Unexpected: Forever His (Book 1)

Chapter 30: The Hour of Reckoning

I tapped my fingers impatiently on the bar as the clock slowly ticked away. I glanced at Xavon who looked nervously back at me. Neither of us were any wiser to Dante's plans from when he had first told us about them an hour ago and I think we both were unnerved.

I glanced over at Dante and saw that he was watching me intently. When he saw me watching him, he stood and stepped over to us. "You are going to be the most amazing Queen this world has ever seen. Never question that."

I nodded. "I won't. Dante, what is..."

He held up his hand. "He's here."

Xavon stood and I followed as we exited the room and waited at the doorway of the parlor. I felt it as soon as he got close. The feeling of unease spread throughout my body and I moved closer to Xavon who stepped more in front of me for a shield as Donovan rounded the corner with Alexander and Damen at his flanks. I shivered at seeing those two together again.

Upon seeing how Xavon was shielding me, Donovan laughed. "So, it seems you didn't tell them of the upcoming transaction." He glared at Xavon. "Heel, pup. I haven't come for your Queen, have I, Dante?" His sinister laughter echoed through the parlor.

Dante held his hand out towards the doorway. "Let's discuss the terms more clearly inside, shall we?"

Donovan nodded as Alexander appeared to scowl behind him. "Of course."

They stepped past us and through the door. As Donovan passed by me, he smirked and glanced behind him. Alexander did not even glance in my direction, but Damen looked at me in an almost apologetic manner.

I followed them in and positioned myself on one of the stools at the bar to the side of where the others sat.

"So, what terms do you feel need to be discussed?"

"I understand my terms. I want to make sure you understand yours."

"You are giving me something I have wanted for centuries. I have no reason to go back on my word."

Xavon stood and turned towards Dante. "What the hell terms are you agreeing to? Could you stop talking in riddles with the wraith and talk to me about terms since I am supposed to be your First Enforcer?"

Dante stood and placed his hand on Xavon's shoulder and Donovan stood as well. "So, you'll be the new man in charge, huh? Wise choice, Dante. He has guts, that one."

Dante glared at Donovan before he glanced back at me and back to Xavon. "The terms of our agreement are clear. I am leaving Syros with Donovan and joining his forces. In exchange, he has agreed to leave our land in peace." He glanced back at me again and turned more so he could look directly at me. "And Kayla."

Xavon just stared dumbfounded at Dante. "You can't be serious?!? Are you really fool enough to believe he will ever stand by his word and stay away from Kayla?"

Dante nodded. "Aye. Call me fool if you must, but I am leaving here with Donovan. You will be the new leader of this land until Kayla is ready to step into her destiny...without me."

Donovan stepped past Dante and stopped right in front of me. "It was a tough decision really. I debated with it back and forth until I decided having his vast skill and not the need to train him would be an excellent advantage in defeating you when the time comes, daughter. Plus, he's not just coming back as a warrior in my army." His purple eyes darkened. "Your mother never told you, but you have a sister. She is just younger than you and she has come of age. Dante has just agreed to wed her."

I looked past him at Dante as he nodded. I blinked away tears as I turned my head and stood from the stool. "So, my forgiveness meant nothing to you? The fact that we could...we could have..."