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Carter nodded and started toward the elevators.
“Ay, Carter, whatever you need from me is done. You already know.”
“Yeah I know, but this is my fight, not yours,” he stated seconds before he stepped onto the elevator. The further Carter got from his apartment, the more unsettled he felt. Just that quickly he had an attachment to the life that was now in his hands to love and protect. This wasn’t going to be an easy transition. Every fucking thing in his world would be different now that McKenna was included.
Carter made the drive northwest of the city to the address he was given after reaching out to request a meeting with Kohen Corvidae. To most, The Corvidaes were a wealthy family who had their hands in a lot of business ventures that kept their empire fluent and prospering. Carter wasn’t most, which meant he had intimate knowledge of who the Corvidaes were.
A family of killers.
Much like himself, the Corvidaes were paid well to help others with issues. Before crossing paths with Brooks, he worked alone. Carter had no plans on working with anyone, ever, but that wasn’t how things played out. Brooks was intended to be his replacement until a stray bullet meant to end Carter’s life had placed him in the position to extend his time lurking in the shadows, attached to the underworld.
That stray bullet also placed him in the path of the woman who made him want different things. A woman who now owned his heart, which was why he was here about to agree to something he never imagined. Carter’s priority was to ensure no one touched McKenna.
When she was with him that would never be an issue, but unfortunately it was impossible for him to be in multiple places at one time. He didn’t want McKenna forced to live a sheltered life. One where he had to always be her shadow. She deserved to be happy. Keeping her locked away to ensure her safety, although appealing, was not realistic or fair. Carter wanted to ensure she was affected as little as possible by the choices he made about his life.
After navigating the half-mile long driveway that led to the Corvidae property, he parked and stepped out of his truck, approaching the massive black metal doors. Each one displayed an etched gold visual of a crow and the letter C, a clear sign of the family’s prestige and wealth.
None of this shit meant anything to him other than what Kohen Corvidae could offer. Freedom for McKenna to exist in a world protected from the darkness that hovered around him.
“Carter…” He was greeted by Kohen’s eldest son Emir. He smiled and stepped out of the way, inviting Carter into his family home.
“Emir.” Carter offered a nod and the Corvidae heir closed them inside the home.
“It’s good to see you again. Can’t say I ever expected to see you here, at my home, but I’m not mad about it either.” Emir was the most cordial of his siblings.
There were three brothers—Yair, the youngest, Kades, the middle, and Emir. Yair and Kades were a complete contrast to Emir, both extremely reserved and private. They kept to themselves and were rarely seen.
Emir was always the center of attention, often captured by blogs and various social media outlets, to his father’s annoyance. Unapologetically, Emir lived his life the way he saw fit, which Carter respected. He didn’t agree with the attention, but Emir made it work.
“Good to see you too, and I would have to agree, but I’m here.”
Emir smiled, nodding. “That you are. Come on, my father is expecting you.”
Carter followed him through the home until they reached Kohen’s office. Emir knocked and stepped into the doorway. “Carter’s here.”
“Come in, both of you,” a deep voice rasped from inside.
Emir stepped in and Carter followed, stopping when Kohen lifted from the chair behind his desk, moved around the massive wood structure, and extended a hand. Kohen was in his mid-sixties but could easily compete in looks with Carter’s thirty-three.
He was a handsome man, tall, fit for his age with salt and pepper hair sprouting from his head in a mass of wild spirals that matched the trimmed beard covering the lower half of his face. He and Emir were identical in looks, the only variants being Emir’s youthfulness and jet black hair.
“Carter Reed, it’s an honor.”
Carter accepted Kohen’s hand and he pulled him into a hug before releasing Carter. “Welcome to my home.”
“Thank you.” Carter offered a nod.
“Have a seat, let me get you a drink.”
Carter settled into the armchair next to the sofa where Emir sat. He splayed his arms over the back, getting comfortable, yet remaining dominant in his presence while Kohen poured three glasses of bourbon and brought them to Carter and Emir. He sat in the armchair facing Carter after they all had their drinks.
“Cheers.”
Carter lifted his glass and tilted it toward Kohen and Emir before downing the contents and placing the tumbler on the table that separated them.
“It’s already late. I don’t want to prolong this any more than necessary. Shall we get down to business?” Kohen stated and his eyes shifted between Carter and Emir before settling on Carter. “What is it that I can do for you?”
“I have someone I need to protect. A woman.”
