CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER TEN

Glancing around the reception area, Harper saw that the Underground hotel hosting the gathering was just as ritzy and luxurious as Knox’s hotels on the Vegas strip. The only difference was that the demons didn’t have to hide their true natures here. It was simple things, like they didn’t have to pretend they were physically struggling to carry their luggage, to big things like the doormen/sentries could be in their hellhound form.

As Jolene and the receptionist went through the check-in rigmarole, Harper noticed Beck discretely stuffing his pockets with complimentary mints. Imps never turned down freebies. Meeting Tanner’s amused gaze, she rolled her eyes. As usual, he was acting as her bodyguard.

Returning to her apartment after work, she’d found Jolene, Martina, and Beck waiting for her. They’d said they wanted to spend some ‘quality family time’ with Harper before the political games began. In truth, they had wanted to update her on their ‘findings’ on Kendra. Translation, they ripped into her life…confirming that Lucian was, in fact, Kendra’s father. Her upbringing hadn’t been great, since her mother was an alcoholic and her stepfather was quite simply a dick. If she fantasied that her life would have been a bed of roses if Lucian had taken responsibility for her, she was wrong there.

Jolene had been pissed to hear about the practitioners attacking Harper. She shared Knox’s suspicion that Isla was most likely behind all the recent problems. When Harper mentioned that Carla was a suspect, she’d expected Jolene to scoff and say that Carla wasn’t intelligent enough to pull off any of it. Instead, Jolene had said, ‘Someone who can hate a tiny little baby is capable of anything.’

Studying the hotel map, Martina excitedly said, “Oh my God, this place has a spa, fitness center, nine swimming pools, eighteen restaurants, a casino, and a shopping mall.”

Harper smiled at her aunt. “I’m glad you like it so much. Hopefully that means you won’t burn anything.”

“It’s certainly very impressive,” allowed Jolene. “Where are you staying, Harper?”

“The same floor as Knox. He has a whole floor to himself and his sentinels.”

“And he wants you to sleep on the same floor for your protection,” said Jolene with a nod. But she wasn’t dumb, she suspected something was going on between Harper and Knox. It was really only a matter of time before she brought it up.

Harper hadn’t seen him since the previous night. He’d had a business meeting that morning with his human colleagues. After that, he’d been busy ensuring everything was in place for the gathering.

“Here you go.” The receptionist handed Jolene several keycards before flashing Harper a shaky smile.

A bellboy appeared. “Can I take your luggage?”

Beck raised a hand. “Not necessary, we can carry them just fine. I don’t see the point in bellboys,” he told Harper as they made their way to the elevator, luggage in hand. “We’ve got arms, we’ve got a map, and why would we want to tip someone for something we can do ourselves? It’s just laziness.”

Harper snorted. “You just don’t want to part with your money.” Beck was one of the stingiest people she’d ever met. Turning to Tanner, she said, “You can take the case up to my room. I’ll need the two store bags; I’m getting ready in Jolene’s suite.” She held out her hand, but he didn’t hand them to her.

Knox is expecting you, Tanner reminded her as they stepped into the elevator.

Yes, she knew Knox intended for them to share the same suite. And I’ll see him soon enough. But I want to spend some time with my family. I don’t see them often.

Tanner’s mouth curved. It’s nice being around someone who doesn’t bow to his every whim.

Only because you like watching his face turn purple.

When they reached her family’s designated suite, it was to find Keenan waiting outside the door, wearing a boyish grin. “Hey, sphinx.”

“Keenan’s going to take over while I go change,” Tanner told Harper, handing her the two store bags, as Keenan introduced himself to her family. “I’ll be waiting out here within the hour. Be ready.”

Harper saluted him before closing the door. As she’d expected, the three-bedroom suite was just as lavish and grand as the rest of the hotel.

“It’s more like an apartment than a hotel room,” Martina said excitedly. She was right.

“I very much doubt we’d have been given such a suite if we weren’t your family, Harper,” said Jolene.

Beck read over the pamphlet they had been given by the receptionist. “The itinerary says that there’s a reception dinner taking place in an hour.”

“Knox said he wanted everybody to be as relaxed as possible before hearing out the first candidate,” explained Harper.

