Page 138 of Revenge

“You were told we were taking out another Scottish clan coming from the homeland. A threat to the family,” I remind him.

“Yes.”

“Do you remember how it all started?”

He looks at me, confused.

“Our father met with you to go over a detailed plan. You were going to fly to Scotland. But you never did because it was a false alarm.” I take a deep breath. “Our father wanted me to kill you.”

I let the words sink in before I continue. It’s been the only secret I’ve kept from Oliver that mattered.

He drains his glass. “Why didn’t you?” he asks quizzically.

“Because I couldn’t. You’re my brother. It's the one order I refused to carry out. At the time, he said he was proud of me for not betraying my blood. But I knew then the day would come where he and I would stand on opposite sides.” I run my hand across my chin as I remember those events

“Why did he want me dead?” he asks, clearly puzzled.

I drain my drink. “Because your existence threatens him. If I die, you’re the one who will take over when the time comes. You’re an heir.”

“I’m not a Manarch, not really.”

“You are more of a Manarch than you realize. The men respect you. You could run the clan without a doubt. He fears the men will follow you and not him.”

He looks unsure. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“Because our father doesn’t give a fuck about anyone other than himself. His priority and loyalty are to himself. You and I have had our issues this last year or so because of Ava. But you’re my brother, and I trust you with my life. I’ll always choose you over our father,” I confess.

He stays quiet, and I’m going to say more when he speaks.

“I too, will choose you over our father. I’ll always have your back.”

“I know. But before we go into this war, you need to ask yourself if you can go all the way. You’ve always idolized the man we call father. But he’s never been a father, not to you or to me. You have to be at peace knowing it will come down to a bullet from your gun or mine. He has to die. He won’t let anyone get in the way of what he wants and will kill anyone, including us, if he has to.”

“If the time comes, I’ll do what needs to be done. From now on, everything we do will be for the good of the clan. Our father’s loyalty might not be on the right side, but mine is,” Oliver says.

“Then be ready because this will get bloody. No one is guaranteed to make it out alive. Not you or me. His numbers are at least double ours when you include Cillian’s men. Despite all of our recruitment efforts, we will be outnumbered.”

“I’m ready. What about Ava and the kids?”

“They will stay put for now. Is the contingency plan in place?”

“Yes. There are new identities for them, half a million in cash and a property in the mountains ready for them to move to.”

“And no one knows?”

“Only Marco knows, as we discussed. He has a plan in place, but I won’t know what it is until it’s executed.”

“I don’t like being in the dark,” I confess.

“We both know this is the best way. They’re safer if no one beside him knows the plan.”

“It won’t come to that,” I say, looking up to a God I don’t believe in.

“Let’s hope not,” he replies as I pour another drink for us.

At this moment, I feel useless. All I want to do is leave Eros, find my father, and put two bullets in his head. The man has lived past his expiration date, but killing him outright will create chaos within the clan. Chaos we can’t afford as long as Cillian is in play. It’s obvious this is what Cillian is hoping for. If I kill my father, Cillian will take the opportunity to attack the clan, so I have to wait and let my father show his hand. As much as I hate it, I will have to plan on the fly. This is the best solution for an impossible problem.

The contingency plan is in place in case I don’t make it home. I need to make sure Ava is ready for anything. Earlier, she showed me she will do whatever is needed to keep our family safe. She was right in saying I need to treat her like my partner and not someone fragile. She can handle herself and has shown me this time after time. No one loves or cares for our children more than her. I can’t keep her in the dark. Not this time. It’s time for me to make her my queen in front of everyone. For her to take her rightful place by my side.

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