by Dani René
“Yes, I am.” It’s the truth. If she had asked me when I first arrived here, I would’ve said no. But I truly am okay. “It’s been eye-opening.”
“Oh, I’m sure it has.” She wiggles her eyebrows, amusement brightening her face as she takes me in. I can feel the heat on my cheeks. But she doesn’t press me for more information. Thankfully. “So, where’s my dress?”
“Over in the garment bag hanging on the back of the door,” I tell her, pointing to where she came in. Now that we’re shut in, she can see the item. Aelin rushes to it, unzipping it quickly to find the dark crimson dress that reminds me of a rich, red wine.
I didn’t want pinks or blues, or any pastel color, and the red just fit so perfectly with what I had envisioned when we decided to have the wedding at the house. With vast gardens, and the beautiful scenery that overlooks the woods, I envisioned a fairytale wedding.
“This is epic,” Aelin remarks as she strips down to her underwear and slowly slides the satin over her frame. It fits perfectly, like I knew it would. And when the straps are draped over her shoulders, I can’t help but grin.
“I knew you’d pull that off,” I tell her quickly as I push to my feet and rush to her side. Her long, blonde hair hangs to the middle of her back in waves of silk. “This is perfect. I wanted something different.”
“I must say, the color scheme is totally you,” she tells me with a giggle. “But I love it. I just want this day to be perfect for you.” Once again, she takes my hands in hers, and emotion pricks at my eyes. I was so convinced I would walk away from Lycan before I got to this day. I wanted to escape, but right now, all I want to do is walk down the aisle.
“It’s perfect because you’re here, and you get to share it with me,” I tell her honestly. “But don’t make me cry. They spent hours on my makeup,” I tease, offering a smile as I try to keep the tears at bay.
“Well, let’s not keep your future husband waiting.”
“I’ll be there in a moment.” I watch her go after a quick hug. Once alone, I take a few deep breaths before I pick up my phone. There’s one person I need to talk to before I do this, one person I need to ask one simple question before I say, “I do.”
33
Darius
For years I’ve waited. Needed proof before I walked into my brother’s home and told him the truth about our family. About our father. As much as I loved him, I knew he was bad news. I learned a long time ago the Shaw name wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. There were things hidden in closets, secrets, things he didn’t want to have come to light.
And even then, I knew I couldn’t be the man my father wanted. Yes, he was good to us as kids, but the older we got, the more I learned about who he truly was. Our mother, a woman who had loved him unconditionally, wasn’t only just a pawn in his game, but she was a stand-in for the person he truly loved.
Lycan may have believed otherwise, and I allowed him to, but now as he takes a wife, he needs to learn the truth about the pretty redhead he’ll share a bed with. Today is the wedding, and it amuses me that I’ve chosen a suit and tie to wear to the event. The black jacket hugs my rather large frame, with slacks that just fit.
A white button-up is not my choice of clothing, but for my brother, I’ll do it. I need to blend into the crowd until I have my opportunity to stand and tell him the truth. I didn’t want to do it this way, but I don’t have a choice.
When I called my mother, I asked her to do it, to admit the shitshow she’d brought upon our family, but she refused. Which only leaves me with one option. I don’t feel bad about it. The anger, the rage I’ve lived with knowing I was cast aside because I wasn’t willing to fall into line, has made me hate everyone.
Lycan.
Scarlett.
Even Grace.
Picking up my weapon of choice, I screw on the silencer and smile down at the black metal that lies heavily in my hand. I found a family, and they gave me a gift I could never thank them enough for. Knowing I’m a killer is one thing but realizing the next person I’m about to murder in cold blood is my brother, well, that’s another thing altogether.
Being a biker outlaw, I’ve seen my fair share of dead bodies. It doesn’t faze me anymore. I doubt it ever will again. Lycan doesn’t realize the first kill I ever made wasn’t our father. He may believe it, and when I tried to tell him the truth, he didn’t want to listen, so it’s time I righted the wrongs of my brother and I.
