Page 130 of Siren’s Secret

“I had hoped we could avoid this option, Marchellion,” Lucifer said. “But since you clearly botched things up, you leave me no other option.”

“What?” Hellion erupted, clearly too on edge to be polite despite the dark look Esserieh threw his way.

“You are engaged to Wayla Stormwell.”

Silence fell for a full second as Wave’s head spun. Grandmother pursed her lips, looking mildly reproving, while Grandfather looked smug.

“What?” Wave shrieked. It wasn’t a small shriek. A few of the windows rattled, and both Jarred and Justin were covering their ears.

Lucifer smiled tightly when he turned his attention to Wave.

“Of course, Wayla darling, you can keep your mate and Claimed and whoever else you wish. Your harem—other relationships are no issue with me.”

Wave opened her mouth, but Esserieh stepped in before she could speak.

“What he means is that he’s not going to wage a war he knows he’s going to lose. All your companions and friends are safe from Hell’s interference. The Lord of Hell is above using your loved ones as bargaining chips.” Esserieh glared at Lucifer. “Aren’t you?”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Lucifer replied. “What he said.”

It was very clear that he was not above such a thing, but Wave trusted Esserieh to at least warn her before anything drastic boiled over. She narrowed her eyes at Esserieh and snarled at Lucifer before turning her gaze to Hellion.

“Hey, don’t look at me. I had no idea,” Hellion hurried to say, but there was a gleeful glint in his eyes that drove Wave mad.

Grandfather pulled out a binder from his briefcase and laid it on the table. Lucifer pulled a similar one out too and set it down.

“The contracts. Binding and signed,” Grandfather said.

“When did this happen?” Hellion asked.

Grandfather answered with an indulgent smile. “It was agreed upon when Wayla turned three and the contract was signed when she turned five and it became clear she’d likely be the heir.”

“This is bullshit.” Wayla scowled, and electricity ran over her fingers.

“Don’t be so dramatic, Wayla,” Grandmother huffed.

“Did Father know about this?” Wayla shouted, not backing down one bit.

“Of course not,” Grandfather said, sounding pretty condescending. “He would have thrown a fit, just like you are right now.”

“You fucking manipulating power-mad piece of shit,” she spat out. “If you, even for a second, think that comparing me to Father is an insult, your brain has rotted beyond repair.”

“Wayla!” Grandmother scolded.

“Ms. Stormwell,” Lucifer began, but Wave was now on a roll.

“I’ll get to you in a second!” She pushed up from the table.

Engaged! To Hellion!

Yeah, she could believe it all too easily that she had been sold as a piece of an alliance. She had heard too many fights about her father’s unmarried and unbonded status in her childhood. It made perfect sense that Grandfather would have immediately taken steps to control her future like this.

Electricity ran up her arms and mixed with water, creating a sizzling display as she fought to get her temper under control. She took a step toward her grandfather and suddenly the front door banged open and the guards rushed in.

“Lord Stormwell!”

“It’s all right,” Grandfather said. “Control yourself, Granddaughter.”

“I’m not your puppet to play with,” Wave said, eyes locked to her grandfather’s gaze.