Primal God (The Defiant God Brotherhood #4)

Chapter 24

Lilith’s friend Harvey helps me carry a few boxes to the SUV. I’m glad we brought it instead of my car. I pause. Lilith and I are both going to need bigger vehicles for all the kids. The thought has me smiling as I set the box in the back of the SUV.

Harvey sets his box down, too, and then crosses his arms as he faces me.

“You better be good to Lili. She hasn’t had it easy.”

“I’ll be good to her.”

He stares at me before nodding. “Good. If not, I’ll kick your ass.”

I smile. “Deal. And thank you for being a good friend to her.”

He smiles back. “She’s the best person in the world next to Cecely.”

“How did the three of you meet?”

“I’ve known Cecely forever. They met at work and then realized they had some classes together.” He shrugs. “When Lili found out she was pregnant, Cecely said she should move in with us and that was that.”

“Thank you for taking care of both my girls.”

Harvey dips his head. “No problem. They’re both great, though I am going to miss the attention I get when I take Raquel to the park with me.”

I grin. “You are more than welcome to come visit anytime.”

“Thanks.” He slaps my back. “Let’s finish this.”

We make our way back up the stairs. As we approach, I spot an envelope hanging on the hook next to the door.

Harvey says, “That’s weird. No one ever uses those flyer hooks, except the lady in 204, who likes to let everyone know how her cats are doing.”

My name is on the fucking envelope. I snag it down, my chest tight. I’ve never seen one of these in person, but I know what it is. Ripping it open, I pull out the letter, reading it as fast as I can.

Santos,

My, oh my, are you a brave soul. Brave or stupid. I’m still not sure. I see you finally know about little Raquel. She’s the spitting image of your other daughters. Good genes, but I digress.

I’ve been watching you Primal God, to see how you would handle this new role. You’ve slipped under the radar for years, making no major moves. That time has ended. You must now make a name for yourself and help lead the Brotherhood into a new era. That’s not going to happen while you stay buried deep inside the nanny.

I wonder how Joao is going to feel when he finds out…

And he will find out.

Just as Montgomery and Wolfe will find out what you’re planning.

A word of advice, Primal God. Do as Moretti said and seize the bull by the horns. Do it before Wolfe acts and takes you right out of this game.

You will receive a message in an hour. Just know that my sources are solid, and the information is good. You have twenty-four hours to act.

I’ll be seeing you soon.

-Gabriel

The letter crumbles in my grasp as I rush into the apartment, calling out Lilith’s name. She emerges from the bedroom with Raquel in her arms.

“Is everything okay?”

“No. We need to go. Now.”

Her friends must sense the urgency in my tone because we have the SUV loaded ten minutes later.

I tell Cecely and Harvey, “Someone will get the rest soon. Lock your doors when we’re gone and call if anything seems out of the ordinary.”

Harvey asks, “Are we in danger?”

“No.” I’ll make sure of it. To Lilith, I say, “We need to get home.”

I have to install Raquel’s car seat in the backseat before we can go. Luckily I’ve done it before.

When everyone is safely in the SUV, I send Alessandro a text.

Alessandro Moretti

I got a letter while moving Lilith out of her apartment, which means the fucker was there.

Fuck. Where are you now?

On our way back to the house. With our daughter.

???

I’ll explain everything. Are you in town?

No, we’re in Vegas. But I can hop on the jet if I need to.

I’ll send you a photo of the letter, and we can go from there.

I snap a picture of the letter, sending it to him. Lilith silently watches me as I start the SUV.

“Are you going to tell me what’s happening?”

I take her hand in mine. “Nothing, minha vida .”

“This doesn’t feel like nothing, Dimitri. It feels like something scary is happening.”

I exhale. She’s right. I can’t keep her in the dark.

“You know that I’m in the Brotherhood.”

“Yeah…”

“And that I was recently promoted.”

“Yes, that’s what you said.”

“The only way out of the Brotherhood is through death.” I feel her gaze snap toward me. “And the person I replaced killed himself because he knew that someone was out to get him. It’s the same person who’s killed two other members. He’s also been watching us.”

“Us?”

“You and me, minha vida. He left a letter on the outside of your apartment while I was downstairs with Harvey.” My throat is tight. “He knows about Raquel, too.”

“Oh my god.”

