Page 57 of Blood on the Ice

He grunts, and Liam tilts his head as he smirks. “I think you, me, and Kaspar are the oldest in the room. The others are mere babies, Morgana.”

My eyes narrow. “Watch it, Your Highness. It’s rude to ask a lady’s age.”

“I don’t have to ask,” Kaspar says as he leans back in his chair. “I already know.”

Well, fuck you, too, charcoal breath.

1 Darling

knock knock

The group waiting for the Shark is one of the most interesting I’ve ever been in. Morgana is enchanting, and the hungry looks all the men are giving her make me want to rise to the challenge. Funnily enough, I’m usually the biggest asshole in the room—as Sladelovesto point out—but that honor is taken by the churlish dragon sitting in the corner. Iknow he’s here to protect the Prince, but I’m confused why he’s staying this close if he wants no part in our… possible dating situation.

Perhaps the scaly one doth protest too much?

My lips curve up as I study him, pretending not to pay attention to the lively conversation going on. I’m fairly certain my second assumption is the correct one and I’m going to enjoy seeing him brought to his knees. A loud buzz sounds out, pulling my focus from Kaspar as Morgana’s eyes widen and she stops talking. That’s her phone and this must be Channing, letting her know the lawyer has finally arrived.

“Morgana,” she says as she picks it up and answers. “Yes, Channing. I understand. He’s brought the entire team? Oh, goodness. Well, we could—you set up one of the houses? Yes, of course, I approve. Keeping them close is—Okay. We’ll see you soon. Good job.”

Arching a brow, I wait for her to relay what she learned. I’m not surprised Channing is thriving under someone like her. She’s allowing our old friend to take control and show her capabilities for the first time in years. Channing Oswald isverygood at what she does and her previous bosses didn’t give her a moment to blossom. Magnus’ administration was so controlling that only the strongest staff could rise above his corrupt bullshit.

“What’s going on?” Slade asks quietly.

Morgana sighs. “Jackson’s plane has landed. Well, both, really. He has an entire team coming—I don’t know most of them, but since they’ll be here for a while, Channing arranged for them to stay in one of the houses on Chancellor Row. It willmake it much simpler for them to strategize and have access to everything they need.”

“They’ll be staying on this street?” Liam says with an amused look. “That’s a lot of access, Morgana. Are you certain about having that much scrutiny near your home?”

Good question, Your Highness.

“I don’t mind. I have nothing to hide, Liam. My trial exposed damn near everything about my life before I got here and I’m not hiding mating with Lucas. Sure, we’re not making it public, but I won’t deny it if anyone asks.” She leans into the big bear and he rumbles happily.

“What about… the rest of us?” I ask, tilting my head. “Will that affect anything?”

She shrugs. “Who knows? You’re all right; the press has skewered me to bone already. What difference does it make if they find out I’m in a poly dating situation? At least I’ll be honest about it rather than being a cheating asshole, like my ex.”

Kaspar snorts. “Small comfort, but not less true. I doubt the Prince’s family will care much. It’s much more common in the Veil, of course.”

“Nana will understand when I tell her what happened,” Lucas says confidently. “She’s always hoped I’d find a fated mate. She thinks people turn out like my parents when they marry non-mates to settle.”

Well, at least two of the families won’t kick up a fuss.

“Iggy and I will have issues. Not because it’s you, per se. It will be because both of our families have expectations aboutour futures. Mine may be mistaken about what they expect, but they’ll be… vocal.” Slade flushes and ducks his head.

I chuckle at his euphemism. “He’s right. His criminal ties will make their opinions known, but we’ve been managing that for years. My family will be obnoxious and behave typically for rich old money supes.”

“I appreciate the heads up, guys, but what does this have to do with Jackson and his team coming?” Morgana frowns, tilting her head. “I doubt they’re going to publicize our lives.”

“No, but they’ll dig intoeveryonein Lucas’s life to ensure they have every crumb of information the prosecutors could bring up if this goes to trial. If they didn’t, they’d be shitty ass lawyers.” Kaspar makes an annoyed expression, then continues. “We’ll all be fodder for their researchandthe mud-slinging of the other side if Jackson cannot snuff this out quickly.”

“Do we think he’ll be able to nip it in the bud?” she whispers.

“If anyone can, it would be the Shark. But… sometimes, once the ball is rolling, it’s impossible to stop the momentum,” Liam replies. “If he can’t prevent Lucas from being charged, that’s when the storm will begin.”

And that’s when we’re all going to need to band together… even the irksome lizard.

The knockat the door makes Morgana jump, despite knowing it was coming. Kaspar stands, glaring before he heads for the door. I will not argue with his obvious need to vet the people coming before they join the party. He’s clearly competent and we’ve already dealt with one dead body and one poisoned heir.

Channing’s voice carries into the living area as she practically growls, “We’re here for a meeting with my boss, you giant dickhead. Move out of the way before I move you myself!”

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