Dad and Mom wrap their arms around me and Krew like old times. The only difference now Krew is six-four.
We step apart.
“Mom, are you up for this?” I question.
“You better believe I am.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR
SERENITY
Our guests are strapped into their luxury leather seats.
Mom, Dad, Krew, and I are dressed in protective gear. We stand on the plastic sheet before our enemies, ready to spill blood.
I know my brother has killed before. In our world, torturing enemies is a way to relieve stress. My brother and I are fucked up in different ways. However, we both carry demons on our backs like carcass’. I know he’s waited for this day, too.
Dad’s olive complexion is blazing red. It’s evident in his gray eyes he wants to murder both of these men for what they stole from him.
“I see you have fancy chairs for your enemies.” Dad arches a brow.
“My husband bought these special toys for me,” I say.
Nico stands off to the side wearing a navy henley that’s molded to his muscled frame, dark slacks, and boots. His beautiful dark hair is covered by a bouffant cap.
“Nothing but the best for my wife.” He winks at me.
This man is a mess. Last night, he held me tight, his body curling around me like a fucking tortilla wrap. There’s no doubt in my mind he loves me. But he has to pay for what he’s done.
“The chairs have all sorts of gadgets.” I announce, stepping forward and flicking a switch on the side of the chair Ettore’s sitting in. A long thin needle punctures Ettore’s thigh muscle.
“Ah,” he roars.
I peek at my parents. “Cool, huh?”
Mom’s eyes are filled with excitement.
I wave them over, showing them how to work the chair.
“Don’t move,” Mom chuckles as she flips the switch on the back of the chair.
We watch a tiny needle penetrate the side of Ettore’s neck.
He squeals like a pig.
“That’s a new sound,” I roar with laughter.
The needle retracts, and Dad curls his big hand around Ettore’s neck. “I’ve wanted to end you for years. But I promised my daughter I’d wait until she was ready to kill you.”
I smile wide. “Yup, my dad waited for me. You piece of rotten dog shit, have no idea how hard that had to be for him to do.”
Mom circles a hand on Dad’s back.
“You sent soldiers to my house to kill my family. But you told me once I gave up my territory…” Dad wraps his other hand around Aleksandr’s neck. “…for an operation you partnered to steal from me.”
Dad squeezes harder, cutting off their air supply. Their faces turn beet-red.
