Page 68 of Dance with Death

But then they went and killed my family, and I got my retribution at the last quarterly meeting hosted in my home. I killed the previous Head of House, Chandler Campbell, along with Leo Leblanc’s parents. Three from their family for the three of mine whose lives were stolen. With no other suitable male Campbell in the line, our board agreed to appoint Leo, making a major change that was unprecedented.

The Leblancs were distant relatives, and though they knew of our world, they weren’t living in it. Furthermore, Leo was relatively young to be thrust into this role with no previous knowledge of our criminal dealings—not that he had a choice. At only twenty-seven years old, he became the Head of House for a family he knew little about.

Murphy, Vigo, and I had our whole lives to prepare for our roles, and at thirty-five, thirty-eight, and thirty-nine respectively, our life experience far exceeded Leo’s. Nevertheless, he was Head of House for his family and he has to make decisions as such.

Leo swallows and clears his throat, leaning forward on his elbows on the table. “Yes. Next item is the matter of Murphy’s…” He looks down at his notes on the table in front of him. “His bride?”

I roll my eyes at Leo’s apparent lack of preparation, but more so at his seeming inability to appear confidentdespitehis lack of preparation.

Thankfully, Renata has more patience for the young, blond-haired protégé she seems to have taken under her wing. She’s managed a rather impressive collection of young boys in her care over the years, so it’s unsurprising that she’s taken a liking to him. She takes over the agenda item on Leo’s behalf.

“Murphy has petitioned for an early bride,” Renata says.

My eyebrows raise in surprise. “Really?”

“I’m impatient.” Murphy shrugs, speaking in his Irish accent. “What’s the point in waiting until I’m forty to find a suitable wife?”

A cold reminder that in five months’ time, I will be forty and forced to discuss the selection of my own wife. My argument against which is untenable, though the secret I’ve been keeping for nearly three years will be forced to come to light. It’s not as though the revelation of which would be an outright surprise to anyone here. What I’ve done is not entirely unheard of within the bounds of the four families, but my recent decisions—decisions I might perhaps be willing to admit I have some regret for—will make the conversation of my future bride difficult to say the least.

Delia sighs. “I’ve tried to talk him into waiting until it’s his time,” she sends a chastising look to her cousin, “but he insists he wants a bride now.”

“All of the Heads of House must agree for us to move forward with an early petition. What are your votes?” Renata asks.

“Agreed,” I reply.

Vigo follows, “Agreed.”

All eyes fall to Leo and he straightens in his seat. “You’re petitioning to get married?” he asks for clarification.

My impatience grows and I sink back into my seat, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Aye,” Murphy replies, exasperation lifting his eyebrows in a manner of mockery.

Leo clears his throat, finally realizing he should fall in step and vote as the other Heads of House. “Agreed.”

“Petition granted. Congratulations.” Renata’s smooth, thick voice pours out like honey. “I’ll prepare you a portfolio of suitable women to join the four families.”

“Actually…” Murphy uncrosses his arms, leaning forward on his elbows on the table, “I already have someone in mind. A fiery little thing I had the pleasure of meeting by chance last time I visited the States.”

“Murphy.” Renata folds her hands. “You know your bride must be approved.”

“And she will be.” He flashes a grin at Renata. “I’ll send her details to you for approval and you can pass it along to the Heads of House for the final vote.”

Renata watches his features carefully, a stare of truth-seeking. She waits for his grin to falter and fade, but of course, it doesn’t. Murphy O’Shea is not one to back down.

“Fine, then. Send me the details and we’ll make a decision at the next quarterly meeting. Fair?”

“Fair.” His grin broadens and he leans back in his chair.

One thing our women get the first say in is the choice of brides for the Heads of House. Our women need to be vetted carefully before brought to marry into the family. They need to be an appropriate blend of submissive wife and ruthless leader.

Someone like Anya.

It’s a combination that, for obvious reasons, isn’t easy to come by. I’m actually quite intrigued to learn more about this bride Murphy intends to wed.

The intrigue, however, is fleeting.

My mind drifts as Renata assists Leo in moving forward with the agenda—discussing family sales figures over the last quarter.

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