Page 10 of Tempting God

“Something wrong, Carter?”

Grant pushes my arm away and answers Alessandro, “Not at all. Is Henderson coming tonight?”

“Sadly, business takes him elsewhere.”

Grant replies, but I’ve already stopped listening. Even though this is Grandfather’s birthday party, at the core it’s still a Brotherhood meeting. And no one here truly wishes to speak to a sixteen-year-old girl, as Grant pointed out. Instead, I get lost in my own thoughts. Thoughts centered on the handsome man across from me.

Before I know it, the birthday cake is being served and Grandfather stands, getting everyone’s attention.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight. Eighty-five is a remarkable milestone, and I’m honored to share it with you all.” He smiles as he looks at Dad. “It has been my greatest honor being your father, son. You have made me proud, and I am so very happy to go on this journey with you.”

I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s an energy coursing throughout the room that wasn’t there moments ago. An energy that makes me want to run and hide.

Dad stands, too. “You have been an inspiration, sir. Not only as my father, but as the Head of the Brotherhood. I gladly follow you on this last journey.”

Something isn’t right. I can tell. No one will look at me, and Mother seems almost…happy. I look at Alessandro, hoping to find some kind of answer, but don’t. My head turns to Grant. He stares back at me with sympathy in his eyes.

“What’s going on?” I ask in a low whisper.

“Your grandfather and father are stepping down from the Brotherhood.”

My eyebrows lift and I shake my head. “That can’t be right. The Brotherhood is for life.”

I’ve heard it for as long as I can remember. Long before I knew what it meant. The cardinal rule each member of the Defiant God Brotherhood lives by.

Our vow…Until death.

Grant leans in, taking my hand in his. “The Brotherhood is for life, Little Fae.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Your grandfather is sick. He’s stepping down and your cousin, Charles, is taking his spot as the Head of the Brotherhood. From this moment on, the Brotherhood will follow his lead.” There’s a slight pause. “Charles has asked your father to step down, too, so no one questions Charles’ right to be in charge.”

“How can they step down, though?”

“Fuck. Did no one speak to you before you left your house?”

I shake my head.

He says, “Your father and grandfather are going to have a special drink that Charles gives them. Once they drink it, they will go to sleep…”

I shake my head, denying what he’s not saying.

“No! Dad wouldn’t do that to me. Grandfather wouldn’t, either!”

“I’m sorry, Little Fae.”

“Don’t call me that.”

I jump to my feet, gaining stares from everyone in the room.

“Dad, what’s going on?”

“Sit down, Greer, or I’ll have you removed.” His tone is firm.

My gaze goes to Grandfather, but he won’t look at me. Why won’t he look at me?

Mother says, “I told you we should have left her at home.”

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