Page 12 of Tempting God

“How can you say that? The only people in the world who care about me are leaving me!”

“They don’t matter. None of them matter.”

“You’re wrong. They do.”

“No, Little Fae. The only one who matters is you. Never forget that. Fight them every step of the way.”

Another thud has me swallowing down bile. It’s that or vomiting everywhere.

There’s more movement and then Grant lets go of my shoulders. I miss the bit of contact right away, but I’d never admit it.

“They’re covered.”

Covered? A sob works its way up my throat, but I choke it down. I won’t show emotion. I won’t!

Slowly, I turn.

I already know what I’m going to find.

Grandfather and Dad are dead.

What I don’t expect is to see Charles in Grandfather’s spot at the head of the table. I sure as hell don’t expect to see such smug looks on both Aimée’s and Mother’s faces.

Mother touches Charles’ arm. “You have made this family proud, Head Elite Member Blanc.”

“Thank you, Aunt Adara. It is my honor to follow in the Blanc family’s footstep.”

“Indeed. I only ask that you make sure I am taken care of.”

Ice douses me. She said nothing about me. Was it intentional or simply a mistake?

Charles nods. “Of course, Aunt Adara. You and Greer will be taken care of. You are still one of us.”

Mother dips her head. “I would also like to ask you to grant me another marriage within the Brotherhood. Immediately, if possible.”

“Of course. And what of my cousin? Where will she stay when you remarry?”

“Greer is going away to boarding school in England next week and will be there until she graduates.”

My chest is tight. So it’s already been decided? Did she make this choice before or after she knew what Dad was going to do tonight? Probably before, knowing her. Having me out of her hair benefits her agenda. I mean, this way she can screw as many of Father’s friends as she’d like. My eyes water. I guess it’ll be different from now on, though. Now that father is dead…

Charles says, “The Elite Members and I will want to be updated on her progress.”

Mother answers, “Of course. Thank you for taking care of my family, Elite Members.”

Several men around the table dip their heads. The Elite Members. The only one I know is Peter Zhang. He’s always given me an uneasy feeling in my stomach. Like, if he got me alone, there’s no telling what he’d try. He’s also one of the men Mother has been screwing around with.

He stands. “Elite Member Blanc, might I suggest that we settle the matter of the younger Ms. Blanc’s fate tonight?”

Charles’ gaze dances over me, then to the man at my side. I don’t have to look at Grant to know he’s angry. I mean, I already know his thoughts about marrying me.

Charles says, “I know what both my grandfather and uncle wished for Greer. To marry Grant Carter.”

Grant’s chair scrapes against the floor, much like mine did moments ago.

“Gentlemen, should we not have this discussion when the entire Brotherhood is present?”

Zhang answers, “Those who matter are here.”

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