Page 14 of Not a Gift

A moment later he descends the stairs, his gaze glued to my father’s form.He raises a brow in question but doesn’t speak.He was my father’s second-in-command.I guess he is mine now.

“Is he dead?”Dante asks with a raised brow.

“I don’t care either way.You wanted him gone,” I say without a speck of remorse.“I’m the head of this family now.”

“Good.I will tell the men.Some may want to protest but for the most part they will be happy with this new direction,” Dante replies.

“If he lives, make sure he isn’t here when I get back.Any men that wish to leave should also do so before I return.”

He has always been loyal to the Black family, and I know he will serve me well in the future.I didn’t want this life, but this is how I will be able to protect the woman I love from being hurt any more.I move toward the stairs while speaking.

“Where are you going?”Dante asks.

“I need to find Lyrik.If I am going to lead this family into the future, I’m going to do it with her by my side.”

“About damn time,” he replies, his phone against his face, already doing what I have decreed.

“Meaning?”

“That girl belongs here.With you.”

Heading toward the room I have been using, I toss the few things I unpacked into my bag before slinging it over my shoulder.The woman I love is on this godforsaken snow-covered mountain, and I need to find her before it’s too late.I’m in charge of my own destiny now.

Chapter Nine

Malichai to the Rescue

Lyrik

The wind howls outside the small cabin.I have been coming here since I found out about the property.It was a month after my eighteenth birthday when the lawyers contacted me and let me know my mother had left me this little surprise.The first year, it wasn’t livable, but I put in a lot of work, and one of the beta handymen in town was willing to help me out for next-to-no payment until we finally got my little slice of heaven livable.

I have been up here in storms but never anything like this.It feels like the entire house is straining to remain upright as the wind and snow batter it from all sides.And for the first time in years, I regret not telling anyone I am up here.If anything happens, no one will know how to look for me and that thought has fear clawing up my throat.

Sitting in front of the fireplace, I add another log to the fire, fighting off the panic attack I feel bubbling up inside me.I stare at the flames that have always called to me and feel myself calm down.Fire has always made me feel safe even though it terrifies me.

Loud knocking sounds on the only door of the cabin, drawing me from my thoughts.

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