Page 6 of Betrayed In Crimson
Morbius’s arm tightens around me as he guides me into the shed.
“Ignore my brother,” he murmurs. “He’s always wanted what’s mine.”
The words should sound teasing. They don’t. They sound like a warning.
CHAPTER THREE
SILAS
27 YEARS AGO - NEW YEAR’S EVE
“Where is Morbius?”Prez asks as he walks over and drops into the seat beside me at the table.
I shake my head slowly before looking up at my President, my friend, my brother, not by blood but forged in something stronger. Lucian. “I don’t know,” I mutter.
Lying.
Lucian sees straight through me. He tuts and shakes his head. “You can’t keep covering for him, tidying up his fucking mess.”
“I know. I know.” I sigh, leaning on my elbows, fingers threading through my dark hair. “He’s my brother. I can’t turn my back on him.”
Lucian’s amber gaze pins me in place. “Brothers, blood or not, there’s only so much you can do for him. He’s getting into something dark. Something you can’t pull him out of.”
“I tried to follow him, tried to see where he keeps disappearing to, but the fucker outruns me every time. He knowsI’ve been trailing him.” I pinch the bridge of my nose and exhale a slow, frustrated breath. “I promised him. I swore I’d always look out for him.”
“He’s breaking the rules of the club. Our coven. I can’t take it easy on him, no matter what your promise might be. You’ve tried. The club’s tried. You can’t save someone who doesn’t want saving.” Lucian’s tone is a low warning.
Morbius’s time in the club is running out. If I can’t make him see sense, I’ll have to choose: my club—my brothers by bond—or my brother by blood.
I nod. “When’s the decision being made?” I know a vote will decide Morbius’s future. If they vote him out, he pays the price for leaving, for betraying the club.
“Tomorrow.” Lucian’s jaw hardens. “And I’ll warn you; they’re pissed. They want to end his existence.”
“That seems extreme for him to disappear for a few days at a time. We don’t even know what he’s doing,” I argue.
“Clutch nearly fucking died because of his absence. We may not know what he’s involved in, but his mere absence and unpredictability are a danger to the club. To us. I’m sorry. I know he’s your brother, but it has to stop one way or another.” He stands, then pauses, glancing back at me. “I’ll lose your asshole brother, but I won’t fucking lose you. Don’t sacrifice yourself for him. I may not be blood, but you’re my brother, and there’s a reason you’re my VP. Think clearly. Be smart. Don’t let him guilt you.”
He walks away, his words cutting through me like a blade to the heart.
I lean on my elbows, head in my hand, mind warring with the decision. Do I stand by my brother, or by my club? By Lucian, who’s been more of a brother to me than Morbius ever has?
My cell pings with a message from Lilith.
L: Have you heard from Morbius? He was supposed to pick me up an hour ago for New Year’s Eve.
Anger flares. My brother doesn’t deserve her.
S: Emergency came up at the club. I know of a party happening. Let me pick you up, and when Morbius is finished, he can meet us there.
I lie. Covering for him. Again.
My cell pings.
L: Sure, better than being stuck waiting for him.
“You ready?” Clutch asks, coming over.
I stand and slide my phone into my pocket. “Yeah. I’m picking Lilith up on the way. Morbius hasn’t shown up. Again.”
