I nodded, trying to push aside my doubts and focus on the positive outcome. “Yeah, but Benny’s right. There’s still a war coming for us.”
119
LIZA
The atmosphere in the house was like a thick fog that clung to my skin and refused to let go. Liam had been released from the hospital and was in the house instead of the hotel he’d been staying at, but still, there was a nagging whisper in the back of my mind that something was wrong. I just couldn’t put my finger on what it was. I assumed it had to be because of the bombing, but something told me there was more to it than that.
I needed to find Ty and get some answers. I wandered the hallways, with my footsteps echoing off the floor against the ornate walls adorned with family portraits. When I turned a corner, I picked up on the muffled voices of Ty, Hiram, and Sven. They were having an intense, hushed conversation, like they didn’t want anyone to overhear.
“Really took matters into his own hands, didn’t he?” I identified Hiram’s gravelly voice. “Never thought I’d see Ty dive headfirst into mob tactics.”
“Me neither.” Sven’s tone equally somber. “You have to admit, it was effective. Benny’s defenses are weakened now, andwe’ve sent a clear message to Castro that we’re not to be trifled with.”
My stomach twisted into knots at their words. What had Ty done? My blood boiled at the thought of Ty getting involved in their mob-like activities. I’d always known Ty to be a kind and gentle soul—nothing like Liam who apparently reveled in this sort of life. Bursting into Ty’s office, I planted my feet, with my hands on my hips, and glared at my mate.
“Ty, what the fuck have you gotten yourself involved in?” I snapped.
“Hey, now,” Ty started, clearly taken aback by my sudden entrance. “We did what we had to do.”
“Really? Mob tactics? That’s the solution?” I said, my focus darting between Hiram and Sven, who only appeared amused by my outburst.
I studied Sven and Hiram, their expressions making my skin crawl. They stood behind Ty like shadows, their influence creeping into his decisions and actions. I couldn’t shake the idea that they were changing him right before me, and with this war closing in on us, I wasn’t their biggest fan.
“Benny’s out.” I tried to remain steady despite my growing frustration. “But what about the others Castro has in his corner? Are we just going to go around shooting them down and blowing up shit over there, too? Is that who we are now? No better than Castro, not caring about the lives of innocent people? Like our guards who are dead?” My gut twisted with emotion, and tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.
Ty slammed his palms on his desk as he rose out of his chair. “I made the choice I thought was best, and I stand by that decision. Benny was a heavy hitter, and with him out, we’ve weakened Castro’s forces. You need to understand that everything I’m doing is to protect our pack… and you.” As hemoved out from behind his desk, his eyes never left mine, and I saw the anger simmering in his eyes.
“Protect me?” I scoffed, a flare of anger in my response. “You think involving yourself in mob activities, risking innocent lives, and tarnishing your own reputation as an alpha is protecting me?”
He took a step closer, his towering frame momentarily making me feel small, but I refused to back down. “Yes, Liza. If it means winning this war and taking Castro out once and for all, then yes.” He softened slightly. “It’s also to keep you from losing control and going berserk. From being manipulated and used by Castro. You have to be mindful of the true enemy here.”
My chest constricted at the mention of my potential loss of control, but I couldn’t let that sway me. I met his gaze, unyielding. “I understand the stakes, Ty, but there has to be a better way. Some way that doesn’t compromise who we are.”
“Who we are?” he snapped. “I am the alpha, Liza. I made a choice, and I expect you to respect it.”
I was shaking with rage. “I get that you’re the alpha, and I understand that this is a war we need to fight, but don’t you dare think for one second that I’m just going to blindly follow you off a cliff.”
With those words, I allowed the fury within me to manifest physically, and the room began to shake with purpose. The floor trembled, and the windows rattled in their frames.
Sven and Hiram, who had been watching the exchange with interest, now looked around in shock, clearly unprepared for this display of power from me. Neither of them had ever witnessed my abilities first-hand, and I wanted everyone present to know exactly what I was capable of when pushed too far.
“Let’s make one thing perfectly clear,” I said, my voice steady and strong through the cacophony surrounding us. “I am not some submissive little bitch who’ll cower at your feet anddo whatever you say without question. I am your mate, your partner, and you’d do well to remember that. Now that Benny’s territory is wide open, thanks to you, Sven has no reason to stick around anymore. How can you trust him to follow through on his promises?” I spat, glaring at Sven.
Sven smirked in response. “You’re smart, Liza. I’ll give you that.” He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. “But I’m a man of my word. I still plan on taking Benny out completely. However, I will admit that this situation worked in my favor.” He paused for a moment, studying me intently. “I offered to lend my men, and I’m not backing out, but I’m impressed by your thinking.”
I reined in my power and locked eyes with Ty, willing him to see reason. He looked away first, running a hand through his hair in frustration. Then I turned on my heel and stomped out of the office without another word. This was not the life I wanted, and not the person I wanted my mate to become. How could I make him understand that?
Frustration coursed through me as I entered the kitchen, and my hands itched to do something, anything, to take my mind off the stress that clung to every fiber of my being. It was then that I spotted the dough on the counter, waiting to be kneaded into submission. I grabbed a fistful of it and began working my fingers into its pliable mass with an intensity that bordered on aggression.
“Goodness.” Persephone startled me out of my focused rage. “I’m glad that’s dough and not my son’s head.”
I looked up to see Ty’s mother leaning against the doorframe, looking amused. At that moment, I was a little embarrassed at how lost I’d become in my own anger.
“Sorry.” I tried to force a smile. “It’s just been... a lot lately.” Understatement of the century.
Persephone nodded. “Why don’t you take a break?” she said gently. “Come for a walk with me, away from all this noise and chaos.”
I hesitated, glancing back at the dough that still had my fingerprints embedded in it. After a moment, I concluded that I needed the fresh air and the chance to clear my head. So, with a sigh, I covered the dough, wiped my hands on a nearby towel, and followed Persephone out of the kitchen.
