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Her lips pursed. “I’m not joining the reapers.”
Killian’s eyes glazed over, the milky white swirling with black shadow before returning to their natural red. “On the contrary. You will become a reaper, and you will kill your brother.”
Julius hissed. “That is but one of many possibilities. Dannika will be a reaper, but I will lead the clan. She is with me.”
Killian laughed. “I’m not sure what’s more pathetic. That you believe in her, or that you think you could lead this clan. Your sister is working for me. She retrieved the talisman. For me. She has given me the means to clear the poison from my body. Again, for me. You were told what you needed to hear in order to expose the traitors within the clan.”
Julius glanced at Dannika, his uncertainty apparent for the first time. “No.”
Killian folded his hands in front of his body. “Her deviousness rivals mine. If I didn’t need her, I would kill her, but she will make an excellent broodmare for my men. You, son, I don’t need.”
Julius produced his samurai sword. “It seems there is only one way to end this. Your blood is poisoned. Dannika cannot open the portal until tomorrow. So, I challenge you today.”
Killian moved towards his son. “Be sure this is what you want. If you challenge me, it is to the death.”
“Why are you stalling, Father? Are you hoping your estranged daughter will see the good in you and help you?” Julius moved the sword in a swirling pattern.
Two blades appeared in Killian’s hands. He stored his weapons in the shadows, and he knew which ones would kill his son. “I had hoped that you would learn your place. Your mastery of weapons was a tremendous asset to the clan. You could have been my second.”
“I am destined to lead,” Julius hissed.
Killian glanced at Dannika. “This is why he will never lead. Julius cannot see the forest for the trees. I see the entire map. Not just here, but the entire world. I seek to put the reapers at the top of the food chain.”
Julius turned to Dannika. “He will slaughter the humans. We’ll end up like the demons, feeding until nothing is left. Killian knows no restraint. There is no end to his lust for power. Surely you would not choose him to lead his clan.”
Killian laughed. “Julius, you are pathetic. You’re still looking for approval. You’re still that little boy who cried when I told him he had to kill to survive.”
Dannika’s heart squeezed. Not for the monster beside her, but for the brother who never had a chance at life with a reaper father.
She tried to decide which angle she would play. She couldn’t continue to string Killian and Julius along. Both sides needed her for one day. Then she’d pray for death, if left in reaper hands.
She sucked in a breath as Julius’ alpha emerged.
Black smoke rolled off his shoulders. His eyes blistered with red fire. Anger. Death. Betrayal. Those were the only emotions Julius felt. He knew no other life. Her brother was gone.
He moved fast; Killian stepped back.
Julius grabbed a reaper who stood with Killian and beheaded him. The clan member had no time to scream, to react. His head rolled on the floor at Killian’s feet.
Julius solidified to his human form, standing where he was as if nothing had happened. “You have my answer. I challenge for leadership.”
Reapers formed in the hallway, standing behind Killian or Julius. Supporting the leader of their choosing as they prepared for a fight.
Dannika stepped between Killian and Julius. “You need to stop this. You’re all idiots.”
Killian glanced at her. “While I didn’t start this, I intend to finish it.”
He motioned with his hand.
Two reapers pushed through the congregation behind Killian. They held Raine between them. One reaper grabbed Raine by the throat. This was not the doppelganger. His fingers bit into Raine’s skin, and blood trickled from the wounds.
Her eyes met her father’s. There was no compassion. There was only death. He intended to kill her mate.
“Don’t do this.”
Raine signed to her. Two words. So simple.I’m sorry.
Killian grabbed Raine by the hair, yanking his head back, exposing his throat. “I admit, I’m impressed that Raine took Maddock’s power. I didn’t realize that was possible. I wanted to know how he did it. And I planned to get that secret from him before I killed him. I would’ve loved to take Ryder and Steele’s abilities.”
