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“My name is Aelina,” I correct him, refusing to let my fear show.
I won’t let him intimidate me. Even if I want to run a mile from this place, this whole underworld thing is going to be my life soon. I have to stand up and show a brave face.
Ezra rolls his eyes. “Pfft.” Hunter straightens and goes to step toward him, but I grab his arm, and Ezra laughs. “Already under the thumb, I see.”
“Don’t start with me,” Hunter threatens. “You’ll never be able to finish it.”
Ezra’s eyes narrow. Pulling his light blue suit coat to the side, he flashes a handgun, and I tighten my grip on Hunter’s arm.
“Such a big man with a gun. You’d be worthless without it,” Hunter says.
Landon clears his throat, and Levi takes that as his moment. “Let’s get going, everyone, before the party moves out into the walkway.” He rubs his hands together, giving Hunter a sideways glance and shaking his head.
Unspoken words between them are the loudest and clearest to understand, even as an outsider.
Hunter scoops up my right hand. Levi is in front of me, a human shield, and Landon is on the left.
This is it.
This is where my fate will be decided.
I’m sure Hunter thinks all will go smoothly tonight despite the less-than-welcoming greeting thus far. But the heaviness in my stomach tells me otherwise. I have to remind myself that he knows his family and what they are capable of.
We walk down a crisp white-walled hall, where frames hang along the walls. I try catching glimpses of the faces in the photos, but we’re moving too fast for my focus to stay on one image.
Stopping in front of a set of double dark wood doors, Ezra takes hold of both handles, pushing them open.
Voices inside fall silent.
My heart races.
I tighten my grip on Hunter’s hand.
I step into the room, and my breath hitches—polished wooden floors and pure white walls. A massive crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the ceiling. It’s round, with four levels of different-sized clear crystals. It’s stunning.
Large pillars are placed around the room with vases of white and red roses on top of them. Each bouquet is perfectly round. I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s something one would see in a high-class wedding, movie, or on some rich person’s social media account.
I take a moment and evaluate the unfamiliar faces in the room. There are about thirty people. Everyone is dressed as though they’re attending a red carpet gala. I catch the shine of one lady’s necklace, and I swear if that’s a real diamond, I’m going to die. Then I take in what all the women have on, and it’s a sea of sparkles and jewels.
A puff of air rushes through my red-painted lips. I can now see why Hunter bought me this dress. Nothing I own would be good enough for this group of people. He wants me to fit into his world, to be a part of it, and I will. I have to for the future of our baby.
“Well, well, well...look who finally decided to grace us with their presence.”
My head turns toward the voice. In the corner of the room, an elderly man with salt and pepper hair steps forward. I watch in awe as people move aside, allowing him to walk through them.
I try to swallow the lump which has formed in my throat. Why the hell does it have to stay there?
“Hello, Father.” Hunter nods toward the older man. Thomas Wolfe.
He stands a few feet in front of us. His black-as-night eyes flicker between Hunter and me. Although I’m pretty sure he can’t see me clearly since Levi still stands in front of me.
“Move aside, Levi,” Thomas grumbles.
Hunter’s thumb glides over my knuckles, offering me support. I take in a large breath and slowly release it. My body heats, and I feel a flush work its way up my neck.
Levi steps to the side, joining Landon. He’s close to me, closer than even Hunter, and it’s an added layer of comfort I need.
Thomas steps forward. He’s a short man, much shorter than Hunter. In his prime, I have no doubt he would have been a very good-looking man. His jaw is much like that of his sons, Levi and Hunter, again making me wonder about Ezra.
