Page 50 of Born Free

“One thousand percent,” Orlando says with a maniacal grin. He extends his hand, and after only a moment of hesitation, Roman shakes it. “Let’s go share the good news. Everyone important is already gathered, aren’t they?”

I don’t know what to make of that last part. But Roman doesn’t react in any way that gives me something to worry about. He simply turns with Orlando, leaving the body to be cleaned up by Roman’s crew, which he’s now allowed to have without detection from Orlando to worry about. Together, they walk back into the building.

I catch Roman’s eyes as he passes by me. He has a damn good poker face. He’s almost playing it off like he expected this was always the way things were going to go. Even though this is so far out of left field, my head is spinning. Once again, he proves himself every bit the capable Royal his younger brother is.

We all pile into the elevator, and Orlando talks excitedly about forming a House. About literal, physical locations, about how to pick people Roman can trust. He starts calculating if the Allaways were to be murdered, could the King make the switch official soon?

How the hell did this day take a turn in this direction?

The elevator opens back up, and we walk back into the party. But it no longer seems like a party. No one is acting happy and easy. There’s tension in the air. It’s too quiet, except for the loud pumping of the speaker system.

They all have eyes. They all saw Roman leave, followed by Orlando.

And they can sense that something is different as soon as the two brothers walk back in.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Orlando shouts as he walks through the crowd to the front of the club, standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. “You have all been very generous hosts to the House of Badillo. I’ve never visited Chicago before, but I have to say, the danger that surrounds this city… well, the reputation seems well suited.”

We all gather around. Everyone holds onto his every word. No one is going to relax until he and his people are on a plane and in the air. The other council members gather beside me, Sebastian hanging back in the darkness. I search out Roman’s hand, interlacing our fingers, and waiting with so much anxiety, I think I’d like to raid the hospital pharmacy for the first time and find a sedative.

“Reuniting with my brother was something I wasn’t sure would ever be possible,” Orlando says, further confirming to more people that Roman is, in fact, a Royal. “After so many years, I had to assume him dead. But then his picture came up. And here I found him. Learned he has a beautiful girlfriend who is the feistiest thing I’ve ever met.” He laughs, and a few others laugh with him for his sake. I just meet Orlando’s eyes and try to smile, but I know I’m doing a shit job. “And who would have guessed that my brother would choose to stay here, in the city he loves. Who would ever guess that he would refuse to return to the country of his birth?”

The tension in the air doubles at Orlando’s acknowledgment of the elephant in the room.

“But my brother is a born leader. He is absolutely capable. And it seems a shame to let his talents go to waste. So,” Orlando draws the words out with dramatic effect. “He and I have devised a plan. You will look at Roman De Luca, as he seems to prefer to be called now, as your local regent. His Royal blood gives him every right to rule, and since your current regents are a couple of idiots, it’s long past time for a change. And if we have any luck, this will be ruled in officially by the King in no time at all.”

Orlando looks over at Roman, and he looks absolutely pleased and so proud. He slowly walks forward, pacing before the crowd. “As you know, the King values secrecy above all else. It is how our kind existed for millennia. As Royals, this is our number one job. So, to help you along in your newly appointed role, brother, I’ll take care of one little issue that’s been overlooked for a few too many days.”

Something shiny and sharp flashes under the dim lights. And suddenly, Elena gives a gasp that quickly turns wet.

Orlando stands before her, a knife clenched in his hand, buried deep in Elena’s heart.

“Parties with hundreds of vampires tend to draw attention,” Orlando hisses as he watches the panic in her eyes. “Let’s not let that happen again.”

Screams slip from more than one throat. Mason bellows and darts forward, catching his sister. Jon bursts forward, taking a swing at Orlando, who simply steps out of the way. Roman catches my father, blocking his death-driven dive at the Royal. Tabitha explodes into a hurricane of Russian curses and swinging blades. One of Orlando’s men takes her out with one perfect punch.

I stare in horror as I watch Mason lower Elena to the ground. Her skin turns gray as death takes her.

“Let this be a lesson and a reminder,” Orlando says, his bravado turning serious. “We can never slack. We can never get too careless. And anyone who is found to be putting our kind in danger will be dealt with.”

Mason is screaming with rage and grief. Two of the House members flank him, ready to take him down if he tries to turn on Orlando.

My eyes are huge when I look back up at Orlando. He’s a damn monster. But he’s a monster with power. And backup. His House members have stepped up, protecting him, drawing their weapons.

This could turn into a bloodbath at any moment.

“You will recognize my brother as your new ruler,” Orlando says, breathing hard with the adrenaline filling the room. “But first, I will clear his way. Ten thousand dollars to the first person who gives me the names of the other Chicago Night Council members.”

CHAPTERTWELVE

The room is utterlysilent for ten whole seconds. Eyes are shifting. Nerves are making everyone in the room look guilty.

Who will be the first to talk? Who is going to betray us? And how the hell is it going to factor in when Orlando learns his own brother was a key founder of the council?

Mason rages again, lunging at Orlando before being tackled to the floor by the House members.

My eyes shift down to my best friend lying at my feet.

One problem at a time, and this one is pretty damn urgent.

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