Page 52 of Suspicions on the Stage
It wasn’t a happy time, and I think some of my bad behavior as I got older stemmed from the trauma of knowing their actual natures.
But I survived, and somehow, I stumbled into Morgana—and it’s shifted everything inside of me so quickly that I marvel at it internally. I’m not interested in the petty, silly bullshit the other rich dudes in my dorm or on my team get excited about. Other than the intruder in my dorm, my change in perspective is why I was down for moving into Morgana’s house immediately. I think I was ripe for this evolution when she walked into the lockerroom and everything afterward just led down the path to my future.
It’s both humbling and a little weird, especially since we’re now ensconced in this fancy waiting area at Howl. Slade and I both know how this shit works—that much is clear—and the prince and professor have an inkling. Unfortunately, our shared mate is the only being in this room who is in the dark about the shady side of the lifestyles of the rich and famous. She’s going tohatethis, and there’s not a damn thing any of us can do about it. We need to find that dragon and make sure he’s not in trouble—even if he is being an Uber dick about the family stuff.
“Are they coming or what?” Morgana says as she taps her nails on the arm of her chair in annoyance. “Seems like keeping fat cats waiting would be taboo.”
I chuckle, shrugging my shoulders casually. “Power plays exist everywhere, Lady M. These brokers have what people want; they can flex because otherwise, even the infamous won’t be able to whet their desires.”
She sighs, rolling her eyes to the ceiling in supplication. “Fucking rich people.”
“Despite our inclusion, I love when you curse the silver spoons,” Liam says with a grin. “You’re refreshingly uncaring about status—to the point of derision—and it’s so rare anyone is comfortable expressing it so vocally.”
Iggy nods, his mouth quirking up at the sides. “I enjoy it as well. Bowing and scraping gets tiresome after a while.”
“No shit,” I agree on a hum. “When the people at my high school found out who I really was, it was a constant flood of groupies and people looking to cash in on my presence. I know it sounds‘poor me’, but it wears on you. You can’t trust anyone. Nothing you do is private. Add my parents’ shenanigans into it, and it makes for a lot of masking how much you want to run and hide.”
Morgana looks thoughtful for a second before she turns to grab my hand. “I’ve never thought about it that way, Lucas. Being the target of all that scrutiny because you’re born into that situation would suck, especially when you tried to distance yourself. I imagine the other kids were pretty cruel.”
Shrugging, I wave my free hand dismissively. She’s not off-base, but I’ve had time to get over it. “When I was a kid and a teen? Sure. It was a fucking pain in the ass; my parents got progressively worse as I aged so there wasa lotof shit to weather. But I had to learn to let it roll off me or I would have gone crazy. It wasn’t fair, of course, but I wasn’t the only one who had that problem, either. Most of my classmates lived through scandals and paparazzi nonsense, too.”
“I had similar experiences, as did my siblings, though probably magnified by the royal family thing,” Liam adds. “Kaspar helped me insulate and develop coping mechanisms, as did the guards for the others. We didn’t have them when we were very young, which changed after a tragedy, but once we did, that’s how we could get through it relatively sane.”
Iggy shifts in his seat uncomfortably, then says, “I suppose I didn’t deal with it well. I just made a hard, asshole shell I’ve stayed behind until recently. Though Slade helped humanize me over the years.”
“It wasn’t easy, mind you,” Slade teases with a fond smile. “But I did my best. Didn’t keep you from pissing off Kimiko, did it?”
The professor’s hand flies to his face, and he rubs his eyes dramatically. “I know;I know. I fucked that up royally, but… in my very minimal defense, the woman never asked to be exclusive, Slade. It’s not like Icheatedon her.”
“You broke up with her via text and fucked someone else in her precious greenhouse because you still had the key. That isnotdefensible, Ignatius.” The siren crosses his arms over his chest and sets his chin higher, making a kernel of pride swell up in me.
I love when the underdog finds their bite, and Morgana choosing the gentle musician has helped him do that.
“Fine, fine.” Iggy waves his hand and sighs heavily. “Like I said, I fucked up, and I had to go crawling to her for the bear’s cure stuff. She gets to feel all kinds of vindicated now and lord it over me forever. I’m glad you’re happy that I’ve been kicked while I’m down.”
“Iggy… That’s not what Slade is doing.” Morgana’s tone is soft, but reproachful. “He’s holding you accountable for bad behavior—gently—because despite your apology, you’re still making excuses to us. That invalidates the apology and centers the blame on her for being unreasonable. It’s not healthy, and it doesn’t win you any points.”
I whistle low, winking at my mate. “Impressively accurateandfirm on the diagnosis, babe. Smart women are hot as fuck; you can’t convince me otherwise.”
“Yes, we are.”
The amused voice of an intruder gets our attention and we look up to find the door opening silently to reveal our ‘broker’. It’s obvious that this chick is a hybrid just by looking at her; she’s wearing that status for all to see. Dressed in a deep red, floor-length gown with a neckline that hits her belly button, the broker is showing shiny obsidian skin everywhere possible. A pointed tail marks her as some kind of demon, but the horns on her head are without a doubt dragonic. She has matching red nails with jewels on them, perfect makeup, and a short white bob that frames her face. Even without the heels she must be wearing, I know she’s easily as tall as my mate, which isn’t common.
“And who are you?” Morgana demands. I look at the others, darting my eyes between them in distress. Our woman is blunt and unaffected by those with influence, but this might not be the time to stay so true to form.
“She said you were fiery, and it wasn’t a lie. I enjoy intelligent, dangerous females with bite, so I won’t be offended by your lack of respect… once. After that? I cannot guarantee you will not reap what you sow, Morgana LeCiel. Your infamy may precede you because it’s public, but mine is whispered in the shadows for fear of my wrath. We are not the same.”
“No shit,” our mate says as she meets the broker’s gaze. “But you still didn’t answer my question. That’salsorude, is it not?”
We’re all going to die in this stupid room—I’m calling it now.
“I am Celestara Nyx, and don’t worry about your introductions. The Slayer is not the only one in this room with fame and fortune, so I am aware of your designations and identities.” Her lips curve up, flashing stunningly white teeth and small fangs. “My lineage is mixed, as I believe most of you are powerful enough to perceive, and I have been in this realm doing this job for longer than everyone, but the Prince has existed.”
Iggy squints at her, studying her carefully before he blurts, “Shadow dragon from the Wrath line, yes?”
Her tail flicks rapidly, and she nods, walking over to the empty chair opposite us. Once she’s settled herself in a very languorous pose, the dragoness clears her throat. “You are correct, Professor. My line rules the realm I came from, and my heritage goes back to extremely powerful individuals—though, whom I cannot say. What that means for you is that I can and will make connections for you that will acquire your deepest desires without fail. I am owed more boons, bargains, and favors than half of the demons in this area of the country could dream of.”
“Those are impressive claims,” I say carefully. “What verification can you provide to show the fruits of your efforts?”
