suffer when I can help so easily. Plus, it’s only a transfusion, it’s not like they’re gonna kill me for it.”
I scoff. “They might.”
“We won’t,” Matteo states.
“They probably will,” Mammoth adds.
“Ivy’s blood is rare. We need Mia to get well, to live a long, happy life. Her blood type makes it difficult medically, so having Ivy and Eva, who are a match and in the same state, is helpful. No harm will come to either of them, not while Mia is alive. We protect them, you protect Mia at all costs. This is our deal,” Tony offers.
Nycto glances at me, raising a brow.
Honestly, everything in me is screaming not to agree, but it’s a good fucking deal. If the DeLucas are putting themselves on the line to protect Ivy and Eva, and all we have to do in return is give a little blood and protect Mia, then I guess it’s a fair trade.
I subtly nod, then Nycto walks over to Tony, placing his hand out. “They protect each other. All three girls are safe in this,” Nycto clarifies.
“Yes, all three,” Tony reassures.
“Does this mean we’re in alliance? The DeLucas and the Royal Bastards?” Nycto asks.
Tony bows his head. “If Ivy comes with us willingly, then yes, we are at an understanding.”
Nycto’s eyes shift to mine. He’s testing the waters, seeing where I sit with this deal. An alliance with the DeLucas is huge, but putting Ivy in danger churns my stomach. The idea of her going with them has me on edge. I dip my chin to her, and she smiles.
“I’ll go, as long as I get to come back to the clubhouse. I’m not staying with you indefinitely, Tony,” Ivy asserts herself.
There’s that fire I adore so fucking much.
“Fine. You come with us… alone. You donate. We bring you back. Simp—”
“Not simple. She’s not going alone,” I blurt, my skin crawling at the thought of no one to protect her.
Ivy grips my hand tighter. “I’ll be fine. They need me, Void. They won’t hurt me.”
“Yeah, but what about after they take your blood?” I whisper in her ear.
The corner of her lips creeps up infinitesimally. “They need my blood. This isn’t a one-time thing. Why do you think they’re making this alliance? It’s because they anticipate needing me in the future. This is the deal, Void. I’m Mia’s very own personal blood bank. They need me. They’re not going to risk anything happening to me… for Mia’s sake.”
Tony and Matteo both shrug in agreement. “She’s right. We do need her,” Tony mumbles, his voice becoming strained.
“I go with her. I won’t have her going on her own. We might be in an alliance, but I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you,” I snap.
Tony huffs out a grunt. “I’ll take a prospect, no one else. No offense, VP, but having one of the heads of the MC table in my home doesn’t sit right with me. Not yet.”
“Then she doesn’t go. End of discus—”
“Void… I have to go. Not only for Mia but for the alliance. You know it’s true.” Ivy’s tight grip on my bicep tells me she’s not messing about right now.
My muscles clench as I grit my teeth. Bartering with Mafiosos isn’t my finest hour, but at least this way, someone will be with Ivy. A prospect who will take care of her, even if that person irritates the hell out of me. “Dash… Dash will go.”
Ivy’s eyes meet mine. There’s understanding in them because she knows I only want to protect her.
Dash steps forward hesitantly, a little unsure of himself. My narrowed eyes meet his, then he nods, letting me know he’s got this. If anyone will put themselves on the line for Ivy, I know it will be Dash. He cares about her, and he’s the only choice.
“Right, now we have all of this settled, let’s be on our way. We have a five-hour drive to Jacksonville—”
“You look after them like they’re a part of your own fucking family, Tony. Any harm comes to either Ivy or Dash, and we won’t hesitate in starting an all-out fucking war. And trust me when I say, the first target we hunt down will be Mia.”
“Understood. We’ll bring Ivy and Dash back tomorrow evening. I’ll keep in touch with you, Nycto. Make you aware of what’s happening.”
“Make sure you do.”
“You know, Nycto, it’s hard for me not being in charge of this situation, but I do appreciate you helping us out. My famiglia