Page 8 of Smoke the Enemy

“No. We don’t need him on our ass any more than he already is.”

“If the old man is so damn worried, why don’t he go chasing after Van Doren. Does he think he can’t handle a college adolescent?” I snark.

“Not now, Soren.”

Steffan calls our father while Succo drives. After he ends the call, he tells us our father said it’s because he wants to keep an eye on Alex. If he’s around us, we can watch him better. I don’t buy that line of shit for a minute. Rhett Carmichael is only king and leader of The Illicit Brotherhood if there aren’t any Duprees. His sons can only reign after him if there isn’t a Dupree because the founding families will always vote for a Dupree.

Goddamn. I don’t want to have to deal with Alex for even one minute. But the next two weeks went the same way. Alex was everywhere we were. The plus side of that was I knew he wasn’t pining over Taylor or trying to win her back. However, Thanksgiving break was quickly approaching. So I made sure the scab remained in Mississippi when I boarded the plane to visit my family so he could keep an eye on things for me because I knew Alex would go visit his own family… who just so happened to be in the same town as my little mouse.

My family owns a large ski resort in Carmichael, North Carolina, that’s very profitable, but it’s mostly used as a way to launder our real money. Our ancestors were one of the founding families, and we basically own the town. We also have several homes in other locations, but mother likes to spend the winter holidays here.

The Hummer pulls up to our large luxury cabin. Steffan and I climb out in sync. The large, double-arched doors burst open and my mother, Judith Carmichael, comes running toward me with outstretched arms. She embraces me and then I feel her newly plumped lips against my skin as she peppers kisses all over my face. I’ve always thought my mother such a beautiful woman, yet she’s never been satisfied with her appearance so she’s constantly trying to upgrade herself with chemicals and surgeries. I think of Taylor’s natural beauty and my heart tightens.

“My gorgeous baby boy. I’ve missed you so much.”I know she has.My mother never would’ve agreed to what my father did with sending me away. Her answer was to wipe out the Van Doren’s the night The Illicit discovered their betrayal. She wasn’t satisfied with executing only the two heads of the house, she wanted to end the family line completely. Both Van Doren children, the son and daughter, would’ve lost their lives that night. She has a bit of a temper. Which is why I know she thought nothing of me being the reason Bryce lost his leg to Allison.

“Me too, Ma.”

She turns her affections to Steffan. “Thank you for getting him home.”

Steffan, ever the peacekeeper.But now that I see my mother’s glistening eyes, I’m glad I came. Our father walks out next to hug us. The mighty Rhett Carmichael. I only accept his touch for my mother’s sake. As we walk into the house, he grabs me and Steffan by our shoulders and mumbles, “We have much to discuss.”

I inwardly groan. Of course, we do. Hell, I haven’t even made it through the door yet.

Fucking home sweet home.

North Carolina

Carmichael Ski Resort

Soren

I’m furious as I leave the meeting with Steffan and my father. I didn’t speak during the entire thing. He doesn’t deserve my words. Besides, they’d only fall on his old, deaf ears. That man never listens to anyone. He hears what he wants, and does what he wants. Rhett Carmichael didn’t become the leader of The Illicit Brotherhood by asking and playing nice. He’s an overbearing son-of-a-bitch. While everyone else finds being in the same room with him nerve wracking, I remain collected and meet his gaze head-on every single fucking time. Because he’s already put me through the worst. I don’t fear my father’s hand or his power. When it comes to him, I’m completely devoid of any emotions — including fear. Steffan, his golden child, still strives for his respect. He and I both know that any regard I held for him is long gone, which is why Steffan is now being groomed to rule. Fine by me. I’m not foolish enough to leave the Brotherhood because of my father. I still hunger for power, and by birth, I’m still owed that much. However, if — no,when —the opportunity presents itself to ruin my old man, I’m taking it.

“Soren!” My father’s voice booms, and I keep walking. Apparently, he didn’t get the notification that our meeting was over. “Soren Carmichael…” He takes a few more steps and then yells. “You do realize, son, that I’ll make you pay for disobeying me.”

What could he possibly do to me that hasn’t been done already…over and over again?

“I know about your ‘Little Mouse.’”

My feet stop mid-step before my mind even processes his threat. I turn around and march back toward him.

“Women have always been your weakness. You really need to work on that, son.” Liquid hot rage runs through my veins, but I refuse to react. The men continue walking past us. Security staff for the ski resort. Business managers. The whole meeting was about upping our personal security. Steffan and I are not to leave or travel unattended. We need fucking babysitters, as absurd as that is. Which is why a part of me wonders if he still doesn’t trust me. He shipped me off for a year, now I’m stripped of all privacy while in my own home. When I continue to blankly stare at him, he gives me a cold smirk.

“Step back inside my office, son.” I hold his stare a few seconds longer before finally doing as he asks. I lean against the wall and cross my arms, watching him as he walks back to sit behind his desk. “What’s the deal with this girl?” He already knows the answer to that question if he knows my nickname for her. He doesn’t bring up anything unless he is well prepared and thoroughly informed. I narrow my eyes as I try to tame my anger, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.

My father chuckles. “You and your brother sharing her? Was that some kind of arrangement so you could get a piece of ass? You sure as hell didn’t charm her. Have you even spoken to the girl, seeing as you’re a fucking mute, or does Steffan prep her with sweet words first so you can move right on in? Did he smooth talk both of your way into her pants?” I could share that I had Taylor first, but fuck him. Instead, I watch him. He’s trying too hard to get under my skin…he’s showing all his cards and the asshole is scared. A bully will poke and try to humiliate their opponent. My father isn’t a stupid man, and one doesn’t get as far in life — especially in The Illicit — by being naïve. He knows I’m not his ally, therefore I am a threat. We’re both realize that we’re playing mind games on the other. Neither one of us buying into the illusion we’re on the same team.

“I need to know if she’s going to be a distraction? A problem between you and your brother…and our business.”

He’s worried she could cause a rift between Steffan and me. I smirk at that and push myself off the wall. “No worse than you are.”

“Dammit, Soren! We were only protecting you. I’ve only ever done what you needed.” I wait for him to finish, holding his stare the entire time. “Just go,” he finally clips.

I casually walk out of his office, but once I’m in the hallway I hurry to Steffan’s room. If father is concerned about Taylor, that means she could have a target on her head. Nothing gets in Rhett Carmichael’s way. Threats and problems are immediately eliminated. Also, we need to figure out what we’re going to do with these bodyguards. I stop walking and listen, sure enough, the footsteps that had been following me stop. Looking over my shoulder, I glare at the two men in suits, standing there waiting for my next move.

After Thanksgiving dinner I retreat to my room, but I don’t get any solitude. I barely lie down on my bed when I hear a knock. No doubt it’s my brother, so I don’t bother voicing permission.

“Dinner was delicious.” Steffan casually says as he strolls toward my bed.

---