Page 61 of His Eternal Claim

“Adrian?” My voice stays level.

He hums. “He’s quite taken with her.”

I look at him. “What’s your game?”

Vane chuckles like we’re discussing weather. “My dear boy. I’m old. My games are very simple.”

He steps closer. Near enough that anyone watching would think we’re having a perfectly civilized conversation.

His voice lowers. “Marry Crystella quietly.”

My pulse pounds.

“And let Selene marry Adrian.”

The words scrape across bone.

“Otherwise…” He swirls his drink. “…the bloodshed happening today will become rather inconvenient.”

My stare hardens as he continues. “She’ll be the first one to die.”

For one second, I consider killing him.

In the middle of God’s house. Let the priests scream. Let the guests run. Let the marble stain red. I’d do it.

Gladly.

But one thing keeps me still.

How? How the fuck does he know? About Ronan and about the plan, about today.

I never move my gaze. Never give him a single reaction.

But he sees something anyway and laughs like a sick fuck.

Satisfied. Then pats my shoulder like we’re family. “You look tense. Try easing off.”

He turns. Walks off with his drink.

Perfectly relaxed, leaving fury behind like a lit match.

My chest is too tight, my heartbeat hard enough to crack ribs.

Someone close told him enough to know exactly what I planned. I grip the stone railing and force myself to breathe.

I look down and my blood turns black as I lock eyes with Hannah. That manipulative, venomous bitch. Standing beside Selene. And she smiles.

A smile built entirely for war.

She grabs Selene’s hand and pulls her toward the cathedral entrance, toward the aisle, toward the exact church where I’m expected to marry Crystella Novak in under three hours.

Selene looks confused but says something. Hannah keeps walking. Dragging her farther inside toward every loaded gun waiting to fire.

And all I can think is, well, fuck me.

Chapter 20

Inferno