Page 190 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
She scoffed. “Going in without a plan is foolish.”
“I do not want a war, Bree, but I never said I wouldn’t fight if it came down to it. I think you know that better than anyone, wouldn’t you say?” he replied, arching a brow.
“And we are to put our trust and faith in you? A scarcely turned vampyre who can’t control his bloodlust? What happens if she isn’t here next time? What happens when the other rulers overrule your brother?”
“What, exactly, are you hoping to gain here, Bree?” Miara cut in sharply.
“I am trying to understand how and why a turned Legacy has managed to overturn centuries of alliances and peace in the Underground in a matter of months,” Bree snapped, her composure finally slipping completely.
“Perhaps it is because you came to me with a proposal to take control of the Underground and rule at your side. Perhaps it is because you want to control Devram altogether,” Axel said coolly. “Perhaps I don’t play games.”
“Everything is a game,” Bree sneered. “If you don’t understand that, you are already dead. My point stands that you are unreliable and uncontrollable as evidenced moments ago when you couldn’t control your bloodlust.”
“Did he attack anyone?” Katya asked angrily. “Did he spill blood? Did he cause any kind of disturbance?”
“If you had not been here, it would have escalated to that point,” Bree said.
“The fact that he allows himself to depend on others speaks to his ability to lead,” Kat replied. “He does not pretend to know it all or be able to do everything. Everyone has weaknesses. He knows his and has taken measures to mitigate them. More than that, he knows his limits, which is why he understands the value of the alliances he has formed. If you cannot see that, Miss DelaCrux, it is you who are the foolish one at this table.” Turning to Axel, she added, “I am tired and growing uncomfortable.”
“Then we will take our leave,” he said, immediately standing and extending a hand to help her to her feet. “Bree, I’d say it’s been a pleasure, but I’m not in the business of lying for the sake of flattery. The rest of you, I apologize you were brought here for what appears to be a personal vendetta. I will be in touch to set up meetings with each of you soon. Enjoy the rest of the evening.”
Kat’s hand in his, they started for the doors, but they paused when Bree called out, “Safe travels home. I would hate for something unfavorable to befall you or the life you carry.”
Axel slowly turned, but before he could say anything, everyone was gasping and shooting to their feet.
Everyone but Bree.
She was on her knees, shadows and flames at her throat, hissing in pain.
“If you ever threaten my husband or child again, you and I will start a game of our own, Miss DelaCrux,” Kat said coldly.
“You cannot kill me,” Bree gasped out. “You have no idea what you are dealing with.”
Kat’s head cocked to the side, and by the gods, she was terrifying as embers sparked in her curls and flames flared along the skirt of her gown. But her smile was all controlled rage. “The Fates are fickle, aren’t they, Miss DelaCrux?”
And Axel could swear Bree paled.
“Good evening, everyone,” Kat said. “Again, our apologies, but sometimes dramatics are indeed necessary.”
Then she was grabbing his hand, and he followed her out of the dining room. Neither of them spoke until they were crossing out of the Dispensary District. Only then did he drag her down a side street and have her pressed against a building, his mouth on hers.
“You are so incredibly exquisite, kitten,” he breathed before sliding his tongue into her mouth once more.
When they did finally break apart, he let his brow rest against hers. One of his hands was on her hip, the other at her nape, and he swiped his thumb along the pulse in her throat.
“You shouldn’t have let me drink from you tonight,” he said softly. “Are you all right?”
“Fine,” she murmured, pushing her fingers into his hair. “Just a little tired.
The hand on her hip slid to her stomach. “And the babe?”
“He’s fine too, Axel,” she said with a soft smile.
“How could I be so weak that one taste of blood sent me into an uncontrollable bloodlust?” he muttered, his eyes falling closed in shame.
“You are not weak,” she said firmly. “It makes you relatable to show that you don’t have everything figured out. It shows you are like them and not above them. It makes us stronger.”
“How are you so utterly perfect?” he asked, opening his eyes to stare into hers.
