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25

WOLF

Six years ago

Sweat beads form on my forehead as I strain to lift my body up from the pull-up bar.

I’m not a small guy. At 6’5” and 16 stones, I bear my weight.

My mission tonight was not easy.

The kill was. He was a bastard. But what struck me the most was the fear in his wife’s eyes as she desperately tried to flee from him and protect her child when I arrived.

I’ve never known my parents. They died when I was young. I’ve been shuffled from one family to another until I finally crossed paths with the guys. But the sight of violence towards women is something that I’ve unfortunately witnessed too often. The oppressive atmosphere in my last foster home was suffocating, with the sounds of violence becoming a daily occurrence as my foster dad unleashed his anger on his wife, the children, and even myself.

I am not a good man, but when it comes to violence against women or children, it’s a line I refuse to cross.

If it was solely my decision, I would have already witnessed the brutal separation of Kai and Archer’s parents, their limbs severed and their bodies engulfed in flames as punishment for the countless sins they inflicted upon them.

I don’t understand them, and I’ll probably never comprehend their reasons for keeping them alive.

“Theo?” I glance at the mirror in front of me to see Eli leaning against the door of the gym.

“Yeah?”

“Is everything okay?”

“He beat her and the kid.”

He sighs as he leans in. “Good thing he’s dead, then.”

I pull up one last time just before releasing the bar, feeling the strain in my muscles.

“You didn’t see the fear in her eyes. She did everything she could to protect her child from the hit before I came in.”

“So, she saw you?”

Is it a fucking real question?

“She didn’t see my face, no. I’m a hitman, not a fucking amateur.”

“Just asking.” He raises his hands in the air.

“What is it? Do you need something?”

“I do.” He surreptitiously checks over his shoulder, ensuring the coast is clear before proceeding. “I need you to keep an eye on someone for me.”

“Afraid you’ll need to be more explicit.” I grab the towel and water from the floor, feeling the coolness of the bottle in my hand, and empty half of it before wiping my face.

With a sigh, he leans against one of the machines, extending his hand to reveal a picture. “The only thing I can tell you is that she escaped someone who should be dead by now.”

I raise my brow. “Should be?”

“It’s… complicated. She wants her revenge and doesn’t want me to interfere.”

“That doesn’t sound like you. You’re stating that the person she’s fleeing from should be dead, yet you made the decision to keep him alive. Why?”

I’ve known Elijah for years now, and one thing he is not is someone who lets others dictate what needs to be done.

“She’s my stepsister.”

My eyes widen. “Excuse me, your what?”

“You heard me.”

“Wait a minute. So, you’re telling me that your mum married her dad?”

He nods.

Well, shit then.

“What did he do?”

“From what she told me, he killed her mum and tried to kill her.”

“And you believe her?”

“I do. I dug into Stephen’s past but found nothing but a blank slate. There was no mention of his late wife or his daughter, as if they had vanished into thin air or never existed. Either the police system had it well guarded, or he meticulously erased any evidence of their existence.”

That’s weird. But if he believes her, I trust his judgement.

“And why do you want me to go when you can do it yourself?”

“Lily… Iris, now, is stubborn. I’ll keep a vigilant watch over her, but I need someone to stay close by.” He locks his eyes on me. “You wanted some space to breathe, and now I’m offering you the chance to do just that. Also, Kai and Arch cannot be aware of it.”

“You don’t trust them?” I cross my arms over my chest.

“I trust all of you with my life, but they cannot be separated right now. With Halloween approaching, Kai’s nightmares have taken a turn for the worse, and Miranda’s behaviour has reached extra levels of animosity.” He presses a hand over his face. “I’d do anything to protect all of you, but the fewer people involved, the safer she will be.”

I carefully observe him, noticing how his hands fidget nervously and the worry that lingers in his eyes.

I did tell him I needed some breathing space. Although I love them all equally, it’s challenging to find my place amidst the chaotic rhythm of our lives.

“You love her.” It’s more a statement than a question.

“I’d go as far as shooting myself in the heart if it meant ensuring her protection.”

Yeah, he loves her.

“Okay, then.”

“She can’t?—”

“Know who I am. I know, I know.” I pat his shoulder and press it. “I’ll do what I have to do. I’ll be your eyes and ears.”

He chuckles softly. “Lily. Fuck, Iris is a wildcat.”

“My favourite.” I wink at him.

“Be warned, brother. You’ll fall in love with this tiny volcano.”

