Chapter Forty-Nine
Blade’s POV
The ride back to the compound was a vacuum of silence. The heavy silver pin fastened to my leather cut felt like a lead weight, pressing against my sternum with every mile. Beside me, Skyler didn't speak, didn't reach for my hand, and didn't look at me once. The festive, dangerous energy of the Viper’s Den had evaporated, replaced by a suffocating, heavy tension that we were both drowning in.
When we pulled into the compound, Stone was already in his office with Tessa, his voice a low, booming rumble that suggested he was already planning the next phase of the regional takeover. I didn't wait to be dismissed. I headed straight for the prospect barracks, my boots feeling heavy, my mind still replaying the moment Stone pinned that insignia to my chest.
I wa