Making sure my gun is strapped to my shoulder holster, I shrug on the jacket and pick up my keys. My mobile phone is off. My wallet in my pocket, I head out to the car. It’s only a few blocks away, but I will need to get away from the mansion as quickly as possible.
In the driver’s seat, I start the engine and pull out onto the road toward the house. When I reach the spot I marked out days ago, I come to a stop and sit watching the guests make their way inside.
Excitement churns in my gut, a reminder that soon I’ll be reunited with the memories, the truth, and the admission that comes with what I’m about to say. A limo pulls up, and as the back door opens, she gets out. Her black dress is evidence that she’s not happy about the union.
I knew she wouldn’t be. And she would’ve made it known.
I exit my own car and make my way around the house. I blend in as I move through the crowd of guests and up the stairs. Lycan would be in his office by now, talking to Kahn about security.
Nobody would seek me out.
Nobody would even bother asking who I am.
There are so many strangers here today. I’m just one of the many faces. I’ve ensured my hair has been cropped short from the ponytail I usually sport. My beard has been shaved, and my hazel eyes are now dark brown from the contacts. I look nothing like Darius Shaw.
I hear them usher the guests to the garden, but I quickly race up the steps onto the landing and take a right toward her room—my brother’s fiancée. The door opens, and out comes her best friend, Aelin.
I’ve had to learn all about the pretty blonde when I was doing my research. The moment she sees me, her eyes widen. “Who are you?”
“Who are you?” I throw back, offering her a smirk which seems to have the effect I need.
She grins. “I’m the bride’s best friend, Aelin.” She holds out a dainty hand, which I accept, bringing her knuckles to my lips and pressing a kiss to the smooth skin.
“Well, it’s lovely to meet you,” I tell her before releasing her. I keep her stare, holding her hostage with a mere glance. “I trust you’ll enjoy the show.” I straighten and leave her staring at my back as I step into the bathroom not far from Scarlett’s bedroom.
I wait inside listening to the music change, and when they play the bridal march, I step out of the bathroom and find Scarlett in the hallway. The darkness enveloping her from the dim light of the interior of the house.
She spins on her heel when she hears the door click, and her gaze widens when she takes me in. I can see the wheels spinning in her head. She’s trying to place me, but she won’t recognize me. I know she won’t.
“Scarlett,” I greet with a bow. “It’s so lovely to see you.”
Confusion creases her brows. “I’m sorry. I don’t think we’ve met.”
Nodding, I gift her a lie. “I’m one of Lycan’s acquaintances. An old friend, so to speak.” For a moment, I’m almost certain she’s going to scream, but I would happily shut her up with a hand to her throat, but when she nods, I ease the tension in my shoulders.
“It would be an honor to escort the bride to the aisle,” I tell her with a charming grin plastered on my face. I offer her my elbow, and she slowly but gratefully accepts with a smile.
“Thank you. I can’t find anyone,” she tells me with a soft, gentle tone that makes the blood in my veins boil with anger.
I shouldn’t hate her.
It’s not her fault.
We walk out onto the landing and take the steps down to the foyer. Turning left, I lead her toward the patio doors. The mo
ment we step out onto the soft grass, I glance up and grin at Lycan, who looks like he’s ready to kill.
Walking down the aisle is surreal as I hold onto Scarlett’s hand. The gun in my shoulder holster feeling heavier with every step. We’re almost at the end of our march when I reach into my jacket, flashing the metal at my brother, whose eyes widen.
A gasp of guests from behind me doesn’t deter me. That’s when I hear feet shuffling and a few of the women screaming. I don’t turn. My focus is laser sharp. He puts his body between the gun and Scarlett, but he doesn’t need to worry. I won’t hurt her.
When I first heard he’d signed the agreement for her hand, I thought it was a lie. I figured he was doing it merely for revenge. But now I see he does have feelings for her because he steps forward, taking her hand in his. He tugs her toward him, and he leans in. The whisper he gifts her with causes her to flick her gaze toward me, which is evidence that he’s just told her who I am.
