Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 148397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
Giving me space.
Giving me to Peter for a few seconds.
If I didn’t love him already, I would’ve for that alone.
“We’re fine. Just…two minutes.”
It cost him.
I saw it in his eyes, but he nodded and turned his back, guarding us from cameras and Victor.
“You think Victor knows more than what he’s showing?” I whispered, a cold draft howling down my spine.
“I think he’s used to keeping his cards close to his chest and likes the hunt.” Peter slouched. “In the five years I’ve served him, he’s always the happiest when he’s got a winning hand. H-He’s hiding something.” He crossed his arms, hugging himself. “I just don’t know what.”
“If he knew about our presents and plans, surely he would’ve—”
“Nah, I don’t think it’s that.” He shook his head. “Faiza checks the locations each time she cleans. Nothing has been touched or moved.”
“Then what?”
“I don’t know. But something doesn’t feel right. It feels like a storm gathering on the horizon. Don’t you sense it too?” He ran his hand over his arm, rubbing at goosebumps. “It’s building. The energy in here is off the fucking charts.”
“Give me a sec.” Grounding myself, I visualised silver roots growing out of my feet and feathering deep into the ground. Closing my eyes, I shivered as golden light cascaded through my chakras and—
“Oh my God, how could I be so blind?” Peter gasped.
My eyes ripped open just in time to see him stagger back, his gaze locked on my face.
“What…what happened?” I reached for him.
Henri suddenly appeared. “See what? What didn’t you see, Pete?” Grabbing Peter by the elbow, he fought the urge to shake him. “Spit it the hell out.”
Peter let out a guttural groan that tore at my insides. “The masks. The crown she’s wearing…they’re…he’s dressed us in fucking diamonds.”
Henri gave me a horrified look.
I touched the crown atop my head and swayed as I studied Peter.
His mask.
His outfit.
Not an angel.
A diamond—
“He knows.” Henri grabbed me. “He knows about the chit.”
I trembled. “But—”
“Gentlemen!” Victor’s voice cut through the classical strings and stopped my heart. Through the hazy shimmering fabric, all three of us froze as Victor stood on a small stage and raised his goblet. “Happy Halloween!”
“Happy Hallows’ Eve!” Roland smirked.
“Tell us you have a good game tonight!” Ian grinned.
Victor preened and waited for the murmurings to die down. Flicking his velvet cape to cover his feet, he smiled like a dark magician about to bring all those he’d damned back to life. “As it so happens, I do have a particular game in mind.”
A roar of approval.
A splattering of applause.
“But first, allow me say a few words.” Victor smiled as silence fell again. “To start, I wish to announce some housekeeping, along with a new business opportunity. You were selected to attend tonight as you’re the most accomplished and have high pedigrees out of all my guests.”
Henri grabbed my left hand.
Peter my right.
We stood as a frozen trio as Victor shot us a look through the material and tipped his glass in our direction.
“First, and possibly the best piece of news this evening is…I’m going to have a son!”
Every Master broke into over-the-top cheers. “Congrats!”
“Now your Jewelry Box can continue for generations!”
“Do our memberships transfer to our boys, Vic?”
Victor nodded along. “Yes, yes. Okay, that’s enough. Hush. Quiet.”
Silence fell.
He smiled graciously. “Thank you for your joy on my behalf. It was confirmed this morning by Dr Belford. I’m so glad the equipment arrived early, and we now have a fully equipped maternity ward.” He smirked. “It might seem a bit over the top to create an entire medical ward for just one birth, but…that’s where you all come in, my friends.”
Striding around the stage, his cape flaring behind him, he pointed at each man. “Most of you have offspring already. You’ve proven you can sire. Up till now, my jewels have been forbidden to get pregnant. Partly for my benefit and for yours, but…if any of you wish to share your proven seed, then tell me who you would like, and I’ll arrange it.”
“Wait, what?” A few Masters turned up their noses.
“We don’t want fucking kids running around here, Vic.” Roland sneered.
“Speak for yourself. I’m down with raping for a purpose.” Wilson stepped forward. “Count me in!”
Victor looked at each man. “I’m aware you’ll enjoy the baby-making part but will want nothing to do with the results. Once you’ve achieved impregnation, the jewel in question will be sequestered until she is able to return to her duties.”
“So you’ll be introducing more stock if you’re planning on turning most of them into brood mares?” Travis asked.
“I will. In fact, my team is already gathering more gems as we speak.”
“Hell yeah.” Branson snickered. “Love getting my dick wet on new supplies.”
Peter shuddered beside me.
I squeezed his fingers.
“What are you going to do with the babies once you get them, Vic?” Ben dared to ask.