This is where he belongs. Where things make sense. Right?
Forcing a smile, Rafael nods along while Lian debates outfits for her date, pushing down all thoughts about everything and everyone he left in the Outer Districts.
18
Chapter 18 - Kane
“Wren.”
Her head snaps up. “Yes, sir?”
“Care to explain why—” His gaze drops to the holopad on the table, then rises. “Your squad lost ten members in two days?”
She flinches. “Sir, I—they walked out, took the easy way out—ran to someone else. Said I was ‘pushing too hard.’” Wren’s fingers curl into fists. “But everything I did was for the crew. I pushed them like you push us, to prove—”
“How did you ‘push them too hard?’” Kane’s been accused of the same before, but there’s a line, one he thought she could see.
“I—” Her eyes dart to Echo at her side. “I made them take high-risk routes, ordered aggressive patrols. Civilians fought back. We tried to send a message.”
“Strengthisn’tbreakingyour team. I need results, not wreckage.”
Wren straightens. “I thought if I pushed hard enough, I’d find a way to lead like you…”
He scoffs. “Don’t blame me for your failure.” Her expression collapses. Kane’s fingers curl around the arm of his chair.
She acted out of loyalty to prove herself. But mercy isn’t an option. He’s seen where softness leads. First with his uncle, then in himself, a week ago with the nurse.
“Until further notice, you’re stripped of both squad leader and lieutenant positions. Earn them back by rebuilding your team or bringing those defectors home. Until then, grunt work with the newbies.”
Echo freezes. Wren goes rigid beside her. Across the table, Viper’s glare sharpens. Even Coda’s heartbeat ticks faster in his overlay. Kane doesn’t pause.
“Viper, we lost three enforcers toNatural Order. Please elaborate.”
“To be blunt, sir,” Viper starts, “despite the new leader’s ties to us, we haven’t crossed any lines—only reinforced defenses and planned responses. We needed someone on the inside, feeding intel so we’re not blindsided again.”
Last night’s report flashes in Kane’s mind. “You got them killed,” he hisses.
The corners of Viper’s mouth twitch. “I regret what happened to them. I miscalculated. I thought they were ready to go undercover. However, this—”
Kane cuts him off, voice low. “Who’s running this crew, Viper? Me, or you?”
“You, Baron,” Viper answers. After a beat, he adds, “But how can we defeat Natural Order if we’re always waiting for your approval?”
“Fuck the territory, Viper.” Kane’s sneer twists sharply. “We lost people. Do you not grasp the gravity of what happened? Or are you too caught up in trying to prove you’re thebetter leader?”
Silence follows, broken only by the faint hiss of armor vents and the cooling systems overhead.
A vein pulses at Viper’s temple. “Of course I care. They were good people. I should’ve seen how far Natural Order would go once they were exposed…But don’t act like you’re the only one who gives a damn.”
A bitter laugh erupts from Kane. “You know what, Viper? Play leader then. Pay for the lives you gambled. Every credit you earn this month goes to their families.”
Viper shifts in his chair. “Fine.”
“As if you had a choice.” Kane leans forward. “And that’s not all. By month’s end, I want ten new enforcers—personally recruited by you. No outside help.” His gaze locks on Viper. “Fail, and you’ll be taking orders instead of giving them.”
In Kane’s HUD, his pulse races. Viper says nothing.
Finished with his rogue lieutenant, Kane eyes the next glowing alert on his holopad: Coda’s delayed report. They’re all testing his control today.