King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

King of the Underworld

482

Sephie

When Viktor came out from Stephen helping him one more time, he looked remarkably better. He’d looked better each time Stephen had helped him, but it looked like he was finally relaxed and happy this time. The rest of us were in the back room, on the couches, being rid iculous about something when they walked in.

“Papa Bear, you look much better this time,” I said, smiling at him. The smile I got in return was enough to tell us all everything we needed to know.

“Even I can tell you feel better now and I don’t usually pay attention,” Misha said.

“I think I got it all this time,” Stephen said. “I was somewhat concerned for my effectivity the other two times.”

“He’s been holding on to it for a long time. You could’ve asked for a boost, like with Sergei,” I said.

“I know. Maybe I wanted to see if I could do it on my own,” Stephen said, grinning at me.

“Independent. I’ll allow it,” I said.

“Okay, who has Andrei next or Stephen next?” Misha asked.

We all looked at both Andrei and Stephen. That was a tougher decision to make than I would’ve thought. They were both progressing at rapid rates. Andrei has had his gift for longer, but Stephen jumped in with both feet once he discovered his. It could go either way.

“My money is on Andrei,” Ivan said. Adrik agreed with him.

“I’m going with Stephen,” I said, which shocked everyone. “I know it should technically be Andrei that gets it next, but he’s been more cautious about his gift the entire time. I also think he’s more worried about controlling his anger when it happens, so it’s going to take him longer. Stephen has more experience with that. I think he’s going to be more willing to take that leap much sooner than Bubba,” I said.

that I assume one has when they’re a kid and their parents tell them they’re proud of them? That’s what I’m feeling right now,” Stephen

My money is on

Misha to get angrier. I’ll show you

know you’ll help. I’m more worried about not breaking anything. The few times it’s happened, I’ve always smashed something. Or someone. That’s

have to wait until Stephen figures it out so we’ll win the bet pool,” I said to him. I could hear him laughing along with me in my head, but neither of us gave any outward signs we were having this conversation. I did have to admit to enjoying my little private conversations with all of them probably more than I

spending time together. They all got up and followed me to the kitchen while I started dinner. They all chipped in to help when needed, but continued on with the

Trino. He wants to know if I can help him find a security team. He said he’s not having the luck he thought

least he can admit he was wrong,” Adrik said, laughing.

how we’re going to tell him about

wait until Stephen and Andrei can switch their eyes too and then just all show up one day like that.

plan,” I said, trying not to

was standing next to me helping, looked at me. “It’s like you took the words right out of my mo uth, gazelle,”

fact than that. But let’s keep that

soulmates now too? Did that just

the ribs. “I don’t share. They

helped themselves to food. He was watching everyone with me. “I might love it when you get

I responded, turning toward him, I was still laughing about the exchange as he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. I turned around, leaning back against him once more as we watched everyone

definitely needed this,” he said.

to be better about coming here more regularly. I have a feeling once Trino

We’re going to need to come up with a plan for everything. It all needs to happen quickly, so

pulled his arms around me a little tighter. “We’ll think about that tomorrow. Let’s enjoy tonight,” I

end of the day so Viktor could start going over setting up a security team for him.

been a few weeks since any of us had seen Trino. He had plenty of his own people in the city. We were all sure he preferred them

when he arrived. He also surprised me by bringing a woman with him. I was with Andrei and Misha at their desks when Viktor stepped off the elevator with all of them.

brought her for your approval,” Andrei said. He could barely contain his grin..