Keith smiled affectionately at Charlie just then. "My boy, revenge isn't really the most important thing for our families; it's for you to live on. So, remember that even if revenge is important, that must only come under the condition that you're safe and sound. I'd rather not have revenge if you have to risk your life.

"You're the only child of your parents, and your mother was the most successful among all my children. I'm sure you're also the best that Jeremiah's bloodline has to offer, so your life comes before all else. Otherwise, it would be the worst loss both our families suffer!"

Jeremiah couldn't help nodding in agreement. "That's right. Revenge doesn't come first—your life does."

While Charlie understood their intention, revenge for his parents' deaths had been his goal since he was eight. He had been enduring it for years so that he could catch their killer himself, and he wouldn't forgive himself if he gave up just because he was risking his own life.

Still, he couldn