He pushes Scarlett behind him. “Hello, brother,” I mutter. “Call your pack of hounds off.”
He offers a nod, and I hear the clicking of weapons from behind me. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to give you the truth.” I hand him the paper I had folded up in my pocket for the past two weeks. The proof that I’m not my mother’s son. I’m not Lycan’s full-blood brother.
He takes the page, and Scarlett tries to read from over his shoulder. She’s a tiny thing. Fragile. Something I can break only to get revenge on the man before me.
“This is fucking ridiculous,” he spits, throwing the proof to the floor like I knew he would. He thought I was lying all these years. When I glance to the left, I find my mother staring at me in horror. All the guests have gone. It’s only her. She waited for me to show my face. She didn’t think I would.
“Hello, Mother.” I smile at her, causing Scarlett to gasp in shock. And that’s when I pull the gun from my holster and aim it at my brother. “I’m here to do the job you asked me to do.”
Grace pushes to her feet elegantly. That’s one thing about her — she always had an air of grace about her. I suppose her name suits her.
“Put the gun down,” she says, but I smile, ignoring her. “This is not needed.”
I turn back to Lycan. “This is what she asked for,” I tell him, nudging my head to the side. “With you gone, Grace will gain everything. Why do you think she didn’t want you marrying Scarlett?”
“What?” This comes from the pretty redhead. Her confusion is clear as she steps forward, but Lycan’s arm comes out, blocking her from being in my line of fire. “Is this true, Gran?”
“I had Darius when I was young and stupid. I thought I was in love with Conall. It was a stupid fairy tale that could never work.”
Scarlett’s mouth pops open in shock and anger. “I… But how?”
“Family time is over,” I say, tired of the revelations. I came here with one job in mind, and I’m going to finish it. Grace promised me what is due to me, and I’m here to collect. “Grace, say goodbye to your granddaughter.”
Lycan grips Scarlett, his gaze locked on mine as I cock the gun and take aim. The last word he utters to her is, “Go.” And that’s when I pull the trigger and hit him right in the chest.
“Lycan,” Scarlett yells.
“I said fucking go!” His voice booms as he drops to his knees, and Scarlett moves, but she doesn’t know the woods like I do.
She runs, and I smile. She knows I will follow. I will always follow her, even if it means I will be walking into the middle of a blood bath.
A war of my own making.
But what Scarlett doesn’t know is that Lycan made sure she was bait for the hunter.
THE END… for now
Sneak Peek
Want the first chapter of Bitter Truths? Keep reading!
Chapter One
Darius
Revenge is a dish best served with a side of vengeance.
I spent my life in the shadows, wanting to hide from the truth that I was nothing more than a product of my father’s indiscretions. And even in the darkness, I knew the truth—nothing can mend what my father had broken.
Now I’m here, waiting, racing through the woods after a pretty little girl I learned is my niece. Her grandmother had me when she was young and gave me to my father while she married someone else.
Darkness shrouds my actions as I near her running form, her white dress is torn and dirty from her escape, but I’m almost there. I’m so close I can smell her perfume as it emanates from her supple skin. Perhaps I shouldn’t think about her sweetness in that way, maybe I’m broken, but seeing her run from me makes me hungry to have a taste.
Just a bite.
It couldn’t hurt.
My brother’s shout for her to run from me was the last thing she heard. And now, as I howl out into the darkness, I can smell her fear along with that sweet nectar of the fragrance she wore on her wedding day.
When she reaches the breach in the trees, a scream catapults from her lips when she realizes my family are waiting. The bikers who took me in as a young rebel are there, arms wrapped around her, and the moment she’s bound, I stop behind her, knowing my breath is hot in her ear.
“Your wolf is dead,” I tell her while fisting my hands at my sides. I want to hurt her, but that will come. And when it does, she’ll wish she was dead. A sob of pure agony tumbles free from her mouth, and I can’t help but smile.
