Page 96 of The Demon King's Destiny

Melena waited for Brennen’s laugh to die down before speaking. “If I may be so bold as to request, Sire, what exactly are you asking me to do?”

“You’ll marry him, of course.”

“This is a … command?” she dared.

Brennen grabbed her arms and jerked her out of her seat so fast she got lightheaded. “If you want to keep your pretty little head attached to your shoulders, you’ll do as I say. Understood?”

“Of course, Sire,” she exhaled.

“Good. Then we have an understanding. Caleb, pour the wine. I’m in the mood to celebrate.”

He shoved Melena back into her chair and she bit her tongue to keep from crying out. Her eyes tracked Caleb as he carried out his master’s command.

“You’ll need to be on guard, Melena,” her cousin warned, sliding a glass in front of her. Melena stared at it, saying nothing.

“Did you hear me?” he snapped.

“Yes.”

“You’ll use your magic to shield or to erase memories. Perhaps try planting some, if necessary. Do whatever you have to in order to remain undetected. I know how persuasive your powers can be with unsuspecting dolts.”

“Ah, yes, I almost forgot,” Brennen mused. “Caleb tells me you can prevent others from reading your thoughts and even plant suggestions in their minds. Quite easily. That must be quite handy.”

“It can be.”

His hand came down on top of hers, none to gently, crushing it between the table and his palm. “You’ll not shield from me or attempt to manipulate me. Ever. If I discover you have, I’ll find creative ways to punish you, maybe even imprison your father. I’ll let you watch as I tear him apart one piece at tim.”

Brennen slid his hand away and returned it to the arm of his chair.“The choice is yours, of course,” he grinned wickedly.

Still staring at the glass of wine, Melena whispered, “I understand.”

Brennen crowed at his own dark humor and the memory dissolved into another. It took Marrok a second to recognize they were now in the palace garden. Brennen was pacing anxiously in front of Melena.

“You’re sure?” he spat.

“Yes. The vision was of his child. One with dark red hair, like its mother. Marrok will still be king.”

“I don’t understand. You are hiswife! I’ve done everything short of finding this female and cutting her into pieces.”

Marrok’s demon bellowed with rage—they were speaking of Evelyn.

Brennen stopped pacing, his face lighting up as though he’d had a life-changing epiphany. “That’s it. I’ll find her and then I won’t have to worry about Marrok if she’d dead.”

Melena flinched, a storm of panic brewing in her belly. “There’s still time, my lord. I’m not even sure she’s been born yet.”

“Hmm. Yes, I suppose I can’t kill something that’s not alive. You’ll tell me when you’re certain you know who she is.”

Nausea moved through her abdomen and up her throat. “As you wish, Sire,” she forced out, swallowing back the bile threatening to come up.

Brennen watched her doubtfully. “You don’t like the idea of me killing the child, do you?”

“I—I’m not fond of harming children, no.”

“Then change the outcome, Melena. Wrap him so far up in your cunny he can’t see his way out or I’ll be forced to take action. One of them will die if you can’t change it. The girl will be easier for me to dispose of. I’d prefer not to take the life of my sister’s child, as well, but I will.”

Melena nodded, still waiting for her stomach to settle. The vision faded and Marrok was once again looking into the eyes of his mate.

“Are you okay?”Evelynmurmured.

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