Page 208 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

Placing my hand on his shoulder, I give him a look, reminding him why we’re here.

“This is for Kiarra.”

Axel clenches his fist, releasing a harsh breath. He nods a reply, but I know he’s on the edge right now. One small push and he’ll explode, leaving the entire valley in ruins.

Amaris places a smug smirk on her lips, waving us into

the lounge. A half dozen guards follow us as we make our way in.

A huge crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the room, with a large ostentatious beige chair at its base. Plush rugs and large oil paintings decorate the room, making it look more like an art gallery than a lounge.

Taking a seat on the hard beige chair, I focus on the threat in front of me just as she opens her mouth to speak.

“As you are the alpha leaders of Manhattan, we are obligated to go through with this meet, but know that anything you ask will be rejected. We want nothing to do with you and your kind.”

Amaris sharp tone claws at my ears. Her demands and refusal to treat us with any type of respect is nothing new.

But it’s something that will be swiftly dealt with if her blatant disrespect continues. It wouldn’t take much to raze their valley to the ground before whipping it out completely. They have no idea who or what they are up against.

Axel scoffs. “Ourkind? I’m a fucking dragon, if you haven’t noticed.”

“You’re an abomination, just like the rest of your little group.” She snarls, looking down on us with disgust.

My hound pushes forward, begging to be released, to teach this bitch some manners, but that isn’t what we came for. At least not today.

Amaris notices the change in me and flinches back. Clearing her throat, she attempts to cover it by sitting up straighter.

But the stench of her fear permits the air around me. My hounds see her as nothing but insignificant prey that can be easily removed.

I’m about to tell her as much when Axel speaks up.

“Well, we can’t all be jealous dicks that don’t get their way, can we?”

Amaris’s eyes pulse a dull gold, her face contorting in anger as she stands up attempting to look intimidating.

“You little—”

“Ah, I see little brother has returned.” Rhory steps into the room, a smirk on his face. It drops the minute he sees me.

He tilts his head in respect. “Kai.” The smell of fear in the room grows.

I smile to myself, my hounds spotting another spineless prey.

Rhory makes his way over to us. He stands at least four inches shorter than Axel, and although built, the dragon looks slim next to hislittlebrother.

Apart from height, the difference between the two was like night and day. Whereas Axel was gruff and prickly around the edges, he had a heart of gold and always looked out for our family. This dick was the complete opposite.

Rhory is all smooth and suave on the outside, but I can tell from the look in his eyes and the air about him that his soul is as dark as the night itself.

Rhory takes a seat beside his mother just as her faux confidence returns.

“He is not your brother.” Amaris growls, giving Axel a look of disgust. It makes me want to rip her face off for even looking at him.

“Apologies,half-brother.” Rhory’s eyes flicker to me before glancing at Axel.

“Where isFatherdearest?” Axel asks Amaris. “Out seeding more of his oats?”

Amaris snarls at him, about to spit out a reply when Rhory cuts in. “He’s away on business, so whatever you want will have to go through us.”

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