Page 4 of Big Bad Boss: Mated

“Back when you were facing all the challengers at Blue Moon, you told me to watch over your mate,” Billy says. “I knew we might have to go on the run and would need friends in high places. So I called him for a favor.”

Everyone in the room groans.

“I didn’t even end up needing his help,” Billy protests.

“It doesn’t matter. He’ll make you pay just for making the phone call to him,” Nickel says.

“Hold up, guys,” I say. The meeting reminds me of my assistant days when they’d fire questions and answers to each other around the conference table at lightning speed. I followed along in silence just fine then, but now I have a voice at the table, and I’m going to use it. “Slow down. You need to explain what’s going on. Starting with…there’s a king of Manhattan?"

“Yes. Thaddeus the vampire king.”

“Vampires are real?” I say. Brick stiffens beside me, a low rumble in his chest. His wolf is upset. “Never mind. Of course they are.”

“Vampires are territorial. They kill each other off more often than not. The more powerful ones claim different areas to rule over and kill any other vampire that trespasses,” Nickel explains.

“Fucking leeches and their politics,” Brick mutters.

Leeches. Ha, I get it.

“Thaddeus claimed Manhattan a few centuries ago,” Eagle says. “Right around the time our ancestors were coming over in boats. He’s held the territory against all rivals all this time. He’s one of the more powerful leeches in existence. I can think of only a few older and stronger than him.”

“There’s Lucius out West,” Nickel murmurs. “He holds more territory. Vegas, most of California.”

“He’s now settled in Arizona. But he still holds California,” Eagle says.

“Maybe we call him and ask him if he wants to hold New York, too,” Jake says. “Pit them against each other.”

“And owe another leech a favor? No. When Thaddeus reached out, what did he say?” Brick asks. He runs a soothing hand up my back. I’m not the one who needs soothing–he is. And I’m not entirely sure why. Why do vampires make him so upset?

“He's invited you to an official audience,” Billy says.

“There’s no way I’m bringing my mate to that club,” Brick snarls.

“Wait, why? He just wants us to visit?” I say. “That doesn’t sound like a big deal.” I mean, it sounds formal and stuffy, something out of Regency England, but this guy does call himself a king.

“No,” Brick grits out. “No way.” His eyes are bright, and so are everyone else's. Their wolves are close to the surface. My heart speeds up as my body reacts to being in a room full of predators. I force myself to take a deep breath. I want to remain calm.

“Maybe we can kill him,” Vance mutters.

“No, we need him,” Eagle says, and the room erupts with arguments.

“Why?” I ask.

“The devil you know–”

“They’re all crazy. At least Thaddeus is crazy in a way we understand.”

“We need to remain in good standing with him.”

Brick remains silent, glowering at nothing. He’s far away, in a place I don’t understand.

I don’t like it. We’re supposed to be a team.

I’ve had enough of this.

“Oi!” I shout over the cacophony of voices. “Whistle.” I don’t even have to pull my weapon out of my pocket. They all wince and shut up.

“Tell me what the big deal is. Why can’t we just go meet with him and get this over with?”

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