But the other…
Sunlight beams, casting rays over golden locks that shine like pure warmth. Eyes that turn to pools of honey, golden specks dancing across them, crease at the sight of me. My sister’s pale lips turn up into a bright smile, all for me and the very center of my world.
There’s a possibility that I’ll shatter that vision the moment I tell her what I plan to do. Which is why I haven’t said a damn thing. Because I’m fucking selfish, and I don’t want to lose her affection. I can’t.
“Kaden,” Ivan warns as the meeting room clears out. “Stay back.”
I sigh, plopping back down in my chair as Saint hops up on the table beside me. He flicks open his pocket knife, twirling it between his fingers as we wait.
The future Pahkan’s glare cuts like daggers into me, his face remaining immovable—unshaken. “Kaden, if you can’t do this—”
“Whoa, whoa,” I chuckle, waving a hand. “Who the fuck said—”
“Listen to me,“ Ivan urges. “Don’t think we don’t know where you’re going when you sneak off without a word. You’re under my direct fucking orders now. This can’t keep going.”
My eyes widen before that sterile, impassive expression returns. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He hangs his head, the weight of the underworld resting on his shoulders. He’s changed over the last few months, molded into someone harder and much more unforgiving. “Melody is my friend too, you know?”
“Don’t bring her into this,” I snap.
Saint stabs his knife down into the wood of the table, turning his eyes to me as he places his elbows on his knees. “You already did, Kaden. She has no idea what we’re planning. What you’ll do.”
My jaw ticks as I look away from them. I can’t stand the weight of their stares because I know they’re right. “I’ll tell her.”
Ivan’s fist tightens on the table, the veins of his hands bulging with rage. “We all know that’s a bold lie.”
I turn to him, rising out of my chair. “I said I would tell her! Don’t make a fucking joke out of me. I have your god damn trademark tattooed into my skin, Ivan. I’m doing this.”
He sighs heavily, his face falling a fraction. “And what do you plan to do when she no longer wants you? Hmm? This thing between you and Melody has been going on for far longer than anyone outside of this room can even begin to comprehend. Butweknow.“ He steps back, the air becoming thick and suffocating. My heart slams painfully as my mind screams—two opposite agendas battling inside of one body. “Are you really going to give up everything you ever wanted just to kill?”
My eyes screw shut as the pain lances through me like electrical wires with frayed ends touching water. I don’t want to lose her. The thought of it fucking hurts.
But I can’t keep going like this. No one else knows about the urges I’ve had, what I’ve repressed to keep myself from being locked up. Because prison means no more Melody, and what my friend is offering me is still a way to get that relief and have her in the end. She may see me as a monster, but I’ll behermonster.
No matter what happens, she won’t have a choice in the end. I’ll make sure of that. I have my own plan that Ivan isn’t privy to, but he’ll understand when the time comes. I just have to be patient.
“Yes,” I answer, squaring my shoulders as a deathly calm washes over me. “I’ll give it all up.”
Lie.
Something akin to disappointment swirls in my friend’s eyes. “Then this is it. You’re going to tell her.”
“I am,” I nod. “Am I free to go?”
He dismisses me with a nod, and I head for the door of the meeting room. My hand ghosts the handle when he calls after me.
“Kaden, don’t make me step in. You won’t like the outcome.”
My teeth grind. “Heard.”
As the door slams, my phone pings with a message.
95%! Pay up! :)
That easy smile tugs at my lips as my chest aches.
You’re the highlight of my day. I’ll be there at seven.
