Page 83 of Sin and Deception

"As if that's even a possibility," Theo sneered. "You never let us forget for a second, do you?"

Anger pulsed between us, the tension thick and palpable. Xander stood by, undoubtedly ready to step in if things escalated. At least, he chose to revert to his usual role of peacemaker between Theo and me.

"Tell me," I asked, lowering my voice to a dangerous whisper. "Would you question my father's judgment the same wayyou're questioning mine? Would you expect him to consult his subordinates before making a decision?"

Theo's eyes widened with frustration. “It’s not the same thing.”

"It's the same thing," I pressed, waiting expectantly with a raised brow. "Tell me how it isn't."

He didn't respond.

"Since Theo has no answer, maybe you can respond for him, Xander." I pressed on, waiting expectantly with a raised eyebrow.

There was no response from Xander either.

At that moment, we all knew I was right. Whether they appreciated the reminder or not, I was still speaking the truth.

"You wanted me in this role. Now I'm doing my job," I explained, my voice rising. "I'm protecting my people. To do that, I must display my power and claim it as my own. The other families need to see this and understand that I am in charge. When I left, everything I gained disappeared! This time, it will only be worse."

"We're not questioning that!" Xander insisted.

"No, you just want me to run everything by you first, and why?" I shot my words out like sharp daggers, fueled by the anger and frustration boiling inside me. "Because you don't trust me to make smart decisions? Do you think I don't see the seriousness of my role? I know exactly who I am. Even in my darkest moments, I've never forgotten when I wished to be anyone but myself. For years, I prayed to wake up in someone else's body. But not anymore!"

My voice rose to a roar as I stood before them, my chest heaving with emotion. "Now, I stand proud before you, the Godmother of the Night, Queen of the Angelos family. It would be wise for both of you to remember that."

"As we mentioned earlier, we could never forget either," Theo's gentle words acted as a soothing balm on my simmering anger, immediately easing the tension in the room. “You mean everything to us.”

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, feeling the fire within me fade. Theo and Xander may not always see eye to eye with me or understand my decisions, but their trust in me was all that mattered. We were a team bound by blood and purpose. Together, we could face anything that came our way.

I loved these men with every fiber of my being.

We were meant to present a united front, working together as a team. Perhaps my men were correct that I should have consulted them, but I was trying to make things right at that moment. Time was of the essence.

“Theo,” I turned to him, my eyes softening as I spoke. “I am so grateful for your unwavering loyalty and service to my family while I was away. I know it wasn’t easy. And while I value your advice, there are times when I must follow my instincts. When I am certain about a path, you both need to trust that it is the right decision for our family.”

“I thought we were equals,” Theo interjected, his hurt lingering in his tone.

Heat radiated off his body, and despite our current disagreement, I couldn't help but admire his powerful form.

“I am the one ultimately in charge,” I stated firmly. It was time for them to accept that.

My tone might have been harsh, but I needed to get through to them once and for all. I stood tall with my arms crossed over my chest.

That’s when Xander stepped closer, encroaching on my personal space from the other side. His dark eyes locked onto mine as he challenged me.

“I am the boss,” I insisted, forcing myself not to reveal any signs of fear.

We all knew they were physically stronger than I was and could overpower me if they wanted to. But deep down, I was certain that wouldn't happen because we were a team.

But leave it to them to always take things personally.

I couldn't help but think it was a man thing. They always seemed to need to assert their dominance, especially in front of a strong woman. It was frustrating.

Xander’s eyes roamed over my body. When they met mine again, a hint of desire mixed in with his remaining upset. My body responded immediately, my core pulsing with need as I fought to keep my composure.

“Look at you, Angel,” he crooned. “Taking charge and standing firm in your 'take no prisoners' attitude, ready to bulldoze through the world without looking back.”

He meant for his words to provoke me, but I refused to give him the satisfaction.

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