Machinations and Sacrifices, page 28
“Thank you.” She relaxed a bit.
“I am sorry about what happened to you.” He wasn’t sorry about Jason, but she and her grandmother were innocent of the Supreme Almighty’s transgressions.
She remained quiet, but she wanted to speak. It was clear in her eyes.
“Say it,” he prodded. For some reason he wanted to help this girl. She’d been used as a pawn her entire life. She needed to take charge and quit being a commodity to be bartered.
“I’d rather not,” she said, tight lipped.
“You’ll feel better if you do.” He should relish her reticence because not one female in his life had ever been quiet about her wants, but instead it was starting to annoy him.
“I doubt that.” She stood. “Thank you for letting me stay and for the conversation.”
“There you go again, saying what you think you should.”
She walked toward the door.
“Do you like being a welcome mat? I know you were raised to do exactly what you were told, but you have the opportunity to change that.”
She stopped at the door.
“But only if you want,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.
“You think it’s that easy.” She spun around. “Why don’t you change?”
He held back his smile. This girl was at the edge. Another push and she’d be free. “I’m perfect. So why should I change?” He gave her the smuggest look he had.
Her face almost spasmed as she fought to hold back her words.
“Your grandfather would be so proud of you. Standing there, taking it. The perfect Almighty bride. Marry who you’re told to marry and let your husband have his affairs. That was your fate. It still is by the way you’re acting.”
“How dare you.” She stormed out of the door and then quickly back inside. “I will not have a marriage like my mother’s and my grandmother’s. I will not be ignored.”
She was actually quite attractive with color in her cheeks and her hands on her hips. He’d have to find a better match for her than Jethro. Although...if Jethro saw her like this, he might be more attracted to her, and if he were attracted to Stella, than he wouldn’t be interested in Trinity. Still, Stella needed someone who really cared for her. He’d get to know her a bit better. If he didn’t think she and Jethro would suit, he’d find someone else for her. “Feel better?”
“I hate you.” She took a deep breath. “But yes, I do.”
“Told you so.” He laughed.
She spun on her heels and walked out the door.
He finished his drink and grabbed his dishes. When he stood, Millie was standing in the doorway, hands on her hips.
“Don’t say a word.” He didn’t need this right now. He hadn’t done anything wrong. “Not...one...word.”
He pushed past her and walked quickly back to his suite. This mission couldn’t get done fast enough. Not only did he miss Trinity, but he really needed her mother off his back.
CHAPTER 56: Stella
Stella sat at a small café, having lunch with Meesus. The Servant had sent her a note, asking to meet.
“That male over there is watching you.” Meesus’ voice was soft, but her eyes were far from demure as she stared back at the male.
“Really?” Stella blushed. Before her grandfather’s death no one had ever noticed her, except as the quiet accoutrement to her grandparents, and the only looks she’d gotten lately came with whispers and snickers.
“Yes, most definitely.”
Stella ran her hand down the front of her new sweater. It was a gorgeous dark blue. Meesus had suggested the color when they’d gone shopping. She’d said it highlighted her eyes and pale skin.
“You are a natural.” Meesus smiled.
“A natural what?” She had no idea what the other female meant by that.
“Run your hand down your shirt again. Slowly. Enjoy the feel of the material.”
She blushed more but did as the Servant ordered. A few seconds later a young male Almighty walked over to their table.
“Hi.” He smiled but his eyes never moved from Stella’s chest.
“Hello.” She managed to force the word past her tight throat. He was around her age and attractive with light brown hair and blue eyes. The only young male she’d spent any time with had been Jethro, but this guy was more her type—slender and unthreatening.
“Please, join us.” Meesus motioned to the chair next to Stella.
He sat, seeming unsure of what to say. She took a sip of her drink and glanced at Meesus, who had a frown in her eyes.
“Tell us. What is your name?” asked Meesus.
“Oh, sorry. Scott.”
Meesus gave her a pointed look.
