Page 73 of Sold to Three Alpha Kings

“No,” I reply, my jaw tightening at the thought of all I’ve had to endure from those selfish bastards. “I think this conversation is long overdue. Let them in. I need to get some things off my chest.”

They nod.

“We’ll be outside if you need us,” Chris whispers before they all leave my room.

The next set of people that walk inside are indeed my family members.

“Charlize!” Elena squeals, like she’s genuinely happy to see me. “Oh, thank the Moon goddess! You’re fine.” She rushes over and embraces me tightly.

I don’t move. I don’t even smile.

“Look at you, looking all cleaned like you’re actually a woman of high class.” She sniffs my skin. “You even smell good.” She lets go of me, wearing that fake smile of hers.

“What kind of a daughter forgets her family after fate smiles at her?” Charles steps forward, his eyes roaming around the room.

“Your father is right, Charlize,” Elena says. “We raised you better. We taught you never to forget who you are.”

“I think the fancy clothes, the royal treatment and the…beautiful nest,” Ricky says, roaming around the space, picking up artifacts and weighing them, “have made her forget who she really is…the same fat pig.”

Elena chuckles quietly, then proceeds to pretend she cares about me. “Ricky, be nice. You can’t say that to the Kings’ fated mate.”

“But it’s the truth. I mean, look at her. She hasn’t lost any weight,” he insists. “I’m sure she eats at least seven times daily.”

I don’t respond. I just listen in silence, giving them the impression that I’m still the same spineless girl they used to know.

“Pay no attention to him, sweetie,” Elena says, beaming at me.

Sweetie?

There really isn’t any length these people won’t go to get what they want.

“Tell me. What’s it like to be the Alpha Kings’ fated mate?”

“I hear there’s a huge prize for the mate’s family,” Charles says, standing by my window. “And considering we’re the only family we have, I’m sure you put in a good word for us.”

Silence.

Charles glares at me. “What’s the matter? Did you lose your ability to speak or what?”

I still don’t respond.

“Did I mention my wife’s expecting?” Ricky’s voice cuts through the silence, too loud, too pleased with himself. “Nearly due, actually. A strong heir, the healer says. Finally, someone worthy to carry the family name forward.”

I turn my head in his direction, slowly. “Congratulations.”

The idiot actually says, “Thank you.”

I don’t take my eyes off him.

“You’d know something about worth now too, I suppose.” He smiles, thin. “Funny how it works out. The shiftless one lands three Kings, and here I am with an actual heir on the way. Guess fate has a sense of humor.”

I’m still staring right into his eyes, refusing to look away. And I watch him quickly become uncomfortable, unable to hold my gaze.

The silence in the room is awkward until I break it. “Tell me, Ricky.” I start walking toward him, my movement surprisingly gracious. “Who would you rather your unborn child take after? You or your wife?”

His brows knit together, and right before he can speak, I shush him, casually raising a hand, fingers adorned with golden rings. “Ah-ah-ah…I’m not finished yet.”

The shock in his gaze is so satisfying to watch.