Page 51 of Monstrosity

We spot the Irish convoy immediately—three black SUVs arranged in a defensive formation, men in suits standing guard.

"Subtle," Ivar mutters as we park our bikes.

"Liam doesn't do anything subtle," Runes reminds us. "Remember, let me do most of the talking. Rio, you present the evidence when I signal. Ivar, try not to threaten anyone."

"When have I ever threatened anyone for no damn reason?" Ivar asks innocently.

"Tuesday," Runes and I say in unison.

The warehouse door opens, and Doran steps out.

Revna's husband looks comfortable in his expensive suit, every inch the Irish and Russian prince.

But I catch the tension in his shoulders, the way his hand hovers near his hip.

He's nervous too.

"Gentlemen," he greets us. "Thanks for coming. Uncle Liam's inside, and he's... agitated."

"About his warehouse or about this meeting?" Runes asks.

"Both. He doesn't like being summoned."

"We didn't summon him," Ivar points out. "We requested a meeting to clear up a misunderstanding."

"You say tomato," Doran shrugs. "Just... be careful. He's got a short fuse today."

We follow him inside, where the temperature drops ten degrees.

The warehouse has been set up as a meeting space—table in the center, chairs arranged formally.

And at the head of the table sits Liam Mackenzie.

The Irish boss is exactly what you'd expect.

But his presence fills the room like smoke, dangerous and choking.

His red hair is going silver at the temples, and his green eyes are like chips of ice as he watches us approach.

"Raiders," he says, his Irish accent thick with disdain. "You've got some fucking balls, my warehouse burnt down, and you ask for a meeting without fixing the bloody problem."

"We’re here to come to an agreement, to resolve this giant fuckin’ issue," Runes says calmly, taking the seat across from him. Ivar and I flank him, staying standing. "That's what we're here to discuss."

"Discuss?" Liam leans forward, and I can see the rage simmering just beneath his controlled exterior. "Three million dollars of my property goes up in smoke, and you want to talk about it?"

I speak for the first time, keeping my voice level. "Yeah, since we’re all cool and everything."

Liam's eyes snap to me. "Rio Rojas. The prospect who likes to paint walls with blood. Aye, I know who you are, boy."

"Enough." Runes holds up a hand. "Liam, we called this meeting because someone is trying to start a war between us. Someone who benefits if we're busy killing each other."

"And who might that be?"

"Bembe Reyes. Culebra cartel."

Liam's expression doesn't change, but I catch the slight tightening around his eyes.

"Go on," he says finally.