Jolene smiled. “Then let’s get ready.”

Approximately fifty minutes later, Harper entered the living area of the suite to find the others congregated there.

Beck was fidgeting with the top buttons of his shirt. “Don’t you laugh,” he grumbled. For some reason, he never looked right in a suit, but Harper held her hands up in a gesture of peace.

“Sweetheart, you look beautiful,” Martina said to Harper as she fingered her silk dress – it was a gentle blend of cobalt and jade.

“Thanks. Raini picked it out. You look great.” Her aunt was dressed like a sixties pin-up girl with her red and white polka dot dress and matching head scarf.

“Are we ready to go?” asked Jolene, looking as elegant as always in a violet evening suit.

“If Tanner’s here, yeah.” As promised, the hellhound was waiting outside the suite in a dark gray suit. She smiled. “Well, don’t you look dashing.”

He cast her a mock glare before leading them down the elevator and straight to the restaurant, where the reception dinner was taking place. Halting at the entrance, she consulted the seating plan and saw that she would be at the same table as her family, Knox, Raul and his anchor.

“Some of the Primes witnessed the little exchange between you and Isla in Manhattan, so they might try to talk to you and ask questions,” warned Tanner. “Just keep moving. Okay?”

She nodded, keeping stride with Tanner as he led them through the restaurant. Some demons were polite and respectful as they greeted her while others were either distant or snarling in outright jealousy – the latter was mostly the females. A few Primes did attempt to begin a conversation with her, but she kept moving just as Tanner had instructed.

Their table was in front of a dais. Like the other tables, it was set up beautifully and elegantly. Raul and his anchor were already there, and they stood with a smile.

“We haven’t officially met,” said the Prime. “I’m Raul. You’re Knox’s anchor.”

She nodded. “I’m Harper.” He then went on to introduce himself to her family, so Harper offered a nod of greeting to the dark-skinned she-demon at his side, who was astonishingly beautiful.

“I’m Tanya,” she told Harper and her family as she lifted her chin; a princess peering down at a bunch of peasants. It wasn’t bitchiness, it was more like Tanya just believed herself to be superior to pretty much everyone.

After helping Harper into her seat, Tanner melted into the shadows near the wall, on guard. A waiter quickly appeared and served them champagne, to Martina’s delight. Glancing around, Harper noticed that Larkin and Keenan were on either side of the room, their perceptive gazes missing nothing. Levi was no doubt with Knox, who currently was nowhere to be seen.

At the rear of the restaurant, a camera was set up directly opposite the dais. It would record the discussions live and allow the demon public to watch them on the TVs scattered around the Underground. One was actually in the dome while others were in the bars, casinos, and restaurants. The footage would also be shown in each and every hotel room.

Feeling eyes on her, Harper turned to find a particular she-demon staring at her with contempt. Isla. She looked amazingly beautiful yet so very, very cold.

Following Harper’s gaze, Jolene leaned into her. “She’s definitely not a happy bunny.” She took a sip of her champagne. “Good.”

Harper’s inner demon agreed that it was, in fact, good; that anything that annoyed the bitch claiming she had rights to Knox was good.

Raul must have noticed Isla’s glare too, because he said, “I didn’t actually witness your dispute with Isla at the conference in New York. What was it about?”

“This and that,” Harper replied.

He grinned. “Given that you’re an imp, I suppose I should have expected an evasive response.”

“This is going to be a lovely dinner,” said Martina, reading the menu. “It’s a shame it will be spoiled with political crap.”

Yeah, their lair wasn’t much into politics. They were like one huge family and that, in Harper’s opinion, was why there were so few issues within their lair.

Knox’s mind stroked hers just as a door near the dais opened. Dressed in a black, tailored designer suit, he walked inside with that innate animal grace that never failed to take her breath away. Levi slipped out behind him and took up a position beside Tanner.

Silence fell across the room as the guests all turned their attention to Knox. Halting in the center of the dais near the stand, he spoke. “For many years now, demon lairs have kept to themselves. The U.S. has had no Monarch or power structure except within our own individual lairs. It has worked well. Yet, as you know, three Primes in this room have proposed a change. They believe it would benefit the U.S. to have a Monarch that oversees the other lairs.

