“Any idea what this is about?” Liam asked, echoing my thoughts.
“None.” I gripped the steering wheel tighter. “But knowing Hiram, it can’t be good.”
The wind whipped through the open windows of the car as Liam and I sped down the highway, pushing away the lingering scent of sweat from the training session. My thoughts were consumed with worry for Liza and the impending showdown with Castro.
“Tell me more about your connection to Hiram,” Liam said, breaking the silence. His voice was steady, but there was a note of curiosity that couldn’t be ignored.
I hesitated for a moment, then determined there was no point in hiding it any longer. “Hiram had Sylas when his gambling addiction was at its worst. He helped us out of a tight spot, and we’ve been on good terms ever since.”
“Your father attacked my father’s pack because he believed we were connected to mob bosses,” Liam said, surprise evident in his statement. “Now you’re telling me you have connections to Hiram, who is a mob boss?”
“Wait a minute, Hiram is a mob boss?” I asked, shocked by the revelation. “I was aware he was into some shady stuff, but I had no idea he was that deep in crime.” I laughed at the irony of how things had turned out. We had spent years hating each other for the very same reason we were now working together.
“Life has a funny way of surprising us,” Liam said.
After a couple of hours, we arrived at a restaurant tucked away in a small town. This was way more impressive than the last place I’d met Hiram at.
“Business must be booming,” I said, taking in the grandeur.
We cautiously approached the door, scanning for any potential dangers. As soon as we entered, we could practically taste the aura of affluence and supremacy in the air: plush carpets, gleaming hardwood floors, expensive artwork adorning the walls. This was a place where deals were made, and lives were changed.
Hiram’s eyes widened when the hostess showed us into a private room. “So, the rumors are true.” A slow grin stretching across his face. “Youarein cahoots with Liam.”
Hiram’s reaction was priceless. He hadn’t expected me to show up with one of the most dangerous men in the country.
“Yeah, you could say that.”
It was strange. The more time I spent with Liam, the less he came over like the ruthless mob boss everyone made him out to be. In fact, he acted more like a brother-in-law than anything else.
“Didn’t think I’d ever see the day.” Hiram leaned back in his chair and examined us closely. “But I guess stranger things have happened.”
“Indeed, they have.” Liam’s voice was cool and collected. He wasn’t fazed by Hiram’s surprise. If anything, he looked almost amused.
Standing there, I took in the grandeur of Hiram’s new place of business, noticing every intricate detail. The scent of expensive cigars wafted through the air, mixing with the rich aroma of leather and polished wood. It was a far cry from the dingy warehouse where I’d last met him.
“Anyway,” Hiram continued, his hands coming together with a resounding clap as he shifted his focus to the task at hand. “Now that we’ve gotten that little revelation out of the way, let’s talk about why you’re here: Castro. He’s causing quite a stir, isn’the? And I’m afraid he’s not alone. There are plenty of others who’d love nothing more than to take you down—both of you.”
“Which is why we need your help.” Liam’s eyes locked on Hiram. “We can’t do this alone.”
“Of course not,” Hiram said, a sly smile creeping onto his face. “Fortunately for you, I’m always happy to lend a hand, especially when it means taking out the competition.”
The dim light from the chandelier above highlighted the lines of age and experience on Hiram’s face. He exuded the air of authority of a man well-versed in the workings of the criminal underworld. I was relieved he was on our side. It was like having an ace up my sleeve.
Hiram clasped his hands as he leaned forward in his chair. “The whispers in the underground are becoming more persistent. There are many who want a piece of Liam’s empire, and they’re considering teaming up with Benny to take you both out. But I don’t think you need to worry about Benny for the moment.”
My jaw clenched as I listened, a growl threatening to escape my throat. “What happened with Benny?”
Hiram shook his head. “He’s been roughed up a bit after that shooting attempt. Nothing to do with me, I might add. Whoever is financing him made it abundantly clear that neither you nor Liza were meant to be harmed.”
“Castro,” I spat out, the name leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. “He’s the one pulling the strings behind Benny.”
Hiram sighed, rubbing his temples. “I can’t say I’m surprised. You’re going to have to shake hands with some devils, Ty. Liam has a lot of enemies, and they’re all itching for a chance to get in on this war just to claim a share of his fortune. This whole mess is only getting worse.”
My insides churned. I did not want to make deals with criminals, but we needed all the help we could get if we were going to protect our pack and keep Liza safe.
“Remember,” Hiram continued, fixing me with a steely gaze. “I’m on your side. You need to take this war seriously. You can’t afford to let your guard down even for a second.”
“Trust me, Hiram, I have no intention of letting anyone hurt my family. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.”
