Page 75 of Bonded

“Oh, I don’t know…” Rhys smiles smugly. “I thought that’s exactly what you were?”

“You can’t make me do this?” She growls; turning to glare at Darius, but he can’t look at her.

“I can if I give you an order.”

“If you give me an order? Are you for real? You’re un-fuckin-believable!” she laughs. “Well, that is the only fucking way I’ll do this. Seriously, you need to get your priorities straight here.”

“I am. That’s why I’m saying you’ll do it—to protect the team.”

Digby growls and stands himself between Rhys and Kat. “You need to get the fuck out, now! Before I put you out—permanently.”

“Oh, really? Please, don’t flatter yourself. I mean, you can try.” Rhys smiles. “Look, it’s just a temporary fix. And for what it’s worth, it’s not ideal for me either. I really needed someone more… free. I mean, you bonding with her well that was some shit timing brother. I actually need someone who can put-out and keep the clientele happy—as well as keepin’ the wildlife in check.” he smiles, shooting a glance to Darius. “So, trust me, this is not my ideal solution either. But… it will take me some time to pick a replacement, so it is what it is for now. Do we have an agreement?”

“Yeah.” Darius sighs reluctantly. “Yeah, we have an agreement—but it is just temporary. And you don’t put any demands on her. She turns up when she wants, does what she wants, and leaves when she wants.”

“Oh, I don’t fucking believe this!” Kat stands mouth open with utter contempt for all of them—discussing her like she’s not there. “How the hell can you agree to this and without my consent?”

“Because you’d say no, right?”

“Yes, I’d fucking say no! I still am. No… no, I’m not doing this. Fuck you—fuck you all!”

Digby keeps his body positioned between her and Rhys and growls. “You know what, I’m so done listenin’ to you. Zak… kill him. Then I’ll help you bury his body.”

“Uh…” Bud puts his hand up, “technic—” he stops mid-sentence as Digby’s blue eyes glare at him. “Okay, yeah sorry,” he slumps back in his seat next to QT—Oz shaking his head in despair.

“You’re not gettin’ her. Simple as. So, go find someone else to whore out.”

Kat steps up close, looking Rhys in the eyes. “I don’t think I made myself clear, to any of you. You don’t have the right to give me away. None of you do. I’m not listening to any more of this bullshit; I’m going to bed before I do something I might regret—like kill someone.”

Pushing his luck, Rhys gently strokes his finger against the side of her neck and grins. “Oh, I should remind you, before Bud does, ‘technically’ you can’t kill me now. We’re bonded—by blood. You forget Ryan’s blood is my blood, so you being bonded to him equals can’t kill me.”

“Arrgh… Fuck you!” She screams. Her green eyes flash with anger and her cheeks burn hot amber and she struggles to hold Luna inside. Then, still muttering and cursing, she stomps down the hall and entering the small bedroom, she slams the door behind her.

A huge roaring howl goes up and the guys all look at one another. They’re shocked by the sound and unsure what to say they remain silent.

“She’s right.” Digby scowls, “She’s not doin’ this. Darius, man, I can’t believe you agreed to it? What the hell is wrong with you? And since when do you side with that asshole?”

“Trust me, I don’t want her to do it,” he says calmly. “I’ll talk to her; I’ll convince her it’s the right thing—tomorrow when she’s calmer. We might not like it but he’s right, we don’t need a turf war going on, especially with the whole Alyssa and Munroe situation about to blow up. We don’t need that kind of attention. We do need to stay in the shadows even more now. So, let’s just keep everything on an even keel. Besides, we’ll all be there with her. Digby, no one’s going to touch her. You have my word—I’ll make sure of it, and so will he. Rhys will make it clear to everyone, she’s not up for sale.”

“Okay, but you know, if you change your minds about that, we could make some serious cash; with what she is.” Rhys smiles, knowing he’s goading his brother. “I mean clients will pay good money to—”

“Will you shut the fuck up. You’re a twisted son-of-a-bitch!”

Digby frowns, then swinging his fist he lands a heavy punch to the side of his brother’s face—throwing another before he knows what’s happening, he catches his ribs with a full blow.

“Oh hell!” Zak sighs as he and Oz try to pull the now fighting twins apart. “Whoa! Whoa… Diggs c’mon man.”

Darius steps up and stands between them—separating the pair. As he does, things settle quickly between them.

They all look up as the bedroom door opens.

“Kat…” Digby frowns. “You okay?”

“Where the fuck are my things? My clothes? My underwear?”

“Oh yeah shit… sorry, I um, I meant to tell you. What I mean is I…” He swallows nervously as everyone looks up confused. “I—well, I figured now we were… bonded, I just assumed you’d wanna move into my room. So, I thought I’d move your things into a drawer and surprise you.”

“What?!” she sneers. “Why would you assume that? You know you’re un-fucking-believable! Great! Who the hell do you think you are? You think you can just decide these things for me—like I belong to you. Can’t I think for myself anymore? I’m not your fuckin’ property. What the hell gave you the right to touch my stuff?”

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