graveyard.”

I chortle. “Nice reference.”

“I try my best to please.”

“What skeletons are you referring to?” I press.

“For starters, you are the lordess of a brotherhood that is planning to kill you.” I gasp.

“What?”

“You may think I’m a monster, Vivian, but I can assure you that what they have planned for you is much worse than what I have done. If I was you, I would do my best to finish… I guess we shall call it a hostile takeover and get out.”

I swallow audibly and stare at him with wide eyes. “How do you know aboutthat?” I hiss.

“Lividica?” I stare at him with my jaw practically in my lap. “I know a lot. Halo managed to find a lot of things about you,Mrs. Tempest.”

“Who the hell is Halo?”

“Halo is my hacker, he can find anything out about anyone. People think they don’t leave a trace behind but they're wrong.You just have to be smart enough to look in the right places and he does. I’m not saying this to scare you, I’m telling you this because…” He clamps his mouth closed and turns away from me, it takes a second for me to realize what he was going to say.

“I remind you of Elanor,” I whisper, he growls and grinds his teeth.

Slowly he turns back to face me and the guilt ridden look in his eyes robs me of air. “I couldn’t save my sister, but I have a chance to help you and I am offering you my help if you want it.”

“What's the debt?” I ask on instinct.

His brows pull in. “There isn’t one. I have nothing but time in here, helping you would keep my mind active instead of focusing on my retrial.”

“Your what?”

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