Page 64 of Havoc

“Viking,” I said, as I approached the chair opposite her. Slowly, she turned her head; her dark black hair slicked back in a high ponytail, not a strand out of place. She motioned to the chair for me to sit, and I did, mimicking her posture and crossing a leg over my other. It wasn’t lost on her as she smirked once I settled back into my chair.

“You really haven’t a need to fear me,” she said, her voice confident and very dark. I could sense she was a no-mess kind of girl, probably why she ran a cartel alone.

“I’m not scared of you. Until recently I didn’t know you existed.”

“Most don’t, I’m more of a myth to those who work under me. I’m only meeting with you because of who you are.”

“Your sister.”

“Yes,” she said, cocking her head to the side. “You don’t look at all like Gideon, you lucky thing.”

I saw similar features in her face to Gideon’s but her eyes were different, they were dark, almost black.

“You were lucky not to be near him all your life.”

“Pity?” she said. “You bring me pity. I thought someone who earned her seat at the table at such a young age would have more to offer.”

“What do you want?” I asked her.

“I think the question would be better answered by you.”

“Are we going to play these games with each other?” I asked. “I ask you a question, and you refer it back to me to answer for you. You’re in my territory right now.”

Viking quirked her eyebrow up, but she wore a smirk on her face. “Now, that’s better, little sister. I was rather hoping the sassy one I’ve heard so much about would surface.”

“Well?”

“I’m in your territory only because I allow you to keep it, Presley. I’ve known about you for quite some time, what Gideon did to you. I never liked him and nor did my mother. He was obsessed with her, always wanting her, until one day, he finally took what he wanted from her. Pretended to be who she wanted to be with, and when she figured out it wasn’t him, he forced himself into her, and I was created. I’ve never wanted my life either, but we live with the cards with which we’re dealt.”

“We’ve all got things in our past,” I replied. “What I want to know is what you want?”

“Nothing,” she replied. “I came to meet you, and to offer my support. It’s not something I give often, but with me behind you, you’ll succeed, believe me.”

“And you think I can’t handle my own.”

“I’m sure you can,” she replied. “But I’m offering you a hand, whether you need it or not. The first thing you should never knockback is a force like I’ve built when you’re just starting to make an impact.”

“And what do you want in return?”

“Don’t encroach on my territory,” she replied. “Melbourne is mine, and if you do, then we’ll have an old-time blow out of a war. I’ve had years to develop my forces, what do you have to offer?”

I was outsmarted. Something I’d sworn I’d never be again.

“It’s a good offer,” she said. “Take it and succeed. Together we can hold down this entire country.”

“Fine, Melbourne will remain yours, but I want Queensland and Sydney.”

“You can have them. I only need Melbourne, South Australia and Tasmania, just to even it out. Take the rest.”

I nodded. “It’s done then.”

“One more word of advice,” she said, before I could leave. “Build an empire, trust those close to you, but also, don’t ever allow weakness. I know what that boy does for you, he thinks of you as his…that will eventually turn ugly. Make him realise, yes, he can be in your life, and he can protect you but he needs to know his place.”

“And that is?”

“Below you, of course. You call the shots, no one else.”

I nodded. “Understood.”

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