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“You think it’s family?” he growled. Sal was already dealing with enough betrayal; I didn’t want to pile on more, but the fact remained, someone was helping him.

“I hope not. But it is the logical place to start. Maybe call Fury and see if he’s heard anything?”

“He’s not there. He took Carly to California as soon as she woke up. The damn bikers have made a mess of their shit. I don’t want them involved in ours. Christian told them about Ty killing the Krueger brothers. No one in the club would have helped him. The fact that you saw him today means he’s still alive, so they haven’t found him yet, either.”

Montana had enough shit blowing up around him. He didn’t need to get involved in ours, especially when it wouldn’t benefit him. If there was one thing you could count on... it was that Montana always put his own shit first. And fuck everyone else.

“Three days, Dunc. Then get your ass home. I don’t care how juicy hers is.”

“Three days,” I agreed. “Anything new on Kelley?”

“Ronan called. He’s hearing whispers that Kelley has family out west.”

“Do we know where?”

“Fuckin’ Nebraska.”

I threw my head back and laughed. I couldn’t contain it. “Tell me he’s not in Diamond Creek.”

“Not that I know of, though that is where his goddamn cousin lives. Owns some shithole motel.”

“Maybe we ought to consider moving the operation to the Midwest.”

“Fuck you. My brother would have me in bracelets so fast we wouldn’t have time to land the damn plane.”

He might sound gruff when he talked about Lannie, but Sal loved his little brother more than Lannie would ever know.

Family first.

Always.

“Three days,” he repeated. “And wrap up your dick or those children you’re so opposed to will be a decision you don’t get to make.”

The call disconnected and for the second time inside of an hour, someone hung up on me. I was used to it with Sal.

As formo bandia, she would learn her lesson tonight.

Chapter Eight

Freyja

“You’re going on a date?”

“I am.”

Avoiding my sister’s eyes that were pinned on me, I dug through my closet. I needed just the right outfit for dinner with Duncan.

“But in six weeks we’re going to New Orleans so you can meet the man the universe has chosen for you.”

Athena was right. My hands paused in the air as I reached for the dress I planned to wear. Should I cancel? My hand slowly lowered to my side, and I closed my eyes.

I wanted to have dinner with Duncan. But was it cheating if I knew he wasn’t my one? It would be different if I didn’t know what was waiting for me.

Do you know what is waiting for you?

What if I’m not compatible with the man the universe has chosen?

“Stop that thought right where it is!” Athena demanded, and I spun around, confronting her.