Yeah, I doubt that.

“I’ll send you all the documentation needed.”

“Dinner is ready!” Kai shouts from upstairs.

“Let’s go before Kai buries one of us.”

Four years ago.

“How is she?”

The constant back-and-forth between my place in town and the house is leaving me utterly drained.

“Same unhinged wildcat.” I tilt my head to glance at Eli. “Did you know that painting your nails was good for your chakras?”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Exactly!” I lift my painted black nails in front of his face, and he bursts out laughing. “She did that. She insisted she paint my nails, claiming that my ‘chakras’ were out of alignment, and I was in a ‘grumpy ass mood.’” I quote with my fingers.

“Well, she’s probably right.”

“Fuck. Off.”

Leaving him behind, I make my way towards my bedroom, quickly dropping my belongings before heading to Arch’s bedroom.

Seeing that the door is open and he is engrossed in his monitors, I decide to enter without interrupting with a knock. “Hey, pretty boy.” I gently press my lips against the back of his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin.

“When did you arrive?” he moans as my lips make contact with his skin.

“Two minutes ago.” I nip his skin, and he groans.

“Theo, do not start something you won’t finish.”

“Afraid you’re not the one in control here.” As he pushes his chair, a mischievous chuckle escapes him, and I find myself falling backwards onto his bed.

“When are you going to come back?”

I sigh because, in reality, I have no idea. I split my time evenly between here and my place. Admitting that I miss them would be honest, but I do find satisfaction in having my garage, even with the constant demands of working for a hitman company and ours. I don’t even know how I juggle all three together.

“Am here, am I not?”

“Don’t be a twat. You know what I meant.”

“Careful with your mouth, pretty boy.”

“Or what?” he taunts.

A smirk forms on my face as I stand up and grip his jaw. “Get on your knees.” I remove my belt while he licks his lips.

I already know what’s going to come out of his mouth, and it doesn’t miss.

“Make me.”

I tightly grip his hair, forcefully bringing him down to the floor as I loop my belt around his neck.

“I’m afraid you won’t have any spectators today.” I tighten my grip on the belt as I unzip my jeans and stroke my cock inches from his face. “Be a good boy and take me whole.”

Unable to speak, he gasps for breath as the belt tightens around his throat, forcing his mouth open.

I can’t help but let out a groan as he takes my cock into his mouth, his warm throat enveloping it while his skilled tongue dances around every inch.

“Fuuck. I missed your mouth.”

I push as far as possible, gripping the belt tightly, as I witness his eyes roll back in pleasure.

“Cock out, baby. I want to see how hard you are for me.”

He manages to remove his shorts and starts to stroke his shaft. But it’s not enough. My mouth waters at the thought of having him in my mouth.

I pull out and tug on the belt before kissing him with force. As our lips meet, his tongue surrenders to mine while I pull him closer, my fingers tightly entwined in his hair.

With a growl, I forcefully pull out and push him down onto the bed.

“Head at the end of the bed,” I command.

“Kinky,” he winks before doing exactly as I asked.

With his head hanging off the edge of the bed, I guide my cock back into his throat as I lean in to take his in my mouth.

Our synchronised moans fill the room as I maintain a firm grip on the belt, thrusting inside his throat, all the while sucking him off.

Fucking hell, I won’t last long.

I tease his shaft with my tongue, feeling his hips push against me, urging me to take him deeper.

I oblige, but as he does the same, a cough unexpectedly breaks the silence, followed by the resonating sound of my own gag.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

I pull out unexpectedly, gasping for air as I lift his head.

“As much as I love your mouth, I’d rather see my cum dripping from your ass, not your mouth.”

“Then, take me.” With a firm grip on my hair, he pulls me closer, our mouths crashing together.

Fuck, I missed him.

“Ass up for me, pretty boy.”

As he does, I reach for the lube and stroke my shaft a few times before grabbing my knife and positioning myself behind him.

He hands me the end of the belt and looks at me with a playful smirk, and I can’t suppress a chuckle.

He’s a goner for asphyxiation.

I insert two fingers into his tight hole, moving them in and out a few times before switching to using my cock.

Without warning, I thrust into his ass, causing him to let out a cry of surprise. Desperately, he tries to lean forward, only to be blocked by the belt.

“Fuuuuuck! So. Fucking. Tight.” I grunt.

“Shit. Take me harder. Remind me who I belong to,” he moans.

Fuck. Kai mentioned Arch hadn’t been himself lately and seemed down. But I didn’t think it would make him doubt his place among us.

