Page 88 of Rejected By the Shifter King
Oh, never mind.
The sooner I get this over with, the—
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Ms. Hondros?”
The door closes softly behind me as my jaw falls in shock.
First, it was Hexius.
Now, it’s Alphonse showing up without noice?
The former king indicates one of the chairs. “Please take a seat. And in case you’re worried about how this will affect your work—don’t be. I’ve paid my share. I’m officially credited as one of the EPs for this show.”
I sit down.
There’s nothing else to do when he puts it that way.
“I hope you’ll forgive the intrusion.”
“May I ask what this is all about?” I try my best to sound polite and calm even though what I’m really feeling is bewildered and more than a little nervous.
“I was informed about my younger brother meeting with you.”
“Uh—”
“I expect he also proposed marriage?”
“Um—”
“Please reject him.”
I...don’t even try to speak this time. What is it with these Merciers and weddings and rejections?
“I understand I can’t force you to say yes, but I’m willing to give you—”
I can only blink when he actually retrieves a checkbook from the inner pocket of his suit while speaking.
“If you’d just tell me how much—”
“Mr. Mercier?”
He stills.
“Can you tell me why you want me to reject him?”
“Ah.” Emotions flash over his features, but too fast for me to comprehend what they mean.
“Because six years ago,” I venture uncertainly, “you seemed to be the one pushing for that arrangement with my grandfather—”
“I was, yes. But it’s different now. Six years ago, I acted out of jealousy. I wanted him out of the way, and I didn’t believe him when he told me he would never betray me.”
“Betray you over what?”
“Brandy.”
“Brandy, right.” I’m trying not to be confused, but I just...I don’t understand. So they quarreled over...alcohol? Surely it’s something more complicated than that, so maybe it’s some kind of financial tussle over control of an alcoholic beverage company? “Is this like a business takeover—”
“Brandy is my betrothed. Or shall I say myexbetrothed?”
