Sarang had learned about how Shiloh had uncovered who was behind their attack that day, and how he’d dealt with it. Honestly, he was proud whenever he thought about it.
There was a very good chance he could move past Shiloh being an unempathetic, killing machine, but only time would tell. That was why he was doing this.
And, yeah, getting back at Shiloh for locking him up didn’t hurt either.
“Think they’re related?” Sarang turned his head to watch Shiloh roll onto his side.
“Would be kind of crazy if they weren’t,” Tull confirmed. “The prince wasted no time destroying Lady Luck for comingafter you, and he rooted out all the moles planted in our ranks who were dealing behind our backs and breaking the rules. Someone wants him for that.”
“They were trying to take him.” Sarang was sure of it. “Rhovan got a bullet, but Shiloh was being threatened to come quietly.”
“Think he pissed off whoever is in charge of the drugs badly enough they want to kill him personally?”
“Maybe.” Or maybe there was something even darker behind the motive. “Either way, I won’t risk it. He’s safe here.”
“You could just tell him that, you know? Tell him you’re keeping him to protect him.”
“That would only encourage him to try to leave and confront whoever is after him.” While he’d had Sarang locked away, that’s exactly what Shiloh had done. He’d flaunted his true capabilities, fighting openly to draw attention and put a target on his back. “He’s reckless and cocky.”
“Well, sure, but he kind of deserves to be,” Tull stated. “He can take me in a fight easy.”
Sarang quirked a brow.
“It’s happened,” he elaborated. “I haven’t been able to best him in the ring since he was sixteen. His dominant omega pheromones make my regular alpha ones ineffective, and his skills in combat are, arguably, better than Kian’s. Just don’t tell the Dominus I said that.”
“If he’s so much better, why didn’t he become the next Dominus instead?”
Tull snorted. “You’re joking right?” His brow furrowed when he realized Sarang was serious. “Dude. He did it for you.”
“What?”
“Kian and Altair had a plan, and they weren’t about to set it aside for anything, not even familial ties. Knowing this, Shiloh agreed to step out of the way so long as he could fit some of hisown people within the Hierarchy. The terms were simple. Kian gets to be in charge, and the members Shiloh cared about got to be protected. Remember how Kian purged the ranks of anyone he didn’t see fit? Notice how none of Shiloh’s confidants were amongst them?”
“He made me underboss so he could keep a hand in the cookie jar,” Sarang corrected, only for Tull to roll his eyes.
“Why the hell would he want that? The twins have never had an interest in their mother’s legacy. I mean, fuck, practically everyone knew Sloane planned on them cutting ties and running for the hills as soon as she croaked.”
“I’ve never heard this before.” When the line of succession had been a topic of discussion, Shiloh had come to him and explained that Kian was a better fit for the role. He’d asked Sarang to take the position of underboss to ensure his brother didn’t try to kick him or his sister from the only home he’d ever known. “He expressed an explicit desire to remain with the Eumia.”
“Yeah, because he knew being in the mafia was how you were providing for your family.”
Sarang was in disbelief. “How do you know all of this?”
“I run the club, remember?” Tullius draped his arms over the back of the couch. “When he was a host, there was the rule that no one could touch him, sure, but do you really think customers weren’t plying him with alcohol the second you turned your back? The prince got drunk all the time, and Bishop and I were the only two he trusted around him in that state.”
A flash of jealousy ignited in his chest.
“Because you knew who he really was.” He wasn’t sure if he wanted to punch the guy for it, or be grateful that he was sharing all of this now. “You really have no idea where Bishop could be hiding?”
“Whoa.” He tossed up his hands. “I literally went against him and the prince to bust you out yesterday.”
Sarang sighed. “So, he talks about me when he’s wasted?”
“Poor kid never shuts up.” Tull got comfortable once more. “It’s honestly insane how he hasn’t gotten your claiming mark yet. If you weren’t so obtuse, you would have pulled your head out of your ass by now. I don’t know why you take your position as underboss so seriously, but let me be frank, as a friend. Kian isn’t going to give a fuck if you mate with his brother. You said Shiloh is the one who thinks he’s unlovable? Try looking in a mirror sometime, buddy.”
Chapter 21:
“A word, underboss.” Sloane stepped from the shadows, appearing behind him like a phantom, quiet and still. Even her pheromones were locked tight, only the barest hint of her on the air, impossible to catch since this was her home, and her scent in the walls was to be expected.
