Chapter 112 #3
We cautiously approached the door, scanning for any potential dangers.
As soon as we entered, we could practically taste the aura of affluence and supremacy in the air: plush carpets, gleaming hardwood floors, expensive artwork adorning the walls.
This was a place where deals were made, and lives were changed.
Hiram’s eyes widened when the hostess showed us into a private room. “So, the rumors are true.” A slow grin stretching across his face. “You are in cahoots with Liam.”
Hiram’s reaction was priceless. He hadn’t expected me to show up with one of the most dangerous men in the country.
“Yeah, you could say that.”
It was strange. The more time I spent with Liam, the less he came over like the ruthless mob boss everyone made him out to be. In fact, he acted more like a brother-in-law than anything else.
“Didn’t think I’d ever see the day.” Hiram leaned back in his chair and examined us closely. “But I guess stranger things have happened.”
“Indeed, they have.” Liam’s voice was cool and collected. He wasn’t fazed by Hiram’s surprise. If anything, he looked almost amused.
Standing there, I took in the grandeur of Hiram’s new place of business, noticing every intricate detail. The scent of expensive cigars wafted through the air, mixing with the rich aroma of leather and polished wood. It was a far cry from the dingy warehouse where I’d last met him.
“Anyway,” Hiram continued, his hands coming together with a resounding clap as he shifted his focus to the task at hand.
“Now that we’ve gotten that little revelation out of the way, let’s talk about why you’re here: Castro.
He’s causing quite a stir, isn’t he? And I’m afraid he’s not alone.
There are plenty of others who’d love nothing more than to take you down—both of you. ”
“Which is why we need your help.” Liam’s eyes locked on Hiram. “We can’t do this alone.”
“Of course not,” Hiram said, a sly smile creeping onto his face. “Fortunately for you, I’m always happy to lend a hand, especially when it means taking out the competition.”
The dim light from the chandelier above highlighted the lines of age and experience on Hiram’s face. He exuded the air of authority of a man well-versed in the workings of the criminal underworld. I was relieved he was on our side. It was like having an ace up my sleeve.
Hiram clasped his hands as he leaned forward in his chair.
“The whispers in the underground are becoming more persistent. There are many who want a piece of Liam’s empire, and they’re considering teaming up with Benny to take you both out.
But I don’t think you need to worry about Benny for the moment. ”
My jaw clenched as I listened, a growl threatening to escape my throat. “What happened with Benny?”
Hiram shook his head. “He’s been roughed up a bit after that shooting attempt. Nothing to do with me, I might add. Whoever is financing him made it abundantly clear that neither you nor Liza were meant to be harmed.”
“Castro,” I spat out, the name leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. “He’s the one pulling the strings behind Benny.”
Hiram sighed, rubbing his temples. “I can’t say I’m surprised. You’re going to have to shake hands with some devils, Ty. Liam has a lot of enemies, and they’re all itching for a chance to get in on this war just to claim a share of his fortune. This whole mess is only getting worse.”
My insides churned. I did not want to make deals with criminals, but we needed all the help we could get if we were going to protect our pack and keep Liza safe.
“Remember,” Hiram continued, fixing me with a steely gaze. “I’m on your side. You need to take this war seriously. You can’t afford to let your guard down even for a second.”
“Trust me, Hiram, I have no intention of letting anyone hurt my family. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.”
“Good.” He nodded, the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Now, let’s talk strategy.”
As we delved deeper into our discussion, I marveled at how complex and treacherous this web we’d found ourselves in had become. It was a precarious dance of alliances and betrayals, with lives hanging in the balance.
Hiram’s eyes gleamed with a cunning glint as he leaned in closer. “I have someone who could be of help, Ty.” My wolf bristled at the thought of trusting another stranger.
“Who?” I asked carefully, filled with caution.
“His name is Sven Richardson, alpha of the Summers pack,” Hiram said, gesturing for someone to come forward. A tall, imposing man with an air of quiet menace stepped out of the shadows, his icy blue stare assessing me carefully before he extended a hand.
“Ty.” He met me with a firm handshake, his grip strong enough to make it clear that he was not a man to be trifled with. “I’ve been watching your situation closely. I believe I can assist you.”
“Really?” Skepticism crossed my face as I raised an eyebrow. “Why should we trust you?” I knew of the Summers pack. They had a reputation for their ruthless attitude.
“Because, my dear Alpha Keller,” Sven said smoothly. “I want Benny’s territory. If you can help me get it, I’ll offer you my resources in return.”
I glanced at Liam, who nodded imperceptibly. The idea of striking bargains with additional devils didn’t sit right with me. However, given our current state, we didn’t have much of a choice.
“Tell me, Sven.” Despite the growing unease in my gut, I tried to maintain my composure and asked, “What exactly do you bring to the table?”
Sven’s lips curled into a sly smile. “As it turns out, I’m quite skilled in the art of war. I’ve been hired out for many conflicts, and my strategies have proven effective time and time again.”
“Are you suggesting we wage war against Castro?” I asked, my skin crawling. We were alphas—protectors. War was not in our nature.
Liam’s face was hard to read as he spoke. “You don’t like the idea, but we need any advantage we can get. Sven’s expertise could be invaluable.”
Sven’s smile was unnerving, a thin slash across his pale face, as he extended his hand to Liam. “Thank you for your trust.”
“Trust has nothing to do with it,” Liam said coolly, shaking Sven’s hand briefly. “It’s business.”
I clenched my jaw and tried to push down the unease bubbling up inside me. I didn’t like this one bit, but Liam was right. We needed all the help we could get.
I locked eyes with Sven and nodded. “We’ll work together. You help us protect our pack, and we’ll help you gain Benny’s territory.”
“Excellent,” Sven said, his smile widening a fraction, though it didn’t reach his cold, calculating eyes.
The scent of rain and gasoline filled my nostrils when we exited the cabin.
The storm clouds overhead threatened to unleash their fury at any moment, mirroring the turmoil in my soul.
My decision pressed down on me, making my wolf pace restlessly in the back of my mind.
We were playing a dangerous game, and the stakes were higher than they’d ever been.
As we moved back toward our car, a truck crept into view, its engine growling ominously. My heart rate spiked, and adrenaline surged through my veins as fear gripped me. Hiram’s men reacted instantly, their guns drawn, ready to defend us against any potential threat.
“Wait,” I barked, holding up a hand to signal them to stand down. My instincts screamed to be cautious, but I needed to identify who was behind the wheel.
The window of the truck rolled down slowly, the sound grating on my frayed nerves. Then a face emerged from the shadows within, causing a chilling sensation to travel down my back and sending a wave of icy fear through my veins.
Castro.
His grin was smug and sinister, full of malice and arrogance. He raised his hand in a mocking salute before the truck sped off, disappearing into the stormy night.
“Son of a bitch.” I growled, my fists clenching at my sides. My wolf snarled at me, desperate to give chase and tear Castro limb from limb.
“Let him go,” Liam said quietly. “We’ll deal with him soon enough.”
As we climbed into our car, my gut told me we were heading down a dark and treacherous path—one that would test our resolve and force us to confront our deepest fears.
No matter what lay ahead, I swore I would do whatever it took to keep Liza and my pack safe.
Even if it meant making deals with devils and strategists like Sven.
If Castro thought he could intimidate us with his little drive-by stunt? Well, he had another think coming.