Page 11 of Insurrection
“No,” I felt my jaw tighten. “No, no, no. Come on, Dad.”
The other Reapers talked in low, disapproving whispers as I pleaded with my dad, who offered me a firm look that had a groan building in my throat. I knew that look because it was the exact expression I wore in the occasional moments I was serious about something.
Fuckity fuck fuck. No. There had to be a way out of this, right? I mean…come on. I could not attend this Summit as our sole representation.
“I would like to talk to my daughter alone,” my dad insisted as I muttered a curse under my breath and looked up at Finias. My heart tightened at the sight of the sweet elf staring at me with concern and a level of emotion I wouldn’t have expected from someone who had just met me. Honestly, it was flattering that he seemed so interested in me after I’d spent the majority of my life as a pariah in my own home.
“It looks like you may not get your royal court meeting tonight,” I mused as the other Reapers stood and gathered their stuff. My hand drifted to Finias’ and as our fingers brushed, my cheeks heated. It almost felt like my first crush all over again.
Obviously, that wasn’t the case, but the sweetness that Finias regarded me with was breathtaking and made my stomach flutter.
“I think I met everyone I needed to,” he offered with a wink. “Besides, it looks like I’ll get to spend time with the most important person at the Summit now.”
I nibbled my lip and tilted my head, “Alright, you’re making the Summit sound a bit more appealing, I must admit.”
“It’s because of me, isn’t it?” he teased, tugging on my hair gently.
“Never,” I admonished, realizing that I was flirting with the man. “But hypothetically, if you were there, I would be really happy to see you and would hope that we could spend time together….” I trailed off, then rushed to add, “Since we’re butt warmth buddies and all.”
A beautiful smile graced his features as he stepped closer, tilting my chin up and speaking softly, “I would love to pick up where we left off in the courtyard right now, but I fear I won’t see tomorrow if I attempt to kiss you in front of your father.”
That and the fact that you would be dead.But no need to drop that bomb just yet.
I winced. “Yeah, that might not be the best idea.”
He chuckled and pressed a chaste kiss to my forehead before stepping back, “It was amazing to meet you, Ama. I’ll be seeing you.”
“You too.” I felt like fanning my damn face. This man was swoon worthy. I swallowed nervously as he walked over to my father, who was eyeing him curiously, and offered him a respectful goodbye. The two of them had a quick conversation that left my dad smiling, allowing me to relax a bit. As he strolled from the room, Finias offered me a sexy wink. Then the doors closed, leaving me and my father alone in the meeting room.
“So, the Prince of Runes?” my father mused. Oh man. I could not handle talking about boys with my dad. I felt myself blushing and grabbed a chair to sit on, crossing my arms across my chest and putting on my best “I don’t want to talk about it” face. I had a feeling my dad was either not going to pick up on it at allorcompletely ignore it. He seemed way too amused by all of this.
“He seems cool,” I offered quietly as my dad chuckled, shaking his head but letting it be for the moment.Suspicious. I watched as he ordered dinner for us from the kitchen staff on call for meetings like this. My stomach rumbled, and I was suddenly very glad we were going to eat. Who knew meeting an appealing, dark elf assassin and watching him punch Drayven could work up such an appetite?
My eyes narrowed at the thought of the muscular Reaper.He deserved that, right?Yes. He’d totally deserved it.
“So, what really happened to Drayven?” my father asked curiously, moving to sit across from me as I leaned my chin on top of my crossed arms.
“Hewasnapping…” I shrugged, “...sort of.”
“Ama.” My dad arched his brow while using that stern parental tone that said there was no getting around their request.
“Hemayhave said something that was a bit demanding. And Finiasmayhave forced him to take a nap,” I hedged, biting my lip before adding “With his fist.”
My father stared at me for a moment before chuckling. “You know, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the prince and how close you two seemed, but I have decided I like him. Good on him. I like Drayven, but he should know better than to attempt to boss you around,” he finished with a huff, pure mirth dancing in his eyes.
Good to know my life was so freakin’ entertaining to him.
“Damn straight,” I muttered, shocked by how well he’d taken that.
“Now, we really do need to talk.” His tone was softer as he leaned back in his chair and took a sip of the amber liquid in his crystal tumbler. My dad didn’t drink very often, but during meetings, he usually did—it was one small enjoyable element in an otherwise horrible situation. I knew he had been looking for an excuse to kick the others out of here, so ‘explaining the situation to his daughter in private” was a solid one.
It didn’t explain why the hell I was going to this Summit, though.
“Why can’t you go?” I asked sincerely. I knew my father wouldn’t make me go without a good reason, so while I was frustrated, I was also willing to listen. You know, despite the overwhelming panic and social awkwardness that I knew without a doubt would bubble up.
I also knew this would be testing my limits for how long I could go without feeding. If I couldn’t reap souls, I’d likely start to feel the drain and the thirst to use my succubus powers. I’d have to grin and bear it. I’d be back home before I knew it and would replenish myself with a mission then.
“There is something going on above, a natural disaster, and I don’t have enough Reapers to spare who could handle such a high intake. I need to go assist the influx of souls that need to cross over,” he explained, his expression serious as I deflated.Yeah.I was going to go to this dumb Summit.
