HIRAM'S POV:
As I make my way down to East End Motors, I try to keep a clear mind. There is a lot to take care of, but I have to begin somewhere. Still, my mind keeps bugging me about what Juniper said earlier. It is obvious something is wrong, but I cannot quite place it. I begin to wonder if she is truly just human or if she is a werewolf with some kind of mystique power that enables her to hide her true identity.
"No, you're losing your mind, Hiram," I mutter to myself, gripping the steering wheel tightly. I shake my head, forcing my focus back on the road. Right now, I need to deal with Larry, I tell myself, trying to ground my thoughts.
East End Motors finally comes into view-a dingy lot surrounded by a chain-link fence. The sign above the gate is weathered and barely legible. I pull up a few yards away, then I step out of the car and make my way toward the gate.
I spot Larry from afar. He's standing at the gate, leaning against the frame with a cigarette in his hand. He's talking to someone, but I do not care who it is. The moment he spots me, he pats the man's shoulder, and the man walks away while Larry faces me.
"What do you want?" His tone is harsh, and it tells me he remembers exactly who I am.
"I want to talk with you," I say to him, and he takes a puff from his cigar, letting out a small chuckle.
"And why would I want to talk to you?" he asks, blowing out the smoke. "You asked me to leave her alone, and I've just done that. Now you're in my territory, and…"
"I have a business offer," I cut him off, still trying to sound professional, even though the only thing he is doing is getting on my nerves. "Let's take a drive downtown, and I promise it will be quick and enticing."
"Sure," he shrugs. "Anything that has to do with money, I'm all in."
Larry climbs into the passenger seat of my car, shutting the door with a smirk still plastered across his face. The scent of his cigarette lingers in the air, making my jaw tighten as I start the engine.
"So, what's this enticing offer?" Larry asks, flicking ash out of the window.
I glance at him, keeping my voice steady. "How much will it take for you to leave town?"
He snorts, clearly not expecting that.
"Leave town? That's what this is about?" He leans back in his seat, amusement lighting up his face. "Why would I do that? I'm pretty settled here."
"I know your business doesn't exactly pay well," I reply without hesitation as I wheel into the road. "But I'm willing to give you a good amount. Enough to make sure Juniper never has to see your face again."
Larry's grin widens as he takes another puff from his cigarette.
"Oh, I see. Protective boyfriend," he says, and I glance at him. "I know you guys aren't really married. Sally is a good friend," he adds, and I do not reply to him.
My grip on the steering wheel tightens, but I force myself to stay composed.
"How much will it be?" I question again, trying to stay focused on business.
"Two million, and I'll be gone from this town."
"Done."
That catches him off guard. His eyebrows shoot up, and he lets out a low whistle.
"Well, shit. Didn't think you'd agree so quickly." He chuckles, shaking his head. "You know, I don't know what the fuck that girl's done to you and Cillian, but I'm glad to be pulling myself out of it. I have to give it to her; she has a way of finding herself with you rich dudes. I should be a woman in my next life."
I make no comment at his words.
"She's beautiful, sure, but there's more to life than lusting over one girl. Plenty of good pussy out there, not just hers."
My foot slams on the brakes, the car screeching to an abrupt stop. Larry lurches forward, his cigarette falling to the floor. Before he can react, I grab him by the collar, yanking him toward me.
"Don't you ever speak about Juniper that way again," I growl, my eyes blazing in fury.
Larry raises his hands in mock surrender, his cocky demeanor faltering.
"Alright, alright! Chill, man! No disrespect meant."
I glare at him for a moment longer before shoving him back into his seat. Reaching into the glove compartment, I pull out a pen and a notepad.
"Write your account number. I'll contact you with the details about your money!" I am practically yelling.
He takes the pen and scribbles his number quickly, handing it back to me with a sheepish grin. "Anything else, boss?"
"Yeah," I snap, pointing to the door. "Get out of my car."
He opens the door, and I drive off, leaving him standing in the middle of nowhere. It feels good to be rid of him.
I keep my eyes on the road, driving faster than I should, pushing myself to think of something else-anything else but my problems. A few miles later, I come to a halt in front of a bar. The neon sign flickers dimly under the lit afternoon sky, but it's just the kind of place I need to clear my head.
I pull out my phone, dialing Winston's number.
"I need you to wire two million to the account I will send you," I say as soon as he picks up. "Now!" I add.
There's a pause on the other end, and I can hear Winston's muffled voice as he confirms what I've just asked. "I'll have it done right away."
Ending the call, I copy out the account from the paper, sending it to him. A few minutes later, Winston calls to confirm he has done it. Next, I dial Larry's number.
"I have sent your money," I reply, not giving him a chance to say anything. "But I'm giving you until dawn to pack up and leave. Because after that, I'm coming to East End Motors, and I'm demolishing what's left of your business. There's nothing left for you in this town, so leave."
I end the call before he can respond, then I lean back for a moment, inhaling sharply.
Sliding my phone into my pocket, I open my car and walk into the bar. The inside of the bar is dark in contrast to the brightness outside-the kind of place I want to be right now. There are people around, and their chatter fills the air. I move to the counter, taking a seat. Then I call on the bartender, ordering a glass of beer.
Shortly, he returns with my glass. I reach for it, downing it. The chill runs down my throat, quenching my thirst and giving me a bit of relief.
As I sip from my glass, I look around the bar. Suddenly, my gaze shifts to the far corner of the bar where I spot Cillian. I let out a sigh, as I didn't expect to run into more trouble here. He's sitting at a table with a man I don't recognize. From the way they are moving, I can tell they are arguing. My instincts kick in, and I find myself listening, unable to pull away from their conversation. The perks of being a werewolf, you have a wide hearing range.
"You didn't do what I asked," Cillian growls in a low tone.
The man on the other end of the table sneers.
"How was I supposed to know someone would come to her rescue before you did? You told me to be patient, to wait for the right moment."
My stomach tightens. I lean in slightly, trying not to draw attention to myself.
"You had your chance. You failed, and now you've cost me. That girl is a pain in the ass, but I'll still get her."
I set down my glass as the pieces fall into place. It hits me like a truck; They're talking about Juniper. Cillian hired someone to go after her. Her attack was a setup.
Fury rises in me, my heart pounding in my chest. This bastard-he used her as a pawn, but his game failed. He wanted her to think he was some kind of savior. I want to walk over to him, tear him apart with my own two hands. But I know better. I don't know what to do yet, but I know I have to get back at him somehow.
I finish my drink, letting the warmth spread through my chest, then I stand to leave. As soon as I get into my car, my phone rings, and I look at the screen to see my mother's name displayed.
"Mum, what is it?" I question, a sigh escaping my lips as I pick up the call.
"You have to come home right away. The Lycans struck again, and your father is badly injured."