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3

P aisley

A month later…

“I can’t believe you’re actually going through with this.” Rebecca pours herself another glass of wine, plonking the half-empty bottle on the side table. “You’re really leaving?”

“Yep. My flight is tomorrow.” I nod a few times. “You know this. Why are you so shocked?” I open a drawer.

“I must be honest; I didn’t think you’d do it. I was so sure you’d chicken out. I’m still not completely convinced.”

I laugh. “I’m not chickening out. I told you over a month ago that I resigned from my position at the hospital, that I’m—”

“I know what you told me,” she deadpans, pouting a little. “I still can’t believe that you’re actually going through with it.” She takes a sip, sitting down on my bed. “I mean, you’ve lived in Cedar Pines all your life. You were born here. We went to school together. Your folks live here. Your sister, too. Everyone you know lives in this town. You have a life here. You can’t just up and leave.”

I throw a handful of underwear into my travel bag. “I’m going, Becs. I’m doing it. You’re right; everyone I know lives here. I want to go somewhere where nobody knows me. Where nobody knows my sad history. People look at me like—”

“No, they don’t.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me that Lexi was pregnant? My mom and dad knew about it. My sister knew. So did you but—”

“Yeah, yeah. We should have told you. We were trying to protect you.”

“I want to go somewhere where people don’t feel like they have to protect me. I want fun, adventure, and—”

“We were right to protect you. This is all because Jim and Lexi are gearing up to become parents. You’re letting him rule your future, even though the two of you are divorced. You should start dating and make a life for yourself. Don’t go…you can’t!”

“This isn’t about Jim.” I sigh, sinking down onto my bed next to my best friend. “I’ll admit that Lexi being pregnant was a huge catalyst, but I was already thinking of leaving before I found out she was pregnant. I need to find myself.”

“You’re thirty-five, Paisley…you have a wonderful career and an amazing home.” She looks around. “You don’t need to find anything. You know who you are.”

“Do I, though?” I lift my brows. “Do I really?”

“Yes, you do. You’re too old to find yourself and too young for a midlife crisis.”

“You’re right; I’m far too young for a midlife crisis.” I laugh. “I do need to find myself, though, Becs. I don’t think I know who I am without Jim. It feels like we’ve always been together. In high school, in college, building our careers. Then, trying to start a family. Since the divorce, I’ve been lost. Completely lost and really unhappy.”

“Of course you’re unhappy. You lost the love of your life.” She snorts, taking a sip of her wine.

“I wouldn’t call him that. The love of my life would not have left me just because—”

“Okay, okay, but you have been devastated and hurt and quite broken. Now you’re finally starting to come out of your funk…and you’re leaving.”

“Yes, I am. I’ve made up my mind. I’ve signed all the contracts for my new position. My new tenants have signed a lease, and they move in tomorrow, so I have to keep packing.” I reach over and grab my glass of wine, taking a sip. “I thought you were going to help me with that.” I lift my brows. “That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”

“No,” she grumbles, although smiling at me. “I’m here to give you moral support and to beg you to stay. You can’t go; you’re my best friend. What will I do without you?”

“You’ll be just fine. You’re engaged. You get married in a couple of months. You don’t need me as much as you think you do.”

“I do need you. Besides, you just brought up an excellent point: you’re my maid of honor, Paisley. You can’t leave me.”

“I’ll be back for the wedding. I negotiated a few days’ leave upfront. You know this. I wouldn’t miss your big day for anything.”

“But what about all the other big days?” Rebecca asks, her eyes pleading. “What about Thanksgiving? Christmas? Our bi-weekly girls’ night?”

I sigh, knowing that despite my decision, leaving will not be easy. “We’ll find a way to make it work, Becs. With technology nowadays, we can always Skype or Facetime. And I will come back to visit. Maybe even for those special occasions you mentioned.” I doubt they’ll let me go but you never know.

She nods, her face still showing her concern. “You promise?”

“I promise.” I meet her gaze. “I’m not selling this place.” I look around. “Just leasing it out for a year or two. I’ll be back sooner than you think.”

“Unless you meet someone amazing, and he sweeps you off your feet.”

I roll my eyes. “Those types of things only happen in movies, Becs. I’ll be back sooner than you think.”

“For someone who reads such steamy romance novels, you’re so boring.” She picks up the paperback on my side table, holding it up. “The ‘Gargoyle’s Virgin Bride.’” She lifts her brows at me. “This looks interesting.”

