Page 71 of Revenge

“I don’t care.”

“I’ll take you in the morning. I swear. Ava, I’m sorry. You need to believe me. I wasn’t trying to upset you.” I don’t say anything.

I walk into the bedroom and lock the door. I stayed here longer than I should have. I think of calling Oliver to come for me, but he would probably have Max’s head if he knew what just happened. I can tell Oliver doesn’t really like Max even if he doesn’t say it.

Tomorrow I will go home, and wait to give birth to my son. Once he comes into this world, I will pack my things and go far, away from everything and everyone. I should have left the state the night I left the mansion.

Chapter Thirty Four

Oliver

I’m in my kitchen pouring a cup of coffee, wondering how I got here. Life hasn’t been easy. I’m grateful for everything my mom has done for me. She has always treated me like her biological son. But it doesn’t mean I don’t think of my birth mother from time to time. I wonder if she had someone like me in her life, would she have fought for me instead of letting my father take me. Perhaps it’s why I feel so protective of Ava despite Viktor. I don’t want her to ever feel alone. She isn’t a Manarch, but she is carrying one. The sound of my phone startles me. The screen reads Angus.

“What’s up, Angus?” I greet.

“A’m fine, slainte! Where are ye?”

“Home. Why?”

“It’s your brother. He’s up tae high doh.” Viktor riled up and flustered is nothing new these days.

“What is wrong now?”

“It’s your da. New orders came in. He wants to disperse the men more. Give the Irish more say.”

“He must be losing his mind.”

“Aye.”

“Where is Viktor?”

“Home with the bairn. He said to call you.”

“I’m assuming you are in Gotham?”

“Aye.”

“I’ll be there within the hour.” I end the call. I haven’t spoken to Viktor in a few days. I dial his number.

“What do you want, Oliver? I gave Angus instructions.” He greets.

“Hello to you too. I wanted to check-in.”

“I’m busy and not a child. Do your fucking job.” He ends the call. I don’t know why I expected anything else.

I’m getting tired of his bullshit attitude. I understand why he is pissed, but he knows I’m doing the right thing. The only thing that matters is keeping Ava safe, which he can’t do at the moment. The man is stubborn. I get in my car, trying to devise a solution. The clan can’t continue the way we are going. I know our father is taking advantage of Viktor not leaving Aisling’s side since she was born. Cillian continues to whisper in our father's ear. It doesn’t matter what path Viktor decides to take. It always leads to Cillian getting his way. I have to find a way to be creative. To tip the scales in our favor. A way to end this impending war with the Irish. But the million-dollar question is, what? What can I do to get rid of Cillian once and for all?

I walk into Gotham, and the place is buzzing. It’s not chaotic, but there are men everywhere. I walk over to Angus and Ray, who are talking. Their body language tells me it isn’t good. But then again, lately, nothing is. It’s been bad news left and right.

“Good morning,” I greet.

“Good morning,” Ray greets.

“Guid morning mukker.” Angus makes me laugh.

“Still hanging out with Grams I see.”

“Aye.”

---