Page 64 of Last Shot at Love

He had perceived power.

I held real power.

Pulling out my phone, I began texting my assistant with orders.

Stefan Latos would be bankrupt before his flight landed back in Boston.

Putting my phone back in my pocket, I stared him dead in the eye. “Why would anyone jump ship once they find out Beryl owns half my shares in Trident? Land-dwellers have tried for years to create deals with us and we have declined. Once they find out she has an in with Trident, I’d imagine she will be overwhelmed with CEOs trying to get in good standing with her.”

Lapis leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. “Exactly. And it will be worse when the news is announced that Trident is expanding to investment opportunities on land, and Beryl is our only liaison on land. She alone will be in charge of deciding which investments and proposals will be presented to Trident.”

I stared at my brother’s face. Hard lines of anger were etched on his usually easy-going face. Lapis was dead serious about this. My brother had made the decision without talking to either Azurea or me. But it didn’t matter. When one of the three heads of Trident made a decision, it was fully backed by the other two.

My brother was defending my mate as fiercely as if she were his blood sister. He had our backs and wouldn’t allow her to be intimidated, blackmailed, or bullied by anyone.

That took the wind right out of Stefan’s sails, and he dropped back into his seat. His eyes bled to black as rage at losing pumped through his veins.

When the server neared the table, I caught his attention. “I believe these two have gotten lost and can’t find their table. Could you assist them?”

“Of course, sir.” The server eagerly escorted the scowling pair of vampires toward the front of the restaurant.

“Are you going to allow your husband to speak to your family like this?” her father hissed as they moved past Beryl.

She lifted her chin. “We share DNA, but you are not my family. Until you can understand the pain you’ve caused me, and change, there is no place for you at my table—not in my home or in my business.”

She kept her spine straight until they were out of sight and went limp in my arms.

“Are you okay, darling?” I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

Beryl blew out a long sigh. “I’ve never been better. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to say that.”

Chuckling, I handed her the glass of wine she’d avoided sipping during the confrontation.

She took a small drink, then gulped several mouthfuls. Scooting from my lap, she carefully adjusted her dress and sat down in the chair her brother had vacated.

The server returned and cleared away the wine glasses the vampires had used, and placed clean dishes and silverware in front of her.

Lapis cleared his throat. “Beryl, I flew here after our sister confirmed Cerulean was planning to mate. He’s avoided it for so long I thought he was making a massive mistake or he was planning an epic prank. But nothing could have prepared me for meeting you tonight and I couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family.”

He turned to me. “Treat her well. I’ve lived in the sea for a long time, and there aren’t many like her out there. Now, I’m going to leave and let you enjoy your romantic dinner together. I only came over to provide backup if needed… and to make sure my brother didn’t decide to bend you over the table when you showed off your rings.”

“I wouldn’t have dreamed of—” I spluttered.

Lapis rolled his eyes. “Brother, I shared a womb with you. It was plain on your face that you’d forgotten you were in the middle of a restaurant. You were ten seconds away from pushing up her dress and taking her.”

I mumbled a hollow denial, which my brother ignored.

He grinned at Beryl. “Cerulean wants you to think he’s a cultured gentleman, but his beast is strong.”

“I know.” Beryl’s cheeks burned a bright red. “But it’s okay. I bite back.”

Lapis burst out laughing, and I punched him playfully.

He started to rise, but Beryl stopped him. “Please don’t go. I’d love to have dinner with you and get to know you better… and maybe learn more about Cerulean.”

I groaned at the sly look Lapis sent my direction. He was absolutely going to dig up every embarrassing childhood memory he could remember.

“Brother?” Lapis raised a brow, checking if I preferred him to leave.

---