Broken Bond by C.J. Primer

20

CALLUM

My throat tightens as I step over the threshold into the house. I can’t stand this place, the people that live here, or the memories it harbors. I hate that I’m dragging Nessa into this mess, but I wasn’t about to fuck up everything I’ve built with her by shutting her out. She’d assume that I didn’t find her important enough to introduce to my family, while the truth is the complete opposite; she’s too important. I’d rather shield her from these people because she’s sweet and pure and good, and they’re fucking poison.

“Perfect timing, Abby’s just getting dinner on the table,” Troy drawls as we shrug out of our jackets. I take Nessa’s from her and hang them both on the coat tree beside the door, keeping close to her because my protective instincts are on overdrive in my stepdad’s presence.

“Thanks for having us,” Nessa says politely, slipping her hand into mine again.

Fuckface’s eyes dart down to our intertwined hands, then snap back up to meet mine. “So glad you both could make it.” He hits us with another grin and turns on a heel, waving for us to follow.

My feet are rooted to the spot I’m in.

Nessa steps in front of me, setting her hand on my chest and pressing her palm tightly over my racing heart. “You ready?”

Something about her touch instantly calms me. I swallow past the lump in my throat, nodding and forcing a weak smile. “Yeah, babe,” I reply, reaching up to sweep her hair behind her ear. “Have I told you how gorgeous you look tonight?”

Her responding smile lights up her whole face. “Not yet,” she winks, a soft pink blush staining her cheeks. “But thanks.”

I take her hand this time, leading her into the dining room where Troy’s taking his seat at the head of the table and my mom’s setting the last of the plates down.

“Cal!” she exclaims, putting on a show of being thrilled to see me. She rushes over, pulling me in for a hug. “It’s been too long,” she breathes, ruffling my hair in mock-affection. Then she steps back, beaming at Nessa. “And who’s this?”

“Vanessa Diaz,” she provides, smiling sweetly and extending a hand. “My friends call me Nessa.”

Mom pulls her in for a hug instead, really playing up this whole happy family vibe. So nice to meet you, Nessa,” she coos, withdrawing from the embrace and taking a step back to examine her. ” You’re so pretty, what on earth are you doing with my son?”

Her inflection is sarcastic, but I can discern the bite of sincerity behind her words. I know the woman too well. We haven’t even sat down at the table yet, and she’s already fired the first shot. 1

I expected nothing less. 1

The silver lining of bringing Nessa along tonight is that my family is forced to be on their best behavior. Their thinly veiled insults toward me are played off as good- natured teasing, and we shockingly make it through the entire meal without any major blowups. Troy still hasn’t gotten to the point of what this dinner’s all about, though, so I’m not holding my breath that we’ll make it out of here unscathed.

I’m sure the worst is yet to come.

I’ve been on edge all night, but having Nessa here has helped. She’s the calm to my storm, and just having her beside me has made a world of difference. She has also completely charmed my family. Spence can’t take his eyes off her because she’s hot as fuck and he’s a teenage boy, and my parents have been hanging on her every word, infinitely more interested in her life than they’ve ever been in mine and undoubtedly trying to figure out what a girl like her sees in a guy like me.

That’s still a mystery to me, too.

“I spoke with Ray Swenson the other day,” Troy comments, wiping his mouth on his napkin and setting it on the table beside his empty plate. “He mentioned that he’s planning on retiring next year.”

“Really?” Mom asks, poorly feigning her surprise. “Did he say who’d he’d be recommending as his replacement?”

my own napkin down, my gaze sliding between Mom and Troy warily. This is definitely rehearsed. Ray Swenson is the pack’s lead enforcer, and they know as well as I do that if he’s stepping

his son

snort, shaking my head and chuckling

Troy deadpans.

zero experience is going to be installed as

Troy’s jaw tightens, the only outward sign that I’m getting under his skin. “Maybe not right away, but after a few years of service as

my chair, narrowing my eyes on my stepdad. “Is this why you called me here? To ask me to put a bug

my thigh, squeezing gently. Her touch calms me marginally.

the picture of composure, calmly folding his hands

rank in the pack. What’s good for him is good for all of

eyes on him. “Good

won’t have you speak to your stepfather that

on her. “So I’m supposed to just let him ambush me with

a scathing look, then turns to my girl, plastering on a fake smile.

ever so polite and agreeable, though there’s

to retain my composure as she stands, collecting our dinner plates and shooting me an apologetic glance over her shoulder before following my mother out of the room. It’s like she takes all the light with

head upstairs and work on your homework,” Troy murmurs, his icy tone conveying that

the good little golden boy he is,

his father’s demand, pushing up from his chair and exiting the

just me

monster and his

ask Chase to appoint Spencer as an enforcer,”

head in disbelief. “Why the fuck would I do that?”

he steeples in his fingers in front

you don’t want Chase finding out

told him,” I mutter, clenching my fists beneath the table. This is his go-to threat, and I hate that he has something he can hang over my head. If he didn’t,

me with a mocking smirk. “I think you and I both know that isn’t true, or he wouldn’t be keeping you so close.”

it. I might fight him on this more if Nessa wasn’t in the next room, but I don’t want her walking into this conversation. My jaw twitches as I force single word

and he leans back in his chair. “Glad we could come to an understanding.”

out my chair and shooting to my feet. I have to get out of here before I snap. “We’re gonna get

in my tracks. I don’t like the sound of her name on his lips. I knew it was a mistake bringing her

through clenched teeth,

his feet, taking a step closer and dropping his voice low. “You should do her a favor and let her go before it’s too late. Before

heart slams against my ribs, my blood turning to ice in my veins. “I’d never hurt

you and I both know that you struggle to control that temper of yours. It would be a shame for a nice

her to meet the same

panic seeping to the surface. “I

setting a hand firmly on my shoulder. He stares

desired effect, slicing open old wounds within me and sending my mind into a tailspin. Deep down, I know he’s trying to goad me, but… fuck, what if he’s