Page 61 of The Devil of Hollywood

Marian grew quiet as we entered. I headed for Bram and Elec, coming to a stop between them as we faced the throne The Unavowed sat on. Penny was gone, and that didn’t make me feel good as he stared down at the phone he had resting along the top of the arm of his black iron chair. It had me taking it in, and I noticed just how weathered the seat truly was. It wasn’t merely just worn from centuries of use. It was scarred and pitted with deep gouges in locations. It told a story of its own. The angular shapes at the top were jagged and unforgiving, just as history had been to this bloodline. What was the story of this man I was meant to sign a contract with for my future heir? I knew nothing of The Black Line or the family The Unavowed came from. I didn’t even know the plans of where he meant to take his line in the future, but he wanted me and Marian to be part of that. Maybe.

“They’re here. You may continue with your decision.”

His tone was deep as his stare came up to me and he took in Marian. I waited for her to speak up. To contest their choice concerning me at all. She didn’t.

“This was not an easy decision after weighing the evidence and agreements. The Collective High Council takes everything into account. Our responsibility to all involved cannot go without mention. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the cost. Sometimes, the cost is too high, and elimination is the only benefit. In the case of Marian LaRoe.” At the pause, our arms tightened around each other. “Marian is to be owned by Drayton Pennington, where they are bound by a betrothal contract to The Black Line’s choice of heir. They are to marry at The Unavowed by witness of The Council, and they are to attempt to conceive with witness this very night. There is no more negotiation. Our ruling is final.”

A heartbreaking sob left Marian as her body shook against me. The room was silent as the line went dead. I was… stunned. Outraged.

“Marriage, tonight?” I looked between the men. “A witness in the room while we try to conceive. Seriously? Marian can barely even walk. She’s not ready for something like that.”

“The Council has decided.” Bram’s face held no emotion as he kept eye contact. “It must be done. Find a way. You marry in an hour.”

The Unavowed stood, motioning for his guards.

“Prepare the chapel. Take the… Marian to chamber A2 so she can prepare.” Marian’s head lifted, and I could feel her stiffen. “Tell the kitchen. We will celebrate the joining.”

A guard approached, but my hand shot up. “I’ll take her to the room, myself.”

“You’re going to leave me?”

The Unavowed stepped closer.

“Marian, you have my word you will not get hurt again. You’ve paid your price.”

“We’ll get ready for the marriage together. She’s going to need help getting ready. I’ll be the one to do that.”

“If you wish.”

At his gesture, I met Elec’s eyes but followed the guard. I didn’t like this. Not the rush. Not the location for a marriage. The circle would take the news as a scandal to begin with. To not have a public wedding… it was unheard of for a line as powerful as both of ours. And then there was the conception part. I could have pretended and waited this out until she healed. I couldn’t do that if they were demanding witnesses. The Council wanted proof. Maybe even proof they could see. It made my skin burn like fire. Had she not been through enough sexual trauma? Now I’d bring on even more? She didn’t even want to marry me. She sure as hell didn’t want to have sex or conceive a child with me.

Sobs. Although silent, they shook her. Her pain increased my anger. It distorted the part of me that had craved the need to make her pay. I hated the entire situation. There was no justice where I was concerned, nor did I see a chance where I could get it. Even time didn’t grant a clear opportunity. It was all too much now that she was innocent. Where did all this anger and blame go? Melissa was dead. The Unavowed was untouchable. There was no one to take this rage out on.

“Is it the money?”

“What?” I looked down but continued through the halls behind the guard.

“I’m worth a fortune. Is that why you’re marrying me? You don’t love me anymore. You truly can’t want all the drama this is going to stir. It has to be the revenge and my inheritance.”

“I care nothing for the money, Marian. Revenge… what revenge? You’re innocent. I saw what your mother did to you. Besides, what could I do worse than what you’ve already gone through? I’m not a rapist.”

“No. You’re not. But you’re not one to let go or back down either.”

“I’m not.”

We both got quiet. I stared ahead but couldn’t stop myself from looking back down at her. Marian was still looking at me.

“I wanted revenge. I wanted you to pay for what you did. To suffer like me.”

“I did suffer, Drayton.”

“You lost nothing.”

“I lost everything. I lost you!” Marian pushed against me, twisting in my arms. “Let me down. I’ll take the pain over being so close to you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I’m serious, Drayton. Let me down.”