Page 91 of Vexatious Queen

“That’s your prerogative, but Blake sees something in you, something you don’t yet recognize in yourself. Someone willing to put their neck on the line for what is right. Someone smart and fierce. Someone loyal and brave, despite the fucked-up bullshit that comes at you. Someone who can inspire and keep order.”

“I think you have the wrong guy,” Camden said, and backed up a step.

“You can run, Camden, but something that I’ve learned is that destiny has a way of forcing us onto the path again. Now, tell me…where can I find Trent?”

He swallowed hard and stared at me.

“What are you going to do?”

Smiling, I let him see the part of me that everyone feared.

“Some people need a reminder of how things work at Wayward.”

Camden licked his lips, and I could see the internal struggle between wanting to know and be involved and wanting to stay safe in the shadows.

“What would I need to do to lead,” he finally asked.

I stepped closer and stared into his eyes.

“If you choose to do this, there is no going back. Do you understand?”

Camden squared his shoulders and lifted his chin, eyes unwavering.

“Yeah, I understand. What do I need to do?”

“Let’s start with paying Trent a visit. If that goes well…I’ll teach you everything I know.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “Including the best places to dispose of bodies.”

Camden’s eyes grew wide.

“And before you ask…yes, I have…we all have, more than once. If you can’t handle getting your hands dirty, then being a king is not for you.”

His hands balled into fists, his jaw firm. He reminded me a lot of myself at his age, desperate to make my mark and prove that I had what it took at all costs.

“I’ll take you to Trent,” he said.

With a nod, we left the classroom, but Blake grabbed my shoulder, holding me back.

“Whatever we do, nothing blows back on him. Camden needs to stay off the Curators’ shit list,” Blake ordered, making me smile.

“I love this version of you, Blake. You’re not letting fear rule your heart. It suits you.”

I was looking forward to scaring the shit out of this little prick. If that didn’t straighten him out…well, then he would be permanently transferred.

JANUARY 29 – THURSDAY 4:35 PM

Nash

Heads turned in our direction as we marched to the elevator, where Liam stood waiting.

If Camden was serious about taking over and was a good fit, then there were a few things that needed to happen before the end of the year.

First…he needed to be seen with us, and not just today, but on a regular basis.

We were quiet as the elevator rose to the second floor. Then Camden led the way down the hall. When he stopped in front of Trent’s room, he seemed unsure what to do next and looked up at me.

I slammed my fist against the door, the sound loud enough to wake the dead.

“What the hell? Coming,” someone barked out.