Chapter 29 #3
She is ride or die, and I think Atticus is now firmly on her shit list.
“It’s Lips, and I’m not Matteo’s protégé or girlfriend or whatever it is that the Twelve think.
He sponsored me for the Game and he’s helped me out, but he’s also done things to me that I can’t ever forgive or forget.
I went to Hannaford to figure a way out.
That’s what we’re doing; we’re finding a way out of all of this. ”
Atticus nods and rubs his chin. He looks older than twenty-two but then he’s the leader of one of the largest criminal organizations in the state, possibly the country.
Rivaled only by the Jackal’s numbers. I had never thought to approach him for help in getting away from Matteo, his cold manner making me wary. I’m starting to see that was a mistake.
Avery hesitates for a moment and then asks with a surprisingly strong voice, “You were at the meeting with Lips and Harley, do you think the Jackal is going to continue to send people to kill him?”
Classic Avery; she’s just found out the guy she’s been in love with for half her life has been lying to her and she’s instantly thinking about what information she can mine for the protection of her family. I both love her and want to shake her. She should be chewing this fucker out.
“He’s in less danger now he’s under her protection.
He was on very limited time with his grandfather before then, despite my efforts.
Matteo can’t just kill him, he has to find some sort of betrayal or dishonesty to be able to take him out.
He doesn’t just answer to the Wolf if he does, he answers to the Twelve.
He’s a big player but he’s not the biggest, and definitely not bigger than us all. ”
“And what if he continues to try to kill him stealthily?” Avery continues. “I’m sure you’re aware he’s spiraling and recruiting.”
Atticus grins and cocks an eyebrow at me. Again, I blush which is fucking ridiculous.
“Oh, after the Wolf’s declaration at the meeting, the Jackal has been served a severe warning about touching her toys. The rest of the Twelve are much more aware of his… instability now. Those who have chosen his side are in as much danger as he is.”
I ignore the look Atticus is giving me, and lean forward in my chair. “If I induct these three as well, would you be willing to back me up in the meetings if Matteo starts with his shit?”
Ash’s leg tenses against mine. I haven’t spoken to him about this but I know how badly Avery wants it.
It’s a move on the board against their father.
He could no longer threaten them without risking the wrath of the lower criminal organizations.
Lower in social standing but certainly dangerous to him and his business.
Atticus stands and runs a hand down the front of his suit jacket.
A slow smile forms on his lips and he suddenly looks closer to his age.
“If you cut yourself off from the Jackal and start calling me when you need help instead of him, then I will take him on with you. Induct them, keep Avery safe from the Jackal and her father, and I will offer my help with anything from this moment onward. Whatever the cost.”
That’s exactly what we need.
I glance up at Avery. This is her choice, if she doesn’t want to trust this guy ever again then we’ll figure something else out. If I decide for her then I’m just as terrible as everyone else in her life.
She’s staring at Atticus, her eyes guarded and her mouth turned down a little.
I’m not sure he’ll ever be able to repair the damage this has done to her trust of him.
She sighs and gives me a little nod. I look at Blaise and he leans in to kiss me under the ear, sweet and sure.
Then I take a deep breath and turn to Ash.
He’s looking at my thigh, where his fingers are drawing lazy circles on the skin exposed by the deep slit in the dress.
I wait him out, this isn’t something I’d ever rush.
This is lifelong. As long as I breathe, I am the Wolf.
If he chooses this then he will be tied to me forever.
His fingers still and then he gives me the smallest squeeze.
“Done,” I say to Atticus, and he shoots a resigned smile at Avery, who stares back at him like she’s plotting his death, before turning to the door.
He hesitates for a second and then turns back to me. “Don’t ever let her wear red again. She wears your color or mine.”
And then he’s gone.
Blaise gets up and locks the door behind him, and Avery slides down to take his seat, her hand finding mine.
“His color is black. Mine is white,” I murmur, and she nods.
“I’m guessing the Jackal’s is red from that little display. I’ll burn it all. What does induction look like? If you tell me I have to be naked or bleed I’m pulling out. My brother too, I’m not having him frolicking around the city in the nude.”
“Should have told him that earlier,” Blaise murmurs, and then laughs at the glare he gets from Ash.
“It’s done. I told the Crow, he passes it on. It’s weird but, yeah, it’s that simple.”