Page 55 of Bone's Destiny

“Is there any connection with Dorian Adrienne?” It would make sense if there was since his reach was far. Or it had been before he’d been killed.

“Nothing concrete,” Cobra replied. “Always a possibility, though. If the members of the Rat Brotherhood had been older, they could’ve had ties.”

“How do we know they didn’t have someone older calling the shots.” Shit, my mind was reeling.

“I guess we don’t know.” Cobra leaned against the island, thinking. “I hate this shit. Sorry to burden you with this. I know you have other stuff on your mind. I just thought you should know what we learned.”

“No. I needed to know so I can help Destiny find her birth parents.” I cut my gaze at my dad. “We should get back to the living room. I gotta tell you all something.”

“Bone. Not tonight,” Dad said.

“It has to be tonight.” I glared at him. “Because once I get this off my chest, I’m leaving Fargo, and I may never be back, depending on how it goes.”

“What the fuck are you talking about,” Hustler asked.

“I want to know, too,” Spectre said. “Does this have to do with Mom?”

“Yes.” I stared at my dad.

“Then let’s go.” Cobra left the kitchen. I appreciated his support more than he’d ever know.

Dad grabbed me by the bicep. “Please don’t do this now. Not with a full house. This should be just the three of us. Your mother just had a heart attack.”

“She’s not my—” I stopped myself when I heard Destiny in my head. She’d tell me to not be cruel and heartless. She’d say I was lucky to have a loving home and to hear them out before making my decision. “I need to do this.”

Dad released my arm, and I followed my brothers.

I went straight to Destiny and whispered, “I’m telling them right now. Afterward, we’re going back to Montana.”

“Okay.” She put her hand in mine and laced our fingers together. “Whatever you need, I’m here.”

I kissed her. “Thank you.” I went to a spot near the front door where everyone could see me.

My brothers went to their old ladies. Spectre sat beside Piper and shrugged when she looked at him, confused. Dad took his spot next to Lady M. She turned white as a ghost as if she knew what was coming.

My stomach churned, but I was going to see this through. “I’m glad we could all be here tonight to welcome the newest member to the family, Cherish Lizabeth. The birth of a child is a blessing. Is that what Lady M has said?”

“Honey, not like this,” Lady M said pleadingly.

“Do you love me?” I asked her.

“More than you know, to the moon and back a million times.” She swiped a renegade tear off her cheek.

“What’s going on?” Piper asked.

“I have something to tell you all. This isn’t easy, but I’m done lying and keeping secrets.” I inhaled a deep breath.

“Go on.” Cobra nodded. “It’ll be okay.”

The others looked at him like they were offended.

“There’s a reason for my grumpiness, seclusion, and anger.” I just needed to say it and not draw it out. “When I was in middle school, I discovered I have a different mother. Lady M is not my mother. She and Dad had made a fake birth certificate with her name as the mother, but I found the original.”

“No,” Piper cried. “How is that possible?”

“Dad, did you cheat on Mom?” Hustler asked.

“Jesus Christ, I knew whatever was bothering you was huge, but I didn’t think it was this, even after hearing part of your conversation weeks ago.” He put his hand on his head. After what he discovered about Destiny’s birth, my news might be too much for him.

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