And Max stands nearby looking like he doesn't know whether to sit, help, or run. Poor bastard's in for a wild ride.
I glance at the ring on her finger, the diamond catching the light. My greatest victory isn't some warehouse I've secured or enemy I've eliminated. It's giving this woman, this fierce, beautiful woman, the life she never thought she could have. A connection with her sister who adores her. A man who would burn the world down to keep her safe, and a child growing inside her that no one can take away.
And she's changed me, too. Lit a path inside me I didn't know I needed. Made me believe that I might be enough just as I am, even if I never become Don. Even if I'm always the second son. Because to her, I'm first. To her, I'm necessary. Hell, if making her smile is my purpose now, that's a good fucking reason to get out of bed.
Shit. Who would've thought that?
I tear my eyes away from her and walk toward the deck where Callum and Keira are talking in low voices. They're standing near the railing, looking out over the trees. Keira's arms are crossed, her jaw tight. Callum has that stoic look he gets when he's hiding something.
"Hey," I say as I approach. "First off, thanks for coming. I know things are tense back home, so it means a lot."
"You think I'd miss this?" Keira says, arms still folded. "You proposing to the only woman who's ever managed to both patch you up and put up with your shit? Not a chance."
I laugh.
"Still, I can't believe it," she continues, moving closer and gripping my arm. "Declan Killaney settling down. I never thought I'd see the day. But Lyra, she's perfect for you."
Callum nods. "Even with everything going on, it's good to see you happy, Dec."
"Yeah, well, thanks. But seriously, what the fuck are you two whispering about over here? You look like you're plotting a bank heist."
Callum gives Keira a look. She sighs.
"Can we just tell him?" she asks.
Callum hesitates. "I don't know if now's the right time."
"No. Fuck that," I say. "Tell me."
Keira looks at Callum and then at me, "It's some shit, Dec."
I brace myself.
Callum rubs the side of his face. "Remember when you told me about the Shadowharbor card and I told you the name sounded familiar?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I went back home and looked over Dad's ledger because I knew I'd seen that name."
My stomach tightens. "And? What did you find?"
Callum looks at Keira, then back to me. "The Shadowharbor Foundation isn't just some random name. They've been tied to the Killaneys for years. In every way that matters."
"What does that mean?" I ask, frustration edging into my tone.
"I'm talking construction permits, judges, political favors, donations, joint fundraisers. Fucking everything."
"Wait, why the hell are we tied to one company for all that?"
Callum shrugs. "I don't know, but Dad's worked with them going back a decade. Maybe longer."
"Jesus," I say.
"It gets worse, Dec," Keira says, her voice dropping. "Cal, tell him."
Callum fidgets with his tie, a rare display of agitation from my usually composed brother. "The Morrigan? They're not just some rogue angry vigilante crew. They're a fucking secret, organized order. High-level and dangerous."
I rub my jaw, taking in all the terrible news my brother is telling me.
