Seth’s hands clenched. “You did not just ask me that stupid question.”
Hope bloomed inside Elias. “I hid my past from you.”
“So? Everybody has a right to keep some things secret as long as it doesn’t hurt the unit.”
“The Reckoners might be the reason I have a target on my back. They’re not above taking out friends and family to punish the actual target.”
Noah snorted. “Get over yourself, Knight. You’re not a special case. We all have targets on our backs. Your past is making the loudest racket at the moment. Next time, it will be someone else.”
“He’s right.” Andre placed his empty water bottle on his plate. “Sorry, man. You’re not special. It’s simply your turn for trouble.”
Grant rested his forearms on the table and leaned toward Elias. “We’re family, Elias. If they attack one of us, all of us will respond.” His lip curled. “The Reckoners won’t know what hit them if one of their support clubs came after you.”
He frowned. “You know about support clubs?”
“I can read, you know. One of my reading interests is MCs.”
“Most MCs are glamorized on paper. It’s not a good life for anyone except the President, Vice-President, Sergeant-at-Arms, and the enforcers.”
“Not surprised to hear that. However, our point is you’re one of us no matter what’s in your background.”
Elias’ eyes stung. “Thanks.” Facing his next battle, he turned to Iona. “What about Artemis? Can you and your teammates live with my past?”
She looked at her teammates. “Teagan?”
Seth’s wife rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous, Elias.”
“Rayne?”
“Ditto.”
“Violet?”
“After all these months, I’m surprised you doubted our response. Teagan is right. Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Riley?”
“Sorry, Elias.”
His heart sank. Even one no vote would lead to his expulsion from Echo unit because Echo was partnered with Artemis. If the women wouldn’t work with him, he was toast.
Riley smiled. “We’re keeping you.”
Thank God. One more vote to go. “Iona?”
She looked at the rest of the team members. “I have an announcement to make.”
Seth’s eyebrows soared. “Don’t keep us in suspense, Byrne.”
“Elias and I are dating. I’m claiming him as mine. Does anyone have an objection to that?”
Applause and whistles broke out.
Elias stared. “What did you say?”
“You have two good ears, Elias. I said we’re dating.”
Although relief and joy swept through him, he couldn’t let this stand. “No.”