“All fiction, I assure you. Now, let’s get back to packing and drinking wine. We still have a lot to do before I can crawl into bed. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for me.”

There is this ball of nerves in the pit of my stomach. It clenches tight, so I take a big sip of my wine. It’s going to be fine. It’s going to be amazing.

Then I stand and keep packing the last of my things.

Arctic

“Your Majesty.” Smoke bows his head for a moment as a show of respect. “Are you impressed?” His eyes light up, waiting for my reply.

It is not the first time I’ve seen the newly built structure, but it is the first time I’ve seen it since it was finished just this morning. My males have been working night and day to get the project completed.

I make a sound of approval because the human accommodation is practical and yet aesthetically pleasing. Very soon, it’ll house thirty women. Thirty Tributes. Thirty symbols of hope for our people. It’ll also house medical staff and a couple of others. It has the capacity to accommodate up to sixty individuals if need be. We have no idea where this pilot program will lead.

I swallow thickly. Things are changing, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I pull in a deep breath. It’ll all work out for the best.

It must.

I nod. “I am duly impressed. You’ve outdone yourself, Smoke. To erect a building of this quality in such a short time is nothing short of a miracle.”

He beams, a smile growing on his face. “Thank you, Sire.”

I note for the first time that he has bloodshot eyes. That there are dark smudges beneath them.

“You should take some time for yourself. A week or two, once this task is complete. You could do with a break. Discuss it with Sally.”

Sally is my personal assistant. She has been for years. I’m not sure what I would do without her.

“That would be great.” He huffs out a breath. “I feel like I could sleep for a week. Also, I wouldn’t mind having extra time to spend with the Tributes.”

“I’m sure you would,” I tell him, wishing I felt the same.

We watch as males carry furniture into the building through large double doors. I hope that all the human Tributes will feel welcome here. That they will end up wanting to stay and to mate with our males, even though we are a different species.

My gut churns. A cold sweat breaks out on my forehead just thinking about it. We are very much like fish out of water when it comes to the humans. I don’t like the feeling.

“Would you like a tour of the facilities?” Smoke asks.

I look at my watch. “I would like that, but I have only five minutes, so it will need to be quick.”

“No, problem. Follow me, Your Majesty.” He inclines his head, showing me the way by outstretching his arm.

My hovering guards immediately follow, two walking ahead to ensure that all is clear.

Smoke leads me through the entrance of the building, which has a clean, modern design to match the exterior. There are several spaces for relaxing, including spacious living rooms and a library.

“The books still need to be put on the shelves,” Smoke tells me. “We still have time.”

Next, we enter a kitchen. It’s massive, filled with all the latest culinary gadgets and appliances.

“This is where our chefs will work their magic, providing delicious meals for the Tributes,” he explains. “We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that their every need will be met.”

I nod in approval, impressed by the attention to detail and thoughtfulness put into every aspect of the building. As we continue our tour, we pass by a training room equipped with the latest exercise equipment. There’s also a large hall for hosting functions. My team has done an excellent job.

At the far end of the building, there is a clinic with a state-of-the-art medical facility. The room is pristine, with rows of beds lined up neatly and medical equipment gleaming under the bright lights.

We’ve hired a doctor and a nurse, for now. I am sure that we will need many more in the future. If all goes according to plan, we’ll have to erect a hospital.

It won’t be long before all kinds of staff will be needed. Before the number of humans on the island grows. But first, this pilot project needs to be a success.

Smoke leads me to the last stop on our tour – a courtyard at the center of the building. It’s a tranquil space with greenery and newly planted flower beds. There is a large oak tree in the center. We built around its solid branches. This space should offer the ladies a much-needed sanctuary.

“Yes.” I smile at Smoke. “This will do nicely. It’s exactly as we envisioned it would be. Now to see if the human females agree.”

“I’m sure they will, Sire.”

I look at my watch. “I need to get going, Smoke. Thank you for your hard work.”

“Thank you for allowing me to be part of the group of males who will be meeting with the humans.” He grins.

“Don’t thank me. I had nothing to do with it. It was the Council who carefully selected the males using an extensive list of criteria. Congratulations! You obviously deserve it. The standards were set very high.”

