Page 134 of Dragon 7

White-hair held out his hands. “It wasn’t the Lion’s daughter or the Butcher’s so. . .we understood that it would be fine to take her.”

Hiro sneered. “The Panther is the Lion’s brother-in-law which means his daughters are off limits too.”

Black-hair was not pleased. “All of the Panther’s daughters are off limits?”

Hiro loudly sighed.

“But. . .Father. . .they’re gorgeous.”

“Maxwell visited me personally about his daughter.” Hiro scowled. “He came with a fucking army that covered both sides of this mountain.”

They took another step back.

“Your actions almost started a massive war for all the global criminal groups. Lucky for you, Maxwell and I have history, even if it is a bit murky.” Hiro just stared at them. “Why would you kidnap his daughter?”

White-hair spoke, “Uncle Kaoru said that was a good way to court a woman—”

“Never take love advice from your Fang-Uncles.” Hiro loudly groaned. “I’ve said this several times. The Claw-Uncles are the true gentlemen.”

“I don’t see what the problem is, Father.” Black-hair held out his hands just like his brother. “Mr. Maxwell’s daughter was no victim. She kicked our asses the whole time we had her. We’re the ones that should be complaining.”

Hiro frowned. “She should have maimed you both.”

“Actually, Father we should go.” White-hair looked at his platinum watch. “Aunt Nyomi wanted us to come back early so she could take us shopping for new suits. We’ve got the spring formal—”

“Tora won’t be able to save you this time. Kenji and I have made sure to keep her busy today. Therefore. . .” Hiro pulled out the lollipop and pointed at them. “You’ll take your punishment like I taught you.”

And then fast Hiro blurred to them and attacked, and I screamed with my hands in the air.

But I was back in the hospital room.

The cold was still on my face. Pine resin still in my nose. My hands were still up in the air like I could stop Hiro from attacking his adult twins.

Then the fluorescent light came back. The hum of the incubator rose. The smell of antiseptic replaced the mountain air that had just been there.

And everyone was staring at me like I had lost my damn mind. The guards quickly surrounded me.

They said Uncle Kenji. . .so he survives this war. Hiro too. And Kaoru for sure. Thank you God.

My heart ached.

Deja pulled out Betty Boop and came over. “What’s up? Why did you scream like that?”

I shivered. “Uh. . .”

Still by the incubator, the doctor had her pen right above the chart. “What’s wrong? Are you having pain or—”

“No. No. No.”

The twins cried.

“Oh, fuck.” I placed my hand in their incubator to soothe them. “I was just. . .daydreaming and scared myself.”

Deja frowned. “What the hell? How do you daydream and scare yourself?”

“Girl, it can happen.”

“I don’t know about that.”