“I reached out to Alessandro. That’s who I was texting. He’s going to help us. I’m also going to call Brooks.” I look at her. “No one is going to hurt our family, minha vida . I won’t let them.”

Her face is pale as she looks back at Raquel.

“Should we call Miranda and tell her to bring home the kids?”

“They’re already on the way.”

Lilith lets out a watery laugh. “My god. Here I was thinking the most difficult conversation we were going to have today was telling Clara why another baby is moving in with us.”

I smile. “Oh, I’m sure that will still be difficult.”

“You’re not helping.”

“I promise you and the baby will be safe at the house.”

She nods. “Okay.”

“Okay,” I echo in agreement.

We finally arrive at the house, and I spot Ms. Odell’s SUV parked out front. I park next to her and get out, opening Lilith’s door before getting Raquel.

As we walk, Lilith asks, “What are we going to say to them?”

“We’ll tell them the truth. That this is your daughter, and she’s come to stay with us since your arm is hurt.”

Inside the house, I call Ms. Odell, Clara, and Diego.

Clara stops when she sees me holding Raquel.

“Why is the baby from Isadora’s playdates here?”

I turn to Lilith, whose cheeks are bright red.

She says in a low tone, “I had to find creative ways to see her.”

“Very clever, minha vida .” To Clara, I say, “This is Raquel. She’s Lilith’s little girl, and she’s coming to stay with us.”

Clara moves closer. “She looks like Isadora.”

“That she does.”

Clara turns to Diego, who just entered, and says, “You’re right. Nanny W has a baby!”

Ms. Odell touches Lilith’s arm. “She’s beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Lilith answers.

I say, “Ms. Odell, can you get Raquel settled in the nursery with Isadora? Her crib will arrive soon.” To Lilith, I say, “I’m going to take a call in my study.”

She grabs my hand. “Be safe.”

“I will.”

I leave as my family makes their way upstairs and I go to my office, closing the door behind me. It’s been nearly an hour, which means I’ll be receiving a message from the killer any moment now.

My phone rings, and I see Brooks’ name on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Ace said you got a letter. Are you home?”

“I am.”

“I’m on my way.”

“I’m in the study.”

“See you in a few.”

Ten minutes later, Brooks walks in just as my email pings on my phone. I open it on my computer so Brooks can see. There are a few attachments within the email. One has several photos of Joao and his girlfriend, Eve. There’s a schedule listed for the next day and the dinner time slot is circled.

“What does this mean?” Brooks mutters.

“Someone is going to kill Joao!”

“How can you be sure?”

I pull the letter from my pocket, showing Brooks.

“He said I have twenty-four hours to act.”

“Fuck.”

I click on the other attachment, which has flight and hotel reservations that Wolfe made earlier today. Right to Rio de Janeiro, where Joao is.

I say, “We have to go.”

“Agreed.”

“I need to let Lilith know I’m leaving.”

“I’ll meet you at the airstrip in an hour.”

He leaves and I take the stairs two at a time.

I find Lilith in the nursery, holding Raquel while Diego stands next to them, holding onto Raquel’s hand. The sight takes my damn breath away. Not once in her entire life was Serafina ever this motherly. Not once did she hold one of my children while making another feel safe and loved. I rub the spot right over my heart. But Lilith has.

“Is everything okay?”

I force a smile on my lips. “Something has come up and I need to go out of town for a few days.”

Her gaze searches mine. “Okay. Text me when you get there.”

This woman. She trusts me and doesn’t demand answers I can’t give. Fuck. I love her so much.

I love her.

I love her and I haven’t told her.

“Dimitri?”

I move, pulling her in for a hug with Diego between us.

“Everything is fine. I promise.” I pull away. “I’ll call you later.”

Now is not the time to tell this woman that I love her. That I’m in love with her. She deserves better than that.

So I’ll tell her when I know she is safe.

The flight from Dallas to Rio de Janeiro takes a little over ten hours, even on Brooks’ private jet. By the time we land, it’s three in the morning. A waiting car takes us to a nearby hotel where we can rest for the night. It’s near the hotel that my son is at. I didn’t want to stay at the same hotel in case Wolfe is watching me.

Brooks says, “Ace said he’ll be here in a few hours.”

“I appreciate the two of you dropping everything to help me.”

“You’re one of us and so is Joao.” He pauses. “Have you told him you’re here?”

“I wasn’t sure if his phone is compromised.”

