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I flip him off as we reach the entry gates, the gold metal stretching out in high stakes, enough for you to not get so much as a glimpse into the fortress that lies ahead. A guard steps forward and hits the button to unlock the latches, then steps backward, letting us through.
Once we’re inside her house, bypassing the rock gardens that lead to her front door, Katsia greets us by coming down the stairs in a long gown, the blood red silk falling off her ivory skin in waves of slaughter. Her eyes light up on me. “Nathanial. You’re growing up to be handsome…”
“I’ve always been hot. What are you talking about.” I don’t like Katsia, never really have. She looks at men like they’re pawns, and they are. As in, she actually has a group captive to use at her disposal. That’s her role as a Stuprum, though, always has been for generations before and Lord have mercy, the generations after her.
The goddess of seduction.
I almost choke on my own thoughts and words. I mean, it’s not that she’s not attractive, because she is—for her age, but it’s that she radiates desperation. I like my girls with a bit of bite because once they’ve mastered how to veil their fangs, they suck dick better.
She rolls her eyes and gestures to the large sitting room that is tucked behind the twin glass stairs she just descended from. “Ever the cocky Malum…”
My body stills at the mention of my dad’s last name, but I ignore her proverbial jabs and follow Bishop into the room. She takes a seat on a large single sofa that resembles a throne straight out of a posh medieval set.
She smirks, then looks over my shoulder. “Ah, here he is. Boys, I want you to meet someone very important.”
I turn around to see who she is looking at and I’m met with a dude that has to be at least a year younger than me. He’s skinny looking with sharp features, murky shaded hair, and the darkest colored eyes I have ever seen. They almost look black, and it’s not even the color that makes them look dark, it’s the manner in how he stares at you. Like you’re an object, not human. I’ve seen that stare before, my brother and King Brantley shares that same look.
Only I know Brantley, and I don’t know this fucker, so the way he’s staring at me and Bishop right now has me sitting on the edge of my seat, a little twitchy.
“Daemon, meet Bishop and Nate. They’re the head of The Kings in this generation.”
Daemon walks toward us, and I go to put my hand out to shake it, but he strolls right past it, pushing my very generous hand out of the way. He leans into Katsia, kissing her on the lips.
“Homeboy must have major mommy issues,” I mutter, shaking my head.
Katsia licks her lips and watches as he dips behind her chair to stand guard like a good puppy. Her eyes stay on his. “Oh, you have no idea…”
I kick my leg up to rest my foot on the coffee table. “Why are we here?”
Her hand comes to Daemon’s, who has his resting on her shoulder. It’s creepy. The dude is Norman Bates creepy. “I need to tell you something, and I need your word that you will keep this secret for years to come.”
Bishop doesn’t flinch.
I laugh. “You have the audacity to ask for our word on a secret like you’re a King.”
Her eyes come to mine. “I have a daughter. I would like to not have a daughter. I need your word that after I’m gone, you will see to it that she no longer exists. In return, I will give you all that you want.”
I lick my lips, tilting my head to try and get a read on her. She’s not lying. I can see it in the way her eyes meet ours after every word. “Go on.”
“If, and when I leave, you will make sure that my progeny will not take this throne, and in turn, I will let my people know that you are to take charge of Perdita. I know how long The Kings have wanted this.” Her eyes go between both of us.
“Good plan. Let us know when you’ve done that, and I’ll be sure to kill you myself,” I answer smoothly, blowing her a kiss for added sugar.
“Oh, Nathanial. Ever the charmer.” Then she lets her attention settle on Bishop. “If my death is by the hands of any King, the deal is off.”
I open my mouth to tease her a bit, maybe tickle her in the right places and make her all wet, right before slapping her across the face with my cock and telling her to go fuck herself.