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His voice softens, almost imperceptibly. “So you’re welcome to stay and run your business from here—there’s an abundant market on the West Coast, not to mention the support of the Reaper Druids.”

My eyes narrow as I try to suss out Phoenix’s ulterior motive. “I see. And what percentage of Guilty Pleasures do you want in exchange for allowing me to stay?”

Phoenix rears back then he glares at me. “I’m giving you a home because the man you claim to love is the President of this fucking club! Has been for the last five years.”

I freeze. “What?”

“He named me to stand in his place because he’s . . . busy.”

Busy on a revenge path.

“Listen. It is said that Druids have the blood of the homing pigeon. They always return home. When Caden is done, he will come home,” Phoenix says matter-of-factly—as if it’s already set in stone.

My emotions are in a jumble, but the knot of anger burns hottest. “So you want me to wait here for your son? Until he’s all burnt out of the rage and revenge, and he’s nothing but a husk. You want me to wait for that?”

Phoenix’s expression twists into something haunted, something that makes my chest ache. “No. I’m asking you to stay for you. Not him.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“You say you love him. You may even believe it. But it’s not enough to love a Reaper Druid. You have to love this lifestyle too. That way, you won’t wake up one day and realize this life isn’t for you.”

Fora moment, I can’t speak. He’s not just talking to me—he’s pulling from his own past, his own wounds, and somehow, that makes it worse.

“So,” Phoenix sits back. “You can stay as long as you like. And you should—if you love my son.”

Suddenly, it all makes sense. The Don of the Outfit is pushing me to become Capo despite being wildly unqualified. Phoenix is practically guilting me into making my home here and waiting for his son.

“You both want Cade. And you think you can get to him through me.” My chest tightens with anger far sharper than anything I’ve felt before.

That’s why he left. Because he can’t be had.

Nico’s lips curl into a smirk, and Phoenix’s face turns unreadable.

Neither denies it.

I let out a bitter laugh. Nico won’t—can’t do anything to me. He needs me too much. Which means I can call his bluff and walk away.

Phoenix is the first to break the silence, his gaze once again trained on my wrist. “Caden has an overwhelming protective instinct. Wherever you go, Luna, he’ll follow.”

I laugh harder, the sound brittle against the tightness in my chest. “Really? Because I’m right here, and he’s six thousand miles away. Your theory is a little flawed, Phoenix.”

Nico’s the one to speak this time; his voice is calm and controlled as if he’s stating a fact. “Cade’s reeling. He just found out his entire life is a lie. He’ll come around soon. And when he does, he’ll come for you.”

“Well, I’m done waiting around for that.” I stand abruptly, the sudden movement making my chair scrape loudly against the floor. I need air. I need to move, to breathe. “Both of you can sheath your claws and back the hell off me. I’m going home.”

They both ask at once, “Which is?”

“Paris.” The word spills out before I can stop it. Not because I want to go there but because I can’t let myself be a pawn in their game. Running is the only instinct I trust anymore.

Trust your family,Cade said. Even if they’re scheming bastards?

“Sorry, boys.” My voice drips with mockery as I step toward the door. “If you want Cade, you’ll have to get him yourselves.”

The rain hits me like a wall when I step outside, the cold drops soaking into my clothes and hitting my overheated skin like tiny shocks. My hair clings to my face, plastered by the downpour, but I don’t care. My thoughts spiral too fast, too wild.

Nico wants Cade as his Capo. The Reaper Druids want their President.

And somehow, I’m supposed to be the key to getting him.