To The End (Hannaford Prep, #4)

by J. Bree

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.

We’re firmly a stab-first family going forward. Apparently you have the perfect farm animal disposal system.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“One that recognizes she was born into a den of monsters and survived it.”

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.”

“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.”