Page 87 of Beautiful Ascension

Sighing, Aaron answers, “We discovered Baker was going to Le Toucher with Samantha almost weekly to fuck freely,” he begins, scrunching his nose in disgust, then continues. “While what they are doing is repulsive, it’s inconsequential. We already have enough footage and evidence of those two to wipe their existence from the Earth once we free Owen.”

“Okay, but what does that have to do with your appearance at Le Toucher, and how did you even know about tonight?” I challenge, growing annoyed with them skirting our questions.

My questions make Tobias smirk. “Did you forget Matthieu is part of the Fraternitas? Who do you think fronted the money for him to open the clubs?” Tobias’s grin grows at the obvious shock on my face. “Le Toucher is more than a sex club—it’s a full fantasy experience. It’s also the easiest way to store information for future use.”

The collective gasps from our side of the table as Ariah’s grandfather demonstrates how the Fraternitas continues to wield its power.

“Okay, the Fraternitas is the great and powerful Oz,” Owen jests. “Now, why were you there, and what does that have to do with Isabella?”

Wes’s father's nostrils flare before he replies, “They wanted us dead. Tonight was a test run. If they could get away with murdering the President’s daughter, they would employ the same tactic to kill us.”

“That’s a dumbass idea. If anything happens to you, we take over, and Ariah will have a seat at the table,” Sebastian states.

Donald nods. “That’s true. However, the expectation is that you’d be bound to Samantha, and they can use the power of the Fraternitas to guarantee Baker the presidency.”

“Power-hungry dumb fucks,” I mumble. I was long past tired of their shit.

“Yeah, I’d kill myself before I let that happen,” Owen declares, standing and pacing the length of the room. He’s trying to keep himself calm.

I rub the tension building between my auburn brows. They picked the wrong Heir to kidnap and chip. Out of all of us, Owen will self-destruct before he ever allows for any of what the Senator and the sewage cunt to ever come to fruition.

Lev’s hand whips out, grabbing Owen before he can pass again. “Stop with the martyr shit, man. It won’t ever come to that. Now sit the fuck down,” Lev snaps.

Everyone’s evolving. I preen like a proud peacock with all the backbones growing in here.

“Now, if everyone’s done with their outbursts, let’s see if the plans we’ve devised will work,” Wes exclaims.

Lev reaches out to Teagan for an update on the timeline for decoding while we strategize. Four hours later, it’s almost ten in the morning.

“If we stick with this plan and keep each other in the loop on the next steps, I’m confident we’ll be free to eviscerate Matthew Baker and Samantha Davenport,” Wes’s father declares.

Rising from my seat, I follow the others out. They better be right. Otherwise, I’ll activate my plan—one that gets Ariah safely away from here forever.

40

ARIAH

“Okay, the babies are developing on target. However, you, Mom, need to lower your stress levels,” Dr. Jaffri instructs as I sit up.

Wiping the gel off my stomach, I reply, “I’m keeping a low profile these days. Only going to school then home unless there’s an event or meeting I need to attend.” Sliding off the exam table, I massage my back. “I swear these two have it out for my back.”

“I wish I could tell you it will get better, but as they grow, they’ll situate themselves in positions that may be uncomfortable or even painful,” she explains as we walk to her office. “I would look into doing yoga, pilates, or swimming. These are all great options.”

Groaning, I sink into the chair across from her desk before I ask, “Does that mean I have to stop training?”

“Yes, especially after your fainting episode. No hand-to-hand combat until you’re cleared.” My shoulders slump. “I know this part will be hard for you, but I never said you couldn’t still throw knives or use a punching bag.”

My posture straightens. “So what you’re saying is no kicking the asses of the three stooges in the hallway. Got it.”

Dr. Jaffri shakes her head before her face turns serious. “It is vital that you heed my warning about stress. Women pregnant with twins are two to three times more likely to develop preeclampsia than women carrying one baby. Do I need to remind you of all the risks and possible complications that may happen?”

“No, I heard you loud and clear.”

“Perfect, in that case, I’ll see you at our next appointment.”

Nodding, I exit her office. “How did it go?” Elias asks as I approach them.

Briefly, I gaze at where Conner stands. The six-foot-five former soldier was back on my security detail. He’s helped to guard me on a few other occasions, but we never built a rapport. He’s always so stiff. I never know if it’s safe to joke with the guys when Conner’s around. He’s always annoyingly serious. I don’t think the man has smiled once in his life, not even as a child.

---