Slade throws her into his truck which had been waiting for me to lead her out of the woods. The SUV I had hired is still parked near the house, and I know Lycan’s men will find it. When they do, they’ll see exactly what I wanted my brother to find. Only, I shot him. Twice. Leaving him for dead was part of my plan, but I wonder if he’ll ever survive the wounds I’d given. And I wonder if he’ll see the gift I’ve left him before he takes his final breath.
Bear pulls up beside me on his bike, the truck behind us keeping a safe distance, but even so, I can practically feel Scarlett’s rage from the backseat. I didn’t plan on taking her. I wanted her dead along with my brother, but stealing her is definitely a bonus.
Call it collateral for my payment. Grace will never want her granddaughter hurt, which means she’ll ensure I don’t take my anger out on the girl. Without my emotions, I could easily make Scarlett bleed for being born.
Hatred is the only thing I feel. Guilt no longer rules my life. When my father told me the truth, he gave no inkling that my mother even loved me, so why should I care about her, or her little granddaughter.
I thought for a moment Lycan would see the truth, that he’d finally stand beside me, but the moment affection flashed in his eyes for the girl, I knew I had lost him for good. I waited, craved it even, just to see my brother again, the boy I grew up with. But he was long gone.
For years we’d been at war, and now that has ended by my own hand. I focus on the road ahead, which will soon be riddled with teams of men who will seek vengeance for Lycan. But I’ll be long gone.
He tracked me for years and never managed to catch me. I had to walk into his home to have him finally see me, and even then, I was in control, as always. We head out onto the highway, which will take us far from Crimson Falls, and with every mile, I put between me and that shit hole, I feel the tension in my muscles ease.
I think back to the moment I found out about my mother. How my father walked into my bedroom and told me it was time to make a choice. I loved Crimson Falls. I didn’t want to leave. My home, everything I knew was a lie.
By the time we reach the compound, I’m anxious to see her, talk to her. Swinging my leg over my bike, I turn to see Bear and Slade pulling the little minx out of the backseat. Her screaming and kicking are no match for the two men.
Bear grips her around the middle, lifting her as if she weighs nothing.
“Take her to the basement,” I tell him. “It’s time for us to have a little family meeting.” He nods, moving to the back of the house where we have a shed that
has an underground area. This is where we take assholes who try to fuck with us. And it’s where I question them, ensuring they spill the beans about everything and everyone.
The staircase is gritty under my boots. The suit I’m still wearing doesn’t fit in with the dirty room I enter. “There’s my little niece,” I grin as I near her. Bear has got her bound to a chair, blood drips from her mouth. “What happened?”
“Bit down on my fucking hand,” he growls, showing me the teeth marks Scarlett left on the flesh between his thumb and forefinger.
I can’t help but chuckle. “Feisty little thing, aren't you?” I question, looking into eyes that remind me of her mother’s—so many secrets, so little time.
“Fuck you!” Fire blazes in her glare, and I can’t help but remind myself she’s not her mother. She’s definitely not the woman I fucked hard against the kitchen counter while Horatio was sitting in Heaven with young women on his lap. But Scarlett doesn’t know that. She doesn’t realize who I really am to her.
“Such a filthy mouth,” I observe. “Is that why Lycan was so enraptured by you?” Arching my brow, I don’t wait for her to answer before I pull out my phone. I quickly find what I’m looking for and hit dial, tapping the speaker icon so Scarlett can hear.
“Hello?”
“Dad!” she screeches at the top of her lungs and the one word that should calm me does something else, and I backhand her so hard, the chair topples over, taking Scarlett to the ground with it.
“What the fuck? Scarlett, is that you? What’s happening?”
“So many questions, Horatio,” I finally respond after a moment. “I think your little girl needs a daddy,” I tell him, my smirk curling as the pretty redhead glares up at me from the floor. Bear moves to pick her up, but I stop him.
“If you hurt my—”
“Do you care?” I challenge. “Because weren’t you the one who signed her life over to Lycan Shaw?” His response is guilty silence. Tears glimmer in his daughter’s eyes. He doesn’t know who I am. His mother never told him about his half-brother. And now isn’t the time for a family reunion.
