Page 23 of Queen of Wrath

She couldn't help but laugh at him, and Diamond joined in, giggling alongside her.

“You did just fine. Don't beat yourself up too much,” she reassured him, and Kiyan visibly relaxed. “It’s something that takes practice.”

His shoulders dropped, and his movements became more confident as he continued mixing the potion before him.

Emma really has a way with people… Just one more thing Jax admired about her.

The door opened again, and everyone turned around to see that Chika had entered the office.

Her eyes immediately narrowed at Emma. It was obvious she didn’t like the bond forming between her daughter and an attractive employee of his, nevertheless, Emma didn't put Diamond down.

And the list goes on; she’s bold and defiant in the face of danger as well.

Not wanting to make a scene in front of everyone, Chika ignored Emma and Diamond and directed her fiery gaze at her husband. “Investors for the new potion are here. I gathered them in the conference room for you. Don't be too long,” she warned as her eyes flickered around the room before leaving.

I guess I'm sleeping in the doghouse tonight…

Chika had developed a sharp hatred for Emma lately, which meant she’d likely picked up on something brewing between him and her, causing his wife to become even more vigilant about the time they spent together. It made working with Emma difficult, and getting into her pants borderline impossible!

“Let's continue this after my meeting. Kiyan, would you mind looking after Diamond? Miss Mirth, I need you with me.” After Jax instructed everyone on their roles, he left the office with Emma in tow. “You were right. He really does have a unique talent for mixing potions. The way he used his instincts to guide his creations is inspiring,” he said to her as they walked down the hallway toward the conference room.

“I told you so, and you didn't believe me.” She poked fun at him, moving closer to nudge him with her elbow.

He didn't move away the way a person normally would, though. He wanted to keep close to her.

She looked over at him curiously. “Sir?”

“You don't always have to call me that, you know.” His dark eyes lingered on her, the intensity and intent within them seeming to give her pause. “I’d like to hear you say my name more… In fact, I'd like for you to scream it sometimes, too.”

Emma bit down on her bottom lip, and nervously brushed her hair over her ear. “Is that so… Jax?”

She must have known exactly what she was doing to him, and he was absolutely feral for it.

The mood between them dissipated as they walked into the conference room filled with high-ranking people looking to invest in Jax's new potion.

Jax moved away from her as he shook hands and rubbed elbows with these men and women.

When he looked back at Emma, she looked shocked… No, petrified was a better description for it. It was an expression he’d never seen her wear before.

Jax followed her eyes to someone he knew very well.

General Achlys. Awh, that explains it. No one meets the warden of Ryklira prison without getting intimidated. Maybe it had something to do with that strange, choking magic surrounding her all the time.

Jax made his way between them to break the silence. “General Achlys, thank you for coming.” He reached out and shook the warden’s hand, feeling a paper tucked into her palm. He discreetly took it with him as he dropped his hand back to his side.

Jax looked around to make sure no one had noticed.

The only one who might have seen was Emma, but he trusted that she wouldn't have any idea what was going on.

“This is our new rising star of the company, Uremma Mirth. She is an exceptionally talented Potionist,” Jax introduced, forcing her into the conversation. At least she didn’t look so stricken anymore either.

“Really now? That's exciting. I wonder in what ways you'll be used to benefit the company.” Achlys’s eyes burned into Emma, but instead of it frightening her again, she seemed to have discovered a bound of courage within herself after that momentary lapse in composure earlier.

“My goals are a little higher than just being used. I'm going to do incredible things one day.” Though Emma’s smile appeared forced, she extended her hand out to Achlys without hesitation.

Achlys seemed to enjoy this banter between them. She chuckled to herself before nodding. “That's what I like to hear. A woman with ambition. How on earth did you manage to wind up here?”

Jax was confused by what Achlys meant by that, but Emma responded in kind.

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