Page 22 of Underworld

Two hours later, we were done with our audiences. I take a deep breath before saying, “We need to talk. Is there somewhere we can go that’s secure?”

The guys all exchange glances before Jace nods. “We can go to the war room. It’s usually where we talk strategy.”

I nod as the lights flick back on. Blinking a few times, I let my eyes adjust to the bright light. I see that Alpha and Beta are in the corner of the room, so I point to them and say, “You two are coming to the meeting too.”

They both nod, and Alpha opens the door for us to leave. The two lead us to the war room and close the door once everyone is inside. “Do we still need to use code names in here?”

Beta holds up a hand and presses on his earpiece. “Secure war room.” There’s a pause before a quiet and steady hum fills the room. He nods to us. “Room is secure.”

I’ve been holding onto my anger over the whole bulletproof vest thing for the last few hours. But my anger isn’t as fiery as before. I sigh as I begin, “First off, I’m still angry about the whole bulletproof vest thing.”

Jace tries to say something, but I don’t let him interrupt. “I know why you did it. Still doesn’t excuse the fact that you guys didn’t tell me about the danger happening right now.”

I point to Silas and Jax. “You two are now my bodyguards, and with that, I expect you to be honest and upfront with me. My men will try to hide things from me . . .”

Howe groans but says, “We won’t hide things from you anymore.”

I roll my eyes but continue. “They will unintentionally hide things from me, not realizing they could be important. I expect you two to tell me what I need to know, even if it’s something you don’t want me to know.”

They both nod as Silas says, “Understood, Miss.”

I arch a brow at him. “What did I say about the ‘Miss’ thing?”

I see the twitch of his lip. “Understood, Persephone.”

I snort out a laugh. Stubborn man. I suppose that’s as good as it’s going to get. Turning back to my men, I demand, “Now. What’s going on?”

They all look at each other before Jace sighs and answers, “We are having issues with a gang from another territory. They seem to have been bought out and support our current government.”

“They won’t support them any longer when they find themselves dead,” Howe grumbles.

Zane snorts. “Hard to support a government after they get what they want and kill you in payment.”

I arch a brow and ask the obvious question. “Don’t they realize they will be killed once the officials get what they want?”

Jax speaks up behind me, “Money talks, Sweets. I’m sure the officials made promises, and this gang is stupid enough to believe them.”

I hum in agreement. Money does talk, unfortunately. Loyalty is hard to find. “Anything else I should know about?”

“We have a Hound undercover in the government right now. Seems your dad has been making some inquiries about you in the Underground.” Zane says, then shoots a pointed look behind me, so I turn to look at Silas and Jax.

Silas nods. “We have been controlling the situation. We have several men keeping an eye on him. We will know what he’s doing and what he’s asking.”

Jax must see the fear in my eyes because he says, “We won’t let him get his hands on you. He’ll have to get through several Hounds. Excluding us. At least one of us will be with you at all times.”

Alec adds, “Plus, you have us, Moonbeam.”

“Moonbeam?” Jax teases with a smirk.

I feel my cheeks heat as I grumble, “It’s a childhood nickname.”

His smirk grows into a grin. “Ah, and what are your other nicknames?”

I hear Howe laugh and answer, “Starlight.”

Zane grunts out, “Sunshine.”

I wait for Jace to say his, but he doesn’t. I look up to meet his eyes, and he smirks as he says, “Princess.”

---