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“If you’re asking me why I’m working with Dougal, that is quite simple. I can finally get the life I’ve always wanted, the life Anita stole from me. I’m trading your life for mine. Dougal will give me everything.”
“What does that have to do with me, Mom? Why do you have to trade me for your life?”
“Dougal needs to control or kill Viktor. I don’t care which. I’m sure you know by now that Viktor will do anything for you.” Her reply warms my heart as much as it angers me. “Having you means Dougal can force Viktor to do anything to save you. You get the idea.”
“I know you haven’t been in my life for almost two decades, but a part of you must love me.”
She forces my head up by digging her fingers into my cheeks. “I never wanted to be a mother. I would have gotten an abortion if I knew I was pregnant with you early enough. When your father offered me money, I couldn’t pass it up. He wanted a child, and I wanted money. It was the perfect transaction.” When I spit in her face, she slaps me. “I’m still your mother. Don’t be insolent, and give me respect.”
“You can’t be serious. There’snothingmotherly about you. You just said you’re giving me to Dougal in exchange for money. Dougal has a pervert—who I’m sure would rape me in a heartbeat—holding me hostage. You’re a monster. I wish you were dead.”
“We want many things, but life doesn’t always give us what we want. When the opportunity arises, you must take it.” Her grin turns evil. “That is what I’m doing. You’re my golden ticket.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I don’t know if I’m confused because of my hurting head and heavy body, but she’s not making any sense.
“You will know soon enough. It will all make sense.”
ChapterThirty-Two
Viktor
My life hasn’t been a walk in the park. I’ve known what a gun feels like since I was old enough to hold one. The first time I killed a man was before I turned eighteen. If someone were to study me, they’d probably call me a serial killer. Except I take no pleasure when I pull the trigger.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m good at my job. But that doesn’t mean it is a life I would have chosen for myself. My father’s cruelty hardened me. I thought I’d never be capable of loving anyone. How could a man like me love? How could anyone love me back?
Ava changed everything.
She changed me.
Somehow Ava saw something in me others couldn’t. She’s stayed faithfully beside me. It would have been easier for her to leave. I’m sure any other woman would have left without hesitation. This is not a life anyone signs up for. Ava is stronger than I’ve ever given her credit for.
Yet, here we are again. Someone has taken her again.
My father’s hatred toward me has made him lose his fucking mind. He firmly believes that women and children are off-limits, yet he’s taken Ava. All to do what? I don’t understand his endgame. If he wants the fucking Clan, I won’t stop him. He can have it all.
After Junior’s call, I felt rage like I’ve never felt before. Dougal Manarch is the worst kind of man, and he’s supposed to be my father. I should have killed him years ago. He’s never been a good father, and I know he’s wanted me dead for a long time.
This ends tonight.
As I approach the docks, they’re deserted. But I know better. My father isn’t original, so I know this is a trap. I drive straight to the main building. There are no men standing around or cars parked outside like there usually would be. I turn off the engine and wait. Marco and his team should be in place.
Fifteen minutes later, still nothing. I’m about to turn the ignition to leave when I spot three cars driving up from behind me. It’s time.
I set my gun on my lap. The SUV is bulletproof, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take all the precautions I can to return to my family in one piece. I wait until everyone parks before I make a move. The first two cars are filled with men loyal to my father.
My father gets out of the last car with two more men flank me. He’s brought ten men in total. This is his version of ‘I just want to talk.’ He won’t be intimidated. He also won’t get fear out of me.
I open the door to the SUV and step out, holding my gun beside my leg.
“There’s no need for a gun,” my father snickers as I approach.
“You wanted to talk. Talk.”
He laughs. “I hoped my firstborn male would be just like me when you were born. You were to be my legacy.” He spits at my feet. “I was quickly disappointed.”
He moves a few steps closer. I stay grounded in place.
“Have I ever told you the truth about your grandfather’s death?”
