2. Chapter One
Chapter two
T ension crackles in the air as we gather in the dimly lit warehouse, our groups eyeing each other warily. Shadows dance on the concrete walls, broken only by beams of moonlight filtering in through the high windows. The constant hum of traffic outside is a stark reminder of the world beyond these walls.
Devon takes charge, her voice echoing through the cavernous space. "We are proof that all of the groups vying to take down Tane Brown have been at odds for too long. We all have a common goal, and our conflicts with each other are a useless and damaging distraction. Tane is the real enemy here."
Flashbacks of past conflicts between our crews flood my mind, a reminder of the long-standing animosity that has divided us for so long. But now, faced with a common enemy, we have no choice but to set aside our differences with rival factions and unite against a greater threat. Hell, based on how things have gone between the Brixtons and Snakes, we might even find some new friends.
“I don’t know about this, guys," Aidan voices his doubts, skepticism etched into every line of his gorgeous, rugged face as he runs his hand through his closely cropped, dark hair. "How do we know we can trust the others? They’re liars and criminals by definition!"
Stepping forward, I address Aidan directly, my voice firm. "Because we want Tane gone just as much as they do, Aidan. The enemy of my enemy and all that shit."
“And, if they don’t do what we want them to, we’ll just torture them! Win-win!” Brick’s voice booms through the warehouse, echoing off the dusty walls. His eyes sparkle at the thought of getting to harm yet another group that stands in our way. Brick's ability to find a silver lining in even the darkest of circumstances never ceases to amaze me, and it’s one of the things I love about him most.
Devon's conviction is unwavering as she meets my gaze, nodding. "Loyal or not, let’s assume they’re in this with us. And, like Brick says,” she adds, gesturing toward her torture buddy, “there will be consequences for those who don’t meet their end of the bargain.”
Dom quirks a brow in her direction. “I’m in complete agreement. But… real question. Even with the additional support, do we really think we can do this?" He pauses. “We came pretty close last time, but… ultimately we failed.”
Devon's smile is sharp and fierce. "I know we can."
As Devon outlines our plan, excitement builds among us, a shared determination uniting us in purpose. The road ahead may be fraught with danger, but together, we are stronger than any obstacle that stands in our way.
The thought of our crew allied with others makes my pulse quicken. United, we could be unstoppable. But it won't be easy to convince the guys, and they're already expressing their doubts. It took enough trust and suspension of belief to get these two groups together—the Brixtons and the Snakes—and looking back, it’s wild to think how far we’ve come.
They know in their heart of hearts it’s the only way we’ll get to Tane, but it’s always been their goal to take him down on their own. Needing to partner with others isn’t only risky, it’s a blow to their egos. They’re proud of who they are and where they’ve come from, and needing to rely on others isn’t the way they ever wanted to play this. But that’s something they need to get over, and soon.
Flashbacks of the fist-fights between some of the Brixtons and the Snakes, the barbed comments, they all come rushing back. And the Snakes are some of the good ones, guys we’ve come to know and trust despite our initial differences.
The people we may need to ally ourselves with now can’t be counted on in the same way the Snakes can. Their loyalty hasn’t been tried and tested in the same way. Yet, Aria and her men recently proved that not all strangers are dangerous, and they might come to your aid when you least expect it.
I survey the room, noting the uncertainty etched on everyone’s faces. I don't love the idea of joining forces with our rivals either, and I know it won't be easy. But I don’t see any other choices. Sink or swim.
"I get why you’re hesitant," I say. "We’ve been fighting with some of these groups for years. But Devon's right. Tane's the real threat, and he needs to be taken out. I think Aria and her guys are proof that there are people who can be brought into the fold, who can really help us do this once and for all."
I lock eyes with Aidan, always the most resistant to anything involving risk, and someone the others all look to in times of uncertainty. As much as Skyler and Zeke are in charge of the Snakes' operations, Aidan has become the unofficial leader of our combined crews. "You've always had my back. I'm asking you to trust me on this."
Aidan holds my gaze for a long moment before nodding. “If Angel says it's the right move, I’ll ride with her.” He glances at Devon. “And you as well. Alliances are my personal kryptonite, and it’s because of you two that we got as far as we did last time. I’d be an idiot not to listen.”
My eyes shift to Skyler and Zeke, and their faces are serious as usual.
Aidan runs his fingers through his hair, his trademark tell that he’s anxiously contemplating something important.
Zeke and Skyler glance at each other in silent conference, and they both nod.
Skyler is the first to speak up. “Yeah, you’re right. I don't love it, but we need to take a leap of faith. It feels like we either do this or drown in the wake of Tane’s terror. Neither seems like a great option, but this really is our only chance to finish this.”
“I don’t like it, but you’re right,” sighs Zeke. “I don’t see any other options.”
I turn to Devon, my breath unsteady as the weight of what we’re about to do starts to settle. "Alright, sounds like we're all in. What's the plan?"
Devon grins, a predatory glint in her eye. "First, we reach out to Dimitri. His crew clearly has beef with Tane, too, and they’ve proven themselves worthy of an alliance. They saved our lives back there for goodness’ sake, and put themselves in harm’s way in the process. With their help, we'll just about have the manpower needed to launch an all-out assault on his stronghold. "
Excited murmurs ripple through the room.
"Once we join up with Dimitri and the other guys, we hit Tane hard and fast before he knows what's coming," Devon continues. "We take away his money, his products, his territory. We destroy his entire operation…”
“We make him rot from the inside out? Go out with a bang?” Brick’s eyes are gleaming now, his interest piqued by the possibilities.
A savage smile tugs at my lips. We’ve spent so long fighting Tane's goons, barely surviving by the skin of our teeth. The promise of finally crushing him fills me with dark satisfaction that I know Devon and the rest of the group shares.
"Let’s do this," I say, fire in my eyes. "Let's end this bastard once and for all."