EGO

FATHER

Two months later, I watched on the news as Amber Peters was taken into custody from her million dollar mansion. Defeat was on her face and the one man that was left alive, sang like a canary during interrogation. He wasn't going down by himself.

"Here you go." Mina handed me the breakfast she made.

We've been spending a lot of time together and I was really enjoying her company.

And you still haven't fucked yet...

You're right, I haven't. I'm taking my time with her. What's wrong with that?

Hey, you're the one who said you didn't want to sleep with someone who is in love with you...what do you think is happening with you spending all this time with her?

I ignored Ollie and enjoyed my breakfast. The loss of my parents was very much still a touchy subject for me but a weight has been lifted off my shoulder with my name being cleared of their murders.

The Demon King wants a meeting with his sons.

I grit my teeth at the thought of being around them...but I got myself together and made my way to the Demon Realm.

As usual the spotlight was on me as I walked into the dungeon-like room. As soon as I took my seat, my brothers wasted no time firing off grievances.

The Demon King stared at me, waiting for me to announce mine but I wasn't giving him the satisfaction of thinking I needed him.

"You have nothing to say, son?"

I cringed at him calling me that, thinking about my real father who raised me and loved me unconditionally.

"What am I supposed to say?"

Nevell chimed in. "You stepped down from the throne as the Underworld King. Who are you assigning to take your place?"

"No one...I was not in my right mind when I made that decision."

"It doesn't work that way, little brother. You need to find your replacement."

"No he doesn't." Our demon father smirked.

All of their eyes, including mine, looked at him curiously. I was waiting for him to find a way to punish me as if he hasn't already done enough.

"He took a break for the death of his human parents and to clear his name for their murders. He is back now and should be able to continue his reign as king."

He proved me wrong...again. But I still didn't trust him.

"But father..." Nevell began to counter.

"I don't want to hear anything else about it.....move on."

The silence was piercing and I was ready to go.

"I have gained approval of marriage to princess Mina from her parents. I will be proposing soon..." Ericson smiled, staring directly at me.

All the brothers gave kudos to Ericson....I remained quiet.

"Why so quiet, brother? Are you not happy for me?"

"I'm so ecstatic that I'm speechless. Congratulations." I had no expression.

"Is that right? When did this approval happen?" Our father asked.

"And was Mina in agreement?" I added.

Ericson sat up straight. "She will be...."

I smiled, knowing he was worried about that part. Mina was too good for him...shit, she was too good for me. My possessive nature was beginning to take precedence over keeping her heart protected from me. Not being with Mina was an ongoing fight I wasn't sure I wanted to win.

Our demon father smirked at my question, he knew a lot more than I wanted him too.

"What's with the smile, Devin? Is it something you're not telling us?" Lenon asked.

"Not at all...just covering all bases."

Wren chuckled. "Yeah, her bases."

The others began to laugh and I smiled at the joke. Ericson gave Wren a death stare, giving the impression of wanting to attack. Our father took notice.

"Something you want to do, Ericson?"

At times my brothers fought each other, it was normal. The Demon King encouraged it and found it entertaining.

"Don't tell me you want to fight over a joke?" Wren leaned back.

"You're disrespecting my fiance with your joke..."

"She's not your fiance." I looked at him, not smiling.

Ohs and Oohs filled the room as my brothers taunted Ericson. I could see the anger rise in his eyes....and I was ready for him to attack.

"Then let's settle it then, lil brother."

I got up without saying a word, waiting for someone to lead the way to the arena.

"This way, my sons."

***

I followed behind everyone through this wide dimly lit hall. It was like walking through a cave. I've never been to the arena before but was given a few stories from Ollie. Blood didn't scare me nor being injured, I just wanted to make this quick while proving my point.

We both stood in the dirt paved circle as my 17 other brothers stood around the circle. Our father was posted on the throne the front of the circle.

Ericson took off his shirt...he was a big guy but I learned from a young age that looks can be deceiving even when it doesn't look to be in your favor. I rolled up my sleeves then got in a fighting stance....he looked at me as if he already won the fight.

"In this ring you are no longer brothers...show no mercy. FIGHT!!"

Ericson immediately came at me swinging wildly...I ducked and blocked his fist. He was moving fast and was determined to break something on my face. His punch hit my right side and I countered with a left elbow to his face.

He shook it off then came back with more lefts and rights. I caught two hits to the face, stumbling back but was able to block his knee. All of my brothers watched quietly, watching our fight intensely. Some looked as if they wanted to join in...I hit Ericson with a left.

"Nice hit, little brother." Ericson swung two rights to my temple.

I ducked again but caught an uppercut, causing me to hit the dirt hard. He stepped back like it was over and I swept his feet from underneath him. He fell hard and I jumped on top of him, pounding his face with both my fist. He didn't have a chance to block.

Realizing he was unconscious, I stopped and got off of him. My fists were bloody and swollen. The cut on my eyebrow stung along with my busted lip.

"Well done, my son. Does anyone else want to go next?"

My breathing was heavy as I looked to see if anyone stepped into the circle. Thankfully, no one did....I was exhausted.

"This meeting is over. Until the next one, go out there and conquer."

With a satisfied look on his face, the Demon King smiled in my direction...and I decided to take his advice.