Page 97 of Bound in Blood

Alexandros looks to Ophelia, and she gives him a sad smile before she answers me.Because none of us would ever be safe, and hiding is no way to live.

I know she’s right, but still.

“I agree,” Vasilis says, reminding us all that we’re still part of a wider conversation involving the rest of the room. “We must lure Giorgios out of the house and confront him on our own terms. He does not get to determine the rules of engagement.”

Alexandros looks to me, then Axl. “Are you two ready for this?”

I crack my neck. “Fuck yes, let’s go get him.”

Alexandros walks around the table, beckoning Axl and me to him. He places a hand on the backs of our necks and pulls us close. “Get Malachi and come straight back to us at Zeus Hall. Once you are all safe, I will decide what to do with Giorgios.”

“You got it,” Axl says.

“I love you both,” he says, and it’s not in our heads. He says it aloud so the whole room can hear him.

“Love you too,” Axl mumbles, but I declare it loudly.

He gives us one final squeeze and then a firm nod. “Now go get our boy back.”

Chapter

Forty-Six

ALEXANDROS

94 MINUTES BEFORE THE LIGHT GOES OUT

With Ophelia’s hand in mine, we head for the quad alongside Osiris, Enora, Cadence, Sienna, and my father. Under an exceptionally bright moon, we stick to the shadows in case Giorgios has spies around campus. Our allies have been informed of our plan and will meet us there, and I have told Anikêtos and Elpis of our strategy. They have agreed to remain cloaked until the time is right.

I have tried to locate both my treacherous brother and Malachi by accessing their thoughts but have been unable to. Giorgios is likely using some kind of dark magic to block them both.

We emerge from the trees, and Zeus Hall looms into view. All too quickly comes the sound of charging feet, numerous pairs of boots stomping and shaking the ground.

My father is far out in front, and he speaks to me privately.Giorgios must have learned of our arrival.

Foolishly, I hoped Axl and Xavier could have rescued Malachi without alerting my brother. But of course he is there awaiting their arrival. What if he ambushes them? Have I sent my boys to their deaths?

Ophelia squeezes my hand. “They are strong and smart, and you taught them well.”

I press a kiss on her forehead and take a moment to breathe in her scent before we face the chaos that is about to ensue. Then I grind my teeth at the sound of Nicholas Ashe’s voice.

“The great Vasilis Drakos—what did we do to deserve you gracing us with your presence?”

Ashe is surrounded by a dozen Onyx members as well as half a dozen warlocks. The dark-gray circles surrounding their eyes, caused by decades of practicing the darkest of magic, always give them away.

“I believe you know why we are here, Nicholas,” my father replies. “Vincent gave you the order himself, did he not?”

Ashe and his minions start to circle my father like hyenas who have found themselves fortunate enough to corner a lion. I grasp Ophelia’s hand in mine. Despite their number, they are no match for Vasilis Drakos.

If anything should happen to me, I have already decreed you my heir and future head of House Drakos, my father says directly into my mind.And I will decree it again with my last breath if I have to. All the heads of the families have been informed.

You are not going to die at the hands of a weasel like Nicholas Ashe, Father. I will assist you if necessary.

There will be no need. He will not defy Vincent by attacking us.

I frown, not as convinced of Nicholas’s allegiance to his house as my father is.

Do not underestimate him, Father. We need you in this fight.

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