Page 107 of Wicked Heirs

“There is no matter. Like I said, I’m assisting you andExemplar. The supernatural world as a whole, as you like to term it.”

“How so?” she pressed in a tone that made it clear she was certain that he couldn’t possibly provide a satisfactory answer.

My father snapped his fingers and a glass of smoking vodka—a spelled concoction—was in his hand in the very next moment.

He took a leisurely sip and slung his free arm over the back of the couch as he looked out at her and said, “Constantine is preparing to act. Should he do so, it will be catastrophic for us all. His goal is utter ruination before he then intends to take command of the supernatural world. He’ll destroyExemplar, he’ll raze the supernatural community, including key locales and individuals. And then he’ll find a way to trap you and El aswell. Not to mention what he’ll do to our children—the heirs of those he despises.”

“We’re aware of his intent. He doesn’t possess the means to do as you’ve claimed.”

“You’re wrong. He wields power comparable to Elliot Sabre, along with the abilities of a Vampire Elder. Not to mention, he is a gifted tactician.”

“And we areExemplar.”

My father scoffed. “The lot of you aren’t as invincible and infallible as you’ve led yourselves to believe.” He took a few more sips of his vodka. “That’s why you’re here. You’re so afraid of what it would mean to the balance of things if I was actually in league with Constantine. Alone, he stands a very good chance of being able to make his threats a reality, yet with the Dark Fae King at his side, it would come very close to being a sure thing.”

“That is not for you to determine.”

“I beg to differ. We are all at risk here.”

“AndExemplarwill see to it that you’ll all be kept safe.”

“That’s both arrogant and idealistic. Most definitely not reality, though.”

“The arrogance is yours. Thinking you could meet with Constantine Vale and remain untouched.”

“Oh, Fallen, I’m far from untouched.” He smirked. “Are you?”

The innuendo wasn’t lost on her. “I have a daughter.”

“I meant since your husband died.”

“That’s not your concern.”

“Ah, I see. You’re not comfortable admitting to your dirty desires for El.”

She swept forward, seething. “Mind your manners.”

My father whipped his glass at the wall, shattering it under the brutal impact, and he shot to his feet, seething right backat her. “You come into my home leveling accusations and threatening me with arrest! How dare you? To expect a warm reception after that is yet more angelic arrogance!”

“Why were you consulting with Constantine Vale? An explanation! Now!”

“Why the fuck do you think? To gain his trust, to make him believe I’ll work with him, so I can gain intel and cut him off at the knees before any of this really gets started.”

Abigail blinked and took a step back. “That’s incredibly dangerous.”

“I am King of the Dark Fae. I don’t shy away from dangerous endeavors.”

“It’s dangerous on many fronts. And also unbelievable. You could quite easily desire the power of such an alliance for yourself, to separate from the law ofExemplarjust like Constantine.”

“You’re really reaching there, Fallen.”

“Am I? Then what was your planned response should you gain access to Constantine’s intel?”

My father’s gaze bored into hers. “To end him.”

“Absolutely not.”

“It’s the only way to effectively eliminate a threat of his caliber.”

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