Ultimate Vengeance (Wanted Men Book 4)(133)

“Markus’s sitch really didn’t have anything to do with you, brother. Sergei had eyes on him. He probably could have taken him out at any point that night. The fuck just bid his time so Markus’s death, like the others, would make an impact. You heard him; the point was to start a war with Lucian. Again, nothing to do with you.” He turned his head. The shadows swirling in those silver eyes of his were fierce and ripe with fear. “But the man in there? Yeah. He’s in there because of you. He took that slug to the chest for you. Just the same way you’d have taken one for him. The same way I’d have taken one for Micha. The same way Gabriel would have taken one for V. You get my point? You’re his kid, man. That’s how he sees you. Of course, he was going to do what he could to prevent you leaving him. I just can’t believe he made it by Dmitri. I think Vasily broke his jaw.”

They were quiet for a minute while Alek attempted to hold onto his balls and not turn into a weeping wreck. If Vasily’s daughter could keep it together, he damn well could, too.

“How did you know to come?” he asked, wanting the distraction just as much as he wanted his curiosity assuaged.

“Anton called Micha and choked out that the front door had just blown up in his face. We were packing the cars.” Sydney came over and offered Maks coffee. He shook his head without looking at her. But he was aware of her because his tattooed hand came up and his thumb delivered a gentle stroke to her cheek. She raised the cup to Alek, who also refused. After she had left, Maks went on. “We put a call in to Nika’s brother—he’s been on stand-by all week. V stayed back and waited for Caleb and a dozen of their boys in leather to descend.” He looked to the swinging doors. “Tegan was on her way to the house. She just finished a shift and had agreed to come over. Thank fuck she was close. With her and Micha helping…” His jaw rippled. “Micha should be where Yuri is in life, you know,” he said, the comment coming out of left field. “I’ve held him back.”

Alek got it because his thoughts were jumping, too. “Micha is living his life exactly how he wants to,” he assured. “Just like Dmitri is.” Vasily’s byki was just outside the door, sitting in a chair someone had brought him. He hadn’t moved in the last hour. Alek had seen Quan go out and try to talk to him, but he’d soon drifted away with a pat on the guy’s shoulder when he got no response.

The sound of some heavy-ass boots and gently tinkling chains came from the hallway. Welcoming more distraction, Alek turned, noting the footsteps pause halfway, then only one set continuing. No concern came after Anton, who stood just inside the doorway, re-holstered his gun.

Caleb Paynne, Nika’s brother and the vice-president of the Obsidian Devils MC, joined them in the next second. When Eva saw the dark-hair bruiser she’d grown up with in Seattle, she rushed over and was taken up in a big embrace that was nothing but comfort.

The biker released her after a long minute of quiet reassurances that came out more as gruff but affectionate orders to stay positive. His dark eyes came to Alek. The tinkle had been his wallet chain because it made the same musical sound as he came over and offered a sympathetic hand-clasp and back-slapping hug.

“Uh, I brought some company.” He swiped a big hand over his jaw, suddenly looking pensive as he nodded to the hallway. “He’s been worried as fuck and I, uh…” He looked at Eva. “Yeah, I get that. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have overstepped.”

Alek frowned until he realized who Caleb had to be speaking of. It took him a moment before he recognized he wasn’t feeling quite as vicious as he’d have expected. He met Sacha’s eyes and could see she hadn’t put two-and-two together yet.

“Bring him in,” he murmured, watching her closely. “She’ll be happy to see him.”

Caleb didn’t go out but gave a sharp whistle. The thuds were immediate as the two in the hall started moving. Sacha watched with only a vague interest…until the attorney came in with Vex. She drew in a sharp breath, her eyes flying to Alek as he walked over to Justin.

Seeing as he was the host, he put out his hand and took a second to notice the guy was dressed casually in clothes like the ones Vincente usually wore. He didn’t look like a lawyer today. In fact, the casual dress made him blend with Vex and Caleb. Had he been wearing an ODMC vest, Alek might have…

This isn’t trouble compared to where I’ve been.

Justin’s words from the convention center echoed through Alek’s head, and the pieces fell into place. The fucking guy was a former member of his brother’s club. Now that explained the arrogant attitude.