“Come,” he says smoothly. “It’s almost time for your coronation.”
Coronation? The word slams into Leo like a punch. Luca and Nix had mentioned Carnell’s fixation on some prophecy spinning Gideon as a divine ruler, but an actual crowning?
With a firm shake of his head, Gideon slips his hand into his pocket, smoothing the front of his suit in a practiced gesture with the other.
“No. I don’t think so.”
The few brave souls still left standing nearest the blast zone gasp.
Carnell’s mask cracks, his carefully constructed façade slipping as a heavy silence falls in the aftermath of Gideon’s words.
Fuck, are they doing this right here, right now?
Withers is nowhere to be seen, but the two big bodyguards inch their hands inside their jackets, causing Nix to growl low and shift slightly from his position on Gideon’s right—already putting a bit of distance between them so he can have a clear attack position should they draw weapons or attack.
They’re standing on the precipice of something explosive.
Gideon doesn’t flinch. His voice cuts through the tension, low and unyielding.
“Perhaps we should continue this conversation in your office. I’m not the boy I once was. You’ve murdered my mate—my alpha.”
Among other things.
He pauses just long enough for the weight of his words to settle.
“Surely that warrants further…discussion.”
Leo’s breath catches. He isn’t the only one stunned into silence.
Carnell’s growl shatters the quiet, the last vestiges of his charm shattering with it.
His eyes blaze with shock, his voice sharp and incredulous.
“Surely you aren’t challenging me. Here. In my own home. In front of the entirety of Florida and Nashville’s elite?”
The room feels like it’s holding its breath.
Leo’s mind races.
Holy fuck—was he?
23
Fate’s Web (Grayson)
The Buick speeds past the long queue of luxury cars, their gleaming exteriors testimony to drivers and passengers with more money than sense. He catches sight of Nix’s hand pressed against the glass, a small smile lifting his lips.
The Plain sparks steadily in his chest as the other half of his soul passes out of sight around a curve in the road. Now that he’s let it run free, his magic isn’t bucking and twinging in pain. Instead, it bridges the distance, steady in the knowledge that Grayson and Nix don’t need immediate proximity to feel the bond.
It gives Grayson the boost he needs, both physically and emotionally, to face Withers.
If they can find the bastard.
Rowan takes his hand, squeezing it for reassurance, whether it’s for himself or for Grayson isn’t clear.
“They’ll be okay. Carnell won’t know what hit him.”
Rowan uses his other hand to draw a finger under his chin and across his throat.
