❥ KNOX'S POV

Knox maneuvers his truck into a pocket of darkness one block away from Hayes' house.

He and Finn exit the vehicle with black ski masks on their faces, their boots almost soundless against the cracked asphalt as they stealthily navigate the remainder of the way on foot. They move like predators underneath the moonlight, expertly creeping behind houses and through shadows while the crickets serenade them with a song.

Adrenaline pumps fast through Knox's veins when a metallic glint from Hayes' driveway catches his eye after he and Finn crouch behind a row of unkempt bushes. It's a motorcycle, but not just any motorcycle. The logo on the gas tank reveals its owner's allegiance, making Knox's stomach turn.

The Jackals MC.

The sight of the bike sitting in Hayes' driveway is an audacious declaration of betrayal.

It adds additional fire to Knox's rage to the point where his hands begin to shake. He exchanges a look with Finn, seeing his own confusion and shock mirrored on his brother's face.

"God only knows how long this bitch has been playing us for fools." Finn's eyes flash with anger, his voice a low growl. "Gavin pays him a shit-ton to wash money for us. I can't think of a reason why he'd switch up and start fucking around with The Jackals."

"His motive could be anything," Knox says, his voice tight. "We need to move quickly and get the hell out of here. You sneak in from the back; I got the front."

"Copy that. Are we keeping the Jackal alive or not?"

"He's probably as useless as the last one we caught. I doubt he'll know where Ghost is, so kill him if you can get close to him first. We don't have time for torture and questioning anyway. Save Hayes for me."

"Cool. See you inside." Having the duffel bag thrown over his shoulder, Finn vanishes into the night.

Knox pulls out his knife and advances on the Jackal's bike. He looks around twice to make sure there aren't any neighborly eyes on him, then he punctures the tires in a swift motion. The rubber yields easily beneath the blade, air hissing out at a fast rate. It's a small measure of retaliation, but it prevents the Jackal from fleeing should he get past Finn.

Knox puts the knife away in exchange for his cell phone. With a quick snap, he captures a photo of the bike—the damning evidence of Hayes' unexpected betrayal—and sends it to Gavin.

As he pockets his phone, a commotion from inside the house catches his attention. The faint sounds of a struggle paired with Finn cursing up a storm.

Knox's senses sharpen and his heart beats a harsh rhythm against his ribs as he strides toward the front door. Not thinking twice about it, he kicks the door in with a resounding crash. The wood splinters as it flies open, now partially hanging off the hinges.

Knox steps into the chaos and does a quick sweep of the small living room.

In one corner, Finn stands with his gun trained on Hayes. The lifeless, half-naked body of the Jackal lies at Finn's feet, the man's neck grotesquely twisted. Knox gives his brother a proud nod. Finn held his own, but not without receiving a battle scar. A deep gash mars his left bicep, blood streaming down his arm and splattering on the floor.

Knox makes a mental note to have one of the prospects pay extra attention to the floor when they come to clean up the place, ensuring Finn isn't tied to the scene when the police inevitably investigate Hayes' disappearance.

Speaking of the two-faced devil...

Across the room, the star of the night stands in the opposite corner, his face a mask of terror and his eyes wide with fear. In his arms is an adorable chocolate labradoodle, its pink tongue hanging out of its mouth and its tail wagging enthusiastically. The poor thing is completely oblivious to the danger that its owner has placed it in.

"Holy shit, man! You seriously came here to kill me for flirting with your boyfriend?!" Hayes stammers. Much to Knox's pleasure, the man is a picture of pure panic, his face drained of any color. "If you just let me explain why—"

"Do I look fucking stupid to you?" Knox snaps. He walks over to Finn and opens their duffle bag that's on the couch, pulling out various items that further push Hayes' emotional breakdown. "I don't need an explanation when it's staring me right in the fucking face."

Knox's gaze roams the room for a second time, noticing a clutter of boxes and crumpled newspapers strewn about. He can't help but scoff at the piss-poor attempt Hayes has made. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to piece together the fact that Hayes is in the process of leaving town. Of course he'd run after his altercation with Knox.

Too bad he waited this late to flee.

"On top of making a move on my guy, you came into my home and disrespected me to my face like you had the authority to do so," Knox speaks while setting up the plastic tarp on the floor, his gaze daring Hayes to move. "You knew I wouldn't let you off untouched, so you decided to pack up and skip town to avoid me. All I want to know is how and when you got hooked up with The Jackals."

"I think he was fuck buddies with this one," Finn says while kicking the dead man's body. "I broke in through the back door and caught him leaving the master bedroom. The room smelled like nothing but sex and the bed was a mess. Am I right or am I fucking right, traitor?"

"It's complicated," Hayes starts. "Please just let me explain and I'll prove to you—"

"Shut the fuck up. Your whiny ass voice is irritating." Knox slips on a pair of gloves after getting the tarp set up on the floor. "Finn?"

"Yeah?"

"Take the dog out to the truck and then come back for the Jackal's bike. I got Hayes from here."

. . .

a/n: WELP—😂😂😂😂😂