Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 154882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
Vito licked his lips. “It... wasn’t just me,” he rasped. “All of us—me, Grant, Adams, and Snyder planned to get you four here to end you once and for all. We work for—”
“Bane,” Liam said. “Why are you still here?”
I turned as my brother and River filed into the room, ready to fling the same question, until I saw their hands up. Shooting to my feet, I backed against the wall where the door concealed me from the person coming inside—their shotgun leading the way and pressed to my brother’s head.
“Oh, dear.” A deep, nasally voice filled the room, clear over the bellows of dying men. “It looks like we’ve come just in time.”
The side of his bald head appeared past the wood.
“Snyder, look out,” Vito cried.
Too late. I reared, knife set to fly straight and true to its path. As I released it, my muscles seized—spasms rolling down my arm and jerking my fingers. My knife buried in the door, missing him by centimeters.
Snyder spun and fired. I threw myself to the floor, showered in wood paneling.
“Ryker! Makai!” Even as I shouted— As my people raised their guns—they poured through the door, a never-ending stream of armed, shaved men. We were overwhelmed in seconds.
“On your knees,” Snyder ordered. Five men jumped me, one of them, Lochlan Grant, wrestled me down at his feet. River, Bane, and Liam were lined up next to me, while Ryker and my people stood with their hands in the air, no less than three guns aimed at each of them.
“Brother Walker, Brother Blake, Brother Hawkins, and Brother Ramos.” Snyder nodded at four of his men. Traveling down, I landed on the walking boot encasing his left foot. Kenzie said she heard him scream when she drove away. Apparently, it wasn’t out of frustration. “Get our injured brothers medical attention and bury Brother Adams somewhere dignified. He gave his life for our cause.”
I bore a hole in Grant’s head—wishing against all the riches in my vault that I carved that man up for parts when I had the chance.
Snyder swept a smile around the room, his gaze leaving frost where it landed. “Let us not waste time, gentlemen. Finally after all of our work and effort, we take our first victory.”
They cheered. Grant bellowing loudest of all.
“Aim,” Snyder said.
They cocked their guns, his pressed to my forehead.
“Fi—”
“Stop,” I bellowed. “Who the fuck are you people? What do you want?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Grant sneered. “Kill them!”
“Hold on.” Snyder held up a hand. “It is a fair question and the final request of a marked man. I will grant it.
“We, Sole Bellisario, are the Brotherhood. A group of men bound in one purpose: to rid Cinco City of the Merchant plague. For years, you’ve corrupted and controlled our home—creating a kingdom with you on high and the people your serfs. It is our mandate— No, it is our right, to kill you, and all who help you maintain your subjugation. Your question is answered,” he announced.
“Brothers, on my mark, aim—”
No, I would not die here while Mackenzie and Laurel were out there waiting for us. I promised her I’d be there.
I latched onto my last chance. “Grant put you up to this,” I said quickly. “Whatever he’s paying you people, I’ll triple it. Let us go and—”
Snyder’s high, gasping laugh stood my neck hairs on end. “Brother Grant? He is no more in charge here than you are, Sole. You cannot corrupt our purpose with bribes or empty promises. The one we serve has a higher vision for this city—one where we are finally free. It is our honor to hand down your executions, knowing we further that goal.”
Liam said, “Who do you—?”
“Enough,” Snyder barked. “Brothers, aim!
“Fire!”
Gunfire rang in the empty, starless night.