by Dani René
I think about my life, and all the people who I thought were there to keep me safe. Instead, they lied to me, kept secrets from me, and sold me just to ensure their bullshit didn’t come to light. That they didn’t get found out for things they did.
Then I think of the only person who was there for me. Other than Lycan. And I realize how much I miss her. As soon as we get back, I need to see Aelin. I need someone to talk to that isn’t a commanding, domineering man.
My lashes flutter against my cheeks as weariness finally comes knocking and with the thought of building a new life in my mind, I nuzzle deeper into Lycan’s hold as I allow sleep to steal me.
18
Lycan
I’m thankful to be back in Crimson Falls with my wife. The most surprising thing is that my brother is here too. I never thought I’d see the day where he walked into this house willingly. Yet here he is.
We’re seated at the dining room table, the same one we sat at so many times before as kids. Growing up, we didn’t think about the importance of spending time together. For us, we wanted to race out to be with our friends. Yes, we were close as brothers, closer than some, but right now, I feel like I’ve gained my family back.
Even though our father isn’t here, I still feel his presence as we eat dinner. With Scarlett beside me, and Darius opposite me, it feels like I’m finally home. I’ve spent so long in this house, especially when I first brought my girl here, but for the first time, I’m at ease.
I’m comfortable.
It’s an emotion I’ve not allowed myself to feel for so long, it’s jarring. I finish the last bite of steak before I settle back and pick up my drink. Watching the two people who mean the most to me in this world, I take a sip of vodka, a liquor I haven’t had in years, and enjoy the bitter taste as I swallow it down.
“The first thing I want to do is settle this…” I start, thinking of the best words to use to describe what I want. I settle for, “…thing between us.” I glance between Scarlett and Darius, noticing the blush that forms on my wife’s cheeks.
My brother, on the other hand, looks like he’s about to burst with excitement. I pondered this all the way back home. The thought of sharing her with anyone else doesn’t sit well with me, but knowing my brother will give her what she needs allows me to consider it more and more.
I look at my wife. “You’re new to this world of mine. And I haven’t truly taken you like I want to, shown you what it entails.” I smile when her cheeks darken to a soft rosy hue, and the image of her ass, her thighs, and her calves turning the same color has my dick thickening behind the zipper of my slacks. “I want you to experience it, just this once.” I tack on the last three words to ensure there’s no discussion.
“I don’t know what to say,” Scarlett responds, lifting her napkin to dab at the corners of her mouth as she finishes her meal. She’s so fucking beautiful, at times it’s difficult to look at her. To even fathom this woman is mine.
“We will come to an agreement, what you’re not willing to try, and anything not on that list will be on the yes pile. It’s free rein for us.” I lift my glass and tip it toward Darius.
“Are you sure about this?” Darius asks as he watches me. I can tell he’s worried about my choice to do this. But he doesn’t need to be. I’m doing this for her.
“Scarlett hasn’t experienced being a submissive to me yet. Yes, we’ve played, very little, but I’ve eased her into my life. I didn’t want to throw her in the deep end. Mainly because the start of our relationship wasn’t… conventional,” I finally find the word to describe it.
“That’s no lie,” my wife sasses as she sips her wine. Her mouth crimson from the alcohol, and I can’t stop the desire from burning through my veins as I watch her lick her lips. “I’m just surprised you’re willing to do this, because you can be like a caveman at times.”
“Keep up with that sass and I’ll put you over my knee right here in front of Darius, as well as the staff and I’ll spank your bare ass as they watch,” I threaten, causing her mouth to fall open and a shocked gasp to free itself from her plump lips.
Darius chuckles. “Now that is something I’d love to see.” When Scarlett pins him with a glare, he only laughs harder. “My brother doesn’t fuck around when he threatens, I would be careful if I were you.”
My gorgeous woman folds her arms across her chest and tips her chin up in defiance. “Fine. I want to do it. So, let’s do it.” There’s fire in her eyes, and I wonder just how much she’d be able to handle. The thought has my cock throbbing with the need to see her begging and pleading for mercy. Between Darius and me, she’ll be nothing more than a whimpering mess of blissful female flesh.
“Are you sure?” I arch a brow, meeting her defiant gaze, which only seems to make my dick harder with each passing second. I want to be inside her, right here and fucking now. “Because once you agree, there’s no going back.”
“One night,” Scarlett says with confidence, but I can read the hint of tension that’s so clear in her voice. She purses her lips, and I smile.
“Then it’s settled,” I respond with a satisfied nod. I glance over at Darius, his gaze wide with shock. He didn’t think I would agree to it. The thing about it is that my ring is on her finger. And even though it’s only a scene, one night, I’m convinced she’ll come back to me. Last night cemented her love and affection for me. While I was in pain, her need to care for me when she herself was hurting made it clear that there would be nothing that would take this woman away from me. I want to give her this, and to be honest, I’m going to enjoy it as well.
“And when do you propose we do this?” Darius asks as he watches me, still wary at my sudden change of heart to his request for one night with her.
