As impossible as I knew it was, I wanted an instant solution. I needed Viktor back, needed his name clear. My Dad was right, any solution wouldn't be instant. There were too many people working against us, too many people eager to see us removed from the throne.
The name Nikolai Aslanov didn't seem to surprise my Dad. His face fell into a dark grimace, his eyes flaring with anger.
When Shannon demanded something, she got it.Shannon was clearly born to rule. It was evident in her voice, in the conviction she let shine into her words. Her Mom Sheila, was exactly the same way. It was hard resisting the two of them when they put their foot down."Bella, I might not be strong but I will pick you up and throw you into this bath." Shannon grimaced, her hands on her hips as she watched me.Shannon had spent the last half an hour running me a bath. She said she put 'the works' in it. I wasn't sure what that meant, but I could only assume."Don't give me that look." Shannon rolled her eyes, "You know I didn't put no weird stuff in that bath.""Uh huh." I nodded, giving the bubbling bath a skeptical look.The smell coming off of the water was heavenly, but I wouldn't admit that to Shannon. I enjoyed giving her a hard time, but she knew I meant well."I put some damn bath oils in." Shannon rolled her eyes but
Caroline took my confession as expected, the girl did love gossip after all."What?" Caroline's jaw dropped. I'm guessing she didn't expect my answer. "What makes you say that?""I have my ways." I shrugged, "People talk, and that's the name they've been saying.""That's crazy." Caroline shook her head, "Now that's some gossip people will love--""You can't tell anyone." I shook my head, "I don't need this flying around.""It could endanger Bella's life." Shannon frowned, catching onto what I was doing with ease. "Her Dad's trying to find some evidence against Elena Halifax."Caroline's mouth popped open in a little 'o', but she promised not to tell anyone. She continued pressing me for more gossip while we finished lunch, none of which I gave. Sometimes it was refreshing talking to Caroline. She never really took anything seriously. Sometimes it was annoying, others it was helpful. She could put things into perspective at times, making you
Shannon and I stayed in my bedroom until well in the afternoon. One of the servants brought the dinner cart, leaving us in silence.We talked about many things, all in our hushed tones. Beta Devin had taken up temporary residency in Viktor’s old bedroom, a fact that didn’t sit right with me. I didn’t like how easily Viktor was replaced. It was easy for everyone else; he was just a faceless bodyguard. I couldn’t imagine someone else taking Viktor’s place.Where I had once loathed the idea of a bodyguard, I would do anything to get Viktor back. I owed that to him.Shannon and I were dealing with one of our many problems, finding proof against Nikolai Aslanov.“How are we going to get proof when he’s thousands of miles away.” Shannon groaned, falling back on my bed.“I have no idea.” I shook my head, “It’s not like I can just call him up and invite him over to dinner. Dad would ha
“You have to tell your Dad.” Shannon grimaced as the two of us sat on my bed.“I don’t want to.” I shook my head stubbornly, knowing what had to be done.Shannon rolled her eyes, “You knew beforehand you’d have to tell him. Don’t chicken out now.”“I’m about to tell the Alpha King a man he hates is coming to dinner tomorrow.” I pursed my lips, “He’s not going to be happy.”“And you’re not just anybody. You’re his daughter.” Shannon frowned, “Just be honest with him.”“You’re right.” I admitted reluctantly, “Let’s do this.”‘Dad?’ I called out in the mind-link.
The three of us stared at Shannon. August and Geoff had identical looks of shock on their face, while my lips were turning up in a grin.“Let’s do it.” I grinned at Shannon, her eyes sparkling with intelligence.“Fake my death?” August sputtered, “There’s so many things that could go wrong with that.”“We’ll plan everything out before Elena and Annalise get back.” I assured him, “Everything will be planned out.”“First thing.” Shannon began, turning her honey eyes to Geoff. “We’re going to need your help directly. Elena and Annalise can’t see his body because there won’t be one. She thinks you’re clueless, so play the part.”“Is this the human assistant I heard about?” Geoff turned his gaze to mine, giving Shannon a weary glance.“I’m thinking she needs a promotion.” I mused, “But y
The three of us took our time on the balcony, sitting out there for what felt like hours. Caroline clearly needed the time away from her Mom, and I was happy to oblige. We talked and laughed like we used to, like we had before all this drama started.I couldn’t help but feel that Caroline was slowly drifting away from the two of us. I hated the feeling and wished I could suppress it but instead it remained. We had been best friends since birth, growing distant never crossed my mind before.Around two hours later, Caroline stood from the table. Her Mom had been blowing up her cellphone, even though Caroline told her she’d be hanging out with me.“I still have to convince her to let me leave tomorrow.” Caroline huffed, “But don’t you worry. I’ll be here tomorrow night.”“Good.” I chuckled, “I hope your Mom relaxes a little bit.” I added the last bit in to make Caroline feel better. I&rs
“Everything is set for tonight.” I told Viktor, clearing my mind of what I genuinely wanted. “Have you found out anything more regarding my necklace?”“Someone from inside the Aslanov Kingdom told me the necklace was sold directly to Nikolai Aslanov.” Viktor grunted, hatred swirling around in his mind.“Why do you hate them so much?” I murmured, trying to relax him through the bond. Viktor could feel my own emotions, he could feel what I was trying to do to him.“I will tell you sometime, little Princess.” Viktor responded, his accent thick. “But I will only do so in person.”“I’ll be waiting for that.” I smiled softly, “My Uncle was the one who sold the necklace, I’m sure of it.”“Perhaps there has been a mistake.” Viktor frowned. I could tell he said that for my benefit. He didn’t want to see me hurt, physically or emotion
A light tapping sounded on the window, making my heart leap from my chest.‘Dad, are the guards on my side of the house distracted.’ I murmured through the mind-link.‘Were currently in the middle of a meeting.’ Dad responded immediately, ‘Although, it was fairly difficult to come up with an excuse on why I’m holding this meeting just before midnight.’‘Did you come up with something?’ I grimaced.‘Of course.’ Dad responded, ‘Make good use of your time Bella. I’m not sure when Viktor’s name will be cleared.’‘Thanks Dad.’ I rushed out.‘Anything for you, Bella.’ Dad smiled, ending the mind-link.I clamored over to the window, yanking it open wildly. My eyes strained as I tried to see in the dark. Half of the lights outside were off, the other half on. I assumed Viktor or my Dad was responsible.A dark spot moved jus