“Fuck,” I cursed. Before my rage could fully take hold, fear gripped me, making my heart beat a staccato rhythm against the confines of my ribcage. “Liza?”
“She’s safe.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Stay put, and secure the area. I’m on my way.”
“Understood,” the guard said before ending the call.
“An explosion?” Dad said, gaping at me. “What the hell is going on?”
“Castro,” I growled as the scent of smoke wafted into the room. “He’s escalating things, trying to send another message.”
“Well, he’s definitely got our attention now.” Dad’s expression hardened with resolve. “Let’s go assess the damage and make sure everyone’s safe.”
“Right behind you.” Whoever had done this—be it Castro or someone else—would pay dearly for attacking my family.
Liam met us on the way. The scent of burned wood and acrid smoke filled my nostrils as I walked through the carnage, the metallic tang of blood barely detectable beneath the overpowering stench. The destroyed gate loomed before me. The battle had come to our doorstep.
This was more than just a simple act of aggression. It was an outright declaration of war. If there was one thing I knew for certain, it was that no one would come after my family without facing the full wrath of the alpha wolf within me.
The once grand entrance to our home had been reduced to rubble and twisted wreckage. Within that destruction lay the lifeless bodies of three of my guards.
“Goddamn it,” I said under my breath, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles cracked. How dare they attack my family like this?
“Ty.” Dad’s voice was strained as he surveyed the devastation. “Help me move this debris so we can get to the bodies.”
Nodding, I pushed aside my anger. Working together, we began clearing away the charred remains of the gate, uncovering what was left of the men who had been on duty.
“Son of a bitch.” I growled when we finally uncovered the third guard, his body mangled beyond recognition. These were my men, under my protection, and I had failed them.
“Don’t blame yourself,” Liam said. “We’ll find whoever did this, and we’ll make them pay.”
“Damn right we will,” I said, my resolve hardening. No one attacked my family and got away with it.
“Officer Martinez,” I heard my dad say to the approaching policeman. “What did you find?”
The officer’s face was grim. “I can’t be certain it’s just a preliminary investigation, but the blast patterns indicate the explosion originated from inside the guards’ office, sir. Judging from the debris, it appears one of the guards opened something containing a bomb.”
I worked my jaw from side to side. Someone had managed to plant a bomb right under our noses, and three of our own had paid the ultimate price for it. A low growl escaped my throat, my inner wolf demanding retribution.
“Thank you, Officer.” Dad nodded solemnly. “Please keep us updated on any new information.”
“Will do, sir,” the officer said before returning to his duties.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, drawing my attention away from the wreckage. Pulling it out, I frowned at the unknown number displayed on the screen. Hesitating only for a moment, I answered the call.
“Ty.” The familiar voice made my blood run cold. Fucking Castro. “What do you think to my little gift?”
“Castro, you bastard,” I snarled, barely able to contain my rage. “Three innocent lives were lost because of your sick and twisted games.”
“Ah, but that’s the risk you take when you dance with the Devil,” he taunted. “You’ve been poking around, asking questions. Now it’s time for you to make a move, or are you too afraid to face me when I have the upper hand?”
“Your threats don’t scare me,” I spat. “I promise you this, when we find you—and we will find you—there will be hell to pay.”
“Bold words,” he sneered. “Remember, Ty, I’m not the only player in this game.” The line went dead, and the silence it left behind echoed in the stillness.
“What did he say?” Liam asked, the muscles in his jaw ticking.
“Castro wants us to make a move.” I put my phone back in my pocket. “He insinuated he’s teamed up with someone. I figure it’s Benny, since he’s behind the shooting in town.”
