Sin & Surrender (Demigod of San Francisco #6)(16)

“And Amber, Valens’s right-hand snake?” Dara asked without lowering her voice.

“I had to allow logic to overrule emotion. Magnus sought to hire her, and Aaron attempted to kidnap her. I couldn’t let either of those things happen. You must understand, Alexis puts me in a…sensitive position. My goal has been to gather the best team possible to help me defend her. I have not forced anyone into my employ, nor will I. Red, back at the homestead, does not have a blood oath. You are free to ask her questions if you doubt me. Please be aware, though, that I have excellent training, designed and governed by my father. I will use it to gain the status I need, just as I will use the other tools in my arsenal. I will even attempt to sway some of my father’s old allies to my side. Some of them are uncommonly stupid, or so my father had always said. If those blind sheep want to follow me, I’m more than willing to lead.”

“Even stupid gets a vote,” Dara said softly, looking at the people strolling by, everyone playing the game. Everyone but Kieran and Dara, at present.

“My father always said that a crowd of stupid or ignorant people looking to be led is great for getting your desires achieved. If you are clever enough to manipulate them, you turn their vote into your own.”

“A clever enough strategy…for a Demigod. My words can be as sweet as anyone’s, but this place is full of elitists, and they look at me and see a level five.”

“They look at me and see a child.” Kieran shrugged, taking Lexi’s hand again. “For now.”

Silence fell between them, broken by Lexi.

“He won’t turn into his father.” She leaned around him to look at Dara. “You can trust Kieran. He’s done great things for magical San Francisco. In just a short time, he’s already made improvements for the people he governs. He can make a difference on a larger scale, too. If it makes you feel better, though, share a meal with Daisy. She’ll tell you all you need to know about his faults.”

A moment passed in silence. Dara’s and his teams waited around them, silent and watchful. Patient.

The verdict was coming, Kieran knew. It was a chore to continue breathing evenly.

Finally, Dara stood. “I haven’t taken a chance like this in a long time.” She turned, waiting for Kieran to stand beside her. She put out her hand, her hard blue eyes rooting to his. “Let’s see what you’re made of. Maybe you can succeed where I have continually failed.”

Kieran took her hand, hardly able to believe it. The communication with her had been going so badly—nosediving into tragic, even. But Dara had just publicly done a one-eighty and stuck out her hand for all to see. She was creating an alliance with him before the Summit had even officially begun.

Fireworks exploded through his middle. An incredulous grin threatened to break free.

He shook her hand firmly and felt the power curling around them. She’d been his father’s biggest roadblock, unraveling his plans when no one else had dared to try. She’d spoken up for those afraid to use their voices, giving them courage. She would be a hell of an ally. They could make headway together, he knew it.

Daisy hadn’t unraveled his walk at all…she’d saved the day.

“Sir, we have word…” Amber stepped closer, facing the trees, a finger to her earpiece. “Aaron and Magnus have both entered the promenade on the west side, half a mile from here. Zander has left his homestead with his team, heading this way. The big dogs are coming out. They must be curious about some of the new people at the Summit.”

“Nah.” Dara grinned, her eyes sparkling. “They’re curious about you. Everyone is. You’ve got people talking. Watch yourself—friends and enemies are often the same in this place.”





5





Alexis





As Kieran waited for Dara and her people to head off, I grabbed Daisy and Mordecai by the arms and dragged them away from the others.

“What were you thinking?” I demanded, so mad I could spit nails. I knew for a fact Daisy was well versed in the protocol of this walk. She’d known exactly what she was doing. And she wasn’t the only one in trouble. Mordecai had pretended to restrain her, but it had been all for show.

“Trying to help Kieran, obviously,” Daisy said, full of indignation.

I barely stopped myself from stepping forward and shaking all the teenage angst right out of her.

“You took an incredible risk, and while it might have turned out okay for him—thank your lucky stars—now you have a big target painted across your back. Did you see all those people staring? All anyone will be talking about is the Chester that got out of line and stopped a leader.”

“So what?” she said, putting her free hand to her hip. “We’re a team. I had a way to help, and I did. I’ll take what comes.”

I clenched my fists, still struggling not to grab her and start shaking. “You didn’t need to do it. Kieran would’ve been able to talk her around. He would’ve been able to recover.”

“Kieran would’ve been publicly rejected by a level five,” Mordecai said, sounding knowledgeable and therefore really annoying. “It would’ve been a bad start to the Summit, especially since they’ve fought together.”

“Dara is of high standing—”