Page 101 of Fighting for Family

“We started this because we lost Whiskey. Our mission went bad, and we lost each other. Since then, we added Patch, Knight, Sparky, Stormy, Cole, and Hollywood. All of which have shown us the same loyalty and dedication we expect from the Alpha team. I will lead, and Whiskey and Saint have agreed to take on management roles. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like it showed my gratitude for everything you’ve endured. Shadow and Hollywood have babies on the way. Patch and Knight left theirs to rescue me. You’re my family.”

Whiskey rose and passed out contracts for each of them, laying them upside down on the table.

“We want you to make this your permanent home. Each of you will get shares in our company. We will spread the wealth, the work, and provide for our families. My alpha team will get a bigger portion since they followed me here. As soon as I heal and Catherine feels ready, I’m taking her on a vacation. When we return, our teams will spin up, and we’re all spending a month in Russia. Ivan has agreed to generously host us. Your spouses have arranged time off, and we’ll go as a family. Please review the contracts, then sign them. Taco and Shadow, I have assigned you duties as leaders. Ragu, I’m sending you to sharpshooting school. You’re a great asset to the team, and I know you’ve always wanted to do it. Once you’ve read over the contracts and I answer any questions, we’ll have a celebration.”

“Hooyah,” Shadow said, scrawling his name on the piece of paper.

“Hell, yeah,” Ragu said, scribbling his name and handing it back to Leo.

Taco grinned and signed with flair.

Hollywood helped Sparky sign hers and passed them to the front. Cole and Stormy put theirs together and handed them to Saint.

Knight grinned and signed.

“Thank you for not giving up on me. It means the world,” Leo said softly.

When the others left, Leo stopped Saint. “Bryanna called. She needs you to run by the house.”

“I thought she took the food to Bear’s place,” he said, confused.

“She didn’t say anything about an emergency. Let me know if you need anything,” Leo said, patting him on the back.

* * *

Saint drove down the mountain, worried something might’ve happened to Bryanna or the kids. He pulled into the driveway and jumped out, jogging to the front door.

Edie and Bryanna stood in the living room. His mother twisted her hands together, a habit she only made when she felt nervous.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Bryanna smiled. “Everything’s fine. The kids went to Bear’s with Michael and Lizzy. We have a visitor.”

“Who?” Saint asked.

A movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention. His brother, Theo, entered the living room. He walked up to Saint and shook his hand.

“It’s nice to see you again, Saint,” he said pleasantly.

“What do you want?” he asked, recalling all the damage Theo caused his daughter, mother, and Bryanna.

“Ivan told me about the team and Leo going missing. I helped search for him with Ivan’s men. It got me to thinking about the relationship we used to have as kids. You call these men your brothers because they earned the title. I lost the privilege years ago when I hurt our family. I’ve learned life can be precious. I’ve lost time with my mother, you, and your lovely family. I came to apologize to each of you. I don’t expect anything from you or want anything.”

“Actions speak louder than words, Theo,” Saint replied. “You took advantage of our mother.”

“I brought her a check I earned with my own hands,” Theo said. “I paid her back every cent you sent us in the military and for the damage to the house.”

Edie handed him the check. Saint’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head.

“Where did you get the money?” he asked.

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me. You can call Ivan. He will vouch I earned it honestly,” Theo said, seeming disappointed.

“You’ve done a lot of damage, Theo. You can’t walk in here and suddenly ask for forgiveness,” he warned, handing his mother the check.

“I’m renting a house on the other side of town. I’ll be here for a month. I want a chance to prove to you I’ve changed for the better. Clarissa’s death made me realize I needed to change for me. I learned to forgive myself and become the man standing before you today. I’d like the opportunity to earn the title of brother while I’m here.”

“What will you do for a job?” he asked.