“Good thinking. Well, we’ll find him in the morning.”

I sit on the edge of my bed, rubbing my chin.

“It fucking kills me knowing that bastard was so damn close that he could leave a letter while I had no idea what was happening.”

“It’s a shame the security feeds were down.”

It was the first thing Alessandro looked into while Brooks and I traveled to the airport.

I say, “A shame and yet I think intentional. And how did he know about Raquel?”

That’s what has really bothered me. No one knew about my child. Lilith took steps to make sure our daughter was protected. She even went as far as trying to have a home birth but had to go to the hospital when her blood pressure sky rocketed. They didn’t even have time to get her to labor and delivery, which is why our daughter was born in the ER. It also solves the mystery of the locked encounter I saw in her chart. But how did this fucker know about Raquel?

“Grant thinks the person is a Brotherhood member. It makes sense. Someone who has the same resources as us.”

I nod. “It does make sense. Honestly, if Alessandro wasn’t an Elite Member, I’d be looking at him.”

Brooks snorts. “As I’m sure others might say of me, Grant, and even you.”

“Me? Why would anyone think I was the killer?”

“You really want me to answer that, Primal God? I mean, aren’t you the man who stabbed someone in the eye for looking at your wife?”

Heat creeps up the back of my neck. “I was young and rash.”

He waves his hand. “I’m just saying that there are many people in the Brotherhood who are capable.”

“Does Blanc have any thoughts on who the killer might be?”

“Tons of thoughts, but even more dead ends. We might as well start from the beginning of the membership list and work our way down.”

I hum, knowing he’s mostly kidding. There are members around the world. A search like that would take months. Maybe even years.

“It’s someone who has something to gain,” I muss.

“Again, that doesn’t narrow down our suspects.”

“It doesn’t,” I agree.

Brooks says, “I know this is easier said than done, but this man doesn’t seem intent on hurting the ones we love. Hell, he saved Hannah when she was in trouble.”

“You say that and yet he leaves a threatening note on my girlfriend’s door, knowing our daughter is inside.”

Brooks grins at me.

“What?”

“Your girlfriend, eh? Good for you.”

“She’s more than that,” I admit. “I…I love her.”

Brooks’ grin turns into an outright smile.

“Good. You deserve to be happy.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“I do. You suffered for years with Serafina. It’s nice knowing you’re happy and in love.”

I say nothing. I mean, what can I say? He’s right.

Instead, I climb into bed and try to get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.

Lilith

Good morning, minha vida. Just checking in. How are you and the kids?

We’re good.

photo of Raquel and Isadora sleeping in the same crib

These two are tuckered out after breakfast. Miranda is taking Clara to ballet.

And Diego?

Photo of Diego and Lilith smiling

We’re about to go attempt to make cookies. We’ll see how it goes with the cast.

I wish I was there.

We wish you were here, too.

I’m going out for a bit, but I’ll call you when I’m done.

Be safe.

I will.

My finger hovers. I want to tell her I love her. So fucking much.

“You ready?”

I look up to find Brooks waiting by the door.

“Let’s do this.”

Alessandro is waiting when we get to the lobby. He’s dressed in all black, and I’m reminded why he’s known as the Violent God.

“Gentlemen,” he greets. “I have eyes on Wolfe, but I suggest moving quickly.”

The three of us make our way outside to a waiting SUV. Alessandro sits in the front next to the driver while Brooks and I get in the back.

As we leave, Alessandro says, “I have some new intel. Wolfe is here under the ruse of business, but he reached out to a gun-for-hire. Says it’s for his own protection, but the man has been scoping out the hotel that Joao is at.”

My fists clench. “Any idea why this man is after my son?”

“Nothing concrete.”

Brooks asks, “Is it possible that Wolfe is the man we’ve been looking for?”

Alessandro says, “That’s what I hope to find out.”

It doesn’t make sense, though. If Wolfe is the killer, then why did he lead me right to him? Unease courses through me.

“You have men watching my house, right?”

“I do,” Alessandro confirms. “All our homes are being watched.”

“Good.”

According to the schedule that was sent to me, Joao will be at the hotel for a bit longer before going out with classmates to the building site. I need to catch him before he’s out in the open. Where anything can happen.

At the hotel, we make our way to the front desk.

I say, “I’m looking for my son, Joao Santos.”

“Mr. Santos is enjoying breakfast on the patio,” the man says, pointing.