We have a lot to do, I realize that. For one, we need to find out why Grace was funding Lorenzo’s convent, and we also need to find the fucker. Kahn is working on tracking him, the bastard got away before we arrived, but when they managed to get into the building, they found proof that he’d been there, not long before we arrived.
The girls who have been questioned so far gave us a list of names, and I’ve agreed to allow Alex and Kahn to work together to end the organization. We know who they are, now all we need to do is find the kingpin.
This was always going to be Kahn’s mission. He’s still looking for his sister, and deep down, I pray that she’s still alive. I’m not sure what condition he’ll find her in, but if she’s alive, we can get her help, therapy.
“Tomorrow night,” I finally answer both Scarlett and Darius. “Once we’ve spoken to Grace, gotten some answers from her, we can come back here and have dinner. I have a feeling after talking to the old woman, we’ll need to let off some steam.”
“I want the police on standby,” Darius says quietly before glancing at Scarlett, whose lip is wobbling. This must be difficult for her. Knowing your family has lied to you is one thing, but the proof we have of the money going into an account in Lorenzo’s name is another.
I didn’t want to believe it at first. But once Howler sent through the documents confirming payments, there was no longer a doubt in anyone’s mind. Grace will pay. I’ll make sure of it, but first, we need to talk to her, get answers for ourselves. The one thing I need to know is how she could’ve killed my father, or had him killed, when she loved him so dearly.
“She will be taken away, arrested, and I’ll make sure she never sees the light of day again,” I affirm with a nod before taking Scarlett’s hand. “I’m sorry that you have to go through this.”
My wife shakes her head, those silky crimson strands fall like a curtain, covering her face for a moment before she looks up at me. “She needs to pay for what she’s done. And when my father arrives, he needs to answer for his transgressions as well.” The confidence in her tone, and the conviction painted on her pretty face, make me proud to be her husband. She’s so much stronger than I ever gave her credit for. At least in the beginning.
“Let’s go up,”
I tell her, needing to be alone with her for a while, to hold her, give her the strength she needs in order for her to fall apart. Scarlett nods, and I push away from the table, offering Darius a nod in greeting before leading my wife to our bedroom.
The moment we step into the room, I pull her into my arms and allow her to break down. It’s not easy, this is going to be one of the most difficult things she’s ever had to do, but she’ll get through it because I’ll be beside her.
She shakes in my arms, her shoulders rising and falling as she cries. I could tell she needed this, it’s partly my need to read everything that she’s emanating, as a Dominant, but also, I’ve come to learn this woman inside and out. She can never hide anything from me, most of all her emotions.
“You’ll be okay,” I assure her confidently.
Slowly, she nods against my chest before looking up at me. Her wet lashes fluttering as she regards me. Those pretty silver eyes shimmering. “I will because I have you.”
Shaking my head, I respond, “Not only that, but you’re tough. On your own, you’ve got the strength to get through anything.” She doesn’t need me to hold her hand through life, because she can do things on her own. “You may be young, but you have an inner strength that can bring men to their knees. When we first met, I figured you were a spoiled little rich girl, but you’re so much more, you’re a woman. Fierce, resilient, and beautiful.”
A small smile plays at her lips. “I’m glad you can finally see that,” she sasses before I swat her ass hard with the palm of my hand. “Ouch!”
“That mouth will earn you a lot more than that,” I warn her, but the smirk on my lips betrays just how much she controls me and my needs.
“Then show me, Mr. Shaw,” she teases, and I lift her in my arms, planning to do just that and so much more tonight. Because tomorrow, we’re going to walk into a fucking inferno.
19
Scarlett
I’m nervous.
I didn’t expect to feel like this. Anxious energy twists in my stomach, expelling everything I eat or drink. And that means I haven’t eaten all morning. My grandmother is on her way, and I’m not sure I want to be here to have the conversation we need.
Last night Lycan held me, and I cried. I hadn’t done so in such a long time; it was refreshing, freeing. His strong arms ensured I was safe, and it was as if his strength had grounded me. So, even though I was broken-hearted, I never felt as if I was alone.
I’d been focused on my future for most of my life. My path had been set out for me, and I knew where I was headed. He walked in and my life veered in a different direction than I expected. But it’s also been eye-opening.
I’m a new person.
A different woman.
All grown up and ready to take on the world as Mrs. Shaw.
Last night, at some point after I’d dried my tears, I decided I no longer wanted the Bardot name, so, as soon as we can, I’m changing it. The thought of being linked to my grandmother, and what she’s done in the past, leaves unease in my gut.
I don’t like it.
And I don’t want it.
Slipping on my sneakers, I stand and make my way out of the bedroom I now share with Lycan. I still have my red riding hood themed room, which I can escape to if I feel the need. I haven’t felt the need to yet. But it’s only been a couple of days so far.
In the living room, I find Darius and Lycan talking with Kahn. They fall silent when I move closer, and each one of them glances at me. The need to tell them I’m not fragile overpowers my desire to roll my eyes.
“You do not have to hide things from me,” I say, meeting my husband’s gaze. “You know this.” I settle in beside him, my arm instinctively wrapping around his neck as I take in the other two men.
