Forbidden Temptation My Mafia Fiance's Alpha Father (Brooklyn and Aden) novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86
Aden

Something has to be done.

This is all I think about as I climb out of the second of three SUVs that have brought me and my captains to this meeting with Remington.

I’ve shown up in force today, intent on sending a very strong message.

I’m done with him thinking he can even attempt to push me around. And, if it comes down to it, my crew is ready for my signal.

Climbing the few steps into the strip club, I remember the last time I was here.

When I had followed Brooklyn into the Champagne Room, saw that pig of a man pressing her up against the cocktail table, ready to do as he pleased with her.

That moment had set my blood on fire, set my wolf on the brink of rampage.

I wondered, if I could go back in time, would I do it all again, knowing where it had led me?

But I also knew I never had a choice in the matter.

I thought I was helping a pretty young girl who didn’t deserve to be wrapped up in Dean’s particular brand of sexual depravity.

But I’d acted on pure instinct that night, my wolf pushing me to her, like it always did when I was near here.

Now, as soon as we enter through the front doors, we head directly for the back of the club, ignoring the pounding music and the dancers lighting up the stage.

Instead, my crew work their way towards a back door where one of my security detail is already waiting.

The security agent gives me a nod, letting us know all is well, so we push through the door.

Remington is there, waiting, as I knew he would be. I delayed deliberately, wanting him to be impatient and off his guard.

“Kenwood,” Remington says, tapping his fingers against the low coffee table set in front of him that has a spread of food and drinks already laid upon it.

The room is nice, for a strip joint—the nicest they have. Leather seating ranges around the room with chrome accents.

Remington has brought his own small crew—certainly fewer than my numbers. They look around anxiously as my people continue to fill the room.

My guys versus his. My wolves whining for the chance to defend our crew.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting,” I say, still standing, looking down at Remington. Letting him know precisely his place in the relationship. He might be the official Alpha of the two of us, but he holds no power over me.

Remington sneers back, just a little, knowing I’m not sorry at all.

He understands what’s going on here, my increased forces, late arrival, and condescending manner. And he doesn’t appreciate it.

“Sit down,” Remington says, leaning back on his chair and pretending a casual attitude he doesn’t actually feel.

“You called this meeting, Aden, pulled me out to this rat’s den in the middle of the day. What is it you want to say.”

“I want to know what you’re playing at,” I say carefully, sitting down and leaning forward so an elbow rests on my knee.

In a situation like this, subtle messages have meaning. The wolves inside Remington and me are watching, waiting, picking up on each other’s signals far more than what we say.

Words lie. Behaviors and instincts don’t.

A young man enters. Unlike Remington and me, he’s totally alone.

One look and I can see he’s clearly of a different generation.

Though his clothes look expensive and designer, he’s still wearing a black sweatsuit, some jewelry, and his tattoos are visible.

I like to consider myself a bit of a lone wolf because I don’t follow regular pack rules.

But Colsen? He’s a true lone wolf. Loyal to nobody.

There’s something off about a lone wolf. A little unhinged.

Which makes them terrifying.

“Sorry, if I’m late,” Colsen says, smirking, standing with his feet apart and his hands in his pockets.

I clench my jaw and look slowly between Colsen and Remington, rage festering in my stomach.

As I do, every single one of my men puts a hand on the gun at their hip.

This was certainly not part of the plan.

Remington is pushing the envelope, letting me know that his allegiances have changed.

“Colsen,” I say, taking what control he can. “So nice of you to come.”

The venom in my words lets everyone in the room know that I mean precisely the opposite.