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“His presence here is a protection. No one’s had any idea what to expect since Randal died. Can you really blame me for seeking out strength from the other houses?”

“I guess we’re even, then.” There was a question in her eyes. Darien clarified, “Because I’ve made some allies of my own. You already know of the Vipers and the Angels, but I’ve added another to the list.”

With a wide, disbelieving gaze, she glanced about the room, every movement mocking. “And where is Malakai Delaney now? You expect me to believe you managed to earn back his favor?”

“Don’t believe me, that’s fine. But if you make one move against me or my Devils, you will be making a move against the Reapers, the Vipers, and the Angels of Death.”

Max, seeing the deliberation on Channary’s face, added, “Not exactly good odds for you, are they?” Bandit huffed a laugh.

Channary was still evaluating Darien. “I’m supposed to believe that you would be willing to hand over your title, and for such a low cost? What are you really getting out of this deal?”

“Freedom,” he said. “I want out of Darkslaying. Not now, but soon.”

“How very interesting.” Her eyes glinted with curiosity. “While the foolish part of me is inclined to believe you, I must admit this is a lot to ask, kiddo. Especially to base my decision off some weak promise that you will hand me Randal’s seat.” Those snakelike eyes narrowed. “Exactly when would that happen?”

“Within the year.”

The Warg was unable to hide the intrigue that flickered across her face. “Within the year,” she repeated, her tone dubious.

Darien grabbed her silence by the horns and ran with it. “In the meantime, I’ll up your profits. When I’m out, you can have it. All of it.”

“And what of your Devils?” She looked at Max. “How are you going to feel when your precious crown is handed over by your leader? Or are you in on his bullshit too?”

“He’s my leader for a reason,” Max replied, the words coming impressively smoothly for someone who hadn’t been entirely filled in on how this conversation would go tonight. “I stand behind him, no matter what he chooses.”

Channary thought it through. “You say you want out, but I’m more than a little reluctant to trust you. Randal was a weasel, and even though I hated him, I acknowledge that he was smart, and he raised a couple of smart kids. How do I know you’re not a weasel like him?”

“I hated my father. I still hate his rotting guts, and he’s not even around to piss me off anymore. Help me out with this, and none of us will end up behind bars. I’ll have my window of power, and then I’ll hand it off to you for as long as you so please. By then, it won’t be my business anymore what the fuck you do with it.”

Silence fell. Wind howled like a wolf outside.

“I would ask why you suddenly want out, but I feel like the only answer I’ll get is some bullshit lie.”

“My reasons for wanting to leave don’t concern you. With Randal now gone, I have an opportunity to re-evaluate my life after having him at the helm for over twenty-four years, and if my decision benefits you, then you don’t need to concern yourself with it.” Darien lifted a dark brow. “Am I right, or am I right?”

She merely watched him, her expression betraying nothing, but he could sense that the conversation had swung in his favor. Her aura had mellowed; she was putty in his hands, just like anyone who devoted their lives to the never-ending rat race for money and status. She might not trust him, but she was clearly desperate enough for the top rung of the ladder that she was willing to chance it.

Maybe she had her own ideas up her sleeve, but it didn’t matter. If she ever tried anything, he’d cut off her fucking head.

“So, what do you say?” Darien prompted. “Can we work together on this, or are we going to have to fight it out?”

Channary stood. She rounded the desk, every movement exuding grace. For a minute, they faced each other in silence.

And then Darien offered the leader of the Wargs a hand. “Deal?”

She clasped it, holding his gaze. “Deal.” Tightening her grip, she leaned in close to his face, her eyes glinting with the shifter magic coursing through her wolf pelt. “You play me for a fool, Darien, I’ll destroy everything you care about.”

Darien gave her a wicked smile, his eyes flashing with a threat of his own. “Likewise.”

Channary let go. With a graceful wave of her hand, she drawled, “Get out of here. I have a party to attend.”

Darien crossed the room, Max at his side, Familiars moving soundlessly at their heels.

He stopped when he reached the door, remembering that he still had something he needed to cross off his list. “One more thing.”

Channary cocked her head in question.

“It’s about Valary Sternberg.”