Page 43 of The Vipers' Vow

“Lex is my best friend at the college,” I say. I realize there’s a beautiful truth to that. He is my friend, and he does care for me in a unique way that neither Zane nor Saint show. He’s the one to look after me following our marathon sex sessions, and he’s the one I can imagine sitting and just chilling, watching a cute movie with, or something on Netflix.

Dad jerks his chin over to where Zane is still being regaled by Phoenix. “And that big bastard? He’s more than a friend, right?”

I sigh, because I can see how much Dad hates it, but at some point, he’s got to realize he can’t keep me preserved forever as his innocent little girl. “Yes, Dad, he’s more than a friend.”

Then I add, because I really want my dad to accept Zane right now, “He’s protected me the entire time I’ve been at Verona Falls.”

My dad seems to consider all I’ve said, and he strokes his beard. “Once you’ve got this Lex safe, I can do as I see fit?”

I nod, hating misleading him, because I don’t want him starting a war at any time, but needing him to let this go for now.

I don’t add that Lex has a twin brother. This is more than enough for my dad to take. I just want him to take me seriously, for once in my life. I’m a grown woman who has formed her own relationships, and he needs to respect that.

A deep sigh emanates from him, and then he digs into his jeans pocket and pulls out the chain. I hold out my palm, and he drops the item into the center. The chain pools, and I weigh the crucifix in my hand. It’s chunky and heavy, and I assume is made of good quality gold.

I close my fist around it. “Thanks, Dad.” I reach up and wrap my arms around him, kissing his whiskery cheek. “I love you,” I whisper.

His arms tighten around me just a little, and I relish his strength before I step back.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he says. “First light.”

I nod, though I have no intention of seeing him then. I plan to be long gone.

15

VANI

Ifind Zane waiting for me outside.

I lower my voice. “We have a problem. My dad has given me the necklace, but he wants to come with us.”

Zane’s lips twist. He takes out his cell and writes,Is that such a bad thing?

“Yes, it is. I've seen the aftermath of fights between two rival gangs, and while Jarl doesn’t run a club, he is still into a life of crime. It won't be pretty. People will get hurt, or worse. What if my dad or you, or Lex, or Saint get caught in the crossfire?” I say something I know is going to twang on his heartstrings. “What if I do?”

Jarl Olsen took my best friend,he writes.He deserves to pay for that.

“Does he? This is crazy. He lost his daughter, and he’s grieving. What if we can just give him what he wants, turn around, and walk away happy and with everyone safe? Zane, if we don’t do this and we start a war, then he could come after any of us at any time, and I’m the daughter of Jack-the-blood and that means I am a likely target. Do you want that? To live forever thinking that at any time I might be taken?”

His face grows tight at my words, and he shakes his head.

Maybe it's a pipedream, wanting to be the peacemaker, but I clutch at that hope. I’ve already lost so many people, I can't stand the thought of losing anyone else. If something happened to my dad, I’d be an orphan, and if something happened to one of the guys, I'd be destroyed—a shell, a living, breathing ghost.

I think you’re giving Jarl too much credit, Zane replies.

Maybe I am. But also maybe for once in my life, I am right and the men around me aren’t. I can’t always let myself be dictated to by those bigger and rougher than me. I have my own mind, and I’m going to stick to my guns on this.

I spot Phoenix and Zoo leaving the clubhouse, and I grab their attention, jerking my chin at them to get them to come around the side of the building with us, so we won’t be seen or overheard.

“I need a favor,” I blurt. “A big favor. Huge, actually.”

Phoenix frowns. “Anything for you, Ivani.”

“It’ll mean going against my dad.”

He narrows his eyes. “Going against him how?”

“Providing me with backup, but he wants to be the one who does it.”

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