“During the course of this weekend, each of the three Primes will put forth their case, present you with reasons why we should not only have a ruling Prime but elect them as said Monarch. Two weeks from now, the U.S. demon population will be asked to vote whether they are in favor of a change – if they are in favor, they will also be asked to state which candidate they wish to elect.”

His face hardened slightly. “I would like to make it clear that although I have agreed to host this gathering, I am not in favor of the change. I believe that power structures simply don’t work for demons. The extent of power that a Monarch would be given never fails to corrupt and bring chaos. But you each have to make up your own mind on that, and that’s why we’re here today.”

Menace slithered into his voice. “There are rules that must be followed in order for this to be an effective democracy. Firstly, there will be no dueling between Primes, no threats, and no ultimatums. The decision made two weeks from now will be based on votes alone. If you wish to win those votes, you will need to present a civil case. Secondly, there will be no destruction of property – I will take it very personally if someone should violate that.”

Harper gave Martina a meaningful look, who smiled reassuringly.

Knox scanned the room. “Are the rules clear?” There was a chorus of ‘yes.’ He nodded. “Good. The first Prime will put forward their case two hours from now. In the meantime, enjoy your dinner.”

Stepping off the dais, he headed straight for Harper, looking very predatory in that moment. Following the lead of the others at the table, she politely stood to greet him, and his gaze roamed over her in a way that made her feel naked. When he reached her, he brushed his mouth against her cheek – not uncommon behavior between anchors.

“Harper,” Knox rumbled. For the first time that day, his inner demon relaxed. It had obsessed over Harper every minute of every hour, which Knox would have snorted at if he hadn’t been doing the same. It was like her scent, her taste, and the feel of her was all imprinted on his system so that he couldn’t get her out of his head. All I want to do is back you into the wall, flip up that dress, and fuck you so hard you can’t walk.

She smiled, knowing that her face was heating. And they say romance is dead. “Knox,” she greeted in return.

Raul went to speak, but his anchor beat him to it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thorne. I’m Tanya.” Going by the respectful way she spoke to him, Harper figured that Tanya considered Knox an equal. She also seemed to consider him fair game, if the sultry smile she gave him was anything to go by. Harper’s inner demon hissed.

The woman was waiting for a reaction, Knox realized. She was used to males admiring and wanting her, and she was waiting for him to cast an appreciate eye over her. She was a female who knew how to play the seduction game – a game he hadn’t realized he was so weary of until Harper came along. She outshone Tanya by far, and he wondered if either of the females knew it. Knox simply said, “Ah, you’re Raul’s anchor.”

Tanya’s face tightened, her cheeks turning pink. It probably made her more annoyed that Knox greeted the others by name.

No sooner had they sat down than the starters were brought out. Between each delicious course, various Primes came to their table and talked briefly with him. They wanted him to know that they fully agreed that electing a Monarch would be a bad move, and they were interested in his opinion on whether or not the demon public would feel the same.

All of them had heard that the missing strays were found, and it seemed that most of them suspected Isla had kidnapped them as part of a campaign tactic. The woman wasn’t fooling these people; they knew her too well. They confirmed that she was the source of the rumors that Harper wasn’t Knox’s true anchor, and they were clearly hoping he would explain why Isla seemed to have such an issue with Harper. He didn’t, though. His private business wasn’t theirs to know.

Isla’s very unhappy, Levi told Knox. She’s been watching you and Harper closely.Every time you introduce Harper to people as your anchor and they give her the respect and acknowledgment that she’s due, Isla snarls at them.

Watch her. Warn me if she approaches.

Quick question: Are you so on edge because Isla’s nearby or because a lot of males are sending Harper admiring glances?

Both. The males were subtle about it, as if fearing it would trigger Knox’s possessiveness as her anchor, but it still pissed off Knox and his demon. Tanya didn’t appear to like it either, obviously feeling that all male attention should be focused on her. Whenever his anchor caught Tanya glaring at her, she’d glare right back until Tanya looked away. Then Jolene would cackle.

“The Primes are like a bunch of old women looking for gossip,” Harper whispered when there was a lull in the visits to their table.

