Page 87 of My Pleasure

Daia looked to Meryn. “Was he this stupid before the oxygen deprivation?”

“Yup. Can’t pin that one on my Pip.”

Daia placed a hand on Kiera’s arm. “Kiera Sorrel has already stated that she is mated. Your previous relationship is very much a moot point.” Her expression hardened. “Furthermore, your disgusting behavior toward a daughter of the Air Temple is very concerning.”

“Councilwoman,” Chloe started, looking afraid.

“Chloe, I am well aware of your mother’s machinations to climb the social ladders in the human world, which is why you have been constantly thrown into Jaden’s company. He has gone too far. His family may hold some sway in the human world, but not here.”

“Yes, Councilwoman,” Chloe said softly.

“I’ll handle your mother,” Daia said, pulling Chloe to stand next to her.

“Thank you,” Chloe said, brightening.

Daia gave a single nod, then turned to look back down at Jaden. “Have your mother contact me regarding your punishment.”

Jaden snarled. “You can’t punish me.”

Sharp inhales were heard around the tavern.

“Oh dear. It seems someone has spent too much time in the human world. Toren,” she called.

A man in an enforcer uniform stepped in. “Councilwoman?”

“Can you please escort this gentleman to the Witches’ Council headquarters?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Aiden stepped forward. “Hunter or myself can escort him as unit warriors,” he said, keeping his voice neutral.

“I know. But given that this man has repeatedly insulted Hunter’s mate, let me take of this, will you?” she asked, smiling.

Aiden exhaled slowly, then nodded.

“Thank you, for your understanding Unit Commander.”

She turned and was about to walk out when she smiled at Meryn. “I’d love to have you back to visit sometime. I have a single origin coffee bean I’d love for you to try.”

“Sure.”

Smiling, she followed Toren who was dragging the struggling Jaden out of the tavern.

Kiera turned to Chloe. “You okay?” She didn’t really like the woman, but Jaden had truly been a dick.

Chloe blew her bangs out of her eyes. “He gets like that sometimes. Mother said sometimes you have to let men blow off steam.” She shrugged. “I’m glad Councilwoman Daia is calling my mother. She can’t say I went against Jaden,” she said, smugly.

“Why put up with his shit?” Meryn asked.

“We’re technically engaged.” She looked at Kiera. “My mother needs his father’s support to boost her company. His father and my mother are both socialites from the human world. His mother and my father are witches.” She stopped, realizing what she said. “We’re engaged, but like, not super engaged.”

Meryn’s eye twitched. “What’s super engaged?”

“Like you know, matching outfits and being together all the time and stuff.”

“Ah. Dating. Got it,” Meryn said.

“Mother promised me a new Hermès bag if I came with Jaden to Storm Keep so he could stay at the Air Temple.” She puffed out her cheeks. “I totally missed my friend’s gala for this.”