Page 43 of Conform
Phillip flipped out his napkin and placed it in his lap. I glanced down at mine, still on the table. I hastily swiped it, putting it in my lap as I heard Gregory say to one of the gray-clad men, “The good stuff,” before starting on his food.
Richard cleared his throat. “I wanted to let you all know Poppy is with offspring again.”
“A male?” Vincent asked, cutting his food.
I took a bite, hiding any indication that I enjoyed it. I glanced up to find Gregory watching me from behind his cup as if he knew.
“It is still too new,” Richard informed us.
“Regardless, what wonderful news,” Helen exclaimed as a worker filled the glasses with a deep-red liquid. “Four offspring, what fertile blessings.”
“Oh, yes, how smashing,” Gregory added snidely. “Have you not tired of her, though?”
“Poppy and I have had great success together. She is of strong genes. We have three Elite offspring. So no, I have not.”
“Let us hope your fourth is of better stock than that.” Vincent jabbed his fork in my direction. “I should have switched Mates after three.”
My birth mother took a long drink as silence fell. Gregory’s mouth became a hard line. I stared at my plate, unseeing. Phillip recovered first.
“What of your new match, Gregory?” Phillip retorted, taking a small sip of the red liquid.
Gregory drained his glass. “I assume I have you to thank for my Defect mating, little brother.”
“Well, when you opt out of another offspring contract with an Elite member, you have fewer options,” Phillip responded.
“I wish you and Katherine had agreed to another Offspring Agreement,” Helen expressed quietly. “Why did you end it with her?”
“Because Katherine was a bore,” Gregory responded, “and, quite frankly, the sex was terrible, Mother.”
I choked on my food, grabbed the glass of red liquid, and took a sip. It was rich and heady and didn’t burn like the drink Gregory gave me. Warmth pooled in my stomach. I took another deep drink, washing down my shock.
“Enough, Gregory,” Vincent snapped.
“Apologies, Father,” Gregory retorted, mockingly bowing his head. “Forgot virgin ears.”
“Phillip,” Helen exclaimed, trying to redirect the conversation. “Have you heard anything about an impending Mate for yourself?”
Phillip looked up from his food. “I have. Given my success in the eyes of the Illum, they will wait. My contributions are more important.”
“The Illum still view you as a success?” Vincent asked as I sipped my drink again. Phillip nodded, weathering whatever Vincent carried in his eyes.
Gregory opened his mouth, but Helen cut him off.
“Emeline, your match. How has it gone? How is Collin?” Helen asked, placing her silverware down. I followed her lead, even though I wanted another bite.
“Collin is very kind,” I said woodenly. I didn’t know what to believe about him anymore.
“Are we discussing the same Collin?” Gregory asked, shaking his empty glass at a Defect. Richard shook his head.
“Collin is a wonderful member of the Illum,” Helen chimed.
“He didn’t become the youngest member of the Illum by being wonderful and kind,” Gregory scoffed, sipping his newly filled glass. I grabbed mine just for something to do with my hands. “Did he, little brother?”
“You have had enough,” Vincent thundered, then snapped at a worker. “Take her wine away. Bring her water.”
My cheeks heated as the man took my glass. A moment later, our plates were cleared. “If you were serious about this match, you would ensure you were a suitable vessel,” Vincent scolded.
A cup of water was placed before me as I blinked rapidly. “Thank you,” I told the Defect, my equal.
