Chapter 41 #2
“What do you think we should have done? Scott lied about who killed Xavier, on top of the fact that Xavier was important, and he can’t be replaced.
If something happens and we need five bloodline heirs, what happens when one is missing?
Well, I guess if something happens, we will find out—that is all thanks to Scott. ”
“It’s ‘is life. He ‘as a daughter dat ‘as no one but ‘im.”
“It was Xavier’s life too, and Scott got twenty-three years that he shouldn’t have. He could try to be thankful for that.”
I was losing patience, and I didn’t want to keep arguing with Ronan. Maddox would be looking for me, and I didn’t need this to escalate any further.
“I don’t agree wit de decision, but me opinion doesn’t matter in any aspect, does it?”
“This conversation is over Ronan. Have a good night, I will talk to you in the morning.”
“Of course, Ms. Lawson. I will expect yer call.” Ronan bowed slightly as he made his way over to a group of people that included Sarah and Bonnie.
I turned just as Maddox approached with our drinks in hand. I took my drink from him as he slid his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.
“Looks like our vacation may have to get postponed until we figure out what is going on.” I looked up at him.
“Maybe, but I don’t want to talk about that right now,” he replied, looking down at me with a smile. “I just want to enjoy tonight and deal with everything else tomorrow.”
“We can tell Alexander about Scott’s sentence tomorrow as well.”
“No doubt that will make him happy. So, are you going to tell me what Ronan had to say, or do I need to ask him?”
“He didn’t agree with our decision. He also doesn’t believe that Scott should be executed for his crimes.”
“Ronan is either soft or he is working against us too. He should be careful of the words that come out of his mouth. He isn’t painting a very flattering picture of himself, as of late.”
“I don’t think Ronan would betray us, but after what he did bringing Amelia to my house—I’m not so certain.”
“It’s better that you see things for what they are—than what you want them to be.”
“I’m aware of that, but by nature, I try to look for the best in everyone. It’s something I need to work on—especially in this line of work.” Maddox leaned in and kissed my forehead.
“Some things come with time, and seeing the best in people isn’t necessarily a bad thing. At least not all the time.” We sat back down and were people watching when Bonnie made her way to the center of the dance floor.
“Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please.” She was holding a microphone, so her voice boomed across the area—people began to move closer.
“I would like to thank everyone for coming this evening. I would also like to officially announce that we have a new leadership setup within The Order. I am going to hand the floor over to Oscar.”
Oscar rose from a chair near the edge of the dance floor and walked toward Bonnie. She handed him the microphone and returned to her seat nearby.
“Hey, how’s everybody doing tonight? Everybody doing good?
Well, we are here for a couple of reasons.
First off, we have been brought here to meet Joslyn.
” He gestured to me, and I stood up and waved to everyone.
“As all of you know, Ray passed away, and this is his granddaughter. She will be taking over his position within The Order.”
The large group offered me a welcoming round of applause as I reclaimed my seat.
“Joslyn has communicated a desire for the five leaders within The Order to share decisions and responsibilities. We have come together and made the choice to do this together. To move forward into a new era with a new understanding and respect for one another.” I was relieved to get the endorsement—especially publicly.
“The second reason we have gathered is to reevaluate the circumstances surrounding Xavier’s death.
While we are unable to get our hands on the people that actually ended his life, we are able to punish the person responsible for it.
Scott has been found to be the person responsible for his death.
His sentence will be carried out within a few days.
” The crowd began to clap again with even more enthusiasm.
“I would like to add that this also means that any rumors you may have heard regarding Alexander’s involvement are false.
I ask that those rumors end tonight, and I would like to offer Alexander an apology that is long overdue.
” Alexander rose from his seat and nodded at Oscar; he then turned and gave a small bow to the people in attendance.
“I would also like to thank Joslyn for seeing something with a fresh perspective while also asking the rest of us to join her in righting wrongs. I am excited and honored to work alongside you as your colleague and hopefully, your friend.”
