Page 99 of I Married Kayog
My gaze roamed over the magnificent property as we headed for the giant floor to ceiling patio doors that led to the entrance of the mansion. Every Hell Lord built their personal residence at the top of the mountain bordering the far edges of their Sectors. They were sprawling dwellings with multi-level balconies, natural waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the landscape of the planet. Countless deadly traps disguised as exotic plants or rivers kept their home safe from any intruders should the inmates beat foolish enough to try to escape.
We followed him into his office, as elegantly decorated as the rest of his mansion. I could totally picture my baby living in such a place: peaceful, classy, and elegant.
“Have a seat,” Kronos said, gesturing at a comfortable set of couches in the seating area next to the patio door onto one of the many terraces of his domain.
“Thank you,” I said with a grateful smile.
Kayog and I settled on the large couch across from the chair he headed towards. To both our delight, the back support was set at a convenient enough height to accommodate our wings. It was one of the benefits of visiting other winged species.
After politely declining his offer of refreshments, we immediately dove into the reason for our visit.
“We’re here on a mission to stop major criminal activities and protect innocents who have been seriously wronged,” I said.
I smiled when he instantly perked up at those words. When it came to upholding the law, Obosian were ridiculously predictable.
“You have my attention,” Kronos said.
“What we are about to share with you will be shocking. Please hear us out with an open mind,” I said, bracing for what wouldfollow. “A very important member of your society, Judge Wuras, has become corrupt and needs to be stopped.”
Kronos jumped to his feet, hislumiaksurging from his fingertips and the electrical tendrils crawling around his hands as he glared at us in outrage. Warriors of his species could invoke this energy at will. At a lower level, it could zap someone into obedience like a Taser. But at maximum strength, it could literally reduce you to cinders.
“You dare?!” Kronos exclaimed.
“Peace, Kronos,” Kayog said in a soothing voice, his palm raised in an appeasing gesture.
“You can see souls. Do you see any deception in ours?” I asked in a similar tone, before gesturing at his chair. “Please, sit.”
Teeth clenched, he doused hislumiakand reluctantly resumed his seat.
The next half hour turned into the most infuriating experience in my life. The stupidly stubborn male systematically rejected the thought that one such as he could be paired with a convict. No matter how many times we explained that Malaya had been framed, he couldn’t accept that one of their top, highly respected judges could possibly be corrupt.
More than once, I had to stop Kayog from drop-kicking him. But I also wanted to peck the fuck out of his pretty eyes, tear off his piercings, and shove them up his rear end to keep company to the self-righteous stick he had stuffed in there.
How can that judgmental moron possibly be my daughter’s soulmate?
“Fine. If you cannot be bothered to save the life of your soulmate or assist in righting the terrible wrongs committed against innocents, another will show more courage,” Kayog said at last in an icy tone that even had me stiffening.
“Excuse me?” Kronos said, in just as cold a voice.
“You may be fine with letting an innocent be thrown in with the foulest criminals in the galaxy, but we’re not going to let Malaya die. Thankfully, Lord Amreth will take her,” Kayog said in a disdainful tone.
Kronos recoiled and stared at my mate with a flabbergasted expression.
“Amreth?! Amreth has consented to such a union?”
“We approached him and a few others we knew could potentially be more… flexible before meeting with Malaya,” I said, invoking every ounce of my willpower to remain diplomatic. “We wanted to be certain that we could provide her with a few options. But once we met her, my husband got a hunch that she was yours. So naturally, we came to you first after that discussion.”
It wasn’t quite accurate, but close enough.
“But since you cannot be bothered—” Kayog added.
“Do not test me, Temern,” Kronos growled.
“I’m not testing you, Obosian,” Kayog replied in just as stern a tone. “We do not have time for you to sort out your inner conflicts. In two days, Malaya will be sent to Dakon’s playground. You know perfectly well that she will not survive there a week. So ifyouwon’t,Iwill save her.”
This time, Kronos flinched upon hearing the Sector she would be sent to. Dakon only accepted the foulest miscreants. Life expectancy of his prisoners rarely exceeded a few days, or a few weeks. Sending Malaya there was a death sentence.
“What’s the point of giving her to Amreth if they’re not soulmates?” Kronos challenged. “I thought you only performed perfect matches.”
