The Rebel Queen (Outlaw 1)

“Because I have to be the realist. Because you’re far too busy playing the charming rogue and hanging on to all your ridiculous romantic dreams,” Rhys shot back. “One of us has to be pragmatic. Remember what happened the last time you played the hero. I paid, Lee. My scars might have healed, but I assure you I remember the night. I dream about it. I wake up screaming because of it, so you know what…go and find her. It will be easier to win this war if I’m not constantly trying to keep you alive.”

“Rhys,” Lee began.

Rhys ignored him. “Mother, I’m going to get some people to help take this shipment in and deliver it where it needs to go. I’m sorry the day went poorly. We can try again tomorrow if you decide that’s what you want to do.”

“Rhys, I’m sorry,” Lee practically begged.

“You always are.” Rhys turned and walked off.

“I think Shy is needed here more than I am right now,” my father said. And then Shy was in control again. “I’m going to help Rhys. I’ll calm him down, Your Highness.”

She jogged after him, and I was glad someone was with him.

“Dean, Neil, could I have a moment with my son?” I didn’t think I should make this a public discussion.

Neil nodded and led Dean off.

I turned to Lee. “What was that about? What happened to your brother?”

Lee had paled, but he shook his head. “I’m sorry. That’s his story to tell. I’m actually shocked he brought it up in front of anyone else. It’s been a hard twelve years. I know I smile a lot but…it was hard and I miss Mia. I wasn’t trying to be an asshole.”

What had happened to Rhys? Would he even talk to me about it? Or had I lost that right by being gone so long? He’d become a man without his parents around, and despite the fact it hadn’t been our choice, he might never look to us for comfort again. At least Lee seemed willing to accept my affection. I wrapped an arm around his waist. “I know, baby. But you need to apologize to your brother. He’s worried about your transition, and not for the reason you think.”

“I’m going to be fine. I’m not even worried about the pain,” Lee countered.

“Rhys is worried. He’s worried he’s going to lose his brother. He’s worried you’re going to become a vampire and leave him behind. You throw yourself into things and forget he’s around.” He’d done it his whole childhood. Lee had been the force of nature and Rhys the dutiful child.

“No, I don’t.” His head dropped down, resting against mine. “I guess I do. I remember how he used to ask me to play, but I wanted to work with Kelsey. And then I wanted to study languages. The weird thing is it was all about trying to make myself special. Rhys…I mean the Fae have always bowed down to him, and Evan was the only girl.”

“But you were special to Rhys. You were his brother, his twin. You think he didn’t feel the distance? You didn’t know it at the time, but you were drawn to Mia for a reason. The same way your dad and I bonded when we were kids. I’m not saying you did anything wrong. I’m just saying that Rhys has always felt you pulling away from him.”

“I didn’t mean to make him feel that way.” Lee stepped back, a frown on his face. “I love my brother. I would die for him. We’re closer now than we were as kids. Rhys and Evan and Fen are my crew.”

He remembered the language of his childhood, the language of thieves. “Give him a little time to calm down and then maybe spend some of your evening with him. Let him know you’re here, that you’re still his brother,” I advised.

“He missed you, too,” Lee whispered. “I know he seems cold, but I think he’s scared you won’t like who he is now. Evan, too. All Evan needs is for you to be yourself around her, but Rhys might need a push. Oh, hey, it looks like the dads are back.”

I glanced over at the mirror and sure enough, the door had come open and Daniel and Dev had walked through.

“Brother,” Declan began with a sigh of obvious relief.

Dev simply growled, tackled him, and started to punch.

“I missed you guys so fucking much,” Lee said, and the smile was back on his face. “Sorry. I’ll try to curse less.”

He could try, but it wouldn’t work. It was in his blood.

“Oww, I don’t think Uncle Declan is having more kids,” Lee observed.

At least one dude was having a worse day than me.

* * * *

A few hours later I sat studying the Council building layout that Sasha had given me. One of our spies had made detailed notes on all the changes that had taken place over the years. There were also pictures that made my blood boil. Pictures of my gorgeous penthouse redecorated to look like a freaking mausoleum. Someone had a serious hard-on for red and black and thought leather was a reasonable drapery choice.