To The End (Hannaford Prep, #4)

by J. Bree

“I need to speak to Atticus. I need to look into Lips’ background. We know nothing about who her family really is. Or her father.” I blink at her. What the fuck?

I stare at the Jackal across the table as the exclamations and shouting only get louder. He watches me, and there must be some serious issues in the man’s brain because he only looks more obsessed with me. Like I’m impressing him by selling him out. I need a little less psycho in my life.

“He said he wouldn’t join the Jackal. He said it was a blood thing. Exact same wording, Lips, that’s not a coincidence.” Fuck.

He chuckles under his breath. “Well, I’m not putting up with some cougar cunt trying to fuck me this year. We’re firmly a stab-first family

going forward. Apparently you have the perfect farm animal disposal system.”

You should watch yourself, rape-bait.”

“O’Cronin, you’re in. Get a tattoo, put the word out, and start paying your dues. I’ll call you when I need you,” I say, and Avery slips her hand into mine. Fuck, I hope I don’t regret this.

My body stills, and then I turn liquid for him. I trust this asshole that fucking much.

“I’ve never wanted to keep someone before. I’ve never wanted someone like I want you. I get it, I don’t want to think about someone else touching you either, but you’re mine. I promise you no one else will ever fucking touch me again.”

“You forgot something. There were bikers there. If we listen to what the Crow says then maybe the Boar is protecting you. Maybe he is your dad.”

Avery calls out from the kitchen, where she refuses to leave while the head is present, “Actually it makes me think he really is your father. He’d have to admit he was wrong about lying to your mother and men usually have the emotional range of a fork.” Even Harley nods at that little nugget of wisdom.

And I obsessively plan how I’m going to keep my family safe. No matter the cost.

“Knowing I can use all of the twisted, fucked-up shit my family has taught me to keep you safe… well, I feel a little less fucked up because of it. Knowing that it turns you on is just icing on the fucking cake.”

Sitting in my palm is a tiny heart locket, identical to his mother’s, so similar it’s only when I turn the locket over to read the inscription that I know he’s gotten me one of my own. Mine. To the end.

Illi grunts and grinds his teeth as he settles back in the bed to get comfortable. “I look forward to being the joint best man at your weird-ass wedding.”

definitely not here… Lips and Harley are both here, there’s no one else… Fuck!” He doesn’t have to say another word, my spiraling mind already knows exactly what’s happened. Avery is gone.

A car engine roars to life, and Ash snarls at me, “You aren’t fucking expendable. You’re nonnegotiable. You’re everything I’ve ever fucking wanted and needed, and you’re trying to get yourself killed.”

“Tell Harley and Blaise I’m sorry too. Tell them I love them and tell Avery I love her too, that she’s the best fucking thing that ever happened to me. That being her friend has been the greatest fucking honor and if I die, she’s worth it. You all made this entire fucked up life of mine… worth it.” I rip the phone away from my ear before I can hear his reply, ending the call and shoving it in my pocket before I break down completely. The first step is the hardest to take, but the second I do my feet don’t stop. It ends tonight.