Fear & Desire - Legacies (book 2)

Archangel

When you and Stephen entered, you were greeted by women dressed in strange looking outfits walking around, handing out drinks. The whole atmosphere felt tense. Full of false contentment, hidden underneath over exaggerated kindness and smiles. These people were vultures disguised as doves. The welcoming handshakes were all a rouse. Everyone here was wealthy and starving to get their hands on dark objects that they probably didn't know how to wield but just wanted the privilege of having in their grasps.

"Don't drink that champagne Irina." Stephen murmured as he smiled at a passing couple.

"I'm not an idiot. Who knows what these people are in to, the drinks could be drugged." You said weaving through the other guests.

"And who do we have here?" Someone asked tapping your shoulder causing you both to turn towards the person.

"I'm Andrew, this is my wife Irina, we're the Quinn's" Strange greeted shaking the mans hand.

"I'm Francis, lovely to meet you both" he smiled shaking Stephens hand before taking yours "so, what brings you both here today? Business or pleasure?" He said lowly bringing your hand to his mouth.

"Business business" you laughed dragging your hand away from him, trying to resist the urge to gouge his eyes out.

"Hmm business, well, let me know if that changes, I'd be happy to invite you both to my private room." He said before turning away.

"Ew" you grimaced.

"Well, it seems tonight is going to be a blast." Stephen said sarcastically before someone else approached you both. A couple.

"Well hello there, aren't you just adorable" a woman smiled kissing each of your cheeks before doing the same to Stephen. "I'm Erin, this is my husband—"

"Rolland" a man said stepping from behind her with a stern expression.

"We're the Quinn's." You smiled shaking their hands. As you shook Rollands hand, he, for a second, seemed reluctant to let go. Looking up at him, he looked down at you before releasing your hand.

"Oh you must excuse him, he's had a bit too much to drink." Erin commented noticing the exchange.

"Come on darling, let's leave these two, Scar is about to release the objects for auction." Rolland muttered grabbing Erins arm.

"Scar?" You asked stepping slightly in front of Rolland.

"Yes, Scar, the organ grinder, the boss." Rolland replied before trying to push past you which you didn't allow.

Bingo you thought before asking more questions.

"Why the name?" You queried.

"He has a large scar on his face, but he's a bit self conscious about it." Erin added.

"Your wife does ask a lot of questions." Rolland remarked turning towards Stephen.

"My wife here's interest is just easily piqued. Once she starts, she often finds it hard to stop." He replied with a tight lipped smile and a nod.

"Yes, I'm looking to build my own collection, perhaps if I could find this 'scar', he could point me in the direction of the best objects." You winked.

Clearly the pair were surprised by your comment as they both gave a small gasp.

"You don't strike me as someone who'd be interested in the particular objects Scar has to offer." Rolland claimed.

"You'd be surprised." You smirked. "Come on Andrew, we better get moving along towards the auction, wouldn't want to miss the chance of getting my hands on something dark."