Chapter 38

It's shocking how similar Ranger's houseguest Kate and I look. Honestly, it's a little disturbing, especially after learning that Lucien Andretti kept her as his unwilling prisoner for close to two years.

Perhaps all three brothers were more focused on me than I ever realized. Or maybe Lucien wanted someone who looked like me that he could beat the hell out of to make himself feel better when my family canceled our betrothal.

Who fucking knows what that psycho was thinking.

It doesn't matter.

Either way, he's being handled tonight.

The more I learn, the guiltier I feel. Not just about Kate and what happened to her, but also Laken.

It's been three long days of waiting for Ranger to coordinate some type of meeting to swap "Kate"for Lyra's sister.

Laken has been trapped with that son of a bitch for five days total, and ultimately, that's my fault.

Maybe not directly—it isn't like I personally handed her over—but I hate that she's involved at all.

Lyra is voluntarily on her way to rehab in Florida. She wanted to wait until her sister was safe, but she was pretty sick by that same night when we talked about setting all this up. She needed to get somewhere where they could help her.

I gave her my word that I would do everything I could to bring her sister back safely, and I really fucking meant it.

Our world isn't kind to women, making it a necessity that we stick together, always.

We've been in Boston since last night while everyone gathers extra men, and Ranger puts his plans in place.

I was shocked to see that Canton Forbes sent Tanner—AKA Beefcake—to help out. He's funny and easygoing. Also, Ranger hates him, so naturally, I helped ensure the two had to share a room. Annoying my brother is a small moment of joy in an otherwise tense time of waiting and doing a whole lot of nothing.

I have no idea how Ranger and Lucien negotiated the meeting spot, but I'm just focused on living through the swap.

Supposedswap.

Whatever.

I know both sides are going to try to double-cross the other.

We just need to make sure we come out on top.

It's clear Andretti wants to kill my brother and me for what I did to his brothers, or maybe he'll send his henchman and not show up at all. Either way, the security company Ranger works for is a cover for the mercenary work they do on the side. We will have a solid team with us for whatever Andretti tries to throw our way.

The tech guy, and the team normally stationed in Boston, confirmed that Lucien hasn't left his compound since last night. There are still about a million things that could go wrong.

Cas takes a seat on the bed next to me, running his hand up my thigh. "I really wish you'd reconsider." His brow furrows as he studies my face.

"I know," I admit. "And I wish you would too." He's not built like the rest of us, and I actually find that endearing. It's clear he's an excellent businessman, but stuff like this is why he has Ward.

"Annika," Cas growls, climbing over my stretched-out body. "This isn't a joke. I'm not staying back at the hotel with the tech guys while you're right out there in the middle of the action."

I stare up into his dark brown eyes as his lips brush mine. "I don't want you to get hurt," I whisper, running my fingers through the hair at the base of his skull.

"The same goes for you, beautiful." He presses his lips to mine, making my heart race. My knees clench as he swipes his tongue over Ward's bondmark, growling into the kiss.

He pulls back, and his pupils are huge as he tenderly brushes his fingers over my cheek.

It makes my heart thump wildly as he pushes his emotions toward me in the bond. I can't pick out the exact meanings, but I get the general idea.

"I promise I won't take any unnecessary risks, but I need you to promise the same."

"I promise," he agrees, but the wrinkles on his forehead give away his concern.

Truth be told, I'm scared too.

If it wasn't an exchange situation, then I would stay in the hotel. Hell, I would have stayed in Virginia with Vale and Kate and their packs.

I have no delusions about being a hero, but I also fucked up a lot of lives when I ran.

Every choice I made had consequences that have impacted the lives of others. And even years later, they keep compounding.

None of my guys are particularly happy with me, but I couldn't ask Kate to face her abuser just to help get Laken back.

All of this snowballed from my decisions.

It's about time I help make it right.