Demons (Darkness #4)(42)

After I had sat, everyone around me sat as well, gentlemen of old. Only Toa stared down at his giant, half-pound burger in distaste.

“So, Stefan, what’s next for you?” Dominicous asked as he took a huge bite of his burger.

“I assume you mean, when do I plan to seek elevation to your position?” Stefan took his own giant bite.

“Um, hum,” Dominicous mumbled through a full mouth. Along with titles, the guys were also shedding their table manners. Give them an inch…

“Savages,” Toa breathed.

“You might have noticed my…current problem with groveling,” Stefan said lightly, wiping his face and taking a sip of wine.

Dominicous nodded, his gaze hitting mine across the table. “I have. I plan to move up as well. I wanted to caution you, however.” His focus went back to Stefan, seriousness seeping into the previously calm air around them. “The higher up you climb, the more political the arena gets. It’s no longer about intelligence, business, magic and brawn. There is a fifth element. And with an ace in the hole—” I got a flick of the eyes “—you won’t have an easy time of it.”

“Without help,” Toa added. “It would be folly to lose your head and challenge Dominicous before it’s time. This is a game. A strategy.”

Stefan eyed the men with a firm mask. The link warred with wariness, spicy determination, and hope. It was the latter which gave me pause.

“I am your asset, Stefan,” Dominicous said evenly, burger forgotten. “I will pave the way.”

“And what do you get?” Stefan shot back.

“There is a saying in American football—protect the blind side. When I go into the hornet’s nest, I want someone I can trust behind me, cutting off the rear attack. Working together, we can grant our own destiny. Alone, and we will each work harder. Had I not found Toa early, I would’ve been ripped apart and stashed away as a guard. Or a forgotten warrior.”

“But, wouldn’t they want to use your talents? Why would they want to get rid of you?” I asked.

Toa opened his mouth to reply, but Dominicous beat him to it. “The council needs strength and smarts, but they are old. They’ve been in power too long. They refuse to notice the world changing around them. It is why a faction of our kind are trying to push their way to the forefront of human society. It is why people like Trek have been allowed to cause so much havoc. A new bright star comes through, and the minions of these old, decrepit men get worried. They fear they’ll lose their position. So they do what any brutal, corrupt society would do: get rid of the competition.”

Dominicous stared at Stefan. Stefan stared back. The link colored with uncertainty. Stefan’s gaze shifted to mine slowly. “I’ll be fine. With Jonas and Jameson at my back, I’m covered.”

“Maybe,” Dominicous said slowly. “But without this clan at Sasha’s back, she is exposed. Jameson, I believe, did not alert her to the demon earlier. You instructed him not to. And he left it at that. He is your man, not this clan’s man, or he would have followed protocol.”

Stefan tensed. But, just as quickly, eased back down. He leaned back. “I’m in a difficult position. I’ve marked her, so I have those obligations, but…”

“I understand.” Dominicous nodded. “I am also in a difficult position. Family first. Survival of the species above all else. It doesn’t help, of course, that she’s human. It will take longer for her to gain support. But not to fear; we have Toa to think of all the possible strategies associated with this predicament.”

Toa, just about to say something, closed his mouth with a snap. His focus shifted sideways to Dominicous. “I wasn’t aware you planned to let on that you lack a sense of humor.”

Oh my god! I couldn’t help a delighted grin. Dominicous made fun of Toa! How had he not mentioned they had this relationship?

Stefan reached under the table and put his hand on my knee, the link filtering his delight even though his face didn’t show it. He thought it was hilarious, too!

“Sasha, are you not planning to finish your burger?” Dominicous asked with a twinkle in his eyes. “I ordered it specifically for you. Bacon and all.”

“I know. Toa already filled me on my barbaric tastes…”

“Yes, of course, let’s make me the focal point of the tomfoolery.” Toa took a drink of his wine in distaste as everyone else stifled their laughter.

After dinner we moved back to the living room. I was absolutely delighted to learn how relaxed and good-natured Dominicous was. Also, what a tight-knit bond he had with Toa, even though they were complete opposites. They worked off each other well, one always having the answers if the other didn’t. And then, after a couple glasses of wine too many—I didn’t have nearly the mass that these guys did—I asked it. I couldn’t help myself.

“So, are you guys, like, a couple? ‘Cause I had thought you were, but you don’t really act like it the more I get to know you, so…”

“The closeness of our relationship comes from extensive battles,” Dominicous answered. “You develop a tight bond with someone you have fought beside and thought you’d die beside. For example, you have a close relationship with Charles born of close calls and loyalty. You are also now forming a relationship with Jonas.”