36. Alina

The Eite Cityis nothing like Monster City. There are no giant trees or metal branches or jungle forests. Instead, it's mostly buildings. Some tall. Some short. And there appear to be various districts, too. Or that's my guess based on my current view.

We're high up in one of the Elite City's towers—one that appears to be the tallest in the city because it overlooks everything below.

The lights are what gives the illusion of districts. It's the way they're laid out more than their colors, the groupings seeming to be purposeful.

"It's terrible, isn't it?" Reaper says beside me. "No signs of old Chicago at all. It's all been rebuilt. But the worst thing? No Chicago pizza." He sounds very upset about this last part. "Whenever we go back to our home dimension, I'm taking you to our Human Realm for a do-over."

Flame snorts to my left, his long fingers wrapped around a crystal glass that holds a bubbly liquid. I can't remember what Prince Cage said it was called, just that it tastes similar to some mortal drink in their home dimension.

I opted for water instead. Mainly because of the life forming inside me. But also because my stomach has been churning since we arrived and a bubbly drink didn't appeal to me.

That queasiness hasn't improved, either. If anything, it worsened when we were escorted up to King Cain's penthouse. And standing here, staring out his floor-to-ceiling windows, just… intensifies the sense of unease.

It's likely related to whatever I might learn about my sister.

Or perhaps because I just spent the last however many days being fucked within an inch of my life.

Oh, or it could be pregnancy related.

It seems a bit soon for that, but it's not exactly a human baby growing in my womb—hence the reason I can sense the child's soul more than the physical entity.

I press my palm to my belly, my heart warming at the knowledge of the life growing there. It almost overshadows the sickly feeling threatening my insides.

"Gentlemen," a deep voice says as a large, elegantly dressed male enters the room. "And my lady," he adds with a slight nod my way. "Apologies for the delay. I wasn't expecting company, as last I checked, my schedule was clear this evening."

He casts a pointed look at Orcus.

"We're new to this realm and unfamiliar with your protocols," Orcus replies, his tone unapologetic. "As a Mythos Fae, I'm also unaccustomed to the concept of scheduling time."

Prince Sabre leans in to whisper in the newcomer's ear, then straightens and takes a sip from his glass. The deep red liquid reminds me of blood, making me not want to inquire about what he's actually drinking.

The man who just arrived clears his throat. I'm not sure what Prince Sabre said to him, but he instantly schools his features in a polite expression.

"Right, well, I'm Cain," the newcomer announces, his accent similar to Orcus's. "You obviously already know my bond-mates." He gestures toward the two Strigoi Princes, who are both holding glasses of red liquid.

"As they're from my world, yes," Orcus replies, his tone holding a hint of that Alpha dominance he favors. He's also purposely restating the reminder that he's a God, because that position demands respect.

"Of course," King Cain replies. "And I know you, as well as Reaper—although, we've not been officially introduced. Cage provided some details about you after the wedding last week."

Reaper cocks his head. "Do all your weddings end in massacres in this realm?"

King Cain smiles, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Only the more entertaining ones."

"Noted," my Death Fae mate drawls.

How does a wedding end in a massacre?I wonder, shivering. I've seen a few in our village. They were boring affairs that the Viscount oversaw as the one blessing the union. None of those ended in bloodshed or violence.

"Hmm, yes, well, as I was saying, I've met Orcus and Reaper. But I have not had the privilege of formally meeting you"—his gaze is on Flame before returning to Orcus—"or your beautiful mate."

"Flame," my Shifter Fae mate says flatly. "And our beautiful mate is Alina Everheart."

King Cain nods. "Forgive me. I merely deferred to Orcus since he seems intent on playing the God card today." His attention again goes to my Alpha. "That is the purpose of this impromptu visit, is it not? To assert your dominance?"

Orcus studies him for a long moment. "Actually, no. We're here to ask about Alina's sister."

The Elite City King blinks, his attention shifting to the Strigoi Princes. They appear as surprised as King Cain.

"Although, if you would like for me to play my God card, I can," Orcus goes on. "But I was under the impression my Strigoi are now your Strigoi—by choice. As far as I'm concerned, their safety is my priority. However, if you prefer I return to my realm to discuss their fates with my cousin Morpheus, I would be happy to oblige."

My connection to Orcus's mind informs me of the threat underlying those words. However, I also heard it in his tone.

He's in Alpha mode.

"I don't think that will be necessary," King Cain says slowly, his gaze narrowing in a way that suggests Orcus has struck a chord—and it's not one he should have plucked.

Flame sets his glass down, his palm going to my lower back in a protective gesture that Reaper matches on my other side.

"Oh, I knew this would be fun," a feminine voice interjects as a screen appears on the wall that's adjacent to the windows. "I'm curious as to who has the bigger…" She trails off, her lips curling down. "Actually, I don't care. Which is a strange yet refreshing realization."

The dark-haired woman looks to the side then, her painted lips quirking right back up at whatever she sees off camera.

"Helia," King Cain says, his voice deeper than before. "How lovely of you to interrupt."

Helia,I repeat. As in… the Queen of Monster City.

Yes,Orcus replies, not that I needed his confirmation. I recalled her name from previous discussions. But I had no idea that this was what she looked like.

Gorgeous.

Dark features.

Long legs.

Wearing nothing but a silky robe.

And one of my mates met with her last week.

My lips curl down. I didn't like that realization one bit.

She does nothing for me, Alina,Orcus tells me, his mind confirming that to be the truth. But it only placates me a little bit, mainly because she appears to be eyeing each of my mates with interest now.

