Page 42 of Wrangled By the Minotaur
But maybe I’m just reading into things. I grit my teeth and nod. “Of course.”
“Wonderful. Shall we adjourn to my study? I have some excellent brandy, if you’d care for a drink.”
He leads me through a series of rooms that seem to exist in perpetual twilight, filled with furniture that looks like it grew rather than was built and artwork that seems to move in my peripheral vision.
The study is marginally more comfortable, with leather chairs that look sturdy enough to support my weight and a massive fireplace that burns with flames that shimmer unnatural colors. Lysander gestures for me to sit, then moves to a sidebar to pour drinks.
“I was delighted to receive your call,” he says as he works. “I do hope this means you’re settling in well into our little community.”
“Frankie’s cousin is threatening to challenge her inheritance,” I say, cutting straight to the point. “He claims there are provisions in her grandmother’s will about responsible stewardship.”
“Ah.” Lysander’s expression becomes thoughtful. “How unfortunate. These family disputes can be so messy, can’t they?”He hands me a crystal tumbler filled with brandy. “I assume this cousin disapproves of your relationship?”
“He’s using it as evidence that she’s unfit to manage family property.”
“Deplorable.” Lysander settles into the chair across from me, crossing his legs with fluid grace. “Though not entirely surprising. There are still those who view relationships between humans and monsters as… inappropriate. Such close-minded thinking.”
I appreciate his apparent support, but I’m not here for that. “I’m not as adept at legal challenges such as these. I was hoping that maybe you could help.”
“Of course.” He says it quickly, like he doesn’t even need to think about it. “My family’s legal team handles many estate matters in the valley. I can have them review the situation and prepare a response to any challenge this cousin might file. These things are usually more about intimidation than actual legal standing. I wouldn’t worry if I were you.”
Relief floods through me, though I’m careful not to let it show. “I’d appreciate that.”
“Think nothing of it.” Lysander sips from his glass before saying, “I understand this must be difficult for you. Minotaurs… You’re known for handling your own problems, after all. Very prideful creatures, not unlike myself. So I appreciate you trusting me in this matter.”
The observation is perfectly polite, but I can see the satisfaction underneath it. He’s enjoying this, the fact that I’ve come to him for help, that he’s in a position to solve my problems.
But fine. Let him enjoy it. Pride means little to me when it comes to protecting Frankie.
“How long do you think it will take?” I ask.
“Oh, not long at all. A few days, perhaps a week at most.” Lysander stands, moving to refill his glass. “My attorneys are quite effective when it comes to discouraging frivolous legal challenges.”
The way he says it makes me wonder exactly what kind of effectiveness he’s talking about, but I don’t ask. Some questions are better left unanswered.
“I’m grateful for your help,” I say.
“It’s my pleasure entirely.” Lysander returns to his chair, studying me over the rim of his glass. “We monsters must support one another, particularly in matters that affect our community’s reputation.”
We sit in silence for a moment, and I can feel the weight of the debt I’m incurring, the obligation that will come with accepting his help. The expectations he must have of me, to do my part in representing monsterkind in a way he approves. But I can also feel the certainty that this is the right choice. Whatever Lysander wants from me in return, it’s worth it if it keeps Frankie safe.
“Well then,” Lysander says finally, rising from his chair. “I believe we understand each other. I’ll have my legal team begin work immediately, and you should hear from them soon.”
I stand as well, towering over him despite his height. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He walks me to the door, our footsteps echoing through the otherworldly halls. “Do give my regards to Frankie. She’s been through quite enough already. I hope this unpleasantness resolves quickly.”
As I drive away from the Silvermoon estate, I catch Lysander watching from an upstairs window, his pale figure framed by heavy curtains, and I can almost sense the satisfaction radiating off him.
The taste of humiliation lingers in my mouth, but underneath it is something stronger—something bordering on righteousness.
Craig Baker has no idea what he’s up against now.
By the time I reach home, the sun is setting behind the hills, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. I find Frankie in the kitchen, making dinner, and the sight of her moving comfortably through our shared space makes something settle in my chest.
“How did it go?” she asks, turning to face me, her shoulders tense.
“He’ll handle it,” I say, pulling her into my arms. She melts against me, and I can feel some of the stress leave her body.“Craig’s legal challenge won’t hold up. Lysander’s attorneys will make sure of it.”
