I loved him, I knew he was bad news. I learned a long time ago the Shaw name wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. There were things hidden in closets, secrets, things he didn’t want to have come to light.
And even then, I knew I couldn’t be the man my father wanted. Yes, he was good to us as kids, but the older we got, the more I learned about who he truly was. Our mother, a woman who had loved him unconditionally, wasn’t only just a pawn in his game, but she was a stand-in for the person he truly loved.
Lycan may have believed otherwise, and I allowed him to, but now as he takes a wife, he needs to learn the truth about the pretty redhead he’ll share a bed with. Today is the wedding, and it amuses me that I’ve chosen a suit and tie to wear to the event. The black jacket hugs my rather large frame, with slacks that just fit.
A white button-up is not my choice of clothing, but for my brother, I’ll do it. I need to blend into the crowd until I have my opportunity to stand and tell him the truth. I didn’t want to do it this way, but I don’t have a choice.
When I called my mother, I asked her to do it, to admit the shitshow she’d brought upon our family, but she refused. Which only leaves me with one option. I don’t feel bad about it. The anger, the rage I’ve lived with knowing I was cast aside because I wasn’t willing to fall into line, has made me hate everyone.
Lycan.
Scarlett.
Even Grace.
Picking up my weapon of choice, I screw on the silencer and smile down at the black metal that lies heavily in my hand. I found a family, and they gave me a gift I could never thank them enough for. Knowing I’m a killer is one thing but realizing the next person I’m about to murder in cold blood is my brother, well, that’s another thing altogether.
Being a biker outlaw, I’ve seen my fair share of dead bodies. It doesn’t faze me anymore. I doubt it ever will again. Lycan doesn’t realize the first kill I ever made wasn’t our father. He may believe it, and when I tried to tell him the truth, he didn’t want to listen, so it’s time I righted the wrongs of my brother and I.
Making sure my gun is strapped to my shoulder holster, I shrug on the jacket and pick up my keys. My mobile phone is off. My wallet in my pocket, I head out to the car. It’s only a few blocks away, but I will need to get away from the mansion as quickly as possible.
In the driver’s seat, I start the engine and pull out onto the road toward the house. When I reach the spot I marked out days ago, I come to a stop and sit watching the guests make their way inside.
Excitement churns in my gut, a reminder that soon I’ll be reunited with the memories, the truth, and the admission that comes with what I’m about to say. A limo pulls up, and as the back door opens, she gets out. Her black dress is evidence that she’s not happy about the union.
I knew she wouldn’t be. And she would’ve made it known.
I exit my own car and make my way around the house. I blend in as I move through the crowd of guests and up the stairs. Lycan would be in his office by now, talking to Kahn about security.
Nobody would seek me out.
Nobody would even bother asking who I am.
There are so many strangers here today. I’m just one of the many faces. I’ve ensured my hair has been cropped short from the ponytail I usually sport. My beard has been shaved, and my hazel eyes are now dark brown from the contacts. I look nothing like Darius Shaw.
I hear them usher the guests to the garden, but I quickly race up the steps onto the landing and take a right toward her room—my brother’s fiancée. The door opens, and out comes her best friend, Aelin.
I’ve had to learn all about the pretty blonde when I was doing my research. The moment she sees me, her eyes widen. “Who are you?”
“Who are you?” I throw back, offering her a smirk which seems to have the effect I need.
She grins. “I’m the bride’s best friend, Aelin.”