“I’m Stella.” It came out barely louder than a whisper.
“What?” He leaned toward her. “Sorry. I didn’t hear you.”
She grabbed her water and took a sip, hoping it’d clear the tightness in her throat.
“She’s Stella and I’m Meesus.” The Servant held out her hand, her face softening as his larger hand engulfed hers.
“Nice to meet you,” said Scott.
Meesus stared at Stella, her eyes speaking volumes of annoyance as silence settled on their group again. “What do you do for a living, Scott?”
The young man talked about college and working for his father at a clothing manufacturer. Meesus continued to drag information from the young Almighty, the whole time trying to urge Stella to say something.
She wanted to speak, to be witty and sparkling, but she had no idea how to converse with anyone. Her job as the granddaughter of the Supreme Almighty had been to be silent and look proper. As Scott and Meesus chatted, Stella once again disappeared like a pretty picture on the wall—noticed for a moment but then forgotten.
Scott left, promising to meet her again next week at the café, but she was pretty sure he wouldn’t show. Why would he unless he wanted to sit in silence?
Meesus handed the waiter the money for their lunch and then stood. She followed the Servant, her head bowed, and her eyes cast downward. She didn’t want to see Meesus’ disappointment.
“That was a disaster,” said Meesus.
“I’m sorry.” She choked back her tears.
“Stop looking at your feet. Look at the world.” Meesus turned toward her, placing her clawed finger under Stella’s chin and raising her head. “You are young. You are an Almighty. And you are pretty. The world is yours, but you have to take it.”
“I’m not pretty. I’m invisible.”
“Only because you let yourself be.” Meesus’ eyes softened.
“I don’t know how to be any other way.” She wanted to be vibrant and alive, but all she knew was silence and obedience.
Meesus took her hand and led her to a bench, pulling Stella down next to her. “Do not be sorry. It is how you were raised, but you need to learn to take what you want. No one will give it to you. Life is cruel and unfair. It is always a fight.” Meesus’ words were hard and bitter.
“I don’t know what to do.” She hated how weak she sounded. How weak she was.
“I can help you with this, but you must do what I say. Okay?”
She nodded.
“Good. First, throw away all your old clothes. Only wear what I have bought for you.”
“Okay.” That’d be easy. She loved her new clothes.
“Second, you must practice talking and flirting.”
“How?”
Meesus tapped her lip a moment and then smiled. “You will practice on Hugh.”
“Hugh? No, I couldn’t.” At one time, she’d thought he was the exact kind of male she’d wanted, but that was before last night.
“Yes, he is perfect. He is young, but not too young.” Meesus waved her hand. “You will not have to pry conversation from him like that Scott-child.” She rolled her eyes and then leaned in closer. “Hugh is also attractive.”
Stella felt blood rush to her cheeks. Hugh was very attractive, but he was also a jerk.
“You feel it too.” Meesus touched her cheek with a claw. “It’s written in the heat on your face. Hugh is a young, virile male, and he is single now.” She patted Stella’s hand. “He is perfect for you to use to practice flirting. He will only take what you offer.”
“I couldn’t. I mean, I wouldn’t know what to say.” She was angry with Hugh, but he’d been right. She had felt better after yelling at him.
“It is just practice, unless you decide you want it to be something more. Talk to him. Be nice, but not too nice.” Meesus winked at her. “It is simple. You practice and then you hunt for your mate.”
Stella wasn’t sure about hunting for her mate, but she’d like someone to talk to. Hugh and Trinity had just broken up, so he was probably lonely too. They could help each other.
CHAPTER 57: Jethro
Jethro stood near the bar with Indy at the Howling Hut, nursing a beer. He had to keep his wits about him. The plan was for him and Trinity to accidentally bump into each other and to have a fight. That wouldn’t be too difficult to fake since he wanted to shake some sense into her every time he saw her.
“Showtime,” whispered Indy as he nudged Jethro.
