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Even for Kiznitch, this place is over the top. There’s a pool at the front of the house, where steam floats up and evaporates into the dark sky. Luxurious cars are parked on either side of the driveway, ready to go if anyone needs to get out fast. Keaton has been quieter than usual after I told them all about my suspicions with The Fathers. For years, since seeing that girl, I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not I should say anything to The Brothers. Their loyalties have always been to Kiznitch, and you don’t get much more Kiznitch than The Fathers. Keaton has been whacking off people for them since I can remember. He’s a damn robot, programmed to comply.
I step out of the car, clutching my gown in my hand. The fucking stupidity of always needing to dress up for these things is yet another subject I’d like to argue about. But not tonight. Tonight I’ll look pretty and hope I’m wrong.
Music saunters through the wide opened doors, some classical piano piece I don’t recognize. The house belongs to Kaius, and unease crawls down the back of my spine.
Two men stand guard on either side of the entrance, both in suits as dark as the sky, and with machine guns strapped to their sides. A car pulls up behind us and I turn, just in time to see Jordan and Christopher slide out and jog their way up the stairs. Even though I have The Brothers around me, it’s still good to know that they’re both here. Two people I wouldn’t second guess.
Two people who know everything I know and have kept it quiet.
Jordan and Chris stand on either side of me, slightly in front, and size up the guards at the door. It’s painfully obvious how much bigger mine are to these two, and then with The Brothers behind, the guards wouldn’t have a chance.
“Good evening, gentlemen.” I smirk up at them, choosing the one to my right to tease. I place my hand over his hard chest. “Such a lovely evening, isn’t it?”
He pulls away from me politely and steps backward. “Indeed. The party is in the garden at the back.”
I trail around him. “Of course, it is.” With Jordan and Christopher beside me, I try to put some distance between The Brothers so I can hunt down Kaius, or any of The Fathers to ask them what the fuck is going on.
Only I don’t have to.
The double doors that open to the garden area at the back are spread wide open. There are little fires lit around the place, and a bar that’s to the left. Flowers bloom around the chairs and tables, and right near the front is where The Fathers and Mothers are seated around a long rectangular table. Movement behind them catches me off guard and I watch as four couples perform live sex.
I sigh. “You know. I hope we don’t get like this with age.”
“Welcome, our little prodigies!” Kaius widens his arms and stands from the chair that’s tucked beneath a wide tree that branches over the tables. Small pieces of cakes and savories are lined out aesthetically on the table, sprinkled with pink and white flowers between. “How lovely to see you all…”
“Mm-hmm,” I murmur, swiping a champagne flute from a passing naked waiter.
Kaius’ eyes fall to me. Before my mother can say anything, he interrupts, “Always a pleasure, Cartier.”
“For some.” I grab my mother around the waist and kiss her cheek.
“Cartier, something’s wrong,” she whispers in my ear so only I can hear. “Smile so they don’t know I’m saying anything.” My smile widens and I take a long drink of the bubbles to cover my mouth.
“I missed you too, Mama,” I mouth, keeping up appearances until Kaius loses himself in conversation with Keres.
Kyrin squeezes Mom’s hand before rounding both of us, obviously sensing that we need a distraction.
“Stay close to me. I feel like something is off,” she continues. “Kaius has been difficult these past couple of days.” I finally step out of her embrace but hover close.
“So what’s this meeting for?” King announces, and we all migrate to the giant table in the center of the courtyard. The Four Fathers are down one end, with their women beside them, and Mama is beside me before our end blends. She’s right. Something is off. Keres and the other Fathers look distant, but confused. As if they’re hanging on edge.
Kaius sits at the head of the table on one end, and King on the other. It’s like looking at two men who should be the same person, but aren’t. Kaius, I’ve always thought had the best interest in all of us at heart, but over the years, I’ve come to realize that’s not the case.
“I have a proposition,” Kaius announces, and I lower my glass below my lip.
“Figured as much, Father. What is it?” King gestures to the table, hurrying him along. I turn to face King, but I’m met with Keaton, who makes sure to sit directly beside me.
“What?” I whisper, painfully aware how close he is.
He leans into the side of my throat. “When I say run, you run.” He opens the palm of my hand with a set of keys and closes them again.
When he leans back to search my eyes, panic whistles through my mind. Scenarios and possibilities start chasing me and my throat closes up. What the fuck does he mean, run? I’m not fucking running anywhere.
“I need The Dolls and Maya and Val.” Kaius’ voice breaks through any and all other conversations.
“Absolutely fucking not!” I snap, glaring at him from my spot. I toss the keys back in Keaton’s lap and I hear him let out a low growl. “For what, Kaius? What could you possibly need them for?” I stand from the table, done with sitting here like I have a target over my chest, waiting to get shot.
I walk around the end of the table, standing behind King. “Why, Kaius?”