“We may have a location for more of Lorenzo’s clients, so I’m making sure Darius and Lycan are okay with me taking the lead from here on out,” Kahn informs me. Lycan told me about his sister, which only makes what my grandmother did so much more personal than if I didn’t know anyone connected to the girls. It sounds strange, but it’s true.
“We are,” Darius says, along with Lycan’s nod. “I think with your connection to this, it makes sense. But if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask because my men wouldn’t mind spilling some blood.” There’s a sinister grin on his face, and I’m sure he’s included in that team of men who would like to have blood on their hands. He’s done it before, and even though I should be scared, I’m not.
I’m proud of the men in my life because they’re fighting for the greater good. Sometimes we have to do bad things to make sure the world turns. But when we do those bad things, they’re done to bad people, which in a strangely fucked up way makes it okay.
“I think with the Italian’s in on this job, along with your club, we can ensure these bastards never see the light of day again,” Kahn says with a smile that belies what he’s talking about. “Sorry.” He looks at me, but I can’t help but return the grin.
“Please, don’t apologize,” I tell him. “They deserve what’s coming to them. And I certainly don’t need to be handled with kid gloves.”
He tips his fingers in a mock salute while offering me a smile. “I’ll remember that, Mrs. Shaw,” he responds, and the use of my married name sends heat skittering through me. It’s the first time I’ve been acknowledged as Lycan’s wife by someone other than my husband, and it feels good. Different, but good.
“Mr. Shaw,” one of the men I recognize from the day Lycan came to rescue me from Darius, steps into the room. “There’s a Mrs. Bardot here to see you.”
My heart skips a beat, leaping into my throat, and I find it difficult to swallow past the fear. “Send her in here,” I answer, pushing to my feet before I smooth down my hands over the jeans I’m wearing. My palms are sweaty, and my nerves are once more tingling with the need to run and hide. But this is something I need to do.
“Are you sure you’re ready?” Lycan asks from behind me, his hand reaching for one of mine and I allow him to tangle his fingers through mine.
I nod slowly, but I offer him a reassuring smile before answering, “I am.”
The door slides open, and my grandmother walks in. She’s dressed in a white skirt suit, which is paired with a soft pink blouse underneath. Her dark hair is pulled tight against her head in a bun that’s so precise, I’m almost sure she measured the width and height to make sure it’s perfect.
“Scarlett,” she greets, but doesn’t acknowledge any of the men in the room. Her focus solely on me as she settles in a chair which I gesture to.
“Hello, Gran,” I greet, my fingers trembling as my nerves get the better of me, but Lycan’s strong, supportive squeeze of my hand gives me the strength I need. I should be angry, but I’m actually disappointed in her for what she’s done.
“Hello, Grace,” Lycan says, his hands finding my hips as he holds me gently, offering a reassuring squeeze before releasing me. “Would you like something to drink before we get into it?” He moves around me, standing in front of me, just enough to allow her to see the protective nature that’s so natural to him. At least with me.
“I’d like you to tell me what I’m doing here so I can get back to my business,” she says, her tone filled with ice and venom as she pins my husband with a glare. “I think this is rather inconvenient.”
“Inconvenient?” I spit, attempting to step around Lycan whose hand shoots out to hold me back. His hand slips into mine, his fingers tangling with mine, and I allow him to subdue me for the moment. “Did you also think it was inconvenient when you decided to fund a criminal organization?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, girl,” she says to me, her chin tipped in defiance as she regards me. The look in her eyes has my blood boiling. I want nothing to do with her. I want her to be locked away forever, but I need answers first.
“Does the name Father Lorenzo sound familiar?” I test, arching a brow, I watch as her face contorts from the cool, icy mask to emotion
-filled guilt. But the moment it appears, it’s gone in the next second and she schools her features once more.
“Can you get to the point? I know a lot—”
“Don’t fucking lie to me,” I spit, causing her to wince at my outburst. I shove the folder across the table, and it stops right in front of her. We’ve made copies of the documents. The originals are now with the authorities, and once Lycan gives them the signal, they’ll arrive to take my grandmother away.
I watch as she picks up the manila folder and flicks it open. Her eyes widen for a moment before she lifts her gaze to me. “I can explain this.”
“Really?” This comes from Kahn who’s now on his feet glaring at her. He’s shaking with rage, and I don’t blame him. “Because my sister, who’s been gone since she was sixteen, might not want an explanation. The girls we found in the convent will most definitely not want to hear your lies about why you were supporting this bastard.” His voice has a violent edge to it, but he keeps his tone calm, and I’m in awe because I would’ve lost my cool.
“Scarlett,” she addresses me, and just hearing her say my name has my body shaking with anger. “There were things that I had to do to ensure you had a life, a comfortable life.”
“Don’t fucking blame me for this,” I hiss, rage fueling my words as I step past Lycan and toward my grandmother where she’s seated in the chair. I place my hands on the arms of her seat, getting in her face, I continue, “Does he know?”
Her brows furrow at my question. “Who?”
“My father.” I hold my breath. I’m not sure what I want her to say. If he does know, then would he have sent me to that place? I don’t know. But he happily signed my life over to Lycan, so I wouldn’t put it past Horatio Bardot to do something so sick and vile.