Page 51 of The Monster's Mate

“I should have known something was different.”

“This is either retaliation for me interfering when you first brought River home and he tried to intimidate her, or he’s determined to break up Bronan and Isabel.”

“We’re going to have to discuss this with Brone,” he says.

The front door blasts open, sending a shock of rain blowing in on the wind. Bronan is posturing, his body much larger than normal, his face thunderous. In his arms he cradles Bel—and she’s half naked and sobbing.

Tiran and I jump from our seats.

“What happened?” I ask.

“She was attacked by patron,” Bronan snarls.

“I thought it was y-you,” Isabel gasps, her teeth chattering. “I flung open the door and it was him. H-he said I’m a breeder and he’s eligible for one.”

“Where is he?” I ask. This is the last chance he’d been given. To harm a female—especially innocent Bel—

“The hunters are disposing of his body,” Bronan says, no inflection in his voice as he looks straight into my eyes and lets me know he killed him. I nod, just once, a gesture conveying agreement and approval. It’s what needed to be done and I would have done it for him.

“Go home,” Tiran says quietly, his head gesturing to Bel. “We’ll let River and Maman know what’s happened and that you’re both safe.”

“Thank you,” Bronan says as he darts the back way toward the living quarters.

“We’re going to be busy tomorrow when everyone hears what happened,” Tiran says.

I nod. “We’ll be here for him.” Then I sigh. “I wish I’d have done it for him. This should be a happy time for them, reuniting and enjoying life preparing for their kish.”

“It’ll work out. I better get to River and let her know what’s going on.”

“I guess that leaves me with Maman.” May as well stay at her place and enjoy breakfast in the morning, too. I’ve been doing way too much visiting this evening. Besides, nothing beats Maman’s cooking.

By the time we enter the main cavern the next morning, there’s a crowd of people heading in and out, offering condolences. Mikhail and his medic, Calbin, arrived early to give Bel a checkup. After things calm down, my brother turns to me.

“Do you think I can leave you in charge?” Bronan asks.

I tap the side of my cheek. “Depends on why you need me.”

He sighs and points across the room at Mikhail. “Mikhail is requesting Isabelae and River head to Earth to break up a political movement. It has to do with Isabelae’s patron. He’s running the campaign to resist Lilaina’s rule as leader.”

“Some say we don’t need a first lady to rule, that it should be a president in charge and therefore an election should be held. As you know, females aren’t eligible to run for president. The leader of the movement is someone you know, Isabel. And someone River should meet,” Mikhail says.

“My father… and his friend. Duke,” Isabel says.

He nods.

“What does this have to do with Lucy?” I ask, barely following them as I worry about her alone on Earth. Is this over the meeting that Mejak and Kalrian should have brought up to him? Was our plan in place?

“It seems she’s had a series of accidents. She’s safe… but one would think someone doesn’t want Isabel around. You see, many people think Lucy is Isabel. The masquerade works all too well.”

“They don’t want it known that I had a child,” Isabel says, looking at River. “They want to shut me up before an election?”

Mikhail nods. “There were rumors, despite you being hidden while pregnant and later, when they sent you to your aunt’s. In fact, I think that might have drawn more attention, which is why your father demanded you return home and then declared you shunned.”

“Does he know Lucy is pretending to be me?”

Mikhail shrugs. “He’s funding his friend for president. Tomorrow there is a huge event in an exclusive place called the Gentlemen’s Club. I have it on good authority that both will be present to announce the new candidate… Duke.”

“What do you need me to do?”

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