Filed to story: Reclaimed Book by Roxie Ray
I was still floored. How the hell had I not known Harley’s old friend was a son of the Vahdat clan alpha? Since Suri had taken Dylan and Harley both under his wing, so to speak, would Lakeview and Vahdat eventually be able to work together?
My mate was full of surprises.
“Thank you,” I said to Harley. “I know you’re the one who called in this favor, but… that’s not always how inter-clan deals work. I don’t want to be in debt to the Vahdat clan.”
“Suri wouldn’t expect that,” she said.
“I don’t doubt it, but his father might.” I exhaled. “Do you mind if I talk to Suri? I need to know the details of this plan before we do anything.”
Harley nodded and grabbed her phone off the nightstand. She dialed Suri’s number on her phone.
“Hey, Suri. I’ve got Steph here. Mind if he talks to you?” She listened for a bit, then handed the phone over to me.
“Suri,” I said. “Thanks for taking my call.”
“Of course,” the dragon on the other end said in a warm, friendly tone. “Happy to help where I can. This line is secure, by the way.”
That was a good sign-that Suri already knew the importance of being on a secure line for talks like this. Not that I’d expect anything less from a Vahdat dragon.
“So, Harley told you a little about my clan?” Suri asked.
I chuckled. “We may be a small East Coast clan, Suri, but we’re familiar with the Vahdats.”
“And I’m happy to help Lakeview where I can.”
“I’m grateful for that,” I said. “Listen, I have to ask. I had my guys look into your background a little when Harley mentioned you’d helped out with Dylan. None of the Vahdat connections came up.”
“That’s on purpose,” Suri said. “My father and I keep our relationship private. If other dragons on the East Coast knew I was connected to the Vahdat clan, that’d put a target on my back. You know how these power-hungry clans can be.”
I hummed in agreement.
“I value my freedom and independence, but I still have a strong relationship with my family, both the clan and my personal friends. My father would be happy to do this to protect Harley and Dylan.”
I cleared my throat. “I understand. But as the Lakeview alpha, I want to be sure I’m not putting my clan in a position of being indebted to the Vahdat clan?-“
“Ah,” Suri said in realization. “That’s what this is about. I should’ve led with this, sorry.”
“With what?”
“The Vahdat clan prides itself on the cleanest, finest product in the nation, as I’m sure you know.”
“I do,” I said. The Vahdat clan sold cocaine exclusively and prided themselves on its purity. Their product was ubiquitous in major cities and sold to the richest and most powerful celebrities and executives.
“Well, your old friend Thames somehow managed to get his hands on the product. I’m not exactly sure how-I wasn’t privy to the details-but I suspect one of our approved distributors was subcontracting to make some more money. Anyway, Thames decided to stretch the product.”
“He cut it,” I said.
“Yep. Purity ruined, but still with the Vahdat label on it. Bad for business. Our distributor faced consequences for the subcontracting, but Thames disappeared. Now that I know he was near Lakeview, it makes more sense. You’re a bit isolated up there.”
“Just the way we like it.”
“All of this to say, we’ve got a little win-win situation on our hands,” Suri said. “You’ve brought Thames back onto the Vahdat radar. My father will be glad to put a little pressure on him. So, there will be no debt. If anything, my father might be interested in developing a closer relationship in the future.”
“If that’s the case, then consider the Lakeview clan in agreement. I need Thames to end his deal with my brother, Sean, no matter what it takes.”
“We’ll make that happen,” Suri said. “Well. Not ‘we.’ I try to stay out of clan business. But Harley and Dylan are my family just as much as my clan is, and I’ll do anything to keep them safe.”
“And you know I’ll do the same,” I said in a gravelly voice.
“I was worried about Dylan when he began to show signs of his shift,” Suri said. “I knew he needed his alpha. You can’t imagine how glad I am he has a strong father in his life like you, Steph.”
“Thank you, Suri,” I said, and I meant it. Suri had taken care of Dylan when I wasn’t able to. It was a strange bond between us, but a bond, nonetheless.
“No need to thank me. As I’m sure you know, Harley is an independent woman. The fact that she even called me at all tells me this is a serious situation. She’s worried about you. You’re lucky to have such a woman at your side.”
“I know I am,” I said. “I’m grateful she called you.”
“And I’m glad my clan can be of help. I hope you and I can become allies, as well. I’ll make the call and be in touch.”
As I ended the call, relief crashed over me, and the force of it made me slump against the headboard.
Could it really be that easy?
One call and Thames is out of the picture?
If Thames ignored the Vahdat alpha’s warning, he’d put a target on his back, especially since he’d already wronged them once. Whatever Sean was offering him wouldn’t be worth that risk.
Then Sean would have nothing. He’d finally be out of options.
“Steph?” Harley scooted closer and placed her hand on my chest. “What did he say? Are you okay?”
I huffed a small, relieved laugh. “I can’t believe your old boss is a Vahdat dragon. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t realize it was such a big deal. I knew his dad had a big clan and a lot of pull, but I didn’t know it was the most powerful clan in the nation.” She laughed softly. “I just wanted to help, Steph. I want you to know you’re not in this alone.”
I sat up and caught her lips in another kiss. “I love you.”
Her lips curved into a smile against mine. “I love you too.”
“We need to call Hawk.”
Hawk arrived while Harley and I were making lunch. Cassidy, Striker, and Dylan were in the backyard.
“What is it?” he asked as soon as he stepped inside. “Ace, you said it was important. Is it about Thames? What’s the update?”
I grinned. “You’re not going to believe this. My wonderful mate here has some pretty insane connections.”
“Huh?” Hawk blinked at us both. “What the hell does that mean?”
I told him everything. As soon as I said the name
Vahdat, Hawk’s eyes started to widen, and they didn’t stop until I explained everything Suri had said.
“Holy shit,” Hawk breathed. He braced both hands on the counter and lowered his head. “Holy fucking shit.”
