part0036

Cole had taken Elizabeth somewhere, and now they were planning on how to attack the Black Wolves.

“I think we have a problem,” Cole said.

“What kind of problem?” she asked.

“Those Black Wolves are stronger than I expected, and they have more men than us. We suffered a lot of losses recently, although I don’t remember what happened.”

“Oh yeah. It was your father’s war with some gang. You lost many great men. Hey, maybe it’s not a good idea to attack the Wolves.”

“Then what do you suggest? Should we let them do whatever the fuck they want?” he asked.

“No, but we can defend ourselves. This is our town.”

Our town?

Ourselves?

Really?

Bitch, since when?

Now she thought that she was really Cole’s girlfriend.

Ugh.

“Hmm. I don’t like that. But I suppose it might work out. We should hunt down that girl and make her talk. What did you say her name was?” Cole asked.

“What girl?”

“The one who met with the member of the Wolves. We need to find out exactly what she knows. Maybe she can help us take out the Wolves’ leader.”

“She’s not really important. I don’t think she knows anything,” Elizabeth said.

Blech.

What a disappointment.

But I supposed she was really worried Cole might remember something if she mentioned my name.

I was like a boogeyman now.

I liked that.

“What do you mean she’s not important? How do you know she doesn’t know anything?” Cole pressed.

“Because she’s dumb. She’s probably giving that guy info in exchange for money. Maybe she’s even fucking him. Who knows?”

I gritted my teeth.

“We need to find her.”

“Actually, baby, I think you’re forgetting something,” Elizabeth suddenly said.

“Forgetting what?”

“My family can help you out. Remember our deal?”

“What deal?” Cole asked.

“Our marriage contract, of course. Once you and I are officially married, my daddy will send his forces to help you out in your war against the Wolves. You know that once our families merge, we’ll all become one. What is mine will be yours, and what is yours will be mine.”

Wait, what?

“I don’t remember any of that. I don’t even know who your father is,” Cole said.

“Well, let me remind you. I’m Elizabeth Merritt, the daughter of Oswald Merritt. Does that ring any bells?”

Was she telling the truth?

I had no idea, because I’d never heard of any Merritts, but hopefully Cole did.

It was his world, and even if he didn’t know, then maybe there was something about them on his father’s laptop.

“I’m not sure. It sounds familiar, but I can’t place it,” Cole said.

“It doesn’t matter. We should join our families now before everything goes to hell. What do you say?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s a shame you don’t remember it, but we’ve been planning this for years. You and I. Together. All you have to do is sign the contract, and my family will send their men.”

“How long will it take them to get here?”

“About five hours.”

“Huh. That doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” Cole said. “But are you sure you want to marry me?”

“Of course I’m sure. I’ve always loved you,” she said. “And I know you love me too. It might take you some time to remember it, but you will, and we will be happy.”

“Where is that contract? When can we sign it?” he asked.

“My daddy has it. He can bring it here. It’s a deal between the four of us, so we all have to be present when it’s signed.”

“Four?” Cole asked. “Who’s the fourth person?”

“Your mom,” Elizabeth said. “Then our families will be fully joined, and your mom and my dad will be our witnesses.”

“All right. All right,” Cole said. “Arrange everything. We’re getting married.”

Elizabeth made a squealing noise.

Well hell.

So there definitely was someone who wanted to take over because I doubted this was about a simple merger, especially if Elizabeth’s family was only five hours away.

But why would her family want this town for themselves?

I had no clue, but maybe Cole did.

Or plan had worked.

At least I thought it had.

I supposed I’d have to wait for Cole to tell me that, but I didn’t think Elizabeth had been lying about her family.

This was exactly what she and Cole’s mother wanted, but why? What was in it for them? I still didn’t understand any of it.