Page 32 of A Story of Sinners

“I wouldn’t suppose you would call me God, would you?”

Aiden’s lips curled. “Not a chance.”

Malachi shrugged. “It was worth a shot. King Malachi will do.”

George stepped forward and approached. The shades at Malachi’s back hissed as he moved closer. “Then I will show you and your party to your quarters, King Malachi.”

When Malachi refused to move, George held his hand out expectantly, an offer to lead the way. A dark chuckle slipped from Malachi’s lips, and his eyes clashed against mine. “This little human has a pair on him, doesn’t he?”

When I didn’t respond, he smiled and winked. “I’ll see you soon, my light.” Then, he marched away, his creatures following his footsteps.

But Ryken—my stupid, overly emotional mate—stepped in front of the King of the Otherworld, lighting crackling off his body as he halted his path. I cursed beneath my breath and squeezed my eyes shut. Ryken’s hot-bloodedness would get him killed one of these days.

Hopefully, not today.

A booming rattle resonated from deep within Malachi’s chest as they stared each other down in a silent battle. The air felt charged as Malachi chortled and brushed past Ryken, knocking his shoulder.

The Otherworld party left the room, carrying the suffocating feeling with them, and Aiden inhaled, as if finally able to breathe again.

“Brandon, escort Dahlia and Gabriella to their rooms. Lock them both inside and ensure their rooms are empty. Once you are finished, retrieve George and return to the sanctum.”

Brandon stepped around me as Gabriella rose from her seat, her feet making a pitter patter sound as she hastily moved to us. She gripped my hand and looked at me with wide brown eyes. “It seems we have a lot to discuss.”

I nodded, and the three of us moved in unison towards the exit of the auditorium. Redmond made his way down the stands and tilted his head at Ryken, both silently communicating that they would follow us to our rooms.

Aiden halted them. “The two of you need to stay. We have terms to discuss.”

Ryken’s mouth parted as if to argue, his eyelids lowering and measuring me. He didn’t want to leave my side, not after what had happened, but I knew he would demand answers I wasn’t prepared to give.

“It’s all right, Ryken. I’ll be fine.”

Ryken’s lips pursed, and he lifted his chin, whirling towards the king of Cambriel.

“Fine. You better make this worth my time.”

Chapter14

Ryken

Today was filled with surprises, and not so pleasant ones at that. Aiden had requested a secret meeting excluding the lords and ladies of the Mortal Lands and the new queen of Cambriel and her parents, citing that the items up for discussion were not to be overheard by others.

Redmond had removed us from the auditorium to the library where Dahlia once took me under the duress of her first bargain, a secret place locked deep within the sanctum, where no one could possibly overhear what would be discussed.

Redmond wasn’t here now, though. He was waiting at the entrance for Aiden, George, and Brandon. George was showing the demon with an overinflated ego around, while Brandon had left to lock the women away ‘for their safety’. I could only surmise that Aiden had left to change his pants, seeing as sitting in his own urine while making demands might be a bit humiliating.

I chuckled at the thought, the sound reverberating around the circular oak table, Fin at my right side and Matilda at my other. Eulalia leaned forward, slightly shielded by her mate, and leveled me with a glare.

“There is no humor to be found in what occurred today,” she snapped.

“Yes, there is. The almighty King of Cambriel pissed himself with fear.”

Fin chuckled beside me, and Eulalia reached over and pinched the skin of his arm, effectively silencing him. That one, always with the pinching.

Fin broke the silence with a whisper. “Today is your mate’s name day.”

“So it would seem.”

“I forgot too,” Eulalia sighed, collapsing against the back of her chair.

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