Every word made me crave a bullet. I wanted to end it. I wanted to chase Jethro to the underworld and leave everything behind.

There’s nothing left. Not anymore.

Bonnie shuffled forward, her cane sinking into the carpet. “We’ve all agreed to nominate a new master. If Daniel carries out the remainder of the tasks, he will take over my son’s position before his thirtieth.”

She came closer, bringing the stench of death with her. Her hazel eyes flashed, red lips spread in a victory grin. “When you left two months ago, I knew something special would have to be done upon your return. No one makes a mockery of my house like your family has done without paying a serious price. Consider this the beginning of a bigger debt. You owe us for the inconvenience your brother caused.”

Cut laughed, pressing cold fingers beneath my chin, angling my face to his. “Understand, Ms. Weaver, Daniel will carry out the Final Debt. And if he does, as I trust he will, everything goes to him. And unlike my previous sons, he will not disappoint me.” Placing another dry kiss on my lips, he murmured, “Congratulations Ms. Weaver. You now belong to Daniel ‘Buzzard’ Hawk…

…

And he’s going to make your life a living fucking hell.”