Children of the Fallen: In Cold Blood (BOOK #2)

Chapter 34: Little Things

Chloe Whitlock

We finished this surprise meeting and I'm even more nervous now than I was at the beginning. I know I said not to tell Morgan unless absolutely necessary but I'm worried that that demand is going to be ignored. She thinks too highly of Morgan- the both of them do actually. I wish I could, I'd love to but I haven't seen anything to think highly of. Grayson headed out and I was about to walk out as well when Victoria yanked me back, shutting and locking the door. With my palms exposed I ask, "Can I help you?"

She crosses her arms in that way she does that naturally intimidates people. "Why aren't you demanding a position of power in the south?"

I shrug. "I can demand all I want I'm not gonna be given anything."

"So take it."

"I don't want to."

"Why?" She hardens her stare on me, while I say nothing in response. "Why Whitlock? Because you sure as hell deserve it more than that prick Henry. More than Evie and even if you think Vaughn is a competent enough ruler he can't rule over that much land without equally competent help. Meaning you. So split it."

I shake my head. "It won't happen." It's not going to happen.

"We'll make it happen." She drops her hands at her side.

"Vaughn will ensure it doesn't. He'll get Evie and Henry to back him and they will, no question." Accept it Victoria.

"So fight for it." She raises her voice.

"No." I say through my teeth.

"Whitlock, you're a warrior through and through and you won't fight for this?"

"I don't want to fight for it." I run a hand through my hair. "After this, after they're dead I'm done. I'm done fighting." Victoria's face relaxes and slowly her lips part. Fuck.

"Elaborate." She says calmly and she clasps her hands together quickly but I see them lightly trembling. I don't know what to say. I don't want to elaborate. I let out a breathy laugh because laughing at this shit is all I can do. If I don't laugh I'll cry but I'm done crying, I'm so sick of crying. Her stare grew severe, bordering scary, "I'm not laughing, Chloe."

"There's nothing to elaborate on." I lie. "I just don't want to deal with my siblings and their shit. That's all." I say quickly and attempt to turn around but Victoria's hand pulls me back around, meeting her scalding stare as she reads me like words on a page.

"I don't believe that for a second."

I shrug. "Believe whatever you want." I take my arm out of her grasp and exit the room leaving Victoria standing there.

*****

The following night- second to last party- thankfully I don't think I could handle any more events. I head down the hall towards the throne room, we're all supposed to be there at 6:45, 15 minutes before it starts at 7 and I'm about 10 minutes late but it's not like anyone will be concerned with my whereabouts, besides most are late (on time) all the time. Right before I get to the grand staircase near the throne room, I'm beckoned by my father standing off in another side room. "Yes?" I say, bowing my head like the good respectful daughter I'm supposed to be.

"Victoria. You have a rapport with her." He states, staring through me with eyes visibly showcasing how unhinged he is at the moment. I want to smile, I figured he'd do something to retaliate at Lucien but trying to let a lycan out at a party was not the level of stupid I had expected.

"Yes, I do."

He smiles and my skin crawls. "Good. I need you to tell me everything she says. Ask her questions, find out whatever you can about-."