Page 37 of Rising Queen (Blood Empire 1)

Chapter 11

Harlow

“Should be good to go,” Evie says through the phone. A case of déjà vu takes over as I stand in front of the guys’ big ass, fancy mansion. The place I spent a lot of time in many years ago. In the exact place, I got the phone call that changed my life forever.

“What about the security cameras?”

“Did you want them taken offline too?” she asks, and before I can answer, I hear the clicking of her keyboard. Not even ten seconds later, her sweet voice rings through the phone again. “Did it, anyways. The cameras are now off, and the guard gate has been disabled. All you gotta do is give it a good push, and it should open.”

Years ago, this place would have been flooded with security guards, housekeepers, and a chef. Now, because these guys have nothing left, all that remains in this shell of a house is the memories of the monsters that once inhabited it and a working security system. Other than that, it's just the guys. And Rosie when she's here.

Cass hasn't been in for a few days. Something about Rosie's mom dropping her off for an unscheduled visit. Again.

I decided to take this as my chance to meet her. I’ve hinted at it to Cass a few times, and I love getting new photos of her. She's the cutest little thing ever. Long, dirty blonde hair, big blue eyes, and a smile that melts my heart. Who knew I had one?

This is the new normal, and these guys are in my life for whatever reason, so I need to know everything about them. Including the little princess who has the number one spot in all of their lives. It’s pretty fucking adorable.

“Perfect. Thanks, Babe. I'll call if I need anything else. Love you.” I give her a phone kiss, and her musical laugh filters through the line before she hangs up.

Pocketing my cell, I put my hands on the guard gate and give it a hard shove. With a protesting groan, it opens just enough for me to slip in.

I could very well have called and told them I was coming over. Not like they would or could stop me, for that matter. But where's the fun in that?

Half the house is pitch black. No lights are on, except the living room light, which is shining brightly through the window, so I know someone is home. Where else would they be? It’s eight at night, and they have a four-year-old, for Pete’s sake.

With a smile on my face, I prance my way up to the front door. I love kids, and the way these guys talk about that sweet little girl, it's time I met her.

At first, when I found out Cass started a family with another woman, it hurt. Not like I'd ever admit that to anyone, ever! But it did a little bit.

Then, when he told me about the type of person she was, I was ready and willing to go out and kill my first bitch. But they asked me not to. They want to avoid hurting Rosie. So, I let it go for now. Although, I’m really fucking hoping that bitch slips up so I can fuck her up.

Giving the door three hard, loud knocks, I stand and wait for someone to answer with a big smile on my face. When no one does, I get impatient. I’m not gonna stand here like a fucking idiot and wait, so I let myself in, and to my surprise, the door is unlocked. Fucking dumb-asses. I am clearly proof that a locked gate won't keep someone out if they really want to be let in.

Pushing the door open, I take my first few steps in, smile still on my face, but it slips as I get farther into the house. Crying meets my ears, and I immediately go on defense mode.

Stepping into the open living room, I find the guys all crowded around Cass, trying to comfort a crying little girl who has a death grip on Cass’s shirt.

“Please, Daddy. I don't wanna go back. Please let me stay here with you. I promise I'll be a good girl.'' She cries harder.

Cass’s face looks crushed as he looks his little girl in the eyes. “I know, my little Rose Petal, but mommy called, and she wants you home tonight. I promise you can come back as soon as I can get you, okay?”

“Please, Daddy, I don't wanna leave.” She's crying so hard that she starts to gag. These aren't the cries of a little girl who wants to spend some extra time with her daddy; no, this is more serious.

“What's going on?” My face is a mask, but inside I feel the rage building.

“How the hell did you get in here?” Axel grumbles, breaking away from Cass to stand before me. I give him a lifted brow and a smirk. He shakes his head and mumbles. “Never mind. I already know that answer.”

Neo looks away from Rosie and gives me a heated look, like he always does, as he imagines all the dirty things, he wants me to do to him. Freak. I love it. I'll have to bring him to my dungeon soon. But now is not the time.

Dean says nothing, just moves away as I stand next to Cass.

“Hello, Queenie. Now is not a good time.” He sounds exhausted and sad. He hugs Rosie close to him as he rubs her back for comfort. Her little sobs do things to my heart.

“Hey there, little one,” I say, moving my face so that it's level with hers. At the sound of my voice, she slows her crying. Her face turns, and she looks at me with big blue eyes. They are red rimmed and blurry with tears. She says nothing but cuddles into her dad more.

“My name is Queenie. I'm your daddy’s friend.” I smile, showing her I'm friendly.

“Hi,” she hiccups in a small, soft voice.

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