Page 34 of The Ecstasy of Sin

If this happens again, I'll need to call Ryker in for clean up. One messy kill is one thing, but multiple? That's a bigger investigation.

Not wanting to fall too far behind Wren, I break into a jog, weaving through the labyrinth of alleyways until I’m several streets over.

I know where she’s heading, so I’m not too pissed off that I’ve lost track of her.

Two nights ago, while the guys were at my place, I pulled Ghost aside and had him hack into the systems connected with the various homeless services around the city until we found the places Wren was visiting regularly.

Good Shepherd Respite was one of the spots she visited nearly every day for food, so it was a safe bet that she was heading there now.

I slip back into the flow of the city, letting the crowds swallow me as I head in that direction. Blood already stains the insides of my leather jacket, so I use the lining to wipe down my knuckles. Only when I’m mostly clean do I notice the small splits in my skin—bruises already blooming across my sore knuckles.

When I get there, I’m grateful this place always has a line up, because I find a spot in the shadows of a nearby building and lean against the cold concrete, my eyes locked on Wren as she steps into the queue.

When she disappears inside, I pull out my phone to check the group chat between my brothers and I.

RYKER

Dom, I’m coming to walk Hunter.

GHOST

Fuck you, it’s my turn.

RYKER

Catch me outside the house and I’ll beat your fucking ass.

TORIN

Ryker thinks it’s always his fucking turn. Notice how it’s never me and Ghost having this issue? It’s always Ryker fucking Stone.

GHOST

Which is why I’m showing up. We’re gonna fight. I’m sick of your fucking shit, brother.

RYKER

Bring it, motherfucker. I’ll throw down for the goodest good boy.

I had no idea when I brought Hunter home that my brothers would constantly be at war over who gets to take him for a walk when I’m not there. What I also didn’t anticipate? Theirapparent inability to walk the dog together, like they’ve developed a sudden, violent allergy to each other.

Groaning, I drag a hand down my face and fire off a response.

ME

WALK HIM TOGETHER.

RYKER

Nah. This is my me time.

GHOST

Your ME time? What are you, a tired housewife with four kids?

ME

I swear to fucking God.