Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 84864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Saint’s jaw flexed, but he nodded, too.
“Or you could both trust me to protect your best interests,” Alek raised his brows at both of us. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, we need to leave in the next fifteen minutes, and apparently I need to bring some bribery material with us.”
The earthy scent of the tunnels beneath the Edgemont opera house filled my lungs as we stalked down the corridor that led to the vampire entrance of the Conclave chambers.
We disarmed—which I’d always thought was bullshit, laying our weapons on the table just before the door.
“Still not sure why we have to give up our Sigs when the witch queen has no problem wielding her power in the chamber,” I muttered as I lay down the last of my daggers.
“Luna wouldn’t act out of anything but self-defense,” Benedict replied, hanging his jacket on a hook that had been installed for just that reason and rolling up the sleeves of his dress shirt. “Don’t forget, she’s my sister-in-law.”
“Right.” I rolled my shoulders, trying—and failing—to loosen the muscles there.
“And to think,” Benedict grinned. “You used to be the funny one.”
“Stop giving him shit,” Alek ordered. “You weren’t much nicer during the first days of your mating with Jocelyn.”
“True.” His grin widened. “Just wait until you fall in love with her. Then you’ll really be out of your mind.”
“She’ll be dead in three months from that tumor in her head.” Every word carved itself on my heart. “Doubt I’ll get the luxury of having enough time to fall in love with my mate.”
Benedict’s face fell.
“Ironic, right?” I reached for the door handle. “I go through centuries on this earth and then fate hands me the most perfect female—woman, only to yank her away within months.”
“Ajax—” Benedict started.
“Let’s just get in there.” I threw open the door to the Conclave chamber and took stock of the room before allowing my king to enter.
Luna, the witch queen, sat on her chair, flanked by her advisors, as did Patrick on the other side of the circle. A massive male with shaggy hair and sharp, hazel eyes sat on the throne of the lycans, accompanied by two others I’d never seen before.
“Who might you be?” I stepped in front of Alek and Benedict quickly moved to my side.
He snarled. “I am Ruyan, the new alpha of the lycan. Who the fuck are you? Never mind. I no longer speak to underlings.”
No wonder Saint was having issues.
A snort sounded from across the chamber as Xavier walked in, the demon king offering Ruyan a mocking smile as he slow clapped. “A little melodramatic, but I’ll give you points for attempting to make an intimidating first impression.”
“Attempt—” Ruyan’s growl cut off and my eyes widened slightly at the visible impression of what looked like invisible fingers crushing his throat. The lycan clawed at his own neck, leaving horrendous red streaks.
“Xavier,” Alek lectured, walking between Benedict and I nonchalantly. “Stop hazing the new guy.”
The corner of Xavier’s mouth quirked upward, his gaze intensifying on Ruyan, and for a second, I wondered if he’d let the Lycan alpha go. One never really quite knew when it came to Xavier. He was millennia older than every single one of us, and his cruelty was more than notorious, it was legendary.
He sighed, as if bored, then strolled forward to his seat across from Alek’s.
The invisible fingers released from Ruyan’s throat and the lycan took a series of gulping breaths as Alek found his own seat, completing the council of five.
“And you call him melodramatic?” Alek asked, leaning back in his chair as Benedict and I took our respective sides around our king.
Xavier shrugged, a golden goblet magically appearing in his hand. “I’ve been watching Star Wars in my downtime.” He took a sip from the chalice and glanced at Ruyan. “Learn how to respect your elders and it won’t happen again.”
Ruyan’s escorts lunged toward Xavier, their hands forming claws, only to freeze in place. Their eyes darted comically back and forth as their bodies remained immobile.
Xavier tsked them. “Play nice or you won’t be invited back.”
Alek rolled his eyes.
“Xavier,” Luna sighed, rubbing the bridge of her dainty nose.
“Fine.” Xavier took another drink, and the lycans stumbled forward. They quickly regained their balance and at the look on their alpha’s face, retreated to his side. “And to think, you’re the best the lycans have to offer.”
“Can we get started? I have matters waiting at home,” Luna said sweetly.
Conclave was called to order and went through the usual business. Who had violated the Covenant, who would need to be brought to justice. What concerns each leader had.
Patrick cleared his throat when it was his turn. “The Sons of Honor are slaughtering human families.”
Luna’s eyes widened. “You’re certain?”
“We can corroborate,” Alek added. “Two families so far. Night Thistle bullets were found at the scene.”