Dynasty (Boys of Winter 1)

“What’s wrong?” King grumbles beside me.

I just shake my head. “Is this place seriously that big that you need a directory to figure out where you’re going?”

Grayson looks back at me. “That entrance we just came through is one of ten. Dynasty is a whole underground world that spans the length of Ravenwood Heights. It’s why we didn’t just walk down here. Sometimes, you need to drive.”

I raise my brow as I take it all in. “So where are we going now?”

“Council chambers,” Carver says, walking in front of me and not looking back. “It’s where official meetings take place, and it’s situated directly under your home, which is the heart of Ravenwood Heights.”

“I'm sorry?” I question, glancing around the guys for clarification.

Cruz takes pity on me. “If you were to pinpoint your home on a map of Ravenwood Heights, you’ll find it’s directly in the very center of town; hence your home and the council chambers below it, are the very heart of Ravenwood Heights.”

“That’s kinda cheesy,” I tell him, realizing that Ravenwood Heights must be much bigger than I’d realized. I’d always thought that our private little road was on the outskirts of town. Though, it wouldn’t be the first thing I’ve been wrong about.

Cruz shrugs his shoulders. “Don’t shoot the messenger. It’s your grandfather who built it that way.”

That tiny bit of information is enough to warm the cold seeping into my heart and keep my head held high.

We walk for ten minutes, the boys remaining in a diamond formation around me which only serves to remind me just how deadly they can be. After last night, I’ll never question their ability to protect me, even though the families of two of these guys want me dead. These four guys put their lives at risk for me, and judging by the way they look around each corner, I’d dare say they might be doing it again.

My legs begin to burn, and I’m just about ready to make my first declaration. That as the new leader of this strange institution, I’ll be getting those mall cop hoverboards to get around.

I file that thought away for later because I’m damn sure that it’s a good one. I don’t know about the big guys, but I’m sure to win over the little ones with a move like that.

Carver comes to a stop and turns to look at me, and for the first time since meeting him, I see a hint of fear in his eyes. “There’s going to be a big table with all sixteen families, each of the family heads sitting with their wife and any children of age directly behind them. You’re to silently walk in and take your position at the head of the table. You’re not expected to say anything, but when directly spoken to, it will be wise to answer with your head held high. Do not give them a chance to question who you are. You need to prove that you can do this. Do not even give a hint of weakness. You are your father’s daughter.”

I nod and Grayson steps directly into my line of sight. “We cannot stand with you, Elodie. We are here as representatives of our individual families, and as the men who witnessed and dealt with last night’s crimes. But if it comes down to it, you know that we have your back,” he tells me, momentarily shocking the absolute shit out of me. “We are not to talk or speak up for you unless directly asked, so for the most part, you are alone in this. Don’t blow it.”

Nerves begin pulsing through me and I just nod, not knowing what the hell to really expect despite their explanations. Carver meets my stare and nods. “Are you ready for this?”

“No,” I tell him honestly. “But from the sound of it, I don’t really have a choice.”

CHAPTER 36

The door opens to a dark room, and I see a massive round table, spotlights shining down on the seventeen seats around it. Each chair is taken and I keep my head held high as my gaze swiftly scans around the room.

The men on the right-hand side of the table look pleased to see me, while the other half on the left wear heavy scowls stretched far across their faces. It's easy to see who the head of each family is, and who I need to watch out for.

There is one chair at the very top of the room left vacant and has been that way for the past eighteen years, at least I’m assuming, but today, I’ll take it, and somehow, I have to be proud of that.

Carver moves back, allowing me to step into the room first, just how any leader should make an entrance. I keep my chin raised with a blank expression, fighting the need to lash out at the eight men who watch me from across the room. Each of them should be held personally responsible for the murder of my parents and the attempted murder of me.