Page 104 of Priest and his Anarchist

Deacon falls back into his chair, changing the subject. “You never did tell me the purpose of the Hunt?”

“You’ve never been on one, that’s why.” I don’t bother to hide the smirk on my lips, since I’m pretty sure Deacon is already interested.

“I’m intrigued.”

“Well don’t be, because you won’t be attending one.” If I even continue them, since they don’t seem to be doing what I intended them to do, and now with Danny Dale out, Moses is far too volatile to be anywhere near the vicinity of the EKC. The mannerisms of the Gentlemen aren’t impressive, and as far as Moses goes, he’s an example of an offspring well undercooked to be running a family business like the one his grandfather built.

With walls painted a deep shade of murder, the clock hanging on the wall continues to tick.

“They’re always late,” I murmur around the cloud of smoke. “Why are they always late?”

“Maybe because your lovely wife decided to off Danny Dale.”

I freeze, my eyes flying up to where Vaden is now standing. “Vade.” It’s a growl that rattles the cage of the animal that threatens the surface any time she’s near.

“River already filled us in on her royal assassin queen.” Halen’s heels clink as she lowers herself on the chair opposite mine. “Not that I’m complaining. She definitely has it in her, if you know what I mean…”

She tilts her head, and I know she’s about to say something that will both piss me off and make me want to kill her. That’s saying something, since I don’t kill when I’m mad. “Or maybe not, since you still seem agitated.” Leaning forward, her eyes catch mine. “Are your tricks not working, dear brother? I’d hate for you to put all this time into her for it to fail.”

My jaw snaps closed.

The fireplace burns heatwaves into the soft melody playing in the background, as a door opens and footsteps patter over the concrete.

Vaden turns an inch over his shoulder, hiding his smirk.

“You’re late.” I don’t bother looking. They bore me.

“Did you do it?” Moses advances into the living room, and Vaden puts his body between me and him, a snarl on his mouth.

Standing to my height, I glare down at Moses. “You came here to ask me if I killed your old man?”

Without answering, he hands me a phone.

I stare down at the photo. Danny Dale’s lifeless eyes peer through the lens, his forehead split in half. I shrug, handing Moses his phone back. “Impressive work. Wasn’t us.”

Moses’s jaw bounces. “Nothing happens on the streets without your go-ahead, Priest. If I find out that you’ve broken treaty?—”

“—you’ll what, Moses?”

His eyes fly to Vaden. “Consider it up for debate.”

“Leave, Moses, while you still have your legs.” Vaden steps into his space.

Rolling my eyes, I lower back to my chair as Vaden pushes Moses and his boys out of the house with a slam of the front door.

“Did you order it?” Halen’s the first to break the silence.

I clear my throat. “No. No one did.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

luna

here lies a dead flower. loveless and neglected.

Itap at the number on my watch, flipping through the group chat.

Have I been obvious with my avoidance of Priest? Probably. After Nate’s warning that he knows everything, I’ve considered the ways I could worm my way out with my head still secured on my shoulders. It’s unfortunate that despite all attempts of hating him, I find myself loving him.

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