Page 22 of Unholy

Rain giggles into her hand. She keeps it real among all this seriousness.

“Hm, yes, Duke. We have some new intelligence since the events of last evening,” Rogers stammers. I look at him, waiting for him to continue. Instead, he begins rummaging through his folder, pulling out one piece of paper and approaching me with it.

I take it, and at the same time Greta asks, “Which King are you talking about? Because that one is very fucking dead.”

It’s Brad’s property.

At the end of his driveway, before the large gate, is a wooden stake, and on top of it is Brad’s head.

Confirmed. Brad is dead. Dalton and his crew of merry imbeciles are likely responsible.

“The new self-declared one, Dalton,” I say, unamused.

Rogers interjects, “Darian, the photo should be to you now.”

D grunts, his way of saying,Thank you.

“They know we are connected to the Antichrist now. There’s no going back. We have to be strategic—no room for error. Greta, you and your team are officially a massive fucking target.”They were before, but it’s elevated now that he knows D and I are officially with them.

“He will try and hit you where it hurts. Protect yourself and your people at all costs. Whatever you need, my resources are at your disposal.” I pause as she nods in understanding, then continue. “And with the new chief of police appointed, it’s hard to say what that pile of incompetence is capable of. They are unhinged and unpredictable. Look what they did to Cecilia!” I shout, slamming my fist down, pounding on my desk. My blood is boiling as images of her body hanging on that cross flash across my vision.

I then see Thomas startle from the corner of my eye. Elijah is smiling, sharp canines bared, begging to be released into the wild to play.

Looking at my son, I say, “We can’t just attack them. They expect us to retaliate, and we will lose if we do. Instead, we wait. Lure them to us. Doing nothing will only infuriate them, causing a reaction. They will assume we are sitting fucking ducks again. We aren’t. We will

simply be more deadly when they come to our house. Elijah, work with our men; discreetly prepare the compound and any other of our trusted properties. They could be watching, so we need to act as normal as possible. I’ll give Ryder and his crew a heads-up. Maybe work out a deal in case we need reinforcements.”

Closing my eyes, I take a breath in. “We must never show weakness. If there’s one thing I know, weakness is a delicious meal that people like me and people like him feed on.”

Elijah wastes no time. Rising, he barks, “Thomas, come.”

I look toward Rain, who is looking back at me, mouthing, “Oh my God,” while silently chuckling.

“Don’t worry, E, I’ll be fine here,” Rain jokes sarcastically. A language my son doesn’t get.

His head rapidly turns at the sound of her voice. His expression is confused as he replies, “I know.”

Thomas, who is standing at attention, follows Elijah out.

“Rogers, anything suspicious, you tell me immediately,” I demand.

“Understood, Duke.” Rogers is next to leave. He has connections all over this town. Money and promises talk. He is also excellent at cyber security, so perhaps blackmail also plays a small part in his little bird’s loyalty.

Greta rises, not bothered that Rain is still with us, but she hangs my phone up on D before speaking further. “Nathaniel, keep her here. Please. Keep her safe.” Greta reaches her hand out, placing it on my forearm in comfort. She’s scared. I’ve never seen this side of her before.

I place my hand on top of hers. “I swear it. But you have to tell her.”

It’s not an ultimatum; it’s her right. I’d keep her safe regardless, but she deserves to know.

“I’ll do it this evening,” Greta promises, squeezing my arm in reassurance before following the others out.

“You look exhausted. Shower. Rest. I may need your help with Thomas’s body later. I can’t see Elijah tolerating him long-term," Rain jokes as she stands on her feet. I laugh. But I think we both secretly hope it’s not true.

The door closes behind her. I’m alone. At last.

Silence.

10

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