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Zeus slams his fist down onto the table, making me jump. His anger is palpable, and for a moment, I am reminded of my father’s uncontrollable rage. The thought sends a shiver down my spine.
“Damn it,” he growls. “We can’t let this happen. We need to protect our people.”
“Absolutely,” Dion agrees, his hand squeezing my good shoulder gently. “That’s why we need to act fast before they have a chance to dig their claws in.”
As I watch Zeus’s face contort with fury, I can’t help but worry that he might be too similar to Control—a man who rules through fear and violence. Am I simply trading one tyrant for another?
“Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Rebellion,” Zeus says, his voice strained with emotion. “We’ll deal with this threat and make sure your father doesn’t get away with his treachery.”
I nod, feeling both relieved and apprehensive. Have I made the right choice in trusting Dion and his father?
God, I hope so.
My fear must show on my face because Zeus’s expression softens as he looks at me. “Rebellion,” he says gently, “I know this is difficult for you, and I want you to know that I appreciate your courage in coming forward. I promise you, we’re not like your father and the Burning Heretics. You have nothing to fear from us.”
His words are reassuring, but I can’t help the nagging doubt that lingers in the back of my mind. Can I really trust him? What if he turns out to be just as ruthless and cruel as Control?
“Rebellion,” Dion whispers in my ear as if sensing my unease. “It’s okay. My father is a good man. He’ll keep his word.”
Just then, the door to the room opens, and a woman enters. She is petite, with long dark blonde hair and a warm smile that instantly puts me at ease. Zeus’s eyes light up as he sees her, and he crosses the room to embrace her.
“Jo, my love,” he murmurs, holding her close.
“Hi, sweetheart,” she replies, returning the embrace. It is clear they share a bond, one built on love and respect. As I watch them, I see a side of Zeus that has been hidden until now—the gentle, caring man beneath the tough exterior.
“Rebellion, this is my wife Jo,” Zeus introduces, his voice filled with affection. “Jo, this is Rebellion, Control’s daughter. She’s come to us with some important information about her father’s plans.” Zeus puts a hand around his wife and holds onto her now obviously growing belly.
“Welcome, Rebellion,” Jo says warmly, extending a hand toward me. “Thank you for trusting us.”
“Thank you for having me,” I reply, taking her hand and feeling the warmth of her touch. Somehow, the simple gesture makes me feel safer and more secure.
“Rebellion was worried that I might be too much like her father,” Zeus explains to Jo, his eyes never leaving mine. “But I want her to know that we are not the same.”
Wow. He read my concerns instantly.
I don’t know whether to be glad or terrified.
“Zeus is a good man,” Jo says, her gaze steady and sincere. “He would never hurt you or anyone else who doesn’t deserve it. You can trust him.”
My gaze flickers between them, seeing the love and support they share, and something inside me begins to shift. Maybe I can trust them. Maybe Dion isn’t leading me down a dangerous path after all.
Not that I ever really believed he was.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “Both of you.”
“Of course, darlin’,” Jo replies in her sweet Southern accent, smiling warmly. “Now, let’s figure out what we’re going to do about your father and his plans.”
* * *
The sun dips below the horizon, leaving the sky a canvas of pink and orange as Leon and I exit the Sons of Gods clubhouse. The evening air brushes against my cheeks as I climb onto the back of his motorcycle. The rumble of the engine vibrates beneath me, resonating with the newfound sense of trust that takes root in my chest.
“Ready?” Dion asks over his shoulder.
“Ready,” I reply, feeling a cautious optimism blooming within me.
We speed through the streets of Birmingham, the wind whipping my hair back as the city lights blur past us. My heart races, pounding in sync with the powerful machine between my legs. I wrap my arm around Leon’s firm waist, reveling in the warmth emanating from his body.
He’s taking me out on a ride to see the city and the scenery around it. It’s crazy to me how there’s a full-blown city, and then within a couple of miles, it’s just farmland after that. It’s beautiful. We must be out for at least an hour or two when he finally turns back and heads to the clubhouse.
