~ ZEV ~
"Here to help us, huh, Nick?" Zev growled over Nick's shoulder, shaking the man he'd called father like more guns might fall out of him.
"Those aren't for you," Nick said through gritted teeth. "I need to protect myself from… the others, since you won't."
"You heard her order them all to leave you alone."
"I didn't know if she'd do it."
Zev whipped him around and stared down at him, his lip curling up to reveal his teeth. Nick met his eyes and didn't waver, but he was trembling.
"My mate is the most honest and good-hearted person you will ever meet—and she's going to treat you better than you deserve. So you will be protected, Nick. But the day she tells me you aren't anymore? I'll be the first to take your throat you lying, thieving sack of pus."
Nick's forehead pinched into lines. "Zev, what happened? I've always been your advocate. I've always been the one to help you, why would you turn on me?"