Page 19 of Born Free

I wonder if Orlando can read our unease as much as he could when we met here just yesterday. Does he recognize the lines of worry on Mason’s forehead? The tenseness of Elena’s jaw? Jon’s ever-watchful eyes? Or that Roman is always poised to attack, whatever the circumstance may be?

I watch Chelsea and Charles. Long term, they are who we will have to deal with. They are the regents for this area.

But when I look at them, I don’t see leaders.

I see drunkards.

I see ridiculous laughing.

I see adults who act like teenagers.

I see no one who looks fit to rule.

Sometimes leadership being passed down by blood is truly a horrible thing. Good sense and leadership aren’t necessarily hereditary.

Finally, around four in the morning, Orlando crashes down into one of the lounge chairs. He waves Chelsea and Charles over, as well as Roman and me. Elena and Mason wander over, even though they weren’t specifically invited.

“Not bad for twenty-four hours of planning, right?” Orlando asks, breathing hard. He’s all smiles, all show.

“If Chicago is this much fun, we need to return more often,” Chelsea says as she grins and bats her eyes in Roman’s direction.

She’s been rubbing up on him all night, and I’ve been strategically placing myself between him and her this entire time, trying my best not to tear her to pieces. If looks could kill, Santiago would have burned Roman to a crisp from the get-go.

“Trust me, this is all Orlando,” Roman says smoothly, deflecting what could be a truly horrible outcome.

“Come on, brother,” Orlando eggs. “You’re a Badillo. You naturally keep things interesting. It’s in our blood.”

When he says interesting, there’s something in his tone that hints this isn’t necessarily the product of good, clean fun.

“So, Chelsea, Charles,” Orlando says as he leans back in his seat and crosses one ankle over the opposite knee. “What do you think of my friends? They seem… respected here, no?”

Chelsea turns an evaluating eye at Elena. Charles assesses Mason with something hungry in his eyes.

“What’s not to respect?” Charles says, curling a smile for Mason’s benefit.

“It doesn’t bother you that everyone in this room naturally looks to these four?” Orlando asks as he pulls out a cigarette and lights it.

“Since when has it been a crime to be an upstanding citizen?” I ask, annoyance and worry flaring in my blood. “You’re looking at the CEO and CFO of one of the richest companies in the world. I’m a doctor. Rom—” I catch myself before I finish saying the name, “Andres is protective of this community.”

“Why so defensive, Dr. Doe?” Orlando questions, his eyes narrowing, even though I know he’s not confused.

“Don’t mess around, Orlando,” I warn. “If you need to get something off your chest, just say it.”

“You’ve never met a Royal before, have you Dr. Doe?” he asks, his eyes narrowing at me.

“Haven’t had the pleasure yet,” I say, though I can’t keep the condescension from my tone.

“You really ought to keep your attitude in check when you’re around us,” he says, his tone growing more serious. “It’s best not to forget who is really in charge when it comes to the vampires.”

“And you ought to check your shit-stirring attitude,” Jon snarls.

Orlando casts his eyes in Jon’s direction, a cold as steel look. I can see the gears turning in his head, and I realize now that I do need to keep myself in check because my actions don’t only affect me. I have people I love now, and I have to do what it takes to protect them.

“Perhaps it’s time to keep a closer eye on the windy city, Chelsea, Charles,” Orlando says, looking at them with a dark expression. I wonder, if he were our regent and not them, would things be going differently?

“Have you ever heard of any problems in Chicago?” Charles asks as he arches an eyebrow at Orlando. “Seems we’ve been doing just fine. Why don’t you stick to Spain and let us worry about the States.”

Orlando doesn’t say anything. It seems ridiculous, that these red-headed idiots are equals to Orlando Badillo. I’m a million times more worried about him than I am them. But because they both have Royal blood, they gain equal power.

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