Chapter 58

I feltdread deep in my gut as we approached the Redd's land.

"One hour," Sig announced.

"I will have to meet with Anton first thing." I glanced into the back seat at Sage. "Stick with Sig and Talia."

"I will accompany you," Sig said, frowning.

I appreciated his loyalty. Centuries ago, he'd promised to protect me. "I would feel better if you would stay with Sage."

He sighed but dipped his chin. "As you wish."

The rest of the drive was made in silence.

When Sig parked in front of the mansion, I got out and walked around the SUV to Sage's door.

She had learned to wait for the door to be opened for her.

I offered my hand to help her out. I was uneasy, and I did not offer any platitudes. I had no idea how things would go.

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. "Listen to Sig."

"Be safe." Sage's expressive gaze showed her worry.

"This is the easy part," I assured her. "S-O-P." I grinned.

She had taught us that the acronym stood for Standard Operating Procedure.

With every step, I became more and more uneasy. The hallway walls felt like they were closing in. I noted that the paint had faded, and the dark accent colors seemed heavy and cloying.

The footman outside Anton's receiving room stood at attention as I neared. Another opened the door and announced, "Bredon Redd, Second to the Leader."

As I entered the room, I noted two advisors with Anton. They were not members of his guard. Both were soft, their shirts straining over their flabby mid-sections. I stopped before his desk and dipped my chin, "Anton."

"You have returned."

I did not point out that it was obvious because I stood before him. "Yes. The others are unpacking."

"You have much to do," Anton continued.

I did not sit down. I was not staying long. "Such as?" I'd read the daily reports and issued orders while I was away.

"The Burkes have not paid."

Now was not the time to tell him that I doubted they would. "If you wish, I can fly to Texas to meet with them in person."

He threw back his head. "Humph. I'm sure you would be happy to do so."

"Any monies we might recover will have to be turned over to the Council." He knew this, and there was no way to get around it.

His face twisted in anger. "Gregori has contacted a few council members and has drawn that same conclusion."

"Black was ordered not to pay the reward offered because we housed Burke." I did not add that he had given Sig and me money for escorting Charles Burke and keeping him alive.

"So much trouble over a human." He waved his hand in the air.

"Theodora is a Marked and almost died," I reminded him.

My half-brother sneered. "I assume you will now become a champion for those weaker."

"If you are talking about Sage, she was indeed born human, but The Lady changed her." I was positive that he had read the report or that one of his lackeys had read it and given him a summation.

"So, you claim."

"I know. Her first change was in front of an audience, including Luis and his mate."

"I see that you are still trying to make yourself important. I suppose that I will have to grant her an audience."

"Whenever your schedule allows." I was in no hurry for Anton to see Sage.

"Your position does not preclude her from my purview."

"I am well aware."

"She must pass my tests."

"She will."

"You seem very sure of her."

"The Lady blesses her. I think anything is possible for Sage."

"You are fortunate, Bredon. I could be quite angry that you did not ask my permission to mate with the human."

"The Lady has blessed our union. I do not believe that I need your permission to fulfill my destiny."

Anton sucked in his stomach and tried to appear taller. "Watch your tone, Second. I can end you."

"You can try." I bowed and left.