"It's not an interruption when one is invited to join a call, darling," she finally says, her striking face crinkled with mirth. "Or that's what Bernard said, anyway. Something about potentially being needed?"

King Cain glances at a door, his gaze narrowing. "I see."

"As does your assistant," she returns, the words not making sense to me. "Ravens are quite good for that, I hear."

"You two gossip entirely too much," King Cain mutters.

"Jealous he found out about my new mates before you did?" she asks, her eyelashes batting coquettishly at him.

"Not really, no. I've been too busy to care about anything other than my own mate."

Queen Helia smiles, her eyes creasing at the sides. "Right under your nose this entire time."

"Don't start with me," he replies.

She holds up her hands. "I wouldn't dream of it." There's a note of humor in her tone that has King Cain sighing in response.

He mutters something under his breath that I don't quite catch, but she somehow does because she laughs.

Then, louder, he says, "It seems Orcus would like to know more about Alina's sister. In exchange, I believe he's offering to leave my Strigoi alone." He looks at my Alpha. "Did I summarize that appropriately?"

"You did."

"Brilliant. Helia?" King Cain prompts, arching a brow at her.

"Why are you looking at me? This sounds like an arrangement between the two of you," she says.

"And yet you joined our meeting," he returns.

She grins. "Yes, and I've prepared popcorn as well." She stretches her long, dark-skinned legs out along her chaise, causing the robe she's wearing to inch upward on her athletic thighs.

The Elite City King gives her a look. "I think you'll find it to be a rather boring show, Helia." His focus shifts to Orcus. "I assume the human is from the same village as Alina, yes?"

"Yes," Orcus confirms. "Nightingale Village."

"I'm very aware of that part."

You are?I think, surprised by his comment. I assumed he had no idea who I was, but that statement made it sound like he might know more than I realized.

King Cain slides his hands into the pockets of his pressed slacks, giving nothing else away. He merely asks, "What's the sister's name?"

"Serapina Everheart," Orcus replies, causing my stomach to twist uncomfortably.

I would have expected my unease to abate now that I know the Elite City King has agreed to help us locate Sera. But for whatever reason, I feel worse. Like my energy is waning with each passing second.

Are you all right?Flame asks into my mind. You look quite pale.

I think… I think I'm just overwhelmed. I… I haven't seen my sister in over two years. I never thought I would see her again. But now…I swallow. Now there's hope.

But shouldn't that be making me feel better, not worse?

"Give me a moment to pull her file," King Cain says as he leaves the room.

Prince Cage clears his throat. "Did you mean what you said?" he asks, his attention on Orcus. "That you won't fight us on staying?"

"I wouldn't fight you in general," my Alpha replies. "But regarding staying, as long as it's a willing arrangement and you feel safe, I don't feel obligated to do anything at all."

"What about Morpheus?" Prince Sabre asks.

"I can't speak on his behalf," Orcus replies. "However, I can try talking to him when I return to our realm. But know that I have no control over his reaction. I can only make suggestions."

Prince Cage inclines his head. "We would appreciate that, God Orcus."

"Just as we appreciate you helping us to arrange this meeting so quickly, Prince Cage," Orcus replies, the words purposeful. Mythos Fae don't have to thank anyone for anything. But Orcus is showing respect now by acknowledging his gratitude.

Being connected to his mind affords me so much more knowledge and provides insight into fae mentality.

It's a… confusing world.

But I'm excited to learn more about it.

"There wasn't much of a choice," Prince Sabre says, his lips curling slightly. "Reaper told us to schedule the meeting or we would be shipped back to the Netherworld."

"I believe I used the word might somewhere in that sentence," Reaper drawls from beside me, his amusement warming our bond. "It's not my fault you mistook my request as a demand."

Prince Cage snorts. "Your first words were about how easy it was to enter our rooms without notice."

Reaper shrugs. "That was just a casual comment about the lack of security in this tower."

"And then you said Orcus would have no problem portaling into our chambers, too," Prince Cage goes on.

"Well, yes. I was determining logistics for our meeting." Reaper smiles and it's all teeth. "I don't scare you, do I, Cage?" His tattoos move along his exposed arms, the threat a stark contrast to the innocent tone he used to voice the question.

"Stop flirting with the Strigoi," Flame interjects. "You're a mated fae now." He tightens his hold around my waist, making me giggle. It's a nice distraction from the queasiness haunting my insides.

"It's a good thing Alina has three mates," Reaper replies dryly. "Because if you think that's flirting, then our girl is going to need me and Orcus to show her otherwise."

Flame grunts. "I'm more than capable of pleasing our mate."

"Pleasing and flirting are two entirely diff?—"

"Here we are," King Cain interrupts as he reenters the room, carrying some sort of pocket device. "Helia, I'm going to split your screen."

The woman on the video sits up in her chaise, causing the light to create a unique sort of purple glow against her black skin. Or is that her actual skin color? I wonder, admiring the violet sheen.

However, her glimmer disappears as her screen is moved to one side, her image smaller now as a document of some kind populates the space beside her.

"Serapina Everheart," King Cain says. "She was selected as an Offering two years ago but went to the Nightingale Compound, not Monsters Night."

The Nightingale Compound?I repeat in my head. What is that?

"The breeding compound," Orcus says, the words a statement, not a question.

Breeding.My stomach twists violently. What…? What does that even mean? Bred by monsters?

Bred for monsters, Orcus replies into my mind, his tone holding a dark note to it. The Nightingale Compound is where humans go to procreate.