Page 44
As we walk towards him, Lucian turns him around by the shoulders and pushes him forward.
“Come on, dipshit.”
We herd ourselves into the elevator and ride only a few levels to the top floor.
Liam Hayes waits in our father’s office that he’s taken over, trying to convince everyone he’s not a usurper. With the title of High Councilor, he has the most authority under the Sovereign.
To my dismay, he’s not alone.
Patrick Connelly sits across from Liam at the desk. He stops speaking the moment we enter and looks at us with eyes that feel like a blade being dragged slowly across the skin.
Patrick’s voice grates before he stands. “Finally. The princes allow us their time.”
Liam comes around his desk immediately, putting himself between Patrick and the five of us as if his aging body is the only barrier preventing a massacre.
“We need to make a decision about the future of the Order’s leadership. As head of the Council, it’s my duty to move things along.”
“We still have a Sovereign,” I say.
The truth of it dies in my chest.
Liam lowers his gaze for a moment. It’s the expression of a man walking into his own grief. He’s known my father since high school. He watched my mother sink into a depression she couldn’t escape.
We all know exactly what’s coming, yet he still has the nerve to say it aloud.
“I understand that, Edwin. But that won’t be the case for much longer. We need to prepare.”
The room gets heavy and makes my skin itch.
Dad is still alive, and already the world is arranging itself around his absence.
Marcus points a thumb at Patrick. “So, what’s this prick doing here?”
Patrick inhales like he’s been starving for his cue to speak.
Liam lifts a hand before he can answer. “The Serpentium Order handbook outlines how a new Sovereign is chosen. Traditionally, a Crotavere assumes the position without contest. That arrangement held because no one stepped forward to challenge it.”
“Until now,” Patrick says. He squares his shoulders as if puffing himself up makes him intimidating. “I’m running for Sovereign.”
A laugh leaves me, sharp and humorless.
Patrick turns to me. “Something funny?”
“You,” I say. “Thinking you have the balls for it.”
His jaw sets. “I’m the Attorney General of this state. You think that happened by accident? None of you have done a damn thing to serve this Order.” His eyes drag over me. “What is your job, Edwin?”
I meet his stare with cool boredom. “Keeping this hotel open so you have somewhere tasteful to disappoint your mistresses.”
His smirk widens. “Right. CEO in title alone.”
Liam cuts in before Reese can tear Patrick’s throat out. “The rules state there is no formal contest until the current Sovereign retires or passes.”
Patrick barely looks at him. “Then make Harold retire. He’s about to croak anyway.”
Reese closes the distance between them in two paces. “Show some respect for your Sovereign.”
Patrick looks up at him without an ounce of survival instinct. “Which one of you is going to continue the Crotavere legacy?” His gaze sweeps over the five of us with theatrical disdain. “I’m amazed no one challenged your family sooner. All you do is float on old wealth in that ridiculous mansion on the bluff.”
