God of Malice (Legacy of Gods #1)(105)

My smirk remains in place, but it falters for a bit and it’s Landon’s turn to smirk. “That’s right, I did my research and even fucked the skeletons in your closet. A bit dry, but they’d do. Not sure our little princess would like them that much. Isn’t that right, Eli?”

“I’m inclined to agree. Our Glyn was always a scaredy-cat, never liked skeletons.”

“Or hypocrites.”

“Or you.” I grin.

“The fuck did you just say?”

“Your own brother and sister don’t even like you, so you fill that emptiness with sculptures and this whole bullshit. Very sad.”

He swings his club and hits me across the face. Eli opens the water, and this time, I swing and fall backward.

The loud thud echoes in the air as my body hits the ground.

My vision blackens from the lack of air as cold water drenches me whole.

Ah, fuck.

I’m going to lose consciousness. Or worse, maybe die.

People say their life flashes before their eyes in the last moments, but that’s not what happens.

My life isn’t what I see.

It’s Glyndon smiling. I always liked her sweet little smile, probably because it was rarely ever directed at me.

She’s smiling at me now, calling my name, but I can’t hear her.

A commotion snaps me from the image that I was enjoying.

The water stops and I twist onto my side, coughing and inhaling air as if through small straws.

“What is wrong with you?” Brandon pushes at Eli’s chest. “How can you help him with this?”

“He asked nicely?” Eli says casually.

“Stop it!”

My blood roars in my ears at the sound of her voice. Glyndon.

From my blurry vision, I can make out her silhouette getting in Landon’s face.

“I told him to stay away, he didn’t listen, so I’m just teaching him a valuable lesson here, little princess.”

“And who the hell are you to teach people lessons? Do you really consider yourself a god? News flash, you’re not.”

“He’s manipulating you and will eventually hurt you.”

“That’s still nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

“You don’t know what’s good for you, Glyn.”

“I’m old enough to make my own life choices and I’m choosing this, Lan. I’m finally choosing someone myself, without them having to go through your approval process. Can’t you let me have that?”

Can I kiss her and not die? Actually, I’m fine with dying for this kiss.

“No,” Landon says dismissively. “Now, take Bran and leave.”

“No.”

“What the fuck did you just say?”

“I said no, Lan. Fucking no. I’m sick and tired of your controlling ways and tiptoeing around you and avoiding you. I’m so damn tired. Just stop. Stop being so out of line, stop making us scared of you. We aren’t supposed to be scared of our own brother.”

“Glyn…” Bran comes to her side, trying to pull her back, but my fucking girl slips away from his hold.

“No, we’re doing this, Bran.”

“That’s my ticket out.” Eli waves. “Happy family meeting, Kings.”

Bran softens his voice. “Glyn, this isn’t the right time.”

“And when is the right time? For how long are we supposed to take this from him? This is about as right a time as any to tell him we’re through pretending to like him in front of Mum and Dad. We’re through covering his actions and making him appear to be a perfect genius when he’s nothing more than an unfeeling person. You’re supposed to be on our side, not against us, Lan. We’re family, not enemies. Bran is your twin brother, not your competition. I’m your sister, not your damn property.”

“Is the word vomit done?” Landon’s expression doesn’t change, but he sounds edgy.

That’s right. I pushed straight where it hurts.

I told him his siblings don’t like him and he’s now seeing the proof.

“No,” Glyndon says. “You’ll let Killian go and stop meddling in my business.”

“And if I say no?”

“I’ll tell Grandpa, Papa, and Uncle. When they find out about all your actions, they’ll put you on a leash.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Just like you threatened us all our lives. Tastes bitter coming from your family, doesn’t it?” Then she runs toward me and I think I let go then.

She’s here.

It’s all good now.

“Killian! Kill! Open your eyes…” She lifts my head on her lap, fawning over me with worry dripping from her every word and touch.

She’s really my custom-made angel, my Glyndon.

As she holds me, I meet Landon’s gaze and smirk.

I knew Bran would come, because Eli doesn’t like Creighton involved, and since Landon twisted his arm, he’d definitely bring in Brandon as a form of retaliation.

As soon as Creighton appeared, Eli fished out his phone and typed something—probably a text to Brandon to inform him of the current situation.

If he knew I was here, he would surely bring Glyndon.

I could’ve escaped earlier by using the Zippo in my back pocket, but I already knew Landon would get me sooner or later.