“I think he’s a realist,” I say to Gage. “So what are you up to? Let me guess. You’re about to reveal the ace you’ve been hiding up your sleeve in an effort to try to steal my people? Won’t work. No thanks to my sister, they’re practically unstealable.”
Logan gives a quick glance around. “Speaking of which, I think I see Rory in the corner along with the rest of the Winters.” He frowns in that direction. “I think I’ll go say hello before the party starts.” He takes off, and Chloe takes a breath as she looks to the one who constipated most of her thoughts during her formative years.
“Gage Oliver.” She shakes her head. “You know, you are a gorgeous specimen. I could almost forgive you for the carnage you’ve caused me. That is, if I had a heart I was interested in abusing. But I don’t. I’m still firmly committed to seeing you eat a shit sandwich. And I’m still moved to team up with your other ex-wife, Ditzy, here.”
Gage’s chest thumps with a laugh. “Really? Your move to discredit Skyla proves that, doesn’t it?”
I shoot a look to the queen of mean. “He’s got you there.”
Chloe glances to the door. “Wes is here. I think I’ll go talk to my favorite ex-husband. He typically has much more interesting things to say.”
I shake my head as she takes off. “And to think I used to cringe when Wes walked into a room, and now it’s you who makes me shudder.”
“I used to make you shudder all the time and you loved it.”
“Don’t be a pervert, Gage.”
“I’m not. I was simply stating a fact. How are you feeling?”
“Not great, but not as bad as I was with the boys.” My hand floats to my stomach. “And Sage, of course. Have you seen her lately?”
“No. But I will soon. I don’t like too much time to pass between visits.”
“Send my love,” I tell him. “Even if she doesn’t accept it, there’s comfort knowing she hears the sentiment.” I shrug. “So what gives?” I nod out to the crowd quickly gathering. I spot Ezrina and Nev setting out donuts at the refreshment table along with Nicholas Haver’s widow who seems to be laying out a few carafes of coffee. “Give me a hint. You’re about to spill the beans anyway.”
He shakes his head just enough, and those famous dimples of his dig in deep.
A smile presses from me whether or not I wanted it to. “You know, when I look at you, I have a preview of what our boys will look like when they’re older. A couple of weeks ago, I would have followed that up with—and I hope that’s where the resemblance ends. But I know what you’re up against, Gage. And I hate Demetri for it. He’s pulling the wool over your eyes so completely, and he’s using your love for the boys and me to do it. There is nothing more wicked than that.”
“She’s right,” a deep voice strums from behind, and I turn to see Cooper Flanders shedding an easy grin my way. “Hey, Skyla.” He glances to Gage. “The offer still stands, I’ll pour over those books with you whenever you want.”
Laken comes up and wraps her arms around me. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” I whisper. “I’m so glad you’re here. Try not to look directly into his eyes. I have a feeling a mass hypnosis session is about to take place.”
Gage laughs at the thought. “You’re wrong, Skyla. I won’t have to hypnotize anyone. Your people will break faith with you, quick and easy, like snapping a candy cane.”
Logan comes back and nods to Gage. “It’s getting late. Let’s get this show on the road.”
I shoot Laken a look. “Emphasis on the wordshow.”
I’m about to head to the peanut gallery with Laken and Coop when Logan takes me up by the hand.
“You’re sitting up front with me.” Logan’s side-lying dimple dips in. “These are your people, Skyla. I’m done playing Chloe’s game. They need to see you maintain the position of leadership.”
I glance to Gage, and he gives a subtle nod.
“Of course, I’ll sit with you.”
The three of us take a seat at the elongated table that faces those who bothered to show. Logan sits in the middle and, believe me, I appreciate him as a buffer.
Logan takes a moment to greet the crowd before introducing Gage as our guest for the evening.
Logan nods to the familiar faces seated before us. “I’m just as anxious to hear what he has to say just as much as you are. Gage, the stage is all yours. Keep it brief. It’s getting late.”
The room quiets to a hush as Gage clears his throat.
“Thank you to those who took the time to show up, and to those who are watching remotely. I just want to extend my sincerest concern for you and your loved ones during this trying time. I pray you are safe and healthy. And above all, I implore you not to panic. I know my people, and myself for that matter, are seen as the enemy, but I can assure you we are one Nephilim family—all of us in this together. The preservation of our kind is critical, not only for our own benefit, but for mankind as well,” he continues. “The stronger our numbers, the better we can serve those around us. And that is the agenda the Fems have always brought to the table. Not in a domineering, vindictive, or wicked manner, but through brotherly love, through the supernatural family ties that bind us all as one. As you know, the Kingdom Virus is ravaging the world. No country has been spared of its greed for the grave. Ours is no different. Not only is it affecting humans, it’s affecting our kind at the same given rate.”