“Yes,” he agreed, discretely placing his hand on her knee beneath the table. For a moment, she froze. But then she relaxed under his hand, and his inner demon smiled in satisfaction.

There weren’t many people who were relaxed around Knox. They were always on their guard to some extent, and it was wise of them to be wary. But the one person he’d never harm was Harper, and it pleased him and his demon that she believed that. No one could have blamed her for fearing him after witnessing what he could do, but she still trusted him with her safety. She probably had no idea what that meant to him.

“They’re also looking for a weak spot in Isla,” he told her, admiring the sapphire color of Harper’s eyes. “We wouldn’t be here today if she hadn’t pushed for it. They don’t want her to succeed.”

“Why don’t you just tell them that she’s suffering from delusions?”

“I don’t explain myself to people.” He drew circles on her inner knee with his thumb, loving the velvety feel of her skin. “They seem to be drawing their own conclusions anyway. And no one appears to believe her lies about you.”

She sipped at her champagne. “I got a call from Lucian earlier.”

“He’s heard about all this?”

“No, he’s in Australia right now. He doesn’t have a clue what’s going on in the U.S. He probably wouldn’t care anyway. Being a nomad, he doesn’t consider himself to be a U.S. citizen.”

“Did you tell him?”

“Nah.”

“You didn’t tell him about me either, did you?” Knox involuntarily clenched his hand on her knee. “That’s why you didn’t mention the election. You don’t want him to come here.”

Harper sighed. “I didn’t tell him because I’m not yet sure if having him near Kendra is wise. If she is behind what happened to me, then I’ve no doubt she could target him too. And, I admit, I’m really not looking forward to him having a shouting match with you.”

“He’ll be that opposed to me being your anchor?”

“He’s protective in his own way. He’ll think I’m not safe with you.”

Like Lucian was a stable presence in her life. “But you know differently. You know I’d never harm you.”

“I know,” she confirmed, watching as his eyes warmed.

“Good evening, Knox,” said a familiar voice that made Harper inwardly roll her eyes. Dear ole Malden. He nodded at Harper before smiling at her grandmother. “Jolene, it’s good to see you.”

Jolene smiled, twisting in her seat to face him. “Oh, hello…um…”

Harper leaned into her grandmother. “It’s Malc—”

“Malden,” he stressed, a tick in his cheek going crazy again.

Smiling brightly, Harper clicked her fingers. “That’s what I was going to say.”

I’d feel sorry for him if it wasn’t for the fact that I know he wants you, said Knox. Malden wasn’t quite as subtle about it as the others, but Harper didn’t seem to sense his interest any more than she sensed the interest of the others.

“Is it time for you to present your case already?” asked Jolene.

“It is.” Turning to Knox, Malden said, “I hope I can change your stance on electing a Monarch.”

Knox shook his head. “No one can do that.” Malden just smiled enigmatically before disappearing. “He must think he has a convincing argument if he believes he can change my mind.”

“Or he’s just as delusional as Isla,” suggested Harper.

The chatter died down as Malden walked onto the dais and leaned on the stand. Harper thought he looked oddly amused. “I never thought there’d be a day that I’d agree with Isla Ross on anything.” That got some laughs, which hopefully irritated the bitch. “But she’s right about one thing – we need better order. Knox Thorne also has a point, though. Our kind has never done well with power structures. It’s in our nature to seek power, not to share it. And that urge to seek it is stronger in some than it is in others. But that is the very reason why we need an authority above others; we need a Monarch that keeps the peace.

“The other candidates will tell you that a hierarchical structure would work best.” He shook his head. “There is no ‘best’ form of power structure for demons. There is only a solution to the problems we face. A Monarch – a demon that has power above all others – can provide that. And that is the only change I intend to make. I don’t wish to introduce a structure, simply a Monarch.”

Well, that’s different from Isla’s proposal, began Harper. He probably thinks it will bring the Primes on board. Knox gave an almost imperceptible nod.

“My wish isn’t to rule you all. Demons aren’t creatures to be ruled; we’re free and wild, and we wish to stay that way. My intention is to guide, protect, and defend. The only thing I ask of you is this: You trust me to provide our kind with what we need. And what do we need? Quite simply, we need order. And we’ll never have that as long as we’re allowed to war with each other without consequences. We’ll never have it as long as we don’t know exactly what the general public wants, because that only breeds strife, unhappiness, and resentment.”

