[ON GOING] All Of Me 18+ Only (Book 3 of Lastor series) #Wattys2020

Chapter 22

I sat before them, the pair of heirs each council member possessed and their heirs after them. The long table had been removed and I could see every fidget, shift, scratch, and flinch they did as they sat around me. The heirs belonging to Lord Reiner's allies had come of their own volition, carrying their pride and sense of superiority over those who belonged to his opposition. As if either party had any bearing in this war aside from being pawns to be dangled at the expense of their parents' egos.

"We're still missing a few, no?" I mumbled, tilting my head as I swept my gaze around the seats.

"Sir Damien and his heirs," Artie replied from behind me. "We're still unable to locate them."

"Ah, yes." I pulled a leg up, perching the sole of my boot against the edge of my seat and propping an arm over my knee. "Reinhardt," I called, setting my gaze on him as he sat across the room. "Come." I stomped my boot on the floor to emphasize the beckoning.

With a clear of his throat, he stood, approaching me and somehow managing to look formidable in the same silk pajamas he wore when we'd dragged him and his children out of their home four days ago. He had flat out refused to wear the clothes I had provided for them, claiming he was allergic to polyester, and has been having his pajamas washed daily like a fúcking morónic diva.

I leaned back, resting my temple on my fist as I looked up at him. "Where is your brother and his children?" I asked softly.

He met my gaze, keeping his head slightly bowed. "What do I have to gain from assisting your search?" he countered, a small smile playing on his lips. "Aside from the title of traitor to my kin?"

"Traitor?" I echoed. "Your loyalty is to this family's institution, not to some replaceable scúm." I stood, closing the distance between us. He took half a step back before realizing his own wavering will and standing firm with worthless bravado. "Or are you saying your brother is worthy of being called our master?"

He smiled again, raising his forearms and opening up his palms in a placating gesture. "Of course not, Angel," he said indulgently. "But you must understand, more so than others, the gesture of... returning a... favor."

I sighed, pressing up against him and resting the side of my head on his shoulder. "Do you know what day it is, Rein?"

"Sunday?" he replied uncertainly, his body tense.

"Sundays are my salvation. They're supposed to be my day of peace, but it isn't today. Because you people continue to waste my time with your búllshit," I said with a sigh, the frustration from not being able to return to Rick driving me mad. "I can find Damien by myself but it will be a bother and a waste of even more of my time. Those two things are my most hated annoyances. Right now, you're causing me both." I lifted my head off his shoulder and brought my face inches from his, locking our eyes together. "I have been exercising great restraint and patience, but I'm tired and angry. Following arbitrary rules is secondary to me now and if I get angered any further, I have every intention of disregarding said rules." I narrowed my gaze, searing him with a glare. "I ask again. Where is Damien?"

He swallowed, angling his head slightly to the side. "Nova Scotia," he said grudgingly. "Our father built a fortress there."

I stepped away from him, folding my arms across my chest. "Are you familiar with the property and security protocols?"

The corners of his lips twitched. "Of course. My brother and I have stayed there quite a number of times, during events such as this."

I arched a brow. "And why are you not there?"

He looked at me from the corner of his eye. "Well, I felt it would be rude not to personally welcome you on your return."

"How daring of you, to use me for your schemes." I stepped on his bare foot, pressing hard. He merely clenched his jaw, remaining silent and unmoving. "Are you mocking me?"