Page 24 of Twisted Gift

Tristan called a meeting tonight with the dark fae. How’s it going on your end?she asks.

“Tristan called the meeting,” I tell Nikolai as I type a quick response to Allison.

He looks at me and releases a breath, nodding. “Here we go.”

It’s just after nine, and the humans that were in the pub have been cleared out. I’ve holed myself up in the loft, waiting until Nikolai gives me the word that everyone is here. I’ve been pacing for the past ten minutes, going over what I plan to say. Nikolai spent a couple of hours with me today, briefing me on the local group of light fae.

They appreciate assertiveness. They hate long meetings. A lot of them don’t like talking about the dark fae. The majority of them are very vocal about wanting the ability to live without fear of attack by their dark fae counterparts. I understand all of it, and I’m hoping to use the information I’ve gathered since taking over this role to get the light fae on board with the idea of my leadership.

Earlier, while I was freaking out, Nikolai insisted that some of the light fae praise me for killing Jules. Those are the ones who never wanted to fight with the dark fae; they just want to live their lives. It’s not them I have to worry about. I’m hoping my freshly achieved business degree will help me persuade the dissatisfied and build consensus. I imagine them as a group of unhappy shareholders, questioning my forward plan and fitness as head of the organization. I need to convince those who despise me that they can trust me, that I have their best interests at heart even though I’ve been fae for a short time compared to the majority of them. It’s true; Idowant what’s best for them—for everyone—which is to end this war. Peacefully.

I wanted to be downstairs as the fae arrive so I could formally introduce myself and chat with as many of them as I could before the meeting, but Nikolai had a fit, refusing to allow it. Right now, it wouldn’t be safe. I understand that. It’s the only reason I didn’t argue—that much—with Nikolai’s high-handedness. Instead, I’m pacing his living room, stewing about how I’m going to relate to these people. If the meeting goes well, meaning no one tries to kill me on the spot, I’ll try to speak to some individually afterward. I want to be approachable. I want to help the light fae as much as I can.

There’s a soft knock at the door.

It’s time.

With a deep breath, I straighten, exhale slowly, and then walk to the door and open it. Nikolai gives me a quick once-over and nods. I nod back and step ahead of him down the stairs. The hall between the stairs and the pub seems far too long. The chatter of a room full of people hits my ears and makes my stomach coil tightly. I continue calming my breaths as I get closer to the end of the hall. Nikolai is still behind me, but he’ll jump in front of me wicked fast if things go south once I’m in the room.

Silence whips through the room the second I step into it. Faces turn to stare. A few fae whisper to those standing next to them, as if I’m some sort of spectacle. As my eyes survey the crowd, my heartbeat pounds in my throat. Most look curious, but there are others who appear downright pissed. Awesome.

Nikolai leans against the wall off to the side, his eyes sharp, alert, but his posture is relaxed. He’s more confident of the outcome of this meeting than I am at this point.

The pub is full of fae of varying ages and appearances. I’m surprised at the turnout, considering a lot of these people would enjoy seeing me dead, but I’m grateful all the same. This meeting is a step—albeit a tiny one—in the right direction of ending the war between the light and the dark fae.

There are a number of familiar faces in the crowd, but I do my best to keep my expression impassive while blocking my emotions from everyone. I went to school with a lot of these people and never knew they were fae. I suppose it doesn’t matter much now; I need their help.

I do my best to push the nerves down. “Thank you for coming,” I say, clearing my throat to make my voice stronger. “Most, if not all of you, know who I am by now. I’m sorry it took me so long to call this meeting, but I’m sure you can imagine that this is somewhat of an adjustment for me.”

A few snorts echo through the room, and I fight back a cringe.You knew this wasn’t going to be easy.

“A lot of you don’t trust me, and many of you hate me. You have every right.” I force myself to meet the eyes of anyone who will look at me. “What I did to become this person is not something I’m proud of. Believe me when I tell you that taking Jules’s place as your leader was never my intention. I didn’t know this would happen.”

“Your excuse is ignorance?” someone growls from the back of the room.

“No, absolutely not. It’s not an excuse. I take full responsibility for my actions. The blame is mine, and I know that. I accept that. What I don’t want and will not take responsibility for are the deaths of the fae since I came into power. Both sides have acted irresponsibly and without thought. That ends now.”

“They’re breaking the agreement!”

One of the fae launches forward, heading straight for me. My eyes widen, but my feet are locked in place. Nikolai shifts in front of me and throws the guy back, growling deep in his throat.

“Out,” he demands, stalking toward the guy. “You don’t want to act civilized, you can get the fuck out.”

The guy glowers at Nikolai before backing up and finally turning around to walk out the door, slamming it behind him. A few others follow, and it makes my chest ache. It was impossible to get everyone on board, but I hoped they’d at least hear me out.

“You’re only defending them because you’re fucking their leader! Tristan Westbrook is the enemy!” another fae pipes up in the silence left by the brief performance.

My jaw clenches; I have to bite my tongue from defending him. The last thing I need right now is to defend the leader of the people these fae believe to be their enemy.

“Listen—”

“Traitor! You don’t care about us! You’re not one of us!”

I cringe when my stomach drops. Ouch. That one hurt—even though part of me agrees. I became fae by way of treason in these people’s eyes. If I were in their position, there’s a good chance I would feel how they feel. Angry and betrayed. I don’t have to read their emotions to feel that—it’s clear as day on their faces.

“Enough,” Nikolai growls, pushing away from the wall to stand at my side. “Shut the fuck up, and listen to what Aurora is saying. You may not like her, but she’s trying her fucking hardest to make sure you and your families are safe. No, she might not have been born fae, but she’s going to save all of our asses, so I’ll say it again: shut your fucking mouths andlisten.” The fire in his gaze scares even me.

I exhale slowly. “I’m sorry you lost your leader, but I’m not sorry Jules is gone. I don’t care what he told you—actions speak louder than words. He was going to get a lot of people killed, including some of you. I’m not sure how open he was with his plans, but I doubt it was widely known that he wanted to kill Tristan and lead all of the fae his own way. He didn’t care about the dark fae or even the light fae. He was hungry for power. He didn’t care who got hurt in the process. He didn’t mind the thought of people—hispeople—dying.” Several fae gasp, but most remain silent—listening. “I don’t want that, and I never wanted that.”

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