I bristle at his tone, and before I know what I’m doing, I’m taking a step forward. “You don’t speak to him like that.” My voice is low and even. “You’re mad at the situation? Fine. You’re mad atme? Cool. But you donottake your anger out on him.”
“Fuck,” Rory collapses back on the couch, “I know, okay? I fucking know.”
“After we take down Thornfield,” I sigh, running a hand over my face, “I’ll see if she’ll give you five minutes. Maybe you can convince her that you didn’t mean any harm—”
Declan looks up in indignation, “We didn’t—”
“I know you didn’t!” I snap, my hands going to my hips. “But she won’t believe it. And I don’t know what can change her mind, but I’ll see if she’ll give you five minutes. That’s all I can do.”
Declan and Rory exchange a look, then nod. “If that’s what you can do…” Dec sighs. “Then that’s what we have to take.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.” I grimace, wringing my hands together. “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you…but I can’t sacrifice her well-bein’ for your instant gratification.”
They can protest all they want, but that’s exactly what they’re trying to make me do.
I just hope Mabel doesn’t hate me for asking.
thirty-three
Jo
Istare at the Vasiliev brothers, wondering if I heard right. “You want to speak to the omegas we just rescued from an illegal testin’ facility…about ajob?”
When my doorbell rang five minutes after I walked back into the house from my conversation with Dec and his pack, I was not expecting the twins to be waiting on the front porch, twiddling their thumbs like they were about to ask their mama if a friend could spend the night.
“Just to gauge interest,” Luka says quickly, raising his hands. “Remember that little side project we said you inspired?”
Brows furrowing, I nod. “Yes?”
“They would front as dancers or sex workers,” Illya arches a brow, “but in reality, they would be trained as assassins to take down certain…persons of interest.” He shrugs. “If they are not interested in killing or that particular brand of work, we could always use more waitresses. We have the best security, and the tips are crazy good. We only allow patrons of the highest prestige and with the best…manners.”
“What theyneedis therapy.” I cross my arms. “Like…loads of it. And what about their families? I don’t think jumpin’ into a sex work job opportunity would be the best thing for any of them.”
“That is their choice to make though, right?” Illya tilts his head. “We provide full benefits, and we can fully cover any therapy appointments they want to make.”
West lets out a low whistle next to me. “Damn. Do you realize how expensive that’s going to be?”
“We were actually considering hiring one to work for us specifically,” Luka grins, waggling his eyebrows. “We thought a certain beta might be interested in the position. It would payverywell.”
I hold up my hand. “Hold up just a minute. Let’s say that theyareinterested. Then what?”
“Then, when they are ready, we would take them back to our compound. We have started building an omegas-only apartment complex just across the street from the club. When construction is finished, they can move in and be a short walk from work. They will not have to pay for housing—rent is part of the compensation package, no matter what position they work in the club.”
Fuck. That’s…impressive.
“We did nothaveto come to you, you know.” Illya tilts his head. “But since they are under your protection, and we greatly respect you, we wanted to give you the courtesy of askingpermission first. And…we have dug into father’s records and questioned Alexei extensively.”
“About what?” My brows furrow in confusion.
“Cian did not have anything to do with your mother’s death.” Luka’s tone is dead serious.
My heartrate picks up. “What…what do you mean?”
Illya looks at me with empathy. “Someone in our father’s ranks was hired to complete a job. The records are heavily redacted, but we can pass them off to Aidan. See if he can get anything from it.”
I swallow, my throat dry. I can’t believe it. After thirteen years, I might have some answers. “Thank you.” My voice trembles slightly. “Really. I don’t know how I can ever repay you—”
A set of matching grins has me stopping mid-sentence.
