Page 140 of Boulder's Weight

"I'm so sorry," I start, but she cuts me off by pulling me into a fierce hug.

"Don't you dare apologize," she says fiercely. "None of this is your fault."

I hug her back, feeling tears threaten again. "They took Python because of me. They used you to get to me."

She pulls back, holding me at arm's length. "And I would have done the same thing if it had been you they'd taken. That's what family does." Her eyes shift to Boulder. "And you're family now, whether you meant to be or not."

The simple declaration hits hard—family.

Not by blood, but by choice.

Something I haven't had since I turned my father in.

Astra continues, her voice softening. "Python's asking for me. We still haven't found Lashes, but Amara has every resource looking. The boys from Alejandro's crew are checking all of Andrés' properties."

"We'll find her," Boulder says with quiet confidence.

Astra nods, then hugs me one more time before leaving to be with Python.

I stand there, processing her words.

Family.

"She's right, you know," Boulder says, coming to stand beside me. "You're part of this now. Not just because I claimed you, but because of who you are. How you've handled yourself."

I lean against him, too tired to stand on my own anymore. "I never expected to belong anywhere again. Not after everything."

His arm comes around me. "Families aren't just blood, Montana."

"I know that now," I whisper.

The interrogation of Benji is set to begin in church, the club's sacred meeting room.

Boulder leads me there, making sure I'm seated in a corner where I can observe without being directly in Benji's line of sight.

Amara sits at the head of the table, with Axel and Razor flanking her.

Python's seat remains empty—he's still with Astra—but Zorro is present, his weathered face grim.

Sam sits to one side, his head now properly bandaged, his eyes locked on the door through which they'll bring Benji.

The room falls silent as Doom and Brick lead Benji in, his hands cuffed behind his back.

He's been cleaned up somewhat, the blood washed from his face, but the gunshot wound in his shoulder remains untreated, deliberate I’d bet.

They force him into a chair at the opposite end of the table from Amara.

Benji's eyes scan the room, pausing briefly when he spots me, a cold smile spreading across his face.

"Family reunion," he says, his voice steady despite his situation. "How touching."

"You're not family," Sam says, his voice hard. "Not anymore."

Benji's smile doesn't falter. "Blood is blood, little brother. No matter how much you might wish otherwise."

Amara cuts in, her tone businesslike. "We're not here to discuss family shit. We want information about your arrangement with Sally Bernard and Andrés. Specifically, where they're keeping our prospect, Lashes."

Benji leans back in his chair, as casual as if he were at a business meeting rather than an interrogation. "And why would I help you?"

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