Page 6 of A Sin So Pure

It’s the only reason he would stiff me on the first transaction. He must be an actual idiot.

Jamison laughs, but it’s an awkward, breathy sound.

“Listen, Pride, I needed to make sure you were good for the money. Your Pa only ever ordered a month’s supply at a time, and this case could easily heal a whole battlefield.” His arms fold out in front of him in a placating gesture. “No hard feelings. Consider the extra cash a deposit toward your second order.”

It takes me all of one second to rush forward and knock Jamison off his feet. My ankle sweeps behind his, hooking and pulling his leg off-balance, which makes it easy enough to push his chest to the ground. I pin him down with a knee in his gut and my hand around his neck.

At the same time, I pull my gun from its holster at my ribcage and train it on one of his lackeys, who steps towards us. The fae’s gait falters, and I hear the other mutter a curse at my back. When I tilt my head over my shoulder, I see Wes with his gun pointed at the third Seelie’s head.

Smart boy.

An ice-cold smile frosts over my lips at how we got the three Seelie frozen and helpless in seconds.

I slide my hand up from Jamison’s neck to his jaw, squeezing indents into his cheeks with my fingertips.

“Don’t fuck around with me,Jamie,” I say. “You won’t enjoy the aftermath.”

His throat bobs as he swallows down his fear.

I’m sure Pride handled business with Jamison differently—with secrets and hush money and third, fourth, and fifth chances because he’s the only supplier we have access to.

But that’s not how I handle business.

You get two chances. That’s it. In that way, I’m worse than my predecessor.

I turn Jamison’s head left and right. I could kill him in seconds with ease. My magic wants to. It’s a rabid dog inside my chest, barking to be let out.

Unfortunately, the fact remains that heisthe only supplier. And it’d be a shame to lose this business before we even start it.

“Next time, you’ll give me triple the product at no cost. Or there will be a promotion opportunity for your grunt-men over there. Understand?”

Jamison nods with a high-pitched squeak.

I pat his cheek twice and stand, holstering my gun.

“See? How easy was that?” I smile. “We’ll be in touch for the next drop off.”

I start towards the car, knowing Wesley is following by the sound of his heavy footsteps behind me.

“Happy anniversary, by the way!” Jamison’s voice echoes into the night.

It doesn’t sound like the other well-wishes I’ve gotten all day, it’s more of a veiled warning from a petty man.

If he’s trying to shake my confidence, it won’t work.

I walk into the chilled night without a second glance at the Seelie behind me. Endorphins from the fight pump a dangerous high through my veins, turning my steps into bounces.

A year ago, I killed Pride and took his place.

I’ve never felt so free.

Happy anniversary, indeed.

I’m not two feet into our main fae-side warehouse before my Second is scolding me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I thoughtIwas going with you as backup,” Josie says, matching my brisk pace towards my office. Her short dark brown hair, expertly waved and tucked behind one ear, bounces with each step. “So, color me surprised when Claude tells me you took the Cadillac and drove off with hislittle brotherbefore I even got to the warehouse.”

“Half brother,” I correct.

---