Page 25 of Death Warden
He nodded. “I understand, and I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”
“Thank you.”
His tone was almost wary when he said, “Your coming here could change things for the MC.”
“How so?”
“This MC is a pack. We live by both MC rules and pack law. The presidency is usually handed down by blood. I thought I had no blood pups so I adopted a pup and made him my blood. He was supposed to inherit the presidency unless actively opposed by a majority club vote. But now you’re here.”
“Whoa, wait a second. Are you saying I’m in line for the presidency?”
“I’m saying that you can claim it if you wish, but you’d have to win over the club members so as not to be opposed. Spectre is much loved.” He said it with fondness. With love. “But as my blood, you have the right to—”
“No.” I set my glass down. “I didn’t come here to insinuate myself into your club and I don’t want to be in charge. I just… I need refuge for a while.” A thought occurred to me. “Wait, I don’t have to join the club to stay here, do I?”
“This is the MC residencies, and usually, yes, you would need to be an initiated member to remain here, but membership to the syndicate is a lifetime deal. Only death can release you.” He searched my face.
What was he looking for? Willingness? An agreement to give my life to his club? Not happening. I had a life outside of Frostgate, one I’d be getting back to as soon as I found my conduit.
Best to be clear with him. “I definitely don’t want to be part of the syndicate.”
Was that a flash of disappointment in his eyes? But then he smiled. “Spectre will be pleased to hear that.”
“Is he a hellhound too?”
“Yes, and Adi”—he leaned in, resting his forearms on his thighs, studying me shrewdly—“so are you.”
CHAPTERSEVEN
Iwas part hellhound. I mean it should have been obvious as soon as Dax told me whathewas, but it hadn’t registered. Not until he said it.
A necromancer hellhound. A freak.
I needed Finley. Where the hell was he?
Dax was on his phone. “Logan, I need you to show Adienne to the living quarters. Put her on the east side. Yes, you may have your office back,” he said with a smile before hanging up. “Logan is the club secretary and history keeper. He’ll be your liaison until you find your feet here. No one stays for free, so you’ll have to work for the club, even if it is in a freelance capacity.” He frowned in thought. “Patrol for now. It’ll allow you to get to know Frostgate. Can you ride a bike?”
I shook my head.
He sighed. “You’ll have to tag-team with other club members.”
“I do have skills, you know. I’m a necromancer.” I arched my brow. “I can talk to the dead.”
He chuckled. “We’re hellhounds, Adi, so can we.”
Oh, well, that burst my bubble. Unless… “But can you draw them out of the spirit plane and force information out of them?”
He sat back, eyes narrowed. “No. That we can’t do.”
I smiled smugly. “Well, with me on board, you can.”
“Patrol and enforcement, then. You’ll be working with Curo and Riley. Let Logan know and he’ll introduce you.” He stood, towering over me. “He should be along to collect you shortly. I have a meeting but…Maybe we can have supper together tomorrow night? I’d like to know more about you, Adienne.”
“Adi…You can call me Adi.”
His honey-brown eyes warmed. “Adi.” His throat bobbed. “I like it.”
* * *
