Page 4 of Javier

“Thanks. This impromptu meeting of the river rats is to discuss how tonight went down.” Javier nodded to Ransom. “Come on up here, brother.”

Ransom pushed off the far wall and made his way through the standing groups and full tables, positioning himself between Javier and Stone. His eyes glittered defiantly as he panned over the room. He took a long swig of his beer. Sammi held a weeping Rose in the circle of her arm.

Uneasy about the necessary step he had to take, Javier cleared his throat. “Ransom, brother of my heart—” He cleared his throat again and continued in a gruff voice. “I love you, man. But your careless actions have potentially put all of us living in the Narrows at risk, especially you. You broke the code and the agreement. You went against the desires of every person in this room, and then some. You carved a man, almost gutting him. You identified me.”

Ransom gave Javier a stare that held unspoken words and emotions, then resumed looking at everyone in the room.

“What do you have to say?” Stone prodded.

“The fucking son of a bitch had it coming.” He stated loudly, his voice bitter and cracking. “He hurt someone I love.”

“He hurt someone we all love. The castration sent a message. It was enough,” Sammi said softly, her voice raw with emotion. “The rest wasn’t necessary, brother. Or agreed to.” She wiped a tear. “You know the punishment that is to be imposed for your acts.”

“Yes. I stand by what I did. I would do it again. I’m sorry for saying your name in anger, Jav, but that’s it. I hope the fucker rots in hell.”

Someone called from the far end of the room. “We need to take a vote.”

“Those in favor?” Stone observed the hands that shot up. “Against?

Not one hand raised. The vote was unanimous. The Narrows’ decree stood.

Ransom’s jaw pulsed. His Adam’s apple was evident when he swallowed. He looked down at his feet, back up at his family and friends, then inhaled a deep breath and nodded, accepting his fate.

One didn’t risk family or community. His favorite knife—the one he used to cut the man and one of several Javier had forged—was taken to be melted down.

Ransom was exiled from Torch River under threat of death if he ever returned.

CHAPTERTWO

Memphis inhaled the pleasing clean and crisp woodsy notes of soap when the gorgeous angry man came into physical contact with her as he stomped to the shop.

Electricity sizzled where his skin had touched hers. What the hell? How could a stranger make her burn?

She had taken in his above average height and the ripple of corded muscle beneath the generously inked skin. Noticed how there wasn’t an ounce of extra fat anywhere on his breathtaking form.

She observed how his manhood had reacted to her appearance. It was impressive. Her girly parts responded immediately, very much willing if the situation presented itself.

His dark eyes flashed with interest, then became wary at the mention of Gray Wolf, evolving to a flat black as he told her to leave.

That went well. Not. Shit. What to do now?I need his help, I think.He knows something.She checked in with her gut.Affirmative.

She studied the simple sign above the door:Cabrera’s. Was he Cabrera? He told her to get off his property, so yes. Did he know the Gray Wolf?

Her father’s description was of a brother from thirty years earlier. “Long, some gray in that dark hair of his, taller than me, and husky, solid muscle, built like a boxer. Women considered him a catch. So handsome, I guess. You knowing his alias should open the door, but take a copy of your birth certificate and an ID. The man I knew was cautious.” He had not given her a name other than that, and he was very specific on how to approach the man once she found him.Thanks, Pops.

Eben hung back in the corner of ICU room. She assumed he was uncomfortable but not wanting to leave for fear of missing something.

Pops motioned him over. “I need to say a few words to your sister. Alone. I love you, son. Please follow my wishes for the ranch.”

“I’ll do my best. Love you too, Pops.” He planted a chaste kiss on their father’s forehead then shot Memphis a stern look before leaving.

The door clicked shut behind him. Their relationship had always been rocky. She pulled a chair close to hear her father’s breathy words.

“It’s a dicey situation, Memphis. Your brother and Arla got engaged last night.”

Her stomach sank. “Oh.” Even though she thought it might happen, Memphis wasn’t prepared for the reality of it.

“It’s the making of a nightmare. Trey Rooney has always wanted Creed Ranch, especially now that an oil deposit has been located on our land.”

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