Page 35 of The Eternal Choice

Nario doesn’t even spare me a glance when he continues. “You and I should head to your office. Lucian and Creed can’t come, otherwise they would give away the fact that we’re on to them seeing as Leandro put him in a cell. You should also prepare yourself to do what’s needed.”

Ernestino grits his teeth. “Prepare myself? You mean be ready to kill my own fucking brother?”

Nario shrugs. “He tried to kill me, I have no issues with taking him out. Especially when it comes to protecting the clan. That fucker thought he could wipe both of us from this world to rule himself. He doesn’t deserve to live after trying to take everything I worked hard for.” He huffs out a frustrating breath. “You too, even if we didn’t agree when you chose your mate over the deal. I get it now, and if you would have told us about her pregnancy right away…some of us might have acted differently.”

“Time is ticking away.” I rub the small knife hidden in the inside of my sleeve. “We can’t keep standing here discussing things. We might be all wrong about this, ever think of that? Maybe Tony has leverage on Leandro and he didn’t have any choice in the matter, forcing him to do Tony’s bidding. Hell, he could be holding your brother hostage right now while waiting for you to come back into your office.”

Okay, I’m grasping things out of thin air, but at least I got everyone’s attention.

“Fact is, we don’t know what the truth is. However, we do need to step up and get Tony and his daughter either out of your office the hard way, or see what the fuck they want and maybe negotiate a truce, because this bloodshed needs to stop for both clans before there’s no one left on either side.”

Ernestino holds out his hand and I lace my fingers with his.

“This is a bad idea,” Nario grumbles.

Ernestino pulls me along in the direction of his office when he tells my father, “You guys should go through the back. I’m sure you’ll know what to do when shit becomes loud.”

My father nods while Nario repeats, “This is a bad idea. I still think you should let your mate go with her parents so we can make this right together, brother.”

“Noted,” I reply. “Not going to happen, though. We’re a team as much as a dragon is fused with his human side. The three of us are now one and we will face this as such. I don’t care if you think it’s stupid, not reliable, or something you would do, but you’re not clan leader so it’s not your decision to make.”

Nario falls silent and the deadly glare directed at Ernestino is back. This decision is the best one and is soothing some of the restlessness inside my veins. With the havoc happening between brothers, unsure who is guilty of clan betrayal…of betraying his brother…I’m confident in handling it together.

I’m trusting my fated mate and the foundation we have because of it. Being together for a short period of time might not compare to family who stood beside one another for decades, but right now that bond is shattered. Trust is lost while Ernestino and I have nothing to lose, no history, our future wide open, giving us faith in one another enough to stand strong together as one.

“See you on the flipside.” Creed grins and follows my parents and his president in another direction.

“I’ll be right behind you. Leandro won’t expect me to be anywhere except buried under rubble in the mine,” Nario grimly states.

Ernestino nods and we head for the building where his office is located. A man jogs our way and comes to a stop before Ernestino.

“Leandro told me you were going to be late for the meeting. They are waiting for you in your office,” he rambles.

“Who is waiting in his office?” I ask.

The man ignores me until Ernestino snaps, “Answer my mate’s question.”

He’s still not looking at me, but at least he gives the details I requested. “Leandro along with Marshgloom’s leader, his daughter, and two of their guards. He brought them here earlier and told me you were aware and would join them later.”

“Stay here,” Ernestino orders and glances at Nario one more time.

Ernestino pulls me with him as we enter the building. The door to his office is open and there are muted voices coming from inside. Once we step inside the room the only ones we find are Tony Mattia and his daughter Naryssa.

“Mind telling me why you’re here?” Ernestino snarls. “Especially after attacking my clan, setting off explosions in the mine. You’re insane if you think I will agree to any terms you might have to form a truce.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Tony smugly states.

Naryssa only has eyes for my mate and it’s getting a little obsessive the way she’s staring.

“Hey,” I snap at her and touch my chin with my thumb when I say, “You have a little drool…right here.”

Pure hatred is in her eyes when she gives me her attention. “I don’t speak to dark creatures below my standards, Nosferatu.”

There’s that word again. Agitated by the reminder of Ernestino using it on me not too long ago, I flip her off and remind her of the fact that, “Thanks for the exception. You know, looking me in the eye and giving me your full attention to let me know I fall outside of your short minded standards.”

“How dare you insult me, you dirty bloodsucker,” she snarls.

The harsh sound of Tony’s voice cracks through the air. “Silence.”

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