Page 259 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

“That’s an additional trip I don’t have time for today.”

“I said I’m out,” Nolan answered.

“Prove it.”

The male’s eyes went wide. “You can check my coolers, sir. I don’t have any. I was cleaned out earlier today. I’m guessing so was Turner. We all were.”

A sinking feeling filled his gut. “Explain that,” he demanded, his tone icy with threat.

Nolan swallowed again. “I have suppliers just like you, sir.”

“And?”

“And they came through and took all the stores. If you want blood, you have to go to the Dispensary District. Said they wouldn’t be supplying anywhere else anymore.”

“Who took them all?” Axel snarled.

“B-Bree DelaCrux and some of her coven,” Nolan said, visibly trembling.

That fucking bitch.

46

THEON

Standing on the front steps of the Tribunal Building, he read through the information again while he waited for Luka. Razik had sent this information via his magic, and fine. Theon could admit using that method seemed more practical than sending this via email. Especially with the fact that if this information got out, it would cause chaos.

Well,morechaos.

Because he was about to walk into a storm of pandemonium.

With a swirl of darkness, he sent the paper to a pocket realm to study again later when he was with Razik. The male had given him the barest details. Just enough to make sense, but he still had questions.

So many questions.

But right now, he had to focus. He pulled his phone out, finding no missed calls or messages. Was Luka seriously not going to show for this? He knew something had happened between him and Tessa, but he hadn’t heard from Luka since then. The male wasn’t answering calls, had blocked the bond, and had seemingly disappeared. He was likely at his cave, butTheon didn’t have the luxury or the time to fly up there right now.

So he settled for sending him a message.

Theon:We’re having it out after this, fucker. I cannot believe you’re sending me into this alone. This is not just about her, and you know it. Get your head out of your ass, and do what needs to be done.

Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he straightened his suit jacket and made his way into the Tribunal Building. He didn’t bother with the entrances that were reserved for the ruling Lords and Ladies meant to keep them always separate and above everyone else. Instead, he walked straight into the hearing room, striding down the main aisle and making his way to the dais where the Anala and Falein Ladies were already waiting on their thrones.

They weren’t here to discuss his kingdom. Not this time. Or not directly, he supposed. They were here to decide Tessa’s fate after the massacre, all the blame landing on her shoulders despite his belief she was setup. She had still summoned the Hunters. This was still a direct result of her actions, and he didn’t think even the Achaz Lord would be able to stay the Ladies’ judgment this time.

He stared out across the empty hearing room. There would be no one else in these proceedings today. No heirs or nobility. Just the rulers and their Sources. Another disadvantage for Theon since he didn’t have one, and another reason he’d wanted Luka here. His gaze fell on the table where he’d sat mere months ago, Axel at his side, as they’d argued his case to keep Tessa as his.

So much had changed in the span of a few heartbeats.

Theon took his seat, feeling strange sitting in his father’s chair. After everything, it still didn’t feel right. He’d been trained for this. His entire life, everything he’d done, all the blood and betrayal and brutality, had been for this. It had all been so he could sit in this fucking seat.

And it didn’t feel right.

He sat casually though, not letting his discomfort show. Legs spread and elbow on the armrest with a finger steepled along his temple, he didn’t bother to acknowledge the other three rulers when they entered. He only followed their path with his gaze. They all took their seats, Rordan sitting straight and tall. Before he could say anything, the Celeste Lady spoke.

“Where is she?” Lady Candra demanded.

“She is where we agreed she should be housed until her fate is decided,” Rordan said, sounding as though he was already exhausted by this conversation that was sure to last for hours.

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