Page 134 of Married to the Devil

Councilor Moon nods in appreciation, probably sensing my restraint. This isn’t going to be good. The immortal’s lips are pressed thin in annoyance.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” I ask, taking a seat behind the long table. Moon and McConnell do the same across from me. The excited energy coming off the wolf shifter in waves leaves a bad taste in my mouth. McConnell resembleshis nephew, but being around Lobo has never given me an instinctual recoil.

“I’m here as your representative,” Moon starts. “McConnell approached me about witnessing and validating the terms of what he’s going to offer you today.”

We expected some machinations. A tactic more direct than spreading rumors. That it’s coming to pass should be convenient, yet it only leaves me as cold as my marriage bed has been since Ben’s departure and my own floundering at the news of Stella’s pregnancy.

I don’t regret many things, but my reaction to the knowledge that the babe isn’t mine by blood is one that will stay with me.

All the space I give her in the world does not make up for that moment of jealousy.

McConnell leans forward, his eyes glinting in the way of someone who thinks they’ve won. “I feel like we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.”

I raise a brow. “You’ve made motions to take from me what is mine.”

The councilor shrugs. “A consequence of your alliance with Kalos I assure you. Nothing personal.”

It felt very personal when we chose to create an heir to circumvent his plans, but I keep the thought to myself, curious as to what he’s going to say.

“It occurs to a portion of the Council that Kalos seems to have gotten the better hand in your alliance. This territory is unstable, and the bride you were forced to take…” McConnell trails off and shrugs as if we’re both in on a joke. “A territory leader such as you shouldn’t be hemmed in so much. I think we can come to an agreement that benefits the both of us.”

I tilt my head. “I’m listening.”

McConnell grins like I’ve done more than give him the rope to hang himself with. “We’re in the process of building a rather extensive case against the dragon.”

I catch Moon’s eye roll. I don’t know how he stands working with these people.

The wolf shifter continues. “And it would be easier for us to try him for the death of Lorenzo Leonid if you were to cooperate.”

“And what’s in it for me?” I ask.

“Well, you’d be able to dissolve your marriage for one.” McConnell laughs, expecting me to join in, before the sound dies on his tongue.

“What would happen to my wife?” The words are neutral, but this wolf shifter has gone from a nuisance to a risk.

“Stella Elderflower would stand trial with Kalos. She was never an official heir so the laws of her ascension and what was allowed to happen are a little fuzzy. Your presence was really what made it all go through so seamlessly for them. Without you, they will face the brunt end of the law.”

I hum and hide my clenched fist below the table. “And the territory?”

McConnell twitches. He doesn’t like this part. “We could be convinced to side with you should you campaign to take it over.”

They must need my cooperation greatly to offer such a boon. Without the interference of his faction and snuffing out Frank and Leo Leonid for good, the territory would be stable and mine without a fuss.

It’s a good deal.

I can see why he thinks I’m going to take it.

I’ve been distant from Stella since the conception, even not objecting to her demand to deliver the charms herself. No one save Silas knows that I followed on roof tops to ensure her safety.

All the secrecy and coldness because I wanted to see what strategy they were going to bring me. That and my ignorance of how to bridge the gaping wound I opened between my wife and me.

I believe Ben could have been reasoned with about the bonding. That he eventually would have realized that the metaphysical thing would grant him and her happiness, stability, but that the revelation occurred right when the knowledge of the pregnancy and the parentage…his feeling overwhelmed is understandable.

I will get him back, just as I will set things right with my firefly.

McConnell has shown me his hand, now it’s time to play my own.

“You seem to be under the mistaken impression that I don’t care for my wife,” I say.

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