"I am. And im the reason you're both still alive," Derek replied simply. "And I won't even lie. I want to know everything you know and have against Marcus. That's the only way I can guarantee your safety. It's either you're with me or against me and if you are, then I see no reason why I should protect you. I won't even kill you but I promise you that you'd be dead before you even get the chance to see Marcus and confront him," Derek said before standing up to tower above them.
The men exchanged glances. They could very well hear the seriousness in Derek's voice and they also knew Marcus enough to know he could really send people after them.
The men hesitated, fear and uncertainty battling within them. But after a second's thought, the burly man spoke, his voice heavy with uncertainty.
"You give us your word that you'd protect us?" he asked, and Derek nodded.