Tarian is a genius when technology, and he comes in handy when I need shit found out. He can hack into any computer system, and that’s why he’s my father’s head of IT at only twenty years old.
I know he’ll help me keep eyes on her. With his expertise, she won’t be able to go to the restroom without me knowing. I smile as I think back to the moment that I had her pinned beneath me. My mind still running images of her lips on mine on a never-ending loop. Her mouth felt like fire and ice, the need to claim her and kill her ran rampant through me.
Stepping through the doors, I inhale the waxy scent of the candles and note my brother sitting at the head of the table. His gaze is on the screen of his iPad, but he glances up when I near him.
“It’s about time.”
“You didn’t tell me I had a curfew.” I shrug as I slide into the chair to the right of Philipe.
Philipe shakes his head, ignoring me for a moment, before lifting his gaze and meeting mine. “Don’t be a smartass,” he bites out, sliding the device over the table toward me without saying another word.
I pick it up, scanning the information about Patrick Milton’s death, which has now hit the papers. I scroll through the pages and nod.
“Do you want me to call Etienne and Tarian?” I question, pulling out my phone.
“No, Dad has already called them. They should be on their way,” he murmurs, lowering his voice as if people can hear us in the dungeon. But where we’re seated, nobody can find us. This sacred place, hidden from others, will never be found. And that’s how the ancestors wanted it.
It’s where I will be for the rest of my life if the gold nameplate that’s screwed to the heavy wooden table is anything to go by. The old tradition hasn’t died out. With every new recruit, an emblazoned nameplate is made of metal to show that once you’re in the Sovereign, you never leave.
Even once you retire like our old man, you’re still a Sovereign.
The moment I think of him, he enters wearing his cloak and hood. I can’t help smiling when he sets down the ink and gun. It’s time. The door creaks and two more figures saunter in—Etienne and Tarian.
“Welcome Sovereign,” Father says with a smirk. He settles himself in the seat at the head of the table opposite Philipe. “The Elder Crowns wanted to be here, but there has been an incident that they needed to deal with.”
Etienne’s gaze snaps toward my father before he questions, “What happened?”
“It seems Kelli has taken ill.” The response isn’t what I was expecting. “Harding will be spending time with his daughter for a few weeks.”
“She was at school today,” I inform dad, confused at what could’ve happened that she suddenly ended up sick within a matter of hours.
“I spoke to Leonard earlier, he’s taking Kelli to the city that’s why I was taking his class today,” Father informs us. “Now, let’s get this going.” He picks up the gun, setting out the ink. “Are you ready?” His gaze is locked on mine, and I nod.
“I was born ready.” I chuckle, unbuttoning the shirt I’m wearing. I thought I’d have to be dressed up for this evening, but it seems I’m overdressed.
Dad rises, making his way toward me. I push my chair backward and turn around, so my back is to him. Leaning my arms on the back of the seat, I rest my forehead on them and wait.
Growing up with the man who is the head of The Gilded Sovereign has been a challenge. I’ve had to keep the secret since I turned sixteen, and soon, I’ll be twenty-one when I’m officially welcomed into the society. An age-old group of men who run everything and everyone.
My father is one of the most important men in the country. When he’s not sitting comfortably in his office at home, he’s traveling the country meeting with investors who want to make billions with new software.
Lancaster Corporation is an IT and Communications company that runs all encrypted data for agencies that need privacy. He is the Elder who has been at the head of the table since he turned twenty-one.
Since then, he’s been working with the three other members who’ve since stepped down, ensuring the contacts we have across the world get anything they need on time. These men hold the secret of the Sovereign, but if we call on them, they can bury any activity that takes place—illegal or not—and that’s why they’re the same men who run countries around the world.
Hackers can’t break into my father’s software. But I can. And I’m going to find out all I can about my little flower. There will be nothing she can hide from me.