“I know. Now go find that mate of yours.” He released his grip. “Tonight we rest. Tomorrow we’ll regroup.”

“And kick some ass.”

Nick laughed. “That’s the plan.”

Jax walked out of his boss’s office feeling optimistic. Chappell and whoever were pulling the strings might have won the battle, but they weren’t going to win the war.

“Hold on, old friend,” Jax said. “We’re coming for you. Count on it.”

With new purpose in his stride, he went to find his mate.

His heart and soul.

Aric awoke slowly, head pounding. His brain felt stuffed with cotton, and his entire body ached. Where the fuck was he?

He tried to move, only to find he was chained against something solid, maybe a wall, arms and legs spread wide.

And he was naked as the day he’d been born.

From the shadows, a tall slender figure emerged. A woman with long hair a darker shade of red than his own. She was dressed in black slacks and a skimpy top that left little to the imagination.

“Beryl, you bitch,” he hissed.

Her laugh sparkled with amusement. “Is that any way to speak to your sister?”

His voice was cold. “I don’t claim you. I never have.”

“Is that why you never told your sexy friend Jax the truth? I wonder how your team will react to your betrayal,” she mused aloud. The prospect apparently pleased her. A lot.

“I didn’t betray them. I thought Jax was happy, and despite what a skank I know you are, I didn’t want to interfere. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“No, you won’t get the chance.” Too late, he saw the knife in her hand, glowing red from being placed in the fire.

“Scream, dear brother.”

As she pressed the hot blade into his side, he promised himself he wouldn’t. But half an hour later, he failed, screaming until his voice broke. Until consciousness began to fade.

Ryon? Someone, find me, he begged. Even though I don’t deserve it.

Please find me.

Blessedly, the knife, Beryl, and the horror faded to nothing.