Page 27 of Sparrow

“Soraya Turan announced our engagement two days ago.” Jared nods, drains the whiskey in his glass, and refills it before acknowledging what he heard.

“Oh. That.”

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

MALACHI

“Oh,that? Are you serious right now, old man?” I don’t think I’ve ever felt this furious.

I was hoping the whole way here that maybe Jared hadn’t known anything about the betrothal contract. It was the only explanation for him not preparing me for it. Instead, it seems he’s known all along and let me get ambushed.

“I was hoping since your parents were gone, they wouldn’t enforce it.” The fucker shrugs it off like no big deal making me see red.

“YOU THOUGHT WRONG!” I throw the glass I have, and it shatters in the fireplace.

“HEY! You listen here, you little shit. I will whoop your ass in front of your girl if you disrespect me or our home again. Get your shit together. Besides, I have had a plan if they ever came sniffing.” He walks over to his desk and starts rummaging around, cursing under his breath.

“Um, are you okay?” Aspen rubs my arm with big, round eyes staring at my face.

“I’m pissed. All he ever did was train me for Armageddon, but he couldn’t drop a hint that this may happen. It makes no sense to me.” I sigh and rub my temples.

“I had my reasons.” We turn to look at Jared, who is dropping a silk cloth over his shoulders and opening a book.

“What are you doing?” Aspen gasps, making me frown.

“I’m missing something here.” Jared places a pair of readers on the tip of his nose and flicks the pages of the now-open book.

“That’s a bible, Malachi.” Aspen is yanking on my arm like I should understand, but I shake my head.

Jared isn’t religious. Hell, he says the only reasons to go to church are for weddings and funerals. And then it hits me.

“Please tell me that your grand plan isn’t marrying us. It won’t even be fucking legal!” He calmly takes a piece of paper out of the Bible and places it on the counter next to us.

I snatch it up and curse.

“You got ordained?” Jared nods, still looking through the pages, and I grab Aspen’s hand.

“He’s clearly been up here alone too damn long. Come on, we’re leaving. FOXY!” I call out as I start leading us to the door.

“I will forge this paperwork and fill it with the state. Don’t test me, boy. The only way the Turan family will let you out of that contract is if you’re already married.” I turn slowly to face him and see a look of defeat on his face.

“I tried everything. Called in multiple favors. Hired the best attorneys. It’s ironclad. You marry her or Soraya. Either way, they get your money.” The mention of the cash brings back all my anger.

“I don’t want the fucking money. They can have it.” Foxy whimpers, not liking to see me upset.

“It’s a matter of pride to them. You are their ticket into the royal family. It’s about the prestige. The money is an afterthought. They have plenty of their own. Listen to me, Malachi. It doesn’t need to be today or to her if that is the problem.” I growl.

“Watch it!” I point at him, and he raises a hand in acknowledgment.

“My point is that the Turan family will not accept no as an answer. Let’s all get some sleep, and we can talk it out in the morning. You both must be tired.” I sigh and look over my shoulder at Aspen.

“You alright staying here for the night?” She looks at Jared for a long time before nodding.

“Fine,” I lead her to the third floor of the house, which is set up as a loft.

“Wow,” I groan.

“You really had a thing for this chick, huh?” Fucker hasn’t changed a damn thing.

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