Guilt swirled inside. Was it possible Ella would forgive him? Removing her hand from his cheek, he brought it to his mouth and kissed her fingertips as he drank in her clear blue eyes. For a moment, no one else existed except the two of them. When she closed her eyes, giving in to his ministrations, his confession lay on the tip of his tongue. But a sudden chill made him remember where they were. Dropping her hand, he stepped away and pivoted around.
“Ella—what have you done?” Steel and Alexander were no longer in the room. Twisting around, he stared down at her, but she didn’t move. “You tricked me.”
“True, but for a very good reason. I’m worried about you. I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re up half the night and it isn’t due to Nate. You’re shutting me out when you promised you would be more open. Anyway, the fact is, Steel’s our boss. The Assembly won’t accept you in his place. It’s not an option, and like he said, we need to find the killer and get those signatures.”
Marcus studied the closed door of Steel’s office and tried not to laugh at how his wife had played him. Had Steel known he would object? Possibly? When Ella wanted something, she didn’t give up—ever. She didn’t back down or give an inch. Her fire and determination made falling in love with her too damn easy.
“Well, you haven’t given me a choice, sweetheart. Letting Steel go gives the Assembly what it wants, but I need to speak with Lady Tenille to ensure we are all on the same page. I need to see the terms of his surrender.” He took her delicate hand and squeezed it. “As for keeping secrets, it isn’t easy for me to share my concerns with you. But we will talk. Now, I need to speak with the leaders of the Assembly.”
He led the way out of the office, holding Ella’s hand. They strolled down the narrow corridor, taking several twists and turns, neither speaking until they stepped inside the spacious living room. After the travesty in the dining room this morning, it seemed the best place to corral everyone after the murder. A need to confess to Ella burned like acid in his belly, but he pushed it aside. Explaining why he had acted the way he had wouldn’t be a five-minute conversation. The fact he had acted out of a desperation to protect her from herself wouldn’t help. At this moment their attention needed to be on unmasking the murderer. At the open double doors, he listened to the heated arguments and shouts volleying back and forth from within, noting the increasing tension. What he had to say would only increase their impatience.
“We must have answers, and we will not tolerate being kept here like prisoners,” King Zayn shouted as his enormous body dwarfed the room.
“I’m leaving. Steel broke his promise. We’re not safe here, and I cannot stand by the treaty any longer.” Trent Le Var Bastian stood from the gray couch.
Hearing the angry voices, which all seemed to agree, he wondered who killed the shifter. Dispatching the annoying man, right in front of everyone, took cunning. The murderer wanted the alliance to fail, the message loud and clear. Observing each face, Marcus strode farther in to the room until he stood just outside of the circle that gathered around the blazing fire as it crackled and popped.
“If I can have your attention—everyone, please,” he said. The voices hushed and everyone stopped what they were doing to face him. When he had their full attention, he continued.
“Steel has relinquished himself to Lady Tenille’s guard, as she is head of the Assembly. We are merely following the protocol—do not perceive this action as an admission of guilt. I do not believe for one second that Steel is responsible for Robert Marsh’s death. However, he has surrendered himself for the sake of this alliance. I’m here to implore you to sign the agreement here and now. To pledge assistance to safeguard the future for us all. We will discover who is behind the shifter’s death, and when we do, vengeance will be swift and just.”
Raine, who sat on the gray tufted couch next to her sisters, stood and marched over to Marcus, reaching for the pen he held in his hand, ready to sign the document on the table.
“I know without a doubt Steel didn’t kill the shifter—because he is a man of honor, and whoever did this is a coward, hiding in the shadows,” she bit out as she scrawled her signature. “My coven of the White Star guarantees allegiance. It is the only way to stop the evil that is rising,” she added.
Roman, the vampire prince, walked over next, and he took the pen offered by Raine.
“I am engaged to Isabella, sister of Raine and Zephra. Therefore, it makes no political or practical sense to oppose. As such, I follow suit, but, if given cause, I will rescind my agreement.” His intense gaze rested on Isabella. Thankfully, as soon as Marcus entered the room, Jake made his way to his side. After the vampire, King Zayn followed, with Trent Le Var Bastian, leader of the werewolves, to sign. The last non-human signature belonged to a beautiful young woman with copper curls and an enchanting, flawless face. Her eyes were the color of a stormy sea, with full pink lips that promised sweet kisses.
Dear God, she’s captivating. Marcus shook his head, aware he hadn’t spoken but couldn’t
