Page 74 of Bonded

“Uh…” Bud interrupts with a frown, “you know… technically, they can’t. I mean… kill each other. They’re blood-bonded brothers, they can’t uh, kill each other.”

“Yeah, Bud, we know all that. Trust me, it was just a figure of speech.”

“Uh, okay… I just wanted to clarify.” Bud takes a breath, feeling embarrassed.

“All right, Rhys…” Darius says, turning to look at him. “So, do we actually have a problem?”

“Truth? I’m not sure if I do, but you on the other hand… well, that will depend.”

“Depend? Depend on what? What the fuck does that mean? What game are you playing here Rhys?”

“Depends on you helping me out—I need a favor.”

“We’re not fuckin’ helpin’ you out,” Digby laughs, stepping in front of him.

“Diggs, hold up.” Darius moves forward glaring and pushes him out of the way. “Rhys, what exactly kind of problem are we talking about? And more to the point, what exactly do you want?”

Rhys grins and turns around—looking Kat up and down. “I want her.”

“What the fuck?” Digby pushes Darius away and shoves his brother backward. “Are you fuckin’ crazy? Now you’ve lost the fuckin’ plot! There is no way on this goddamn earth I am givin’ her to you. Take your fuckin’ scrawny drug-dealin’ ass and get the fuck out! I’m serious Rhys, I’m gonna fuckin’ kill you if not.”

“Uh—”

“Bud, trust me if you use the word ‘technically’ again, I will chop your fuckin’ tongue out. Now is not the time to get technical with me because I may well be testin’ that myth to see if it’s true.”

“Digby calm down.” Darius puts his hand on him, pulling him back. Then stepping forward he stares, Rhys doesn’t flinch, at least not visibly—though, on the inside, his wolf is howling and scrabbling to getaway. “You know Rhys, that might just be the dumbest thing you’ve ever said. So, why the hell would you say it?”

“Oh… I think we misunderstood each other. I mean, as lovely as she is, I don’t want my brother’s seconds. But I do need her—to be at the club.”

“What the actual fuck are you talking about?” Digby lurches forward.

“I need her to replace Alyssa, at least temporarily—though you never know, it might work out long term?” he grins.

“Replace Alyssa?” Kat now steps forward and frowns. “Has it escaped your attention that I already have a job? And it’s a damn better one than prancing around your club flashing my panties to anyone who will look. So, thanks for the offer… but no!”

“Oh shame, and there was me thinking you were already so good at it, flashing your panties, or is that… droppin’ them?” He grins smugly as he stares at her before turning his attention back to Darius. “Sorry, but this is not negotiable. She can keep the day job. I just need her to turn up occasionally and swan around like she owns the place in the same way Alyssa did.”

“What the fuck are you talkin’ about, Rhys? Kat’s not doin’ anythin’ for you. Period.”

“Oh, but see she is. Because me showing the police that camera footage of Alyssa back at the club? Well, it’s very much dependent on her helping me out with my problem.”

“You’ve got nothin’ on us. So do what you want,” Digby growls. “Kat’s not doin’ anythin’ for you.”

“Yeah, that’s right, and that’s exactly what I’ll tell the police. That I’ve got nothing.” He smiles. “Look, with Alyssa gone, I have a huge void and every damn beta she-wolf in the place is going to wanna earn that spot. What I don’t need right now is a pack of over hormonal bitches scrapping it out every night. Alyssa had been there a long time; she could hold her own and she rarely got challenged, but now with her gone, I need to fill that spot to keep the peace—for everyone’s sake. My club can’t get that kinda reputation. I’ll leave that to the tacky shifter dumps like ‘Tramps’ where they’re slugging it out every night.”

“Well, I’m not doing it… and you can’t prove anything; we know Ryan didn’t kill her, so you just need to tell the police she came back to the club. If not, then I will. I’ll tell them she wasn’t here when I came back and I’ll give him an alibi.”

“But that won’t wash. Maybe you were in it together? Maybe wanted to get rid of the ex?”

“No… no that’s not what happened. Ryan had nothing to do with her death. She went back to the club and you know that. For God’s sake, he’s your brother. You wouldn’t do that to him?”

“Yeah, he fuckin’ would if it gets him what he wants,” Digby sighs. He’s so angry and closing his eyes he bites against his lip as he tries to remain calm.

“Oh, and what… you wouldn’t do the same to me, brother?” Rhys laughs.

“So, that’s all you want… Kat, to turn up and occasionally parade around the club?” Darius is now much calmer, and he takes a deep breath as he questions Rhys. “All right then… you got it.”

Kat’s face drops and she gasps in disbelief. “Wait… What the fuck? Darius, you have to be fucking kidding. No! No, I’m not doing it. He can go fuck himself. I’m not some toy you can all just pass around to play with. I won’t just do as you say.”

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