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“You believe them, over me? Your brother?” Panic carved into the lines of his expression.

It was gratifying to see Campion Pack stare back, shaken but unmoved by CJ’s pleading. I’d rung them earlier and explained what CJ had done, and I invited them to sit next door and listen to our conversation. I hoped it would be enough to convince them, knowing CJ couldn’t help but be boastful.

“Is it enough for you?” I addressed Tomas.

“I’ll have the paperwork drawn and put to the board by morning. It won’t take much convincing. I’m sure it’s no surprise this isn’t the first time he’s done something questionable. Just the first time we could prove it.”

I could check off at least two things on my plan to destroy CJ.

CJ whipped his head between us and Pan laughed. This was cathartic for all of us, but for Pan, it was even more so. CJ was supposed to be his best friend and in the depths of his drug addiction, he’d leaned on CJ. Their history ran deep and the betrayal even deeper.

“Do you remember the morality clause I put in our contracts?” Neil stared down his angular nose at CJ.

“You can’t use that against me.”

“Theft will be easy to prove and damaging to the company. I won’t stop until I cleave you from this pack. You are a disgrace.” Tomas bared his teeth.

“I’m your brother.” Scent like a storm swelled in the room.

But my pack swallowed his distress, fed off it until all that was left cleansed my nostrils, instead of burned.

“I have one brother, and it’s not you,” Neil added, pulling Seph into the crook of his neck.

“Seph, please,” CJ crooned as he changed tact.

Her lips trembled, and her words were small but powerful. “You’re a monster. I never want to see you again.”

“Come, let’s get you home.” Tomas fussed over Seph as he led her to the door. She was heartbroken, but she’d heal.

Campion Pack had taken their beta’s surname when they joined. I wondered if we could do the same thing?

“Wait—” Chase protested as he flashed another smile. Bright but useless, now that everyone knew how cheap it was.

Tomas dodged his brother’s outstretched hand with a growl, and CJ slumped in his chair. His handsome face was gaunter than before. Shock leached out the plump smugness. I pulled up my spreadsheet and took great satisfaction in highlighting two of the columns.

Take his business.

Take his pack.

I wouldn’t stop until I took everything from him.

“Just business, right, buddy?” Pan slapped CJ’s shoulder as he passed.

“It won’t stick. I’ll keep you tied up in court for fucking years,” CJ seethed.

“With what money?” Lloyd winked as he followed Pan.

“You’re not taking my company from me.” CJ leaped out of his seat, and Ajax smothered a laugh. He paused with his hand on the doorway.

“Did you think we wanted just your company? I will spend the rest of my life making sure you pay for what you did to Tully. I will take everything until you wish you were dead. But you’ll have to live knowing you’re scum while she gets everything and more.”

Ajax left in a swirl of bitter coffee.

“Surely we can make a deal. You understand business more than they do, Walden. I was in negotiations with Astaly and it could be huge. They won’t go ahead if I’m not attached.”

CJ reeked of churning river rain. Swamp, heavy and sour. It made me recoil. Was this what I wanted in my life? Desperation for money, prestige, and lucrative business? I had a taste of what that looked like without Tully and it was empty.

“Business?” I paused in front of CJ.