His gaze drifted to the door as the female he both hated and wanted more than anyone else glided into the bar, her arm looped with Sassy’s. Trinity looked good, really good. Her hair hung loose, tumbling over her shoulders in a cascade of reds and browns. Her eyes sparkled with laughter, until they landed on him. For a moment a flare of apprehension and then distaste took over her face.
He nodded and tossed back the rest of his beer. Damn, she was either a good actor or she actually still hated him. He motioned to the bartender for a refill. She had no reason to be angry with him. He was the one who should be mad. He’d tried to save her. He’d trusted her, and she’d drugged him. He’d been willing to give up everything for her, and she’d chosen Hugh. He grabbed his full beer and took a sip. Fighting with her was going to be easy. Keeping himself from strangling her or kissing her was going to be the tough part.
Sassy walked over to him and Indy as Trinity continued to a table. She stopped in front of them, swaying slightly. “You two need to leave.”
He turned and leaned against the bar. They hadn’t told Sassy anything about their mission. She was drunk way too much and that meant they couldn’t trust her to keep her mouth shut. Actually, they were counting on her not being quiet.
“Why is that?” Indy’s eyes narrowed. His friend had been trying to watch out for Sassy since Bruno’s death, and she’d been nothing but nasty to him. “Do you think there’s not enough alcohol for us and you?”
“No.” Sassy’s lip curled, showing her large canines. “I’m here with Trinity.” She glared at Jethro.
“I was here first,” he said. “You leave.”
“I see you’re still as much of a gentleman as ever.” Sassy snarled at him.
“I was a gentleman once.” He glanced across the club at Trinity who already had two male House Servants talking to her. “I let the female set the pace.” He looked back at Sassy. “Ask your friend what that got me.”
“You got exactly what you deserved.” Sassy looked at Indy. “Please, Indy. Go to another bar tonight.”
“Maybe we should.” Indy turned toward him. “If Hugh’s going to show up it’d be better if we weren’t here.”
“Oh, Hugh won’t be...” Sassy clamped her mouth shut.
“You mean to tell me that Hugh isn’t chasing after her like always.” He stared at Trinity. It wasn’t hard to act interested. She fascinated him; she always had. She was a mix of innocence and wildness. She was the forest to him. Freedom and pleasure. Danger and excitement. “Why is that? My brother is usually attached to her hip.”
“None of your business,” said Sassy.
“Okay. Be like that.” He pushed away from the bar. “I guess, I’ll ask her.” He winked at Sassy. “I’m sure she’ll be glad to see me. We’re old friends.”
“Do not go over there.” Sassy grabbed his arm. “I’ll tell you, but you have to promise to leave.”
“Nope, can’t do that. I’m meeting a friend here later. One of the female variety. I wouldn’t want to leave and ruin her night.”
“I’m sure that’d improve her evening.” Sassy rolled her eyes.
“No need to be rude.” He grinned at her as he waved the bartender over to them. “We’re all friends. Right?”
“We’re not—”
“I always buy my friends a drink. What are you having?”
“Your usual?” asked the bartender.
“Uhm...” She hesitated a second, her eyes darting to Trinity and then she said, “A double.”
“See. I knew we were friends.” He tossed some money on the bar and handed the drink to Sassy.
She took a big gulp as if she were dying of thirst. “Just promise to leave Trinity alone.”
“Like I said, I’m meeting a friend. She’s the jealous type so I think one female will do tonight.”
“You’re disgusting.”
“Just a young male with a healthy appetite.”
“Promise.” She took another swallow of her drink. Her double was now a single.
“Sure. Why not?” He stopped her from walking away. “As long as you tell me the secret.”
“What secret?” She stared at him, her large brown eyes cloudy with alcohol.
“Why my beloved brother isn’t sniffing after Trinity tonight.”
“Oh. That. It’s not really a secret. Everyone will know soon enough.” She leaned toward him, lowering her voice. “She broke up with Hugh.”
“Did she?” His brows rose as his eyes went back to Trinity. “For good? Or just a spat?”