Malden zoomed in on the camera, addressing the public. “Every decision shouldn’t be made by your Primes with your best intentions at heart. You should all have a voice, all have a say in your own lives. That is what I am promising every demon out there in exchange for your trust: A voice.

“Should any of you have an issue that your Prime is not addressing, you can report to me. If any of you wish to complain of injustices committed by your Prime, you can report to me. If a lair is having problems because of another, they can come to me – avoiding disputes and wars. And if in the future I feel that changes need to be made, it would go to a vote; each and every one of you would be part of that decision. So if you want a voice, if you want peace and protection, vote for me.”

Jolene drank some of her champagne. “Smart of him to promise a voice. To have a voice is to have an element of power. Every demon will find that an attractive idea.”

“I don’t think he wrote that speech himself,” said Raul. “He isn’t smooth enough.”

Beck nodded. “Politicians rarely write their own speeches.”

“Any questions?” Malden asked.

One of the Primes called out, “You don’t want the lairs to exist on levels of power?”

“No. Such a hierarchy wouldn’t work in the long run. It’s too strict.” Malden smiled as he added, “Demons don’t like laws, they like loopholes. All I’m proposing is that I’m elected as Monarch – a demon with influence and authority above all Primes of the U.S.”

“But is any kind of Monarch truly realistic?” asked Raul. “You’re powerful, Malden, but there are Primes more powerful than you. How do you intend to exert authority over them?”

“If the demon public of the U.S. elect me as Monarch, they have given me that authority,” replied Malden.

“Yes, but how would you exert it?” Raul persisted. “Knox Thorne has clearly stated he’ll never answer to another. I don’t think anyone’s in a position to force him to do anything he doesn’t wish to do.”

Malden inclined his head. “I’d hope the other Primes, Knox Thorne included, would respect the opinions of the public enough not to dismiss my authority. Dismissing it would be a betrayal of every American demon.”

Ooh, that was a clever answer, Harper told Knox. It would make her anchor the bad guy if he stood up to Malden, not the more powerful of the two. But she doubted that would bother Knox, since he didn’t care for the opinions of others.

Raul turned to Knox as he said loud enough for everyone to hear, “Honestly, what would you do if someone was made Monarch and tried interfering in your business?”

Knox replied coolly, “Ensure they reconsidered ever doing it again.”

A Prime on a neighboring table spoke to Malden then. “Here’s what I think will happen if you’re made a Monarch. The demons scattered around the U.S. who are unhappy with the decision will request to join the lairs of Primes that they believe you can’t overpower, thereby stopping you from having any say in their lives.”

Malden considered it for a moment and then shrugged. “That would be their decision, and I would have to respect it.”

“But don’t you see the consequences of that?” asked the same Prime. “The lairs of the more powerful Primes would therefore grow. Knox Thorne already has a large lair. It would get bigger and bigger and bigger with every fuck up you made. And you would fuck up – all leaders do it sooner or later, because you just can’t please everyone.”

“He has a very good point,” Jolene said to Harper quietly.

A Prime near the back of the room called out, “Think of what would happen if you started pissing off the Primes, Malden, or if they found they couldn’t take being under the rule of someone else. They would all unite to overpower you…and then we’re right back to where we are now. Sure, our kind has problems the way things stand now. But there will always be problems. To elect you might solve some of our issues, but it would just bring us new ones.”

Murmurs of agreement spread around the room. A few more questions were asked before Malden stepped down and returned to his table.

“I have to say, Malden surprised me.” Raul leaned back in his seat. “I didn’t think he was taking this all that seriously.”

“I thought he just wanted to avoid answering to another demon, but now I’m thinking he’s very interested in being Monarch,” said Beck.

“I don’t believe any of the Primes will support him,” began Knox. “None of them are interested in having a leader. But I think that if placed in a position where they felt forced to answer to someone, they would rather it was Malden, since he doesn’t want to make many changes.”

Jolene nodded. “The rest of the U.S. demon population, however, might very well be in favor of him.”

And that was a scary thought.