“I want to talk to him,” she sneers.
“Too bad,” Bane growls.
“You need to stay out of it,” she says. “I’m his family.”
“You were never his family,” Hunter says quietly.
“And you are?” she asks, and I grit my teeth.
“You know we are,” Bane says.
“I know he owes me.” She crosses her arms.
“Excuse me?” I slip off my seat and stand beside Hunter.
“Who are you?” She lifts her chin. Hunter sweeps his arm out, stopping me from moving forward. “I need to speak to Remy, not their plaything.” She looks at my mates with a snarl.
“Vivian, careful,” Hunter says roughly.
“I do love the way we have played,” I say, enjoying her wide eyes. “I’m thrilled I’ll enjoy their attention the rest of our lives.”
“Mates,” she hisses.
“Are you going to congratulate us?” I smirk when she gasps.
“You little—”
“I would say you could welcome me to the family, but you aren’t family,” I growl, trying to step closer. Bane grabs my waist. “Remy doesn’t need you in his life. He had a mother, and she was nothing like you. She loved them, and you tore them apart, using Remy for your little games. Instead of relishing the gift of him being in your life, you made him doubt his worth. You're pathetic.” Her mouth drops open, and she moves further into the room. “Remy has a family. He doesn’t need you spreading your misery on him anymore.”
“Little girl, do you know what I am?” Her hands clench. I see movement behind her, but I keep my focus on her.
“A bitch,” I reply, and I hear a strangled laugh that sounds like Sally. “I don’t care that you have an animal inside you. I have four jaguars who plan to make me like them, and I’m betting they are a hell of a lot stronger than you. I’ve heard you are afraid of your gifts, so you don’t scare me.” I smile at her fury. “Fortunately, despite the things you did to him, Remy is loyal, kind, and would do anything for his brothers. He doesn’t need you in his life fucking it up.” I was prepared for her anger, but not her fist coming toward my face. I didn’t see her move, and I freeze.
“You dare?” Remy appears behind her, and luckily, Hunter stops the motion of her arm with his fingers digging into her wrist. Lawson is standing behind Remy.
“Take your filthy hand off me,” she snarls at Hunter.
I don’t lose my temper often. I’ve seen too much anger in my life. Hitting Brian was a first, but nothing like the rage I feel toward this woman. My arm raises, and my fist flies through theair. I watch as if it’s not my arm. My mates don’t react right away, so I must have done it quickly, but it seems as if it's in slow motion to me. As my fist connects with her cheek, a sharp pain radiates up my arm. She flinches, and her head turns slightly to the side.
“The only filthy thing that doesn’t belong in this room is you,” I grit out, hiding the pain, as I drop my arm. I blink rapidly and notice the shock on everyone's face. Sally is in the room, her mates behind her, and the doors are closed.
“You—” She snaps her mouth shut as Remy grabs her shoulder and turns her to face him.
“Don’t.” He points his finger. “This is my territory. You are not welcome. She is mine.” He steps forward, and she matches every step of his advance until she's pressed against the wall. “I am not a boy anymore. I won’t allow you to insult my mate, brothers, or me.”
“I need money,” she gulps.
“That shit isn’t my problem,” he says, shaking his head.
“Son—”
“Do not call me that,” he growls. “Ever.” He exhales harshly and steps back. “I told you the last time you showed up here, never come back. I will reinforce that statement, however I need to. Imagine what my mate will do once she is a shifter. Until then, raise your hand to her, or even your voice, I’ll kill you.”
“Fine,” she growls. “I’ll be civil if you help me.”
“I don’t want you here or near my mate,” Remy says, narrowing his eyes. “What happened to your new husband?”
“He was weak.” She lifts a shoulder. “He’s gone.”
