Claimed by my Brother’s Best Friends (Alyssa) novel Chapter 58

Actually, towards the end, their mom was wild as hell. She would've told her to go for it, and do whatever the fuck she wanted to do. But it's not my place to jump in.

Besides, my girl can defend herself.

Alyssa's eyes are blazing as she glares back at her brother. "I think mom would want me to be happy. And I wouldn't be here with you and your Victoria's Secret model wife, who I didn't even know existed until a week ago. Sure, we're blood, Gray, but that blood's been tainted."

Gray grits his teeth. "We can fix that. I failed you before with Isaac, but I'm stepping in now. You're staying here and that's final. I'll have King and Niko bring your things over."

We all open our mouths, but Niko speaks first, his voice calm but firm. "No, she's not. Alyssa doesn't want to stay here, and I won't help you hold her hostage."

Gray quirks a dangerous eyebrow, his voice dangerously low. "Excuse me?"

"You can't hold your sister and her baby here against her will, Gray," Niko's voice softens, still holding an edge, but he's trying to reason with him without involving violence.

Gray leans in, challenging him. "And who's going to stop me?"

I step forward. My muscles are tight, coiled like a spring, ready for whatever's next. "I told you already, Gray. I won't let you take her choice away. Neither of us are okay with that."

I pledged my loyalty to the Crimson Reapers at fifteen years old. Gray's father was commanding, ruthless, a leader who knew how to mold boys into leaders. That's what he did to the four of us. I was just a kid then, but I knew I was sealing my fate, bounding myself to a life full of blood, violence, and loyalty that ran thicker than any brotherhood. But now, as I stand here facing my best friend and the man who inherited that legacy, I realize that the chains of that loyalty no longer bind me in the same way.