“You, too, Sire.” He looks down at the ground before meeting my gaze. “I mean, of course you meet the criteria; you’re the king. I’m sure you will have the pick of the females. Who wouldn’t want to be paired with the king? Is it true that there are fifty of us to thirty of them?”

I nod. “Yes, that is true. Know that being the king comes with its challenges. Being a royal isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.” I wouldn’t be taking part in the pilot Tribute program if I wasn’t the king. If I didn’t need an heir. “I have to leave. Speak to Sally about taking some time off. I agree; taking it while the Tributes are here might work out in your favor.” I lift my brows for a second.

“I do, indeed.” He grins again, clearly excited about the prospect of meeting the humans. His enthusiasm should be catching.

It isn’t.

I head back, surrounded by a group of guards. They were all hand-picked by Steel. I’m almost shocked that my friend and head of security isn’t here. Lately, he’s been at my side for most visits that entail me leaving the safety of the castle.

I hop into a waiting SUV and minutes later, I’m entering the castle through my private side entrance. I take my elevator and soon arrive at the Royal Offices.

“Morning, Sally.” I lift a hand at my PA, who gives me a look. “I know, I’m late. I’m sure you gave an adequate excuse on my behalf.”

She nods once and smiles, “Of course, Sire.” Then she looks at the closed door to my office, her meaning clear: I need to get in there and right now. If this meeting runs any later than the scheduled time, there will be a domino effect. My day will run late.

I enter my office, and all three males stand. “Apologies for being late.” I look from Frost to Steel to Thorn.

Steel and Thorn bow their heads for a moment in a show of respect. My brother nods once, maintaining eye contact. He is the crown prince, after all.

“Let’s take a seat and get started.” I remove my jacket, slinging it over the back of my chair and grabbing my laptop; then I take a seat in the lounge area at the back of my office.

The three males join me.

“Top of the agenda is Ice; has he talked yet?” I ask, getting straight to business.

Steel shakes his head. “I’m afraid not. He is still insisting that he will only give us the information we need if there is a stay on his execution.”

“That isn’t going to happen.” I sigh. “We’ve already delayed his beheading twice; I’m afraid that the Council won’t allow another extension. We have nine days to get him to talk. There are others who were involved in the coup. Others who had a hand in the murder of Anya, including Lake, the biggest culprit of all. We know she’s alive; we have to find her and bring her to justice.”

“Agreed! What do you suggest?” Steel asks, his eyes blazing with anger that isn’t present in his tone. “We questioned him for hours. Withheld basic needs like food, water, and sleep. It hasn’t worked. We’ve done everything short of straight-out torture to make him talk, and it hasn’t worked.”

I rub my temples, leaning back in my chair. “As I mentioned, time is running out. We have to get him to talk one way or another.” I rub my jaw.

Frost leans forward, his eyes narrow. “Maybe it's time to bring in a…shall we say… specialist. Someone who can get through to him using methods we haven’t tried yet. Unconventional ones that might be frowned upon. He’s leaving us no other choice.” My brother shrugs.

Steel nods. “Agreed. And I know just the person. She’s an interrogator known for her unconventional techniques. She’s expensive, but if anyone can crack Ice, it’s her.”

I consider their suggestion, weighing the risks and benefits in my mind. Time is of the essence, and if this woman can extract the information we need to bring Anya’s murderers to justice. It may be our only choice. I don’t like it. Ice may have done despicable things, but he is still my brother.

“I wish there was another way,” I finally say, squeezing the back of my neck.

“So do I, but we need answers,” Frost says. “Our lives depend on it. We need justice for Anya, and we need to find out what that bastard was up to. We know he was communicating with the Mainland and with individuals in power. Not all of his correspondences were routine. He went rogue on all fronts. Why speak with the Mainland without your knowledge? There is more to this than meets the eye, and we have to extract the information. Once he is dead, everything he knows will be gone with him.”

I huff out a breath. “Yeah. But torture…” I shake my head. What choice do we have? Ice has left me with no choice. “Call this female and set it up. Ice brought this on himself. Let’s hope he talks quickly.”

The three males exchange a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. They know what is at stake, and they will do whatever it takes to protect our island and its people. As will I.

“Moving on,” I say. “We need to discuss the pilot Tribute program.”

Thorn nods as I turn my attention to him.

“I’m late because I came from the newly built accommodation. I’m impressed. Smoke and his team have done an excellent job. The staff arrive for their orientation tomorrow; is that correct?”

Thorn nods. “Yes, Your Majesty. Possibly the day after tomorrow, depending on the outcome of the orientation. There are three kitchen staff, three housekeepers, two medical staff, as well as a Communications Liaison Officer.”

“A what?” I narrow my eyes.

Thorn smiles. “A glorified babysitter to the human females. Her name is Cathy Summers. She’s an events planner by trade. Her role will be to ensure the happiness, well-being, and safety of the thirty Tributes in her care. She’ll also work in a PR and HR capacity, coordinating all activities. Another important fact to note is that our nurse is an ER nurse. She’s equipped to deal with tense emergency situations.”

“An ER nurse, you say?” I ask.

“Yes, she…” Thorn opens a file and reads from it. “Miss Reed wanted a change, hence seeking out alternate employment. Our appointed nurse came highly recommended. She has more than one reference letter, all stating that she performs well under pressure and is highly organized and skilled at what she does. We’ve already discussed the others in great detail.”

“Tell me more about Cathy Summers,” I ask. “Her role might just make or break the whole pilot.”

“Agreed, Sire,” Thorn says. “The role of Communications Liaison Officer is a pivotal one. Her references state that she is a people person with excellent organizational and communication skills. I feel that she will do well in her role. We have other candidates lined up should she fall short in any way. That goes for all the employees working on this project. However, in most cases, it would be a one-month waiting period before they could start.”

“Have they been briefed yet?” I ask. “I’m assuming not since we agreed that would happen in the orientation.”

“That is correct, Sire. They will be briefed before take-off tomorrow. Any staff not willing to come to our island will be replaced within twenty-four hours. As you know, there’s normally a twenty-five percent attrition rate.” He shrugs. “The chances of having to replace at least one person is high. In which case, the staff will only arrive the day after tomorrow.”

“As long as we have everyone up and running by the time the Tributes get here.”

“Absolutely, hence getting them on board now.”

“Good.” I nod once. “Keep me posted if there are any developments or concerns.”

Thorn nods. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

“There is something else I wanted to discuss before moving on to the rest of the items on the agenda.”

The three males look at me with expectation. Steel narrows his eyes, and Frost leans forward in his seat.

“We’re all ears,” Frost says, folding his arms across his chest.

“It’s something Smoke mentioned, and he might have a point.” I sound hesitant, but the more I think about our conversation, the better I feel about what I am about to say.

Thorn narrows his eyes, his full focus on me.

“It might be a good idea if the Tributes didn’t know I was the king.”

Steel frowns. “That will be tough to keep from them, considering how you have an entourage of people surrounding you wherever you go. Oh, and the bowing, the use of ‘Your Majesty,’ etcetera, would be a dead giveaway. Not to mention all the ass-licking, Sire. They’d know you were someone important within no time.”

I choke out a laugh. Frost smiles, too.

Steel smirks. Asshole!

“I understand that it wouldn’t be possible to hide the fact long-term, but perhaps we can manage it for the first few sessions. I want to get to know the females on an even playing field.”

“You want a genuine attraction.” Thorn gets this hazy look in his eyes. “A real connection and you feel like you can only really achieve it if—”

“I couldn’t care less about those aspects. No.” I shake my head. “I’m looking for a queen. Someone with certain qualities. Having a female pick me just because I am king and she wants a title, riches, and to live in a castle is not the type of female I’m looking for. Perhaps if I have the opportunity to meet with the women once or twice without airs and graces, I can pick out one or two who fit my needs.” I look at Thorn. “No, not those kinds of needs.”

“I get it, Sire.” He holds up his hands in defeat.

“I don’t know how it could work. Someone will slip up.” Steel looks like he’s thinking about it. “It’s worth a try, though. I think you’re onto something.” He nods a few times. “It would be nice to pick someone and have them choose you back for the right reasons. And there should be an attraction, Sire. Love might be asking too much, but—”

“I need a pleasant person who will be a good mother to my children and a good queen to our people.” I shrug. “That’s all.”

“If you say so, my Lord,” Steel smirks. I think of throwing a comment back at him, but I don’t.

“I do say so,” I settle on. “Now…moving on,” I growl. “What’s next on the agenda?”

I note that all three males are smiling like they know something I don’t. I ignore them, trying to concentrate on what Thorn is saying.