The thought is terrifying.
It would be a rebellion, not just against a man, but against an entire legacy of power and ruthlessness.
The real challenge, however, lies in preserving Benjamin’s life while simultaneously keeping the secrets of the vault frommy father. The contents within have the potential to give my father unlimited power, and I can’t let such dangerous technology fall into his hands, the same ones that threaten Benjamin’s life.
Although it’smyhands that would be stained with blood. My father would do the dirty work if necessary, but since the day of my birth, that responsibility shifted to me.
Keeping Benjamin alive long enough to become a full-fledged member of the society is only the beginning of my problems. Once he’s fully inducted into the Order, he’ll be allowed admittance to the catacombs without the threat of death by those that guard it. My timeline between the two events shrinks with every second that passes.
Bringing me closer and closer to destroying Delilah.
Chapter 33
XAVIER
I’ve been away from Delilah for too long. After dealing with my father, and discussing his plans to ruin her life through me, I need to see my girl. Just the sight of her is enough to soothe me.
I make my way toward Benjamin’s room, my steps quick, mirroring my anticipation. The door comes into view, and I stop when I catch the sounds of muted voices within. The urge to listen is easy to submit to.
“Ben, I care about you deeply. You’re incredibly important to me and have been since the day we met.” Delilah’s voice, usually clear and full of fire, is soft and threaded with pain. “But I don’t love you in that way.”
At hearing my bride’s statement, her conviction strong and her tone firm, validation surges through my body. Satisfaction fills my veins, heating me from the inside until I’m burning with something that’s primal and deeply male. It’s a feeling of triumph, a confirmation that she hasn’t given her heart to another man.
It is mine to claim.
“The way you love X?” Ben asks, his tone hard.
“I don’t love him.”
Delilah’s response is like a punch to the balls. I lean against the wall for support, letting my head fall back as I inhale deeply, pushing past the disappointment.
My little raptor doesn’t understand that her admission makes me want her more. Not only will I win her heart, but I’ll make sure that she falls so deeply, irrevocably in love with me that she becomes obsessed with me.
Like I am with her.
“I know you care for him,” Benjamin says, “but X isn’t just some college frat boy. He’s been in this game for a long time, and his entire life has been about serving the secret society. He might sacrifice anything, or anyone, for the sake of the Order. Remember that.”
If I were anyone else, he’d be right to warn her, to scare her away from me. But what Benjamin doesn’t understand is that I would kill anyone for her without a moment’s hesitation or an ounce of guilt. With her in my arms, I’d sleep like a fucking baby at night, completely dismissive of whatever atrocities I’d committed to protect her.
I will never give her up.
My past is centered around the Order. My father and the society had a direct impact on the man I am today. They forged me into a weapon of their design, not realizing I’d use my skills to defend the woman who holds my heart in her hands.
The one who could ruin me with a single glance or a spoken word.
“And what about you?” Delilah asks, her voice taking on an edge. “You’re also a part of this world. By that logic, you’d do the same thing, right?”
“It’s different. I would never give you up, whether or not you were mine. I believe there’s always a choice.”
Stupid, stupid McKenzie. The Order doesn’t give us choices. It gives us ultimatums.
Kill or be killed.
Victory or defeat.
Rule or be ruled.
“I appreciate your concern, Ben. I really do. But it doesn’t change anything between us. Please understand.”