My jaw tics. What kind of establishment just gives away information like that?

Alessandro steps forward. “I’d like to speak to the manager.”

While the man is occupied, Brooks and I make our way outside. The patio is crowded, but I spot Joao’s dark head.

“There.”

“I’ll stay here and keep watch,” Brooks says, his eyes darting around.

I weave my way through the crowd, coming to a stop in front of Joao’s table.

“Son.”

Joao looks up. “Dad! Is everything okay?”

He jumps to his feet as he says the last part.

“No. We need to talk.” I gesture toward Eve. “Bring your girlfriend, too.”

They follow me into the hotel, Brooks rounding up the group. Alessandro is still speaking to the front desk worker and a woman who I assume is the manager.

Joao asks, “Do we need to be somewhere private?”

He must realize this is Brotherhood business.

“That would be best.”

He leads the way to the elevators and we all step inside the lift.

Eve holds onto his hand. “Are we in danger?”

“No, my love. Everything is fine. Right, Dad?”

I hum my agreement, even though it’s not true. Once we reach the fifth floor, Joao takes us to his room.

He says to Eve, “Can you give us a moment?”

She nods, disappearing into a bedroom, closing the door behind her. Joao turns to me.

“What’s happened?”

“Someone sent me an email and threatened you.” I open my phone, showing him the email. “We think it might be the man who’s killing Elite Members.”

“Shit.” Joao rubs his chin. “What do we need to do?”

I throw my arm around him, pulling him close. He hugs me back, as if he knows how much I need this.

“I’m better now that I know you’re safe.” I look down at him. “But I think it’s best if you cut your trip short.”

“Done. Do we need to book a flight?”

“No. We came on Brooks’ jet. Alessandro Moretti is here, too.”

Joao’s lips lift in a smile. “I don’t know if that makes me feel better or worse.”

“There’s more. We think Alastor Wolfe might be the one who wanted you dead.”

“Lili’s uncle? But, why?”

“That’s a good question, son. One we’re going to get answers to.”

“Wait. Is Lili in danger?”

Looking past my son, I meet Brooks’ gaze. He lifts his shoulder in response.

I sigh. “We should sit.”

Joao sits on the couch and I settle next to him.

“There’s something you need to know. Lilith and I are seeing each other.”

Joao’s eyebrows shoot up. “As in dating?”

“Yes.”

“For how long?”

“Since she started working for me.” I pause. “And we have a child together.”

Joao jumps to his feet. “Are you seriously telling me you fucked my ex-girlfriend? Dad, this is so messed up!”

I stand, too. “I love her.”

Joao freezes. “What?”

“I love her. I loved her before I knew about the baby.” I pause. “If she’ll have me, I want her to become my wife.”

Joao sits, as if his legs will no longer hold him up.

“I know this is a lot to take in, but I’m not going to hide this from you.”

My son is silent for a long time. Long enough that I begin to worry I’ve ruined our relationship.

“How long?”

“What?”

“How long were you lusting after my girlfriend?”

“Joao—”

“Just answer the question.”

“I’ve been attracted to her since the two of you began college.”

“Jesus Christ, Dad. Do you hear how this sounds?”

“I do.” I pause. “We never acted on anything until recently.”

“But you just said you have a child with her.” His eyes widen. “How old is the kid?”

“She’s seven months old.”

He does the math and jumps to his feet again.

“You fucked my ex one month after M?e died?” His voice raises with each word.

“Yes.”

“God, this is so fucked up.”

“It is,” I agree. “And I’m sorry that this is hurting you. But I can’t change what’s happened. And I certainly won’t turn my back on Lilith and Raquel.”

He stills. “Raquel? After Vovó ?”

“Yes.”

“This is…a lot, Dad. I need some time to process everything.”

“I understand.” I take a step away from him. “Stay inside until Alessandro and I can look into why Wolfe is here. I’ll be in contact.”

I’m almost at the door when Joao calls my name.

“Be safe.”

“I will.”

In the hallway, Brooks stops me.

“Are you okay?”

I grunt. “To be determined.”

“I know this seems overwhelming, but you’re doing the right thing.” He pauses. “The letter was right, you know?”

“About?”

“You’ve been out of the game for far too long.”

His words dance around my mind as we leave.

He’s right. And now is my chance to show everyone why I’m known as the Primal God.