Both Christian and I stiffen as I stare at my brother.
He wouldn’t, would he?
But I already know he would. If I don’t fall in line, he’ll take the love of my life from me. I can’t have that.
Gritting my teeth, I nod. “I’m sorry I designated at an inconvenient time, Fabian. What else do you need to tell us?”
His sneer turns into a smirk as he turns back to JC and Matías, who are watching him with tear-filled eyes.
“We’re going on lockdown. No one in or out of the house until we figure out who did this.El Jefewants me to paint the streets with blood until we have the bastard who did this. Anything you need for your—” he breaks off and wrinkles his nose, “condition will need to be ordered online, or Christian can get it for you when he’s not busy searching for our father’s killer.”
A fucking lockdown? Right after I designate as an omega?
Of-fucking-course.
“Thank you, brother,” I murmur between gritted teeth. “I will stay out of your way.”
He nods. “You better. Matías and JC, it’s time for you to get your hands dirty. We will avenge Papa’s death.”
As much as I want to argue that my sixteen and seventeen-year-old brothers are too young, I know my words will fall on deaf ears.
With Fabian in charge, I won’t be able to stay here for long. My wedding can’t come soon enough. At least then I won’t have to live under the same roof as Fabian.
“Of course, Fabian. Whatever you need,” Matías says as he and Juan Carlos nod. I can see them try to pack away the pain to be who Fabian needs them to be, and it breaks my heart.
Maybe even more than realizing I’ll never see my parents again.
I bury my head in Christian’s shoulder as my tears start up again in earnest, pain ratcheting through my body, but I make sure to be silent as I do so.
Unfortunately, Fabian still notices as he scoffs again. “Christian, take my sister to your room and get her settled down. You have an hour before I expect you on the streets with the rest of the men.”
“Yes, sir.” Christian’s voice is tense as he scoops me into his arms and starts for the stairs.
“Wait!” Matías and JC come running over, each brushing their lips against my cheek.
JC grips my cheeks. “We’ll find them, Mari, and we’ll make them pay. This won’t go unanswered.”
I nod. “I know you will.”
As his hands fall away, I bury my head in Christian’s chest as my emotions run rampant.
My parents are dead.
I’m an omega.
Christianisn’tmy scent match.
My mind and body are on overdrive, and I feel like I’ve had six triple espressos followed by a handful of sleeping pills. I can’t seem to do anything but cry as my love carries me to our room.
How is this my life?
CHAPTER FOUR
Mariana
Two weeks later
“Your engagement is off,” Fabian says from behind Papa’s—no,his—desk.