I grip his head backwards and lick his cheek. “You belong to us.” Thrust. “This hole belongs to us.” Thrust. “This mouth belongs to us.” Thrust. “Your mind. Your soul. It all belongs to us.” Thrust. “As much as we belong to you. Do you understand me? You are ours as much as we are yours, and nothing will ever change that.”

Beads of sweat roll down my back as I continue my relentless thrusts, heightening the sensation. I don’t think I could be deeper than this if I wanted to.

Gripping my knife tightly, I run the frigid blade lightly over his skin before ultimately pressing down with it.

“Ahhh,” he sobs. “More. I need more.”

I do and observe the crimson blood dripping from his back before using my tongue to wipe it away.

“Hmm. Sweet.” I repeat the process, this time targeting the side of his neck just above the belt. As I apply pressure with the knife, I give a gentle tug, eliciting a scream of pleasure from him.

“Fuck, you’re going to make me come if you keep contracting your fucking hole like that.” My tongue hovers over the belt, tracing the path where his blood dripped before finally finding its way to his neck.

“Come for him. Claim his ass.”

We both turn our heads simultaneously, our gazes locking on Kai as he leans casually against the doorframe.

Bloody hell.

“Let me see my boys coming.”

He moves closer, his grip tightening on Arch’s cock as our tongues engage in a battle for dominance.

While Arch easily submits to us, Kai and I do not share the same inclination.

With each bite and lick, the sounds of our friction and moans echo in the air around us.

“Shit. Fuck. I’m gonna come.”

“Then come on my hand, pretty boy, while Theo will come in your ass.”

A guttural sound escapes from both of us simultaneously, filling the air with a primal energy.

The intensity of my orgasm seems to stretch out endlessly as I empty my load into his ass.

I release the knife, carefully removing the belt from Arch’s neck as Kai tenderly licks the crimson marks.

Pulling out, I kiss his back while Kai licks Arch’s cum dripping from his hand.

I push my cum back into his ass and turn him so he’s facing me. I kiss him softly and whisper against his lips.

“I love you. Never doubt that.” I gently plant a kiss on his forehead and then watch as his eyes slowly begin to close. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

“No,” he groans. “I’m tired.”

“Shower, and it’s non-negotiable.”

I kiss Kai and give him a wink.

“Let’s go, pretty boy. Don’t force me to lift you up because I will.”

“Fine.”

Six months earlier

“We need to tell them,” I say, sinking into the plush chair in Eli’s office.

“I know,” he sighs. “It can’t be the full truth.”

“And why not?” I raise my brow.

“Stephen has dozens of files about us.”

Fuck.

Elijah has been working for years to protect us and Lily.

It’s not that he doesn’t trust them, but he tries to protect them.

We suspected Stephen had something on us, and that’s why he’s still alive, but dozens?

“What exactly does he have?”

“Everything.” He sinks deeper into his chair. “I couldn’t find anything about my time in prison or what I did to my father, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know. For what it is for the boys, he knows their past. He knows the details of their actions, and that’s a risk I can’t afford to take. I have no way of knowing the specific tasks he assigned to each individual if we were to take him out now.”

“So what now?”

“My priority was always protecting Lily, but I would never jeopardise Arch and Kai’s safety. I have sufficient evidence to take Stephen down but insufficient evidence to implicate his entire team.” He sighs. “Lily wants to take care of it, but she’s not ready. Once he knows she’s still alive, everything will get worse.”

I’ll never understand why she wants him alive. He would’ve been six feet under for a long time with the four of us.

She knows how to defend herself. She’s a fucking good killer, and I know because I trained her.

“I’ll inform the boys— we will inform them about your mission and explain that I requested you to keep a watchful eye on her, which required you to remain in close proximity. I won’t detail further. You managed to keep her hidden for years, but eventually, they will catch on and see you together.” He leans his elbow against his desk. “I honoured her decision to remain anonymous, and I respected her request for me to leave her life three years ago. Fuck, I even respected her choice to keep him alive. But I’m giving it less than six months. If she chooses not to act, I will step in and handle things.”

“Alright then.” I pause and glance at him. “You know it’s not a mission anymore for me.”

He gives me a smile, but there is a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I told you six years ago that you’ll fall in love with this unhinged woman.”

He did say that.

“Let’s go tell the boys.” He stands up from his chair, but I stop him.

“She’s perfect for us. You know that, right?”

“I know.”