Page 141 of Unravelling The Beast

I break eye contact by looking aside, but I can feel her eyes on me like a hot laser.

"And you believe she can reign alongside you in our world?"

I consider it for a moment, and I know I haven't known Wren for long, and fuck, I don't even know what this is between us yet, but one thing is certain: she can take whatever twisted bullshit I throw at her without hesitation.

Yeah, she was definitely raised in a very different life than mine, but that doesn't mean she can't manifest the shit I've put her through and take on my world with me.

Hell, she might not even want to, but we both know we don't want this thing between us to end, whatever the fuck this is, and that tells me she'll be willing to stay with me and bear my burdens no matter what.

I need to talk to her about it, but based on what I saw last night, Wren made it clear that she doesn't want to leave me and Cree anytime soon, and I want to keep her; I'm not letting her go, and I'll protect her with my life.

I raise my jaw and speak calmly.

"She can handle me, can't she?"

We just stare at each other in silence for some time until she raises an eyebrow before responding.

"Very well, come with me; we need to talk."

She goes right by me before climbing the stairs, and I wonder what the fuck she's up to. After a brief pause, I follow behind her, and soon we're in her office in the back of the mansion, where I close the door behind me.

I watch her walk around her desk and motion with her hand for me to sit in front of her. I sigh and take a lazy seat, crossing my ankle over my knee.

She takes a seat, her elbows on the desk, and I stare at her, waiting for her to say whatever the fuck she wants to say.

"So, what are your plans if you do eventually get hold of him?"

I raise an eyebrow and speak calmly.

"You know what the fuck I'll do; I don't need to spell it out to you, mom."

"So, you intend to kill him?"

"It's the only way this is going to stop, mom.The sooner he's gone, the better. Then I'll be able to take over the fucking business."

She gives a slight nod, unbothered that I plan to murder her husband.

"Okay, well, you'll have to wait a little longer for me, son."

I crease my brows and lean forward.

"And why the fuck should I do that?I don't have time for that when he's threatening to sell, Wren!"

"It's critical that you do, Arlo, or we'll lose everything!"

I confusedly shake my head.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

I follow her every move as she leans up against the front of her desk, sighing.

"I've been plotting your father's demise for quite some time, Arlo."

My brows raise, and I slump back in my chair, shocked, while she continues.

"Did you really think I'd let that bastard screwover me and my kids for all these years?"

She lowers herself to my eye level, a nasty grin on her lips.