Page 102 of Deceived Wrath

I should have known better than to try and keep my brothers in the dark. I appreciate their willingness to help without question, but Adrian Smirnov is a whole other level of dangerous. Once I come clean about my link to him, there’s no going back.

I take a deep breath before throwing back my drink in one gulp.

I wasn’t planning on coming clean about Scout’s heritage tonight, but it seems my brothers are forcing my hand.

“Scout’s mother was Nadia Smirnov.”

The string of curses that comes out of each of my brothers’ mouths is, quite frankly, impressive.

“Her father, Adrian, was the one to put her in the ground, and I worry that he will do the same to Scout if he ever finds out he exists.”

Ronan’s eyes widen. “Adrian doesn’t know?”

I shake my head. “No. And I want it to stay that way.”

“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep Scout safe,” Kieran says without hesitation. “You have our word.”

I exhale as I look at each of my brothers in turn. I can see it clear as day in each of their eyes that they would willingly hand over their lives for my son. I know because I would do the same for their kids without a second thought.

It’s enough to make me feel like a complete asshole for ever doubting their loyalty.

“What I want to know is how you managed to bag yourself Nadia Smirnov,” Brennan says, which earns him a slap around the head from Kieran. “Ow! I’m just saying!”

“And Scout? I’m assuming he doesn’t know any of this?” Ronan asks under his breath while Kieran and Brennan bicker between themselves.

“No. He was barely a year old when it happened. I’ve already messed up his childhood enough as it is, I don’t need him to be terrified of his own shadow too.”

Ronan claps me on the shoulder.

“He’s a great kid. I’m looking forward to getting the chance to get to know him.”

So am I.

“You really need to work on your social skills,” Kieran fires at Brennan.

Brennan laughs. “You’re one to talk, or rather,grunt.”

Kieran pulls out his phone.

He scoffs. “Oh, come on. You can’t use a call from your wife as a way to get out of this argument.”

“Hey, little dove,” Kieran murmurs. “Everything okay?”

Brennan makes a gagging sound, which has Kieran slapping him around the head once again.

“Ow!”

Ronan chuckles. “Serves you right.”

Brennan is about to retort when Kieran suddenly straightens.

“Riley, what’s wrong?” The color drains from my brother’s face before he’s on his feet and grabbing his jacket off the back of his chair. “I’m on my way.”

I get up too. “What is it?”

“Riley’s gone into labor.”

Chapter Twenty-Two