“For good. I think. She moved in with me.”
“That is interesting.” He shifted to the side, so he could see Trinity better. “She must be lonely. Sad.” He glanced at Indy. “I’m a fun guy, right?”
“You sure are.” Indy grinned. “I’ve seen you brighten up a room just by leaving.”
“Shut up.” He elbowed his friend in the gut. “You’re just jealous because females love me.”
“You promised to leave her alone,” growled Sassy. “And I expect you to keep your word.” She gave him one last glare before walking away.
“But that was before I knew she was available.” He grinned as Sassy’s back stiffened. He’d counted on the Guard hearing him. Now, all he had to do was wait for the perfect opportunity to join the females and let the anger inside him free.
CHAPTER 58: Jethro
Jethro would rather be whipped again than spend one more minute watching Trinity dance and flirt with male after male. He swore in the last couple of hours, she’d flirted with every male in the place. Right now, she slow danced with a large, handsy Guard. She grabbed his wrist and moved his hand off her butt...again. Jethro wanted to storm over there, tear the guy’s arms off and shove them up his...He downed his beer before sliding it forward for a refill.
“You should slow down,” said Indy.
“Shut up.” He drank half of the next beer. His head spun as he stared at Trinity. He wanted her. She was the one that he always wanted, and she was here. Alone. Without Hugh. Soon she and him would pretend to be a couple. She was his, and that Guard kept touching her. He stood.
Indy grabbed his arm, trying to pull him back down onto the bar stool.
“Let go.” He jerked free. He wanted to mate, and he wanted her. “It’s time.” He strode onto the dance floor.
“Ah, shit.” Indy trailed after him. “That Guard is huge.”
“Not a problem.” He appreciated that Indy always had his back, but he didn’t need the Guard’s assistance. He could fight a Tracker right now with the way the booze raced through his veins. Trinity belonged to him, and he’d kill anyone who got between them. He grabbed the Guard’s arm, stopping the other male’s hand from smoothing over her backside. He wanted to tear it from its socket but instead he shoved, sending the Guard stumbling backward.
It took him less than a second to take in his enemies. The Guard had three friends who were watching. By their stance and the hint of testosterone in the air, they’d be more than happy to step in to help their friend.
Indy was behind him, but the Guard was busy keeping Sassy from charging over there. She wouldn’t be on Jethro’s side either.
“What’s your problem?” The Guard shook off the other male who’d blocked his fall.
“Keep your hands off her.” The others on the dance floor shifted away and a movement in the shadows caught his eye. It was a small House Servant with vibrant green eyes. That little guy looked familiar but...Ah. It was the Servant who followed Trinity. He could probably count on that kid to help out Trinity, but that wouldn’t put him on Jethro’s side either.
The Guard stepped up to him until their chests almost touched. The other male was twice his size in girth and a good foot taller than him.
“She’s mine,” he whispered.
The Guards eyes flared, but the anger only lasted a second before it dimmed. There’d be no fight. The Guard was big but not brave. Jethro’s body railed at the denial. He wanted to fight this Guard and his friends, and after he’d beaten them to a pulp, he’d carry off his prize. He glanced at Trinity, but that was a mistake.
She pushed between the Guard and him, and he stared into angry gold eyes.
“I am not yours.” Her claws stretched from her fingertips—fully exposed—and her fangs peeked from beneath her upper lip, her anger wafting off of her in waves.
He inhaled deeply, becoming more aroused by the smell because it wasn’t just anger. She was female, and she was aware of him as a male. He couldn’t stop the smirk from stealing across his lips. “You almost were.” He leaned closer. “One more minute or two and I would’ve been your first. Your last.” If they’d mated, he would’ve never let her go.
Her face tightened so much it looked brittle enough to shatter, and then she slapped him. Hard. Claws out. His head snapped back. He touched his cheek, his fingers sliding through his blood. She was fast. He hadn’t seen it coming.
