Page 31 of Heir of the Beast

Cue pity party.

But goodness, that man is handsome. He’s finely dressed in an all-black dress coat and tight black pants showcasing the thick muscle of his thighs. I keep my mouth shut so I don’t drool.

The style is very eighteenth-century Europe but with its own futuristic twist.

Apollo’s sleek boots go up to his knees, and the crisp white shirt is tied together at the neck. The necktie looks like it’s woven from pure gold, matching the undertones of his hair.

He smiles at something, and I realize he is leaning up against a large black piano. The color drains from my face as I hear a lovely opera voice drift out of the room.

“I guess we know what talent Laura requested,” Mort whispers next to me, rolling her eyes.

A beautiful voice.

Her blond hair is piled up high on her head, and she is wearing a lovely lilac gown. ~Thanks a lot, Pierce,~ way to make my life miserable.

Apollo is watching her, and I can’t see his expression. But I can see that Laura is closing her eyes as she hits a high note, making me want to vomit.

“Her breasts are bigger too,” Mort confirms, to my dismay.

I’m sunk.

“We need a diversion.”

My head whips to hers. “What?”

Mort looks pissed. “~Ohhhh~. I hate her agent, Leenie.”

I glance back and see the plain maid by Laura’s side with a smile on her face.

“At this rate, they both will win.” She gets up and leaves me, disappearing through to the kitchen.

“Mort!” I hiss.

Great.

I start scrubbing the floor in case anyone glances over, my nerves in a jumble.

Minutes later, Mort reappears and throws a piece of meat at me, bits of steak littering my basic gray gown. “What in the hell?!” I stare up at her and frown at her wicked smile.

“Trust me.”

Panic hits me. “No, Mort! Whatever you’re thinking—don’t!”

I suddenly hear dogs. Lots of them.

~Oh, for the love of everything that’s holy.~

It happens so fast I don’t have time to run. Three large and slobbery bloodhounds are trampling me. I scream.

I hear fabric ripping from somewhere on my person, and I make out distant shouts to my left. I cover my head as I’m crushed by hyper and hungry canines.

I feel a sharp pain in my leg, and I gasp in agony.

Make it stop!

Mort will pay.

Vengeance will be mine.

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