I stood up once again and approached Oscar. When I reached him, I held my arms out and he pulled me in for a hug. “Did you want to say something?” he asked as we separated. I held my hand out and he set the microphone in my palm.
“Thank you, Oscar. I appreciate you and your willingness to work with me.” He placed his hands together as though he was about to pray and gave me a small bow. He returned to his seat next to his beautiful wife.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to all the other leaders. Everyone has been so understanding in the vision I have moving forward. I have felt so welcomed by everyone since this new life was introduced to me. I am very new and have a whole lot to learn, but I am hopeful and dedicated to the task. I am going to be the best that I can and give you my all. I hope that you can be patient with me. Now, I hope everyone has had their fill of the delicious food. Please don’t forget the bar is open and ready to serve.
Now let’s get this music changed and get some asses on this dance floor that has been empty for far too long.
” As I finished my speech, Bonnie appeared at my side, and I handed her the microphone and made my way back to where Maddox was sitting.
“Glad it’s over?”
“The speech? Absolutely.”
“It was good; you showed appreciation and commitment while also admitting your flaws. It was perfect actually.”
It was sinking in. People could believe what they wanted to about me, but it wasn’t going to be because I was fake or phony. I smiled at Maddox and shrugged my shoulders. Music began to fill the air but different music than what had been playing through dinner. I held my hand out to Maddox.
“I’m dancing. Are you coming with me or do I need to find someone else to dance with?”
I gave him a suggestive glare. I heard a low rumble deep in his chest as he rose from the chair. He grabbed my hand and yanked me against him. He put his hand gently on my throat, forcing me to look him in the eyes.
“You can dance with other people. They will act like gentlemen, or they will pay. Ronan—you are not allowed to dance with—no need to torture the man. I would hate to have to kill him; I think it might upset you. Other than that, it makes no difference. You are mine. I take you home. I undress you. I fuck you. You scream my name. The only other name you can scream is God’s.
No one is jealous over who is dancing with you.
” He kissed my lips gently. “Now, let’s dance. ”
“Well shit, dancing is the last thing I want to do now.” I slid my hands inside his jacket and ran them up his back. He growled with minimal space between us.
“Later,” he growled.
I knew he would have slapped my ass if my dress wasn’t so fluffy. It wouldn’t have had the same effect. He leaned closer, and his lips grazed my ear. He placed his hand against my bare back.
“You are lucky I have willpower. Otherwise, this entire party would know that you are twice as beautiful naked. Not to mention how hot it is when you’re screaming my name as I make you come on top of this fucking table.
That, my dear, would make them jealous. You are lucky, I can control the beast within.
Now we are dancing, so get your ass on the dance floor. ”
We spent the next few hours dancing and mingling with cryptids and humans alike. There was line dancing, break dancing, slow dancing—at one point there may have even been a mosh pit and headbanging. It was just about twelve-thirty when Bonnie reclaimed the microphone.
“Hi everyone. Are you guys having a good time?” In unison, the crowd cheered.
“Well, it is about time for the DJ to call it a night.” Disappointment rippled through the crowd.
“I do have a bit of good news though. Although you guys do have to vacate this area and return to your cabins, I want you to change your clothes and then join everyone in the communal area behind the cabins. Maddox and I have planned an afterparty because we know most of the guests in attendance are creatures of the night. So please don’t mourn the end of the party too much.
Go get ready for a bonfire.” She tossed the microphone back to the DJ.
“So, we have to change. I am excited to put on something a little more comfortable.” Maddox laughed at me.
“Let’s go.”
* * *
It was close to one in the morning when we exited the cabin clad in sweats and tees. I had a hoodie on top, but Maddox wasn’t as sensitive to the temperature. They had really outdone themselves—not sure why I was surprised.
In the large space outside the backdoors of the cabins was an enormous bonfire burning big and bright. Closer to the cabins were tables set up under a large canopy strung with lights. They were draped with checkered tablecloths and laden with food.