Forbidden (Blood Ties #7)

Walker cut me a look of rage as he was forced aside. I gave a shake of my head as the head of their outfit climbed the stairs, glancing at the truck as the rear door opened. I cleared my throat and straightened my spine.

“Astor, get them inside as soon as possible,” he commanded, staring at the Daughters as they were unloaded one by one.

Their faces blurred into one.

Terrified.

Pale.

Hands clasped, tied in front of them.

19 assetswere unloaded by four guards and told to stand in front of us.

I waited for Harmon’s man to look my way, to at least give me his attention for a second. But the bastard never even acknowledged I was there, not until he took a step toward the locked external doors and turned, meeting my gaze. “I’ll require keys.”

I kept my face stony. “Walker will assist you with any access you might need during the checking-in process.”

He scowled, then stepped closer. “You’re not understanding me. We’re not here to offload the cargo and leave. We’re here to take over.”

What the fuck?Rage plunged all the way inside. “Under whose authority?”

He just gave a chuff. “Mr. Harmon’s authority. Would you prefer I call and confirm this with him?”

Harmon’s warning rose to the surface.I still believe you’re an asset, Riven…don’t cause me to think otherwise.

So, this was it?

This was him making sure I ‘got my shit together.’I stared at the unflinching bastard and felt the ground at my feet tremble. My standing here was fragile indeed…more now than ever. “Walker,” I said, staring into the bastard’s eyes. “Give—”

“Coulter,” he answered.

“Give Coulter here your keys until you can provide him with a set of his own.”

“No,” Coulter responded, searching my stare before he lifted his hand. “I’ll take yours instead.”

I clenched my jaw as the Daughters shivered, clinging to each other as they wept. Their whimpers were all I could hear. His lips curled as I reached into my pocket and pulled my set free, handing them over.

He enjoyed this.

Let’s see how long that’d last. I watched as he turned and motioned to his men, ushering the Daughters inside. I waited for them to disappear before I spoke to Walker. “I want him watched like a fucking hawk. The moment you sense anything I can exploit, I want to know about it.”

“Will do,” he answered, leaving me as he followed them inside.

It wasn’t just Harmon I needed to be wary of now. It was everyone…everyone who wasn’t my blood…or…her.

Dark brown eyes filled my mind, until a weight dropped on my chest.Fuck.She was here…and now so were Harmon’s men.

I strode forward, pressed my card against the scanner, and followed them back into the bleak halls of The Order. Footsteps thudded as doors were opened and locked. Walker strode ahead, catching up to them and motioned to the far east wing of the building.

Their cries echoed.

A chill raced.

It was the same all over again.

All these women.

To be trained and used.