“By selling off Grandpa’s land.”
“Ah, so you heard.” He looks from me to Willa. “We considered mineral rights like Gordon wanted, but then we’d be stuck sorting all that out with him. Better we just cut ties.”
“Because then you don’t have to share as much profit.”
“What’s wrong with that? It’s your money too.” He shrugs. “You’ll get a piece of it whether you deserve it or not.”
“I’m not letting you sell a fucking square foot. That’s not what Grandpa wanted with his land, and you know it.”
“How are you going to stop us?” He takes a step forward, not as tall as I remember, but his eyes are just as mean. “Don’t see your name on the will.”
“Because there isn’t one.” I grit my teeth.
Of all the things my grandfather could have done from his deathbed, unfortunately, he skipped that step. Leaving us in this messy years-long legal battle.
“You’re right. There isn’t one. And now that we’re selling the land, we don’t need her or her daddy, so if you thought showing up with her would give you some leverage, you’re out of luck.”
“She’s not leverage.”
“Whatever you say.” His gaze drops to my gun. “Put it away, Dean. You don’t scare me.”
“You should be scared.” I take a step forward, while Willa hangs back. “You think you know who I am, but you have no idea anymore.”
“What are you going to do? Kill me?” He steps closer.
“No, it would be too easy to put a bullet between your eyes right now—too peaceful. I’m no longer your punching bag, you piece of shit. You’re mine, and I’m going to enjoy kicking you until you’re begging me for mercy. I’m not just taking this land. I’m taking your fucking reputation. I’m reaping your soul.”
My stepdad’s teeth clench. Too proud to break my gaze, but he swallows hard. And I’ve seen fear in the eyes of enough men the moment before I kill them to know that’s what I’m looking at.
“You can try.”
“I will.” I step back, throwing my arm around Willa’s shoulders. “You’re going to regret making me come back here to handle this. And you’re going to regret ever involving Willa. I can promise you that.”
“You’re going to have to take that up with Gordon.” Tate tips his head toward the property line that leads to the Elliott Ranch.
“I intend to,” I assure him. “In the meantime, we’re gonna need a bed somewhere far the fuck away from you two.”
“Maybe someone in town will take you in.”
I smirk. “Why would we stay there? This is my land as much as it’s yours.”
“For now.” Kincaid’s eyes narrow.
“It’s fine.” Tate slaps a hand on Kincaid’s shoulder. “The cabin at the eastern edge of the ranch is empty. Dirty and falling apart, but you’ve been living in shitholes with bikers, so it will probably feel like home to you.”
I don’t bother responding to that. He’s trying to get a reaction, and I refuse to give him one. I made my point.
With Willa’s hand in mine, I guide her back to my bike, helping her climb on behind me.
“Try not to scare the animals with that ridiculous thing,” Tate says, condescending as always.
I’m not riding anywhere near the animals, but of course, he had to take a jab at my bike. I flip him off, peeling away and leaving them both in a cloud of dust.
“That went terrible.” Willa’s voice is soft through the speakers in my helmet.
“It went as expected.”
“He has a point.” She wraps her arms tighter. “Even with my father’s investment, he’s not the majority owner. If they’re cutting him out, there’s nothing I can do to help. I’m not good leverage.”
