Page 87 of The Devil's Hunt

As I spoke, she listened patiently, letting me speak. I watched her facial expressions, but she remained calm, soaking in everything I told her. When I was finished, she sat with a pensive expression on her face.

“Are you okay?” I asked her nervously.

“I think so. I am not surprised that my father is a monster. I remember how he spoke to my mother. And how easily he struck me, even with people around. But I never imagined that he would be willing to give his only daughter to someone worse than him.”

“I’m sorry, Mila.”

“Don’t be sorry. Just walk me through what’s next. What should I expect during The Ceremony?”

“During The Ceremony, you will be presented as my chosenqueen to The Brotherhood. You'll have to wear the ceremonial gown they provide and walk down the aisle toward me in front of all the members. They will watch your every move, looking for any sign of weakness. We will recite a blood bond to each other and solidify our union with Kai and Theo. And then, it’s you and me.”

“Okay,” she nodded.

34

THIRTY-FOUR

MILA

Iasked Archer to bring me home. I needed some space and some time with my best friend. The minute I walked inside, Lacey saw the look on my face and hopped up from the table.

“Mila, what’s wrong? What happened?”

“I-I’m fine. I just…” I dropped my bag to the floor, and her arms wrapped around me.

“If Archer hurt you, I’m going to kill him,” she promised, holding me tight.

I let myself fall apart in her arms, letting out the frustration I had been holding inside of me. I couldn’t help but sob into her shoulder, the stress and confusion of the past days finally catching up to me. I told her everything I had learned and everything else weighing me down.

Lacey listened attentively, her blue eyes wide and full of concern. She didn’t speak a word. Just let me vent until I had nothing left to say. When I finally fell silent, she pulled back gently and looked at me, her expression soft and caring.

“Mila, you’re my best friend. I’m here for you, no matter what,” she assured me, her hand resting on my cheek. “And if you are committed to Archer and whatever crazy fucking life he is a part of,then I support whatever decisions you make. I will say this, though: I can tell you there are worse things in this life than having a foursome with those three. Like, are you kidding me? Where can I sign up?” she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

I took a deep breath, feeling a semblance of calm wash over me. Lacey was right. I loved Archer, and Iwascommitted to him. If that meant I had to show my loyalty to his father, then so be it. I would do whatever it took to be with him.

“You might be right,” I said, wiping away the last remnants of my tears. “And I know Archer would do anything to protect me, so the least I can do is protect him.”

Lacey nodded understandingly. “That's true. As much as I hate to admit it, he's a keeper, Mila. He’s a little intense, but you are good for each other.”

Sighing, I picked up my bag and gestured toward the door. “Well, enough of this sad sack stuff. Let's get some pizza and wine and talk about you and me tonight. Forget about all this madness for a while.”

Lacey's face lit up with a smile. “I'm down with that.”

“Oh, save the date because there’s a huge masquerade tomorrow, and you need to buy a dress for it.”

“What! Are you serious? Tomorrow! Oh my god, I am so excited! What do you think I should wear? What mask should I get?”

“Whatever you want,” I replied with a smirk. “Archer told me it’s an exclusive event where anything goes. The only rule is to wear your mask the entire time.”

“Orgies?” she exclaimed. “Please tell me there will be orgies…”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. “What is wrong with you?”

“Oh, Mila. Let me live a little. You get to live my dream life, so if there are orgies, your girl is there!”

“I guess if you’re going to participate in an orgy, the safest place to do it is in the manor with armed guards,” I chuckled darkly.

"I love you, Mila. Thank you for letting me be a part of this with you.”

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