Chapter 55
Scythe
The mornings feel heavier these days. When Aurelia doesn’t sleep, I don’t sleep either, and neither of these things is good for the pack.
My regina puts on a brave face, fuelled by her need to learn about her most mysterious mate.
Sharks are creatures familiar with the darkness, but basilisks are the dark, and Ghoul revels in the ancient powers he was gifted. Or cursed with.
Rufus is thorough with his morning run-down of operations.
I’d culled much of my business a few months ago before my planned departure, but my enterprises are as robust as ever.
There have been no further moves on my property.
The other crime lords are all lying low after Mace’s sudden elevation and Tiberius Clawson’s demotion.
It was a shock to everyone, even Marduk and Yeti.
It’s for this reason that I seek out a meeting with the Devi pack this morning.
Marduk greets me in his suite with a tumbler of apple juice. “Looks like whiskey, shark-friend,” he says. “But without my regina’s disapproval.”
“Thank you, Marduk,” I say, accepting the glass. He waves me over to a seat at their rounded wooden dining table, where Minnie sits with a mug of what smells like chamomile and honey tea, her orange nimpin Gertie on one shoulder. She’s nervous, and I don’t blame her one bit.
“Good morning, Scythe,” she says in a happy voice. “Lia is occupied in the library this morning.”
“So she is,” I say conversationally, sitting down opposite her. “There’s a lot on her mind lately.”
“Hence our covert operations.”
“I do not hide anything from my regina,” I reassure her. “But today’s events concern the Devi pack.”
Minnie nods. “I’ve been avoiding my parent’s questions.” Yeti places a hand on his regina’s shoulder in moral support and she covers his hand gratefully.
“I think that is wise,” I say. “But hopefully not necessary for much longer.” She audibly swallows. Finally, I ask the question. “Are you ready, Minnie?”
Something comes over the little tigress’ eyes.
Something I’ve never seen from her before.
I’d seen her the day Titus broke her bond and the way she’d come out of it.
I’d seen her stop an entire unit of military bullets with just a thought.
But this is something new. It’s dark and still, like the surface of an ancient lake that hides danger beneath.
Suddenly, I understand why this is Marduk and Yeti’s regina. Why she is my regina’s best friend.
Because I can only describe this look as frightening.
“Yes, Scythe. I’m ready.”