Purple – that was the only word to describe how he looked right then. “I have no interest in Commander Michaels.”
“No, you have interest in the position of Heir. And he has that. And you just hate him for it, don’t you? You want to find something that you can use to make some kind of case against him to the Prelature, perhaps something that could cause him to lose his position.” She shook her head very slowly, her gaze drilling into him. “It’s not going to happen.”
He took a long, steadying breath. “What is it you want?”
Sam arched a brow. “Say again?”
“What is it you want from me? You want me to write a report in your favour?”
“Are you trying to bribe me, Mr Collins?” She gave him a mockingly reprimanding look. “Tut, tut, tut. This just keeps getting worse, doesn’t it? No, I’m afraid you don’t get to wangle your way out of this. My complaints will lead to you being shadowed on your next case, right? Then you’ll know exactly how it’s felt for me.” When he just gaped at her, she cocked her head. “Didn’t anyone ever mention my vengeful streak to you? I’m a believer in tit for tat.”
Proud of her, I came up behind Sam and curled an arm around her shoulder to run my finger along her collarbone. “In other words, Collins…you’re fucked.” The Prelature took complaints against its representatives very seriously. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sam’s complaints had him fired. One thing was for sure: his report wouldn’t be recognised as well-founded. In fact, particularly given the testimonies of the squad, the complaints against Sam would be branded as groundless and then instantly dismissed.
Collins tilted his head as he regarded Sam. “I underestimated you.” She just smiled.
“It happens a lot,” I told him. “People see her temper and overlook her intelligence. They’re always sorry for it.”
“Jared’s good at sussing out a person’s weaknesses,” said Sam, talking to both Collins and Eloise now, “and he quite rightly pointed out yours. You both thought you were immune to authority, untouchable. And you went on a power trip. Wrong move. You basically set your own trap.” And rather than constantly rise to their taunting behaviour over the past few weeks, she sat back and allowed them to unknowingly spring that trap.
I shrugged at them. “At least she didn’t whip the shit out of you – be grateful, because it hurts like a son of a bitch.”
“Collins, I think it would be a good idea for you and Eloise to leave tomorrow.” When they went to object, Antonio added, “You have caused quite enough damage – to the people here, and to yourselves.” Guided by Luther, a glum Collins and a cursing Eloise left the room. Antonio gave Sam an approving nod, smiling in amusement. “I hope I never end up on the wrong side of you. Do not forget that the announcement about the Coronation will be made on Friday evening.”
Like we could forget something like that. It only gave Sam and me tonight and tomorrow evening before everything changed. Once it was officially declared that Antonio’s rule was reaching an end, he would then begin relinquishing his authority little by little, deferring matters to us.
Seemingly satisfied by my nod, he followed after the others with the guards trailing behind him.
Sam released a cleansing sigh. “I’ve been waiting to say that shit for a long time.” She held her arm out to Dexter, who began to curl himself around it. “It was worth biding my time just to see the looks on their faces just then.”
“It would have been if it wasn’t for the emotional toll it took on you and your gift.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Watching a whirlwind sling her around was fun.” Now that Dexter’s entire body was twined around her arm, she said, “Novo.” He returned to his tattoo form, which began a slow slither upwards. She smiled at me. “Let’s go home. Apparently I need to give all my bottled up emotions an outlet; killing Magda all over again on the PlayStation will make me feel better.”
I smiled back, in the best mood after just watching her slap-down Collins and Eloise. “Sure thing, my homicidal psycho.”
Chapter Fourteen
(Sam)
Standing in front of the mirror, I tugged on the sleeves of my white shirt and scowled at my reflection. Many people looked good in suits – smart, sophisticated, and elegant. I was not one of those people. Instead, I looked like a kid playing ‘dress up’. Jeans, combat pants, tank tops, t-shirts – that was more my style…which was exactly why Fletcher had turned up at my apartment with this stuff. When I tugged at the sleeves again, he gently slapped at my hand.
“Stop fussing. You look fabulous.”
I snorted. “I don’t mind occasionally wearing a dress, but a suit? This just isn’t me.”
“Luv, I know you feel uncomfortable, but you can’t wear casual clothes tomorrow night while Antonio announces to the High Masters that you and Jared will soon be replacing him.”
I’d told Fletcher about the upcoming announcement yesterday evening, making him swear to keep it to himself until after it had been officially made by Antonio.
“You like the black high heels though, don’t you? Admit it.”
In truth, I quite liked them, but I was feeling too put-out to admit it. Going for aloof, I sniffed. “They’re all right.”
His smug expression said that he was seeing right through my act. “Shame Collins left last night.”
Surprised by his words, I pulled a face. “Is it?”
“I was planning to put hair remover in his NST.”
I laughed. “I don’t think he would have drunk it anyway. Not after you put laxatives in the last one you gave him.”
Fletcher smiled impishly. “The poor sod had about ten seconds between when a cramp struck him and when a shit actually popped out. Who would have thought he could run so fast? But when you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go.”
“I think I preferred it when you put a blob of hair in Eloise’s sandwich.”
His smile widened. “Took her at least fifteen minutes to realise it was a chunk of her own precious hair.”
Watching her balk and choke had been fun for everyone. “Right, I better get changed. Jared will be here any minute now to take me to the arena.” No doubt the squad would be just as joyous to not have ‘observers’ anymore while they trained.
Fletcher rooted through my wardrobe and pulled out a t-shirt and combat pants. “Where is that hunk of yours?”
When he plonked the clothes in my arms, I huffed indignantly. “I do know how to pick out clothes.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Oh chillax and get ready.”
Rolling my eyes, I began to dress. “Bossy little sod, aren’t you?”
“Bossy? Not at all. I just know what you should be doing, wearing, and thinking.” Taking my new – and very boring – clothes, Fletcher hung them up in my wardrobe. “So, how do you feel about being made co-leader of our kind?”
I shrugged nonchalantly. “I knew the day would come eventually.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
I shot him an impatient look. “You’re an Empath; you know exactly how I’m feeling.”
“I can sense that you’re nervous. But you’re also worried. Something’s bugging you.”
Finally dressed, I sighed. “Jared’s keeping something from me.”
Fletcher perched himself on the edge of my bed. “What kind of ‘something’?”