Page 26 of Savage Possession
“Makes sense he’s getting in on the action.”
Ash rests his chin on the top of my head and lets out a heavy sigh. “Euphoria is moving through our city because Ares’ brotheris backing financially, Grudge is letting them use his territory and now we know Malcom Fontaine is supplying his credentials to get the supplies through customs.”
“Euphoria?” I ask. It’s the first time I’ve heard that name.
“A designer drug that has its origins back with a buddy of ours, Ares. He’s the president of his crew and a good ally. His brother on the other hand is about as evil as they get. Trafficking, guns, drugs and anything else that puts money in his pocket.”
“Ares. Is he Russian by chance?”
“Yep.”
That’s Reaper.
I process that information for a minute. “I think I’ve seen him, which makes sense. My father is making new friends lately and not of the good variety. It pains me to say it, but my father is not such a nice guy anymore and if Ash has told you everything that’s gone down, I’m afraid that me being here puts you all in danger.” I place my mug on the coffee table in front of me and move to head for the door. I don’t have a real plan, but I do have friends in New Orleans who might help me disappear.
Ash’s arm tightens around me and I get about as far as you can imagine once his arm turns into a clamp. “Where are you going? I can already read your thoughts and no. You are not leaving because you perceive we can’t handle whatever trouble you think the Vultures will level on us.” He turns me around and touches the end of my nose with his. “You’re safe here. I told you that last night.”
Okayy.
Well, this whole soulmate thing comes with benefits, because it’s like the man just read my mind.
I shift in Ash’s arms. “My father mentioned having a deal with Grudge and that can only happen in his territory. I don’t know what that means but if there’s anything I can help with, please let me know. I don’t like the idea of going up against my father, but he had no problem using me for his personal gain. I see no reason to stay loyal.” Fear grips my heart. As much as the truth hurts, I know I’m doing the right thing by offering.
Reaper huffs out a disgusted laugh. “We are counting on them wanting trouble, sweetheart. It’s how they will mess up and give us the intel we actually need.”
The room is silent for a minute while I take in that piece of information. “Like what?”
All three men look at each other and look like they are figuring out how to backpedal as fast as possible. “You’ve done enough, sweetheart. Ash is right, you’re safe here and we do not want to do anything that will bring you more heartache.”
I cross my arms over my chest and step out of Ash’s hold. I’m not as weak as Venom is making me sound. “I’m not a flower to put in a vase and push to the side. I take another step and Venom tosses the piece of paper he’s been analyzing on the coffee table to hold up both hands in a gesture of peace.
“That’s not what I meant, Isabella. Sorry ‘bout that. It’s more about if you get hurt, your man will put us all in an early grave.”
Ash’s possessive arm comes back around me. “True.”
My ire fades and I look down a moment to gather my next words. That is when I spot the paper. More so, what’s writtenon it. “Where did you get this?” I pick up the crumpled sheet of paper and immediately recognize the numbers in the columns, the abbreviations. The dates. I don’t know what they mean, but I remember where I saw them.
I scan each line, and a few of the dots are mentally connecting.
Reaper stands and points to each column. “You know what these are don’t you? Tell us.”
I nod and give him a look ofholy shit.
I step out of Ash’s arms and grab the keys off the table. “I can do you all one better, let me show you.”
Ash
Thirty-five minutes later we pull up outside a dilapidated concrete shack in the middle of nowhere covered in graffiti. Actually, it’s about a mile into Vulture territory. Grudge has been a busy motherfucker.
“I can’t fucking believe it. I was staking out the wrong fucking dock. Three days wasted when I could have been giving the prez real intel.”
Venom And Reaper walk up behind me, weapons drawn. Reaper taps me on the shoulder and all three of us move with precision through the shack and the surrounding forest, clearing the location. It takes less than ten minutes to secure the place to make sure it’s safe before Isa leaves the truck. Not that I wanted her to come, but there was no holding her back. She’s a bravewoman and if she needs to be at the head of the charge, then I'll be the shield at her back.
Reaper looks at her with respect and Venom, well, he gave her coffee. That’s like welcoming her into the family by his standards.
When she joins us, the first place she walks to are the metal barrels stacked up on the outside.
Mud and mosquitos are enough to make me want to get back in the truck, but she doesn’t look phased as she marches through it all with a look of determination written all over her expression. I didn’t think I could love her more than I already do, but my heart grows with the fluffy stuff until my chest hurts.
