Page 51 of Primal God

His eyes widen. “How do you know Santos?”

Unease creeps through me. The way he asks makes me think he knows Dimitri.

I go with the safe answer.

“I went to school with João.”

He’s silent for a moment, as if he’s thinking.

“Well, this may just work out in our favor.”

Our favor? What is he talking about?

He continues, “I know your father died when you were young, but do you remember him going to any meetings when you were little?”

I wasn’t that young when my father died. If Uncle Wolfe had been around at all while I was growing up, then he would know that.

“Sometimes. He said it was required, but didn’t go very often.”

Honestly, I always figured it was some kind of court ordered thing, like anger management classes or something.

Uncle Wolfe nods. “Good, good. Well, your father should have made sure that you were taken care of before he passed. Since he bore no sons, he was supposed to ensure that a match was made for you.”

“Match? What are you talking about?”

Because this sounds a lot like an arranged marriage kind of thing. That’s just crazy, right? Things like that don’t happen in real life. Do they?

“I’ll explain if you let me. Your father was a member of a very important club, as am I. That membership means that our children are taken care of. Since I had no sons, my daughter married an appropriate match, and her husband gained membership into the club. The same thing must happen with you.”

I laugh before I can stop myself. When he doesn’t crack a smile, my lips part.

“You’re serious?”

“You’re twenty-three, correct?” When I nod, he says, “Then a match should have been made for you a long time ago. Which is why I’ve been talking to?—”

I jump to my feet. “I don’t care who you’ve been talking to. This is madness! You barely know me! Why on earth would I agree to anything you arrange for me, because that’s what we’re talking about, right? An arranged marriage?”

I expect him to deny what I’m saying or at least defend himself. What I don’t expect is a single word answer.

“Yes.”

“You know, I knew trusting you was a bad idea. When you first reached out, my gut said it was too good to be true. Looks like I was right.” I’m proud that my voice doesn’t tremble. “Don’t contact me again because I won’t answer.”

Uncle Wolfe laughs softly, shaking his head. “I’ve been talking to an associate and things have been agreed on. You will meet your match soon and a wedding date will be set.”

“No.”

He stands, but makes no moves to come toward me. Sometimes I forget just how much he looks like my father, and right now he’s reminding me of when my father was angry. It’s a very subtle thing. A shift in his facial expressions that warns me I’m in danger.

His tone is controlled as he says, “I wasn’t asking, girl. You will meet him, and you will marry him.” I start to reply, but he holds up his hand, silencing me. “And before you tell me no again, remember this. I have the power to ruin everything you’ve worked so hard for.”

“What does that mean?”

“Does your current employer know why you took off a year from college? Because I know, Lilith, and I’m not afraid to let Santos know.”

My stomach is heavy. “You’re lying.”

“Am I?” He smiles. “Just remember, girl. I have many resources that you can’t even dream of. Now, you may leave. I’ll be reaching out soon. And Lilith. You better answer my call.”

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