Page 46 of Bells

“I’ll leave you two to it. Everett, always a pleasure.” Sully shook his hand and returned to his office, leaving us alone in the waiting area. Even the old bitch behind the desk had left to give us privacy.

“Let’s talk.” Father nodded for me to follow him.Sighing, I did, knowing the sooner we spoke, the sooner he’d be out of there.

I walked beside in him in silence until we made it to the old cemetery on the edge of the school grounds.

One of my favorite places in the world.

Probably because the dead didn’t have shit to say.

We sat on a stone bench beneath a willow that I often sat at during my adventures into the forest. I loved that bench. It was my thinking spot.

I hated that he was tarnishing it with his ass.

“I’ve missed you,” he started.

“Lies. You don’t miss shit,” I shot back.

He chuckled. “Always so witty, Dante. Like your mother.”

“You don’t talk about her.” Anger rushed to the surface at the mention of my mother who had long since passed. She was a prisoner to him like I was. At least she was free now. More than I could say for myself.

“Right. I forgot our agreement.” His lips twitched. “The weather is nice, don’t you think?”

It took everything I had not to lose it and plant my fist in the center of his face.

“Why are you really here? I know it’s not to talk about the weather.”

“I was wondering where you stand on joining me. You weren’t overly helpful this summer. Given your love of murdering small animals, I thought humans would help quench your thirst.”

“Only some humans.” I glared at him. If it fazed him, he didn’t show it.

He laughed at that.

“Ah, I feel that way sometimes too, but you know me. I enjoy what I do.”

I said nothing, letting him have whatever fucking moment he was having with himself.

“I came to you today because I wanted to know when I can expect you to join me in our empire. You’re getting to that age where I need you. You’re my legacy, Dante. Together, we could be feared through the underground.”

“We’re already feared.”

“Yes, but not together. Imagine the power we’d wield if you’d just agree to come home.”

“I’m not interested in the family business. I’ve told you this before.”

His cheerful mood dissipated. “How can you not be? You were born and raised in blood and screams.”

I shook my head at him. “And look at me now. Violent. Twisted. I struggle with controlling my murdering urges. It’s no way to live, Father.”

“It’s the perfect way to live once you let go and fucking own who you are.”

“I’m not interested. I don’t feel anything, and I like it like that. I like where I am.”

“Yes, I’ve heard all about it,” he said, glaring at me. “Isabella.”

“I’m sure you have,” I murmured. “Since you seem to have her crazy ass in your pocket too.”

He let out a huff of laughter that oozed his darkness. “She wasn’t supposed to tell you.”

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