Page 61 of Primal God

“I feel that, brother.” He glances over his shoulder before asking, “Has Blanc said anything about having you remarry?”

My eyes bug. “No! Did he say something to you?”

It’s something that’s been on my mind even before Jones took his life. Knowing I was next in line to become an Elite Member was stressful enough without the added worry of having to remarry. I just hope Blanc doesn’t try to pull any shit like he has with the others.

“Easy, man. No, he didn’t say anything, but it wasn’t long after I became an Elite Member that he told me he wanted me to marry Jacqueline Chanel Minty Smith.”

“Nothing has been said.” I pause. “But Jackie did ask me to dinner.”

Brooks shakes his head. “Just be careful. She misses the power that came with being an Elite Wife. She tried to get her claws in me, and it backfired, so you’re probably her next victim.”

I snort, but only because I’ve known Jackie for years and feel like I have a good read on her. Does she like being connected to the Brotherhood? Sure. Does she want to marry me? Maybe. Does she want to become a mother to my children? No. So, I’m not worried in the least.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Well, I’ll see you on the other side.”

I dip my head as he leaves.

It’s strange being in the position. I joined the Defiant God Brotherhood when I was eighteen, the same as my father and grandfather before me. I knew coming in that there was a chance that I would serve as an Elite Member, but I didn’t think I’d live to see that day. For the most part, Elite Members are appointed late in life. But that was before the killings began.

While all deaths can’t be blamed on one person, we all know there’s someone out there watching us. Waiting to strike again. Which means it’s up to me and the other Elite Members to find this person and stop them before he goes after our loved ones.

My fists are clenched at my side as the door opens and I’m told the ceremony is starting.

Like so many men before me, I make my way past my brothers to the bottom of the amphitheater deep beneath the mansion. Charles Blanc preforms the induction ceremony, a hard glint to his eyes. I’m sure these changes have been hardest on him. He’s had to watch as four of his friends have died in less than a year, leaving him the last man standing.

Blanc dips his head at me as the ceremony finishes. It’s done. I’m an Elite Member.

I meet my brothers in the common room for drinks, though I don’t feel like celebrating. Not when Brooks’ words dance through my mind. People stop to congratulate me, but there’s only one person I need to speak to tonight.

Blanc turns as I approach, finishing his drink.

“Ah, I wondered when you’d find me.” He gestures to the room and explains, “The others have all done the same after their ceremonies.”

“Are you going to force me to remarry?”

He lets out a bitter laugh. “Haven’t you heard? Things are changing within the Brotherhood. The old ways no longer matter, according to the other Elite Members.”

“It’s a yes or no answer, Blanc.”

“Things are changing. Is finding you a new spouse what’s best for the Brotherhood? Yes. Will I make you remarry? No.” He sighs. “So, there’s your answer, Santos, though I hope you will find someone and remarry on your own.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

He shrugs. “And you’re the one who has to live with that. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I see someone I need to speak to.”

He walks away from me, going to Claudius Irons. They lean in as they speak, and I don’t miss how Blanc’s eyes widen.

Whatever they’re speaking about doesn’t concern me.

I walk toward Moretti, Henderson, and Carter. The other Elite Members. But I’m stopped by Montgomery and Wolfe. I eye Wolfe warily. I’ve never trusted the man, especially after I found out how he abandoned Lilith, letting her be placed in foster homes after her father died. I wonder if he knows that she lived on the streets? I still feel sick to my stomach when I think about it.

“Congratulations, Santos. I’m sure this is a happy day for you, though I couldn’t help but notice that your son isn’t here.”

“João is out of the country,” I reply.

Not